configuration of gear

[PatH]

Diving in the cold water. The work put on the primary 1st stage is heavier that the back up. That may lead to freezing the primary stage. OK I know it's rare, that mostly 2nd stages get frozen but it may happen. So maybe it's better to put less work on the primary stage?

In moderate cold water... (>~35F) freeze up is rarely a problem with todays high end regulators. Below 35 you should probably be orally inflating your wing anyway as your inflator is the most likely item to freeze up if you use the power inflator.

 

[mania]

Thanks a lot for all your answers. They are very helpful. As I'm slowly advancing in my diving - Advance Nitrox is the next course I'll take and then probably DIR F - I'll be asking more and more.
So don't kill me before I'll ask all questions, OK
And remember - I'm a literature specialist so most of my questions will sound stupid, OK?
Cheers
Mania

 

[PatH]

Advance Nitrox is the next course I'll take and then probably DIRF

One (unsolicited) suggestion... reverse the order. Do DIRF first, then any tech training you want. GUE first introduced DIRF when they realized people were showing up for their Tech/Cave courses without the basic skills. If you're destined for Adv Nitrox... verify your skills before, not after.

 

[mania]

Well
Not that easy because the DIR F planned in Poland is - if I remember well - may 2005. Adv. Nitrox is planned for March.
Anyway knowing the instructor with whom I'll be doing that I'll learn some of the skills for DIR F.
Mania