Doubles?

[teknitroxdiver]

I've read that before doing any kind of technical training you should be very comfortable with diving doubles. And since I've made it a personal standard to never linger in an overhead environment without doubles, I guess I better get some practice.

So anyway. I was thinking of eventually getting a doubles wing for my (almost arrived) backplate setup, and practicing in the quarry on my farm. This weekend I plan to 'survey' the quarry and see how suitable for diving it will be. I think it is about 60' deep, but I don't know how much cow 'waste' is in it. Ok, back on topic. Should I do any kind of training before I try doubles? I plan on using a DIR hose setup for it, since that's the only one that makes since for doubles.

Or can I just go for it and figure it out as I go?

 

[Curt Bowen]

I've read that before doing any kind of technical training you should be very comfortable with diving doubles. And since I've made it a personal standard to never linger in an overhead environment without doubles, I guess I better get some practice.

So anyway. I was thinking of eventually getting a doubles wing for my (almost arrived) backplate setup, and practicing in the quarry on my farm. This weekend I plan to 'survey' the quarry and see how suitable for diving it will be. I think it is about 60' deep, but I don't know how much cow 'waste' is in it. Ok, back on topic. Should I do any kind of training before I try doubles? I plan on using a DIR hose setup for it, since that's the only one that makes since for doubles.

Or can I just go for it and figure it out as I go?

If you have anyone with a little experience with doubles, take them along. If not, look over as much material as possible about how-to then take it slow. Doubles are not that hard, its the proper gear routing and configuration that is the tough part to get right without assistance.

 

[teknitroxdiver]

Okay, it sounds not too hard, and the GUE site has lots of good pictures for reference. And of course theres SB....

 

[JDostal]

Doubles aren't too hard...a little bit too get used to. The physics start taking over - if you are tilting in one direction you've got a harder time correcting. It can take a little more effort to spin around, that sort of thing.

The hardest part is getting them adjusted for height - so you are going neither nose first or heads up with them on.

 

[matt_unique]

I've read that before doing any kind of technical training you should be very comfortable with diving doubles. And since I've made it a personal standard to never linger in an overhead environment without doubles, I guess I better get some practice.

So anyway. I was thinking of eventually getting a doubles wing for my (almost arrived) backplate setup, and practicing in the quarry on my farm. This weekend I plan to 'survey' the quarry and see how suitable for diving it will be. I think it is about 60' deep, but I don't know how much cow 'waste' is in it. Ok, back on topic. Should I do any kind of training before I try doubles? I plan on using a DIR hose setup for it, since that's the only one that makes since for doubles.

Or can I just go for it and figure it out as I go?

If I were you I would suggest you have a pro help you configure your rig to be streamlined. I would also suggest you have them assemble your doubles. It's not super hard but it's not the easiest thing in the world to properly assemble, band, and install a manifold to tanks. You also need to make sure you have your bands set such that you can reach all three valves. You need to balance this with being trimmed properly as well. I wear my doubles a little higher than others for easier access to my valves with my relatively restrictive neoprene drysuit (especially with double layer winter thermals).

Underwater you will probably not feel much difference assuming all is configured properly. Play around in the shallows to check it all out.

--Matt

 

[teknitroxdiver]

Hmm interesting stuff. Thanks for the tips.

 

[gkndivebum]

I've read that before doing any kind of technical training you should be very comfortable with diving doubles. [...]I guess I better get some practice. [...]

Two words to keep in mind: inertia and momentum. The doubles have more of each.

Once you get your trim sorted out (it helps to have a buddy familiar with diving in
doubles) the biggest difference will be the amount of force necessary to move your
rig through the water the way you want.

 

[Green_Manelishi]

Underwater you will probably not feel much difference
--Matt

But "hossing" them around on the deck of a moving boat and then climbing back into the boat there will be a perceivable difference.

 

[JDostal]

Yeah...that's for sure. The boat seems to shrink when you have doubles on.

Reminds me of one of the first shore dives I did in my doubles, for practice. I forgot that there were like 80+ steps down to the beach, and the water. While it was fine on the way down....the way back up with drysuit, canister light, double 104's, and fins in one hand...in 85 and humid weather...ugh.

 

[matt_unique]

But "hossing" them around on the deck of a moving boat and then climbing back into the boat there will be a perceivable difference.

That is a fact! On my boat I roll out of the rig, tie it off to the trail line, climb out sans gear, then lift rig aboard from the swim platform. The ladder required to walk out with rig on was more intrusive into my hull than I wanted.

When I pick up singles now it takes me a moment to realize why they are so light.

--Matt