Got My DM - But I Don't Want to Dive "This Way"...

[amascuba]

One of the fundamentals of PADI DM is that you are a role model. And that extends to the type of equipment. In order to teach a pool class, you should be using exactly the same type of BC, Reg, Mask and Snorkel that your students (those who rent) are using. To use something different runs the risk of confusing them.

After all the skills have been completed... perhaps in dives 4 and 5.... while guiding, then it's ok to use markedly different gear.

Remember, it's about being a role model and keeping it simple and fun.

How much experience do you have with working with new students?

It only gets in the way, with all due respect, if you've never been shown how to mount it properly, with is the case for almost every scuba diver I've ever seen, newbie or old, moss-covered pro.

Please explain.

 

[Thalassamania]

Please explain.

I believe I covered how to wear a snorkel, without having it interfere, in this thread back about post #123. Not wearing a snorkel because you feel it is useless ... that's legitimate, but the argument that it, "interferes with deployment of your long hose," is an issue easily solved by proper mounting that also permits your snorkel to work better.

 

[amascuba]

I believe I covered how to wear a snorkel, without having it interfere, in this thread back about post #123. Not wearing a snorkel because you feel it is useless ... that's legitimate, but the argument that it, "interferes with deployment of your long hose," is an issue easily solved by proper mounting that also permits your snorkel to work better.

Thanks, got it. My snorkel is just a tube, with the flex hosing for the bend, and a mouth piece. My problem with it getting in the way is that when I'm underwater and the snorkel is not in my mouth it dangles down so that if I turn my head to the left it sometimes will snag on a d-ring, LP inflator hose, or sometimes even hinder the movement of turning my head left. I'll agree that it's more of a problem with the snorkel design and thank you for the info on properly mounting a snorkel. I've experienced the very problem that you have described.

 

[Thalassamania]

Thanks, got it. My snorkel is just a tube, with the flex hosing for the bend, and a mouth piece. My problem with it getting in the way is that when I'm underwater and the snorkel is not in my mouth it dangles down so that if I turn my head to the left it sometimes will snag on a d-ring, LP inflator hose, or sometimes even hinder the movement of turning my head left. I'll agree that it's more of a problem with the snorkel design and thank you for the info on properly mounting a snorkel. I've experienced the very problem that you have described.

Now, keep in mind I'm not saying that you need a snorkel, my choice is to use one, but I don't see it as a big deal. Just make your decision for the right reason. I'd say get rid of that corrugated monstrosity (they grow mold in the grooves any way ... I'd not breathe off it) and get a simple, no frills J tube that you can rotate near the J part of the tube, mount it right and try it out. If you still decide to not use one, fine, but a least when (and if) you do use one the freedivers who see you will not laughing up their wetsuit sleeves.

I'll try and post a picture in the next day or so.

 

[ahava]

What do I want from y'all by writing this? I'm not at all sure.

Well Peter, if your not sure what you are asking, neither are we. So take what you get.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

One of the fundamentals of PADI DM is that you are a role model. And that extends to the type of equipment. In order to teach a pool class, you should be using exactly the same type of BC, Reg, Mask and Snorkel that your students (those who rent) are using. To use something different runs the risk of confusing them.

After all the skills have been completed... perhaps in dives 4 and 5.... while guiding, then it's ok to use markedly different gear.

Remember, it's about being a role model and keeping it simple and fun.

If they are that easily confused it may be better for them to take up another sport. I'm not about to use a mask indentical to a students unless it fits as well as mine and has the script lenses. To "role model" a mask that does not fit, is constantly leaking, and might be an uncool color:no, ain't gonna happen. I have the option to use rental bc and regs in the pool as well but am not required to nor choose to. A jacket bc is a jacket bc unless it's a HUB or has an elevator button. I'd also like to know how many students you've helped certify? And for what it's worth there ain't nothin' much simpler than a BPW with a HOG harness. I cover all types of BC's and gear configurations in my first lecture on equipment which takes place before the first pool session on scuba. Role model behavior is not about turning out carbon copies. It's about showing how to dive safely and compentently in WHATEVER gear you are in. Carbon copies is role modeling for the sales dollar which may not be in the student's best interest.

 

[Peter Guy]

dschonbrun wrote

In order to teach a pool class, you should be using exactly the same type of BC, Reg, Mask and Snorkel that your students (those who rent) are using.

Your shop training experience (your profile says Cayman Islands where you did your OW and AOW in one week) is certainly different from mine. For example, students are required to provide their own mask, fins and snorkels (thus ALL are different because personal tastes (and sizes) are different). It would NOT be possible for each Instructor/AI/DM to exactly match the Mask and Snorkel of each student (nor, for that matter, would it be advisable due to individual differences). In addition, the shops (yes plural) I hang around rent different types of BC's -- jacket and back inflate -- so it is quite likely the students will have rented different types of BC's which would make it impossible to exactly match them. (Not to mention the shops suggest the staff use their own gear -- but I digress.)

Dsch -- your profile says you are in a DM program now and that you want to become an instructor this year. Good for you -- I wish you well. I hope in addition to your instruction, you do a lot of different dives under various types of conditions -- not to mention getting a lot of different instruction from a variety of instructors.

 

[Diver Dennis]

Just wondering Peter, would you take your own gear into the pool? I've never tried it but I think I've read here that the chlorine is bad for it.

After reading through this thread, I think it's a shame you might not be able to help out with new divers, which I think was your original purpose in becoming a DM.

 

[MeiLing]

You know, the funny thing about a lot of these discussions is the idea that the students will be confused, or will be led to want something other than what the shop sells, if the instructor is diving something other than what they dive.

To be absolutely honest with you, I have no idea whatsoever what the instructors and DMs in my OW class were using. I had no bandwidth to look at their gear. I barely had bandwidth to sort my own out. The instructors could have been in doubles with full face masks, and I'm not sure I would have noticed. People overestimate the influence that instructor's gear has on students.

Perhaps that was the case for you, but that doesn't mean the same holds for everyone. I know that in the shop I was certified in and remained around for a long time, what the instructors used heavily influenced the students, especially when it came to gear purchases.

 

[scubagoldmc]

First, Peter, thanks for starting this thread. I know it has become a pain in the a** for you, but I have found some of it very interesting.

I wish that when my wife and I went through cert in 2005 somebody had been diving with a BPW. I probably wouldn't have bought the Balance I am still using. I recently tried a BPW and will be getting one as soon as finances permit. I was originally certified in 1967 as well and miss the simple old days (although it is safer today). I feel the BPW will simplify my setup. As the shops I visited didn't even display a BPW I didn't know they were used.

As my wife and I took a cavern course in March I find going to a BPW is even more important to me.

Anyway, thanks again. Hope to meet you and Lynne when we get to the NW (which is in our plans).

Mike