Any Tips or Advice on Ascending??....

[scuba_junkie]

So after 2 more wreck dives this past weekend, I have a total of 17 logged dives. In other words... I still have much to learn. From setting up my rig, getting into the water, and all the way through the dive, I feel very comfortable. In fact, sometimes I forget I am actually underwater and almost feel at home during the dive. The one part that I have a little trouble with is the ascent once the dive is complete. One thing that makes it worse is ascending up a line when other divers are doing the same thing. I get a little freaked out trying to not bump anyone else and usually let go of the line and ascend on my own. I grab my console (suunto vyper) in my right hand and keep the BC inflator hose in the left as taught. I try to keep an eye on how fast I am ascending based on the readout (graphic & numeric) on my computer, as well as the other divers ascending on the line so I can double check my progress. I do OK, but sometimes wonder how I can make it easier. Also, at the safety stop, having a line with a big enough bouy attatched to it helps so you can go negative and hang out for 5... but with a flimsy line and 3 other divers hanging out, I do the usual and float about 10 feet away keeping an eye on my computer and using the other divers as a visual reference to maintain my depth. I suppose the more I dive the easier it will become, but there I am always open to tips and advice from other experienced divers to further enhance my own knowledge.

Many thanks in advance!
Erich ut:

 

[landlocked]

Sounds to me like your doing a great for where your at. Try it horizontal and really slow.

 

[Scubamedicjoe]

sounds like your on right tract only othr thing i can think of is have you taken a ADV buoyancy technigues class only thig i can think of other than more dives

 

[MikeS]

You may want to try switching hands, computer in the left, inflator in the right. I did at the suggestion of my AOW instructor, and it feels much more natural and works just as well.

Mike

 

[detroit diver]

Erich,

You're heading in a great direction. Keep it slow, very slow on ascent. The slower you go, the better you will be able to adjust. Pretty soon you will never want to hang on any line except in a case of a ripping current. It's just so relaxing hanging out. I might add, it's also amusing watching people fight for the same 15 or 20 foot point on the rope, banging into each other!

 

[devilfish]

scuba_junkie
Seems as you are doing just fine. I think you are ready for this.
Start your slow ascent. Take your inflator, hold it as low as the hose will allow in a position that the open end points downward. Depress the the button. Of course in this low position air will not escape from the bc. While keeping the button depressed raise the inflator little at a time to the point where some bubbles will begin to escape. Notice the flow of bubbles. At this point you can let go of your computer and just watch the bubbles escaping from the inflator. If your ascent becomes to fast, the flow of bubbles will increase. If you stop the ascent, not bubbles should be escaping. In other words, the only bubbles which will escape from your bc is only the air which will expand. If you stop ascending, no bubbles should be flowing. The trick is once you establish at which position to hold the inflator, don't change the position. Rest your holding hand against the place on your chest to support the position. If you lower he hose you will be ascending but no air will escape, if you raise the hose too much air will be escaping too fast. It takes some practice but evetually you will master the skill. This way rather than one hand on the computer and the other hand on the inflator, you will have on hand free. Be sure to practice close to a line so that you can stop or slow your ascent until you master the skill. You might want to practice this with a buddy watching.

 

[scuba_junkie]

Thanks for all the encouragement! Its nice knowing that I'm not really doing anything wrong. Just need some more dives to practice on.

devilfish - I will have to give that method a whirl. I understand the concept, but can see how getting the angle right can take some experimentation.

Thanks,
Erich

 

[devilfish]

scuba_junkie once bubbled...
I understand the concept, but can see how getting the angle right can take some experimentation.

Thanks,
Erich

It's not as difficult as it sounds. Point the open end down, keep the button depressed and just find the right hight where to hold it. As the air expands it will bubble out. You can maintain a constant ascent .

 

[ScubaFishee]

Erich,

I'm new too, with a total of just 12 dives now. A friend gave the following advice to help me in learning to control my ascents:

While ascending, monitor your computer and use a very slow, easy, relaxed flutter kick, but only when you're exhaling. The buoyancy from your inhalations will keep you moving up at the same slow steady pace.

Of course, keep your inflator hose raised and vent short spurts of air as necessary during your ascent to help maintain that slow, smooth pace.

The logic is that finning and inhaling at the same time can give a "double lift" effect, and in my case, it is just enough to make my computer give me a fast ascent warning.

I don't know how conventional this method is, but it has really helped me a lot, and none of my ascents have been on a line since certification.

I hope it helps you too.

 

[scuba_junkie]

Another good tip ScubaFishee. Makes sense to me.... if you kick when you are leaning towards the negative side of your bouyancy, you wont move as much since you are almost sinking again.

Another one I heard was to make sure you ascend slower than the big bubbles you exhale. I dont know if this is a true thing, since bubbles seem to rise pretty fast. Even if you keep your speed waaaay slower than they rise, it feels too fast.