Advice for Cave DPV instruction

[PfcAJ]

@PfcAJ - explain your preference, please.

Grab crotch strap. Everyone’s on the same plane so there’s the least amount of drag possible and you can unlink quickly and easily to pass a restrictive area.

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

Grab crotch strap

This method is widely acceptable/used/taught.

The concern is that you are holding on tight, muscles flexed possibly varying/restricting normal blood circulation and asking for a bends hit especially if deep for a long tow.

 

[J-Vo]

@LFMarm I witnessed a disaster a few weeks ago, that I personally believe was rooted in poor DPV skills. You want to learn from a good cave instructor and you want to take the class on the loop. In my opinion, you won't go wrong going to Edd or his instructors. James Darker is also good if you prefer high springs area. I don't have personal experience with any others currently teaching DPV.

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

I witnessed a disaster a few weeks ago, that I personally believe was rooted in poor DPV skills.

Care to explain?

 

[J-Vo]

Care to explain?

I sent you a DM.

 

[PfcAJ]

This method is widely acceptable/used/taught.

The concern is that you are holding on tight, muscles flexed possibly varying/restricting normal blood circulation and asking for a bends hit especially if deep for a long tow.

I’ve heard that, but I think it’s a very theoretical risk and can be fixed on deco. But going slow, burning up your DPV battery, or whacking the ceiling can make it where you never get to your deco stops.

 

[rddvet]

I agree this is the best way to tow.

Others feel that in that situation they don't want to be hard tied to the other diver.

What other differences are you seeing? How about gas sharing with two intact DPVs? Side by side or in-line?

How do you think these two skills should be taught?

Edd did teach both methods of clipped or holding on. He also showed us in-line and side by side air share. But Edd's preference is basically clipping in for everything.

I learned with two different instructors out of High Springs and I found my training completely compatible with friends that learned from Edd after minimal discussion. It's not a big deal.

I agree. Quick conversation fixes any discrepancies. I was just pointing out that it seems every instructor in cave country is a little different

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

I was just pointing out that it seems every instructor in cave country is a little different

Yes, of course.

 

[grantmac]

Why not hook into the tow D ring to position behind the towing diver?
I've only done the grab in open water and it wasn't something I'd want to do for a long period of time so I don't know what I don't know.

 

[rddvet]

Why not hook into the tow D ring to position behind the towing diver

By hooking onto their front scooter dring your scooter rides tighter up against them and creates a shorter distance if you air share. And I think if you poll 100 cave divers 50% of them cant reach their butt dring