a landmark evening ...

[MXGratefulDiver]

After struggling for months, and almost deciding I was just too inflexible to ever be able to do it, I was finally able to do a complete valve drill last night. In fact, it seemed almost too easy.

I had asked TSandM to watch me, and when my left hand failed to reach the valve (as it always does), just push my hand toward the valve so I'd know where it was.

The right post came easily (as it always does). The isolator was easier than usual (I'm getting better at knowing where to reach for it). And when I reached my left hand back ... to my surprise ... there was a valve in it.

I'm writing this in part to encourage the newer divers. Don't stop practicing skills that don't come easily ... even experienced divers struggle with the simple things sometimes. Keep at it ...

I'd also like to recommend Cameron Martz's stretching exercises ... they've made an amazing difference. I didn't think I had that much flexibility in me anymore ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[texdiveguy]

I fully understand your plight....congratulations on your completing a valve drill......

 

[TSandM]

I've lost track of the number of things I didn't think I was EVER going to manage, but a valve drill in a single tank was one of the worst. I tried and tried and tried, and sometimes I'd get my fingers on the valve, and sometimes I wouldn't. Until one day, my buddy said, "I want to move your tank," and he did -- And wonder of wonders, there it was: A VALVE!

It was so much fun to see your glee post-dive over getting this done, because I knew just how you felt.

Speaking of which -- Where's the picture show?

 

[fire_diver]

Is this where I throw in the obligatory comments about using inverted (fireman style) tanks? That are simple and easy to reach knobs?

But seriously, congrats.

FD

 

[Rick Inman]

Bob, so funny you should post this!!

Usually, my left post frustration is, when I'm turning the valve back on, as I roll my hand back after a turn, it turns the valve back the opposite way. So I'm going nowhere, back and forth, one turn on, one turn off. And if I let up on the pressure as I roll my hand back, I lose the valve. By the time I get the valve back all the way on, my hand has cramped up something fierce and I've moved six feet. Ugh...

Until last night! It just seemed so easy. I don't know why the sudden change, but I just reached back and turned and bingo!

Funny, reading this post of your this morning.

Congrats, Bob!

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

In my case a big part of the problem is just that I don't dive my doubles often enough. When teaching, I have to wear my singles rig. And when fun diving, I prefer it because it just makes the photography that much easier.

My singles rig feels like a natural part of my body ... the doubles rig still tends to feel more like a malignant growth.

But for some of the dives I want to do, a singles rig just isn't appropriate.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Adobo]

After struggling for months, and almost deciding I was just too inflexible to ever be able to do it, I was finally able to do a complete valve drill last night. In fact, it seemed almost too easy.

I had asked TSandM to watch me, and when my left hand failed to reach the valve (as it always does), just push my hand toward the valve so I'd know where it was.

The right post came easily (as it always does). The isolator was easier than usual (I'm getting better at knowing where to reach for it). And when I reached my left hand back ... to my surprise ... there was a valve in it.

I'm writing this in part to encourage the newer divers. Don't stop practicing skills that don't come easily ... even experienced divers struggle with the simple things sometimes. Keep at it ...

I'd also like to recommend Cameron Martz's stretching exercises ... they've made an amazing difference. I didn't think I had that much flexibility in me anymore ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

It's amazing to hear about some of the things that don't come easy for other divers, particularly the veterans. I have never had any trouble reaching valves in doubles. I think I struggled for maybe 3 dives in my singles. Perhaps having that Hefty (TM) trash bag for a drysuit (Mobby's) is a blessing in some ways.

If only the real important stuff (situational awareness, decision making, navigation, etc.) could come as easily to me as reaching valves.

 

[TSandM]

Well, Ted, I have the same dry suit, and the singles valve drill was a bear . . . I have to admit, aside from a little difficulty with the isolator (easily fixed by tilting it a few degrees forward) reaching the valves in the doubles has been a breeze. But the infinite combinations of personal conformation and mobility with drysuit cut and fit make different things a greater challenge for some people!

 

[KMD]

My right post has always been easily reachable, but my left has always been a stretch. I always figured that was due to the way the drysuit is binding me. Until one day I jumped in the pool with Ted wearing just a shirt and sweats for an undergarment. Holy cow was the valves easy to reach!

So sometimes its not the suit but the undergarments that make it tough.

 

[rjack321]

Good for you Bob.

One trick for those struggling is to not let your weightbelt pull your suit tight around the shoulders on land.

The second is to tip upside down and let the tanks slide towards your head first. Tends to give you some slack in the suit up top.

The temptation is to reach and reach getting more and more vertical and that just pushes everything down and further from your hands.