A plate and no wing?

[Apollon]

Is this what you guys were talking about when you said about divers using a plate with no wing?
I ran accross this pic on another board. When I first saw it I though, Holy Cow, that's my plate!
I acquired one of these same exact plates recently at a yard sale but haven't set it up yet. I need someone to show me how one is set up. The dive shops in my area have never seen one of these and can't help me. I should probably make the trip north and get in on one of the dives that this group does so I can see how they do it.

Just curious, why would people dive this way with no bc or wing?

Are there still instructors out there that teach this style of diving?

Apollon

 

[Garrobo]

Maybe the guy is wearing a drysuit and doesn't need a BCD.

 

[micklock]

Monkey divers don't use a wing

 

[Peter_C]

That is a picture of Eric. Many people refer to it as backpack diving and is how scuba was in the beginning. Underwater it is very streamlined which makes the hunters fast. Many spear fisherman and lobster hunters do it that way. Only one second stage too. Once your weighting is just right you can control you buoyancy with the air in your lungs. Typically they tend to stay shallower so a CESA can be performed.

Where in the heck did you find a Freedom Plate for sale at a garage sale? How much did you pay for it? They are rare and handmade by Eric.

Here is a dive report regarding backpack diving.
http://www.thenorthcoastdivers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=689

 

[divad]

Typically they tend to stay shallower so a CESA can be performed.

I thought it was because they can't do it in deeper water (with a wetsuit).

 

[ShakaZulu]

Man, someone else make that plate...let me just look for it. Here we go!

http://www.golemgear.com/p-73-low-profile-mark-meadows-backplate.aspx

 

[Peter_C]

Typically they tend to stay shallower so a CESA can be performed.

I thought it was because they can't do it in deeper water (with a wetsuit).

That is the other side. Most of these guys hunt solo. The wetsuits they are using are rubitex and other types of material that do not compress as much as the one size fits all suit from your local LDS. I was saying no redundancy in regards to gear so doing a CESA is the only way to overcome a challenge underwater, since they also have no else to count on.

Shakazulu, that is not the same plate that Eric builds. His is totally different and locates the tank closer to your back. If you want you can search for Freedom Plate on this board and you will get a few hits.

 

[Apollon]

That is a picture of Eric. Many people refer to it as backpack diving and is how scuba was in the beginning. Underwater it is very streamlined which makes the hunters fast. Many spear fisherman and lobster hunters do it that way. Only one second stage too. Once your weighting is just right you can control you buoyancy with the air in your lungs. Typically they tend to stay shallower so a CESA can be performed.

Where in the heck did you find a Freedom Plate for sale at a garage sale? How much did you pay for it? They are rare and handmade by Eric.

Here is a dive report regarding backpack diving.
The North Coast Divers - Eric's backpack dive

About a year ago I was driving back to the bay area from doing some ab diving at reef point. I was on the road from Guerneville to Forestville (hwy 116?). I saw a sign for a yard sale at a farm in a redwood canyon. I was shuffling through some boxes of stuff and found this odd looking item. I asked the lady if it was for diving and she said she thought it was. I remember she was in a really bad mood. I had a feeling it was a divorce sale of some sort because most of the stuff was mens stuff like camo gear, bow hunting stuff, a beat up kayak and some fishing rods. I also saw some odd and end weight belts and ab gear, stuff like that. The guy wasn't around.
She wanted 5 bucks for the plate. I figured the stainless was worth that alone so I bought it. Now I'm reading more and more and finding out that this plate is some kind of super rare collectors item. I was blown away when I saw the photo of the guy using one.
So you're telling me it's a modern plate and not something vintage?

You seem to know the guy who makes them. maybe you can pm me with info on how I can contact this person.

 

[Nemrod]

Once upon a time scuba was done without a BC because there were no BCs and plenty of people still dive without.

Me filming manatees:

Cruising along, Rubatex 1/4 inch wetsuit:

Captain enters Mamoth Spring, no BC, photo by me:

Nope, no BC:

Stainless custom Freedom Plate, yes, they are MODERN but are inspired by the old style plates like the Voit and Healthways:

Voit Snug Pac:

Another old plate:

Don't need a BC.

N

 

[Nemrod]

And:

Gallery of California Backpack Divers : 1999-2001

I have made many dives to depths well beyond sport limits with nothing but a fins, mask, tank, regulator and not much else. Nothing to it if you know how.

N