Help ??? Mad Instructor

[Scuba_Vince]

First of all thank you for your advice for 1 moment I whas questioning myself. The only problem I had whas that I had some difficulties with swimming with fins on. And his excact words where "I cant swim for you" and he said that the drills would become more difficult along the way and that I would be in trouble. But I think once I know how to swim with fins properly I get less tired and use less air im not sure correct me if im wrong.

Vince

 

[Bretagne]

He can't swim for you but he could explain and show you how to do it. For example explain you that you have to flip from the hips and not from the feet.

 

[alcina]

Yes, as you get more comfortable using fins you will be more relaxed in the water, the other skills you need will be less problematic and your air consumption will likely decrease.

you might like to also try a variety of fins as each type is different - there is a type out there to suit you. But you'll have to try them...not simply rely on someone else telling you how wonderful this pair of fins is

You may simply be having a little conflict of learning/teaching style with your instructor. If you are willing to make the first move you might try something like

"I really appreciate you giving me the one on one time to discuss what I need to improve. I can learn faster/better if you would try to take a little more time to explain what the problem is and offer solutions that I can try in our next session." Or something...just let him know that his teaching style doesn't really let you get the most out of what he is saying as you feel a bit intimidated or coerced.

I had to do this with one of my flight instructors and it worked a dream...he didn't realise he was being "gruff" and we ended up working really well for the rest of the course. His style was never exactly my cup of tea, but he respected me as a student and I him as an instructor after the exchange - and I learned a great deal.

 

[webjr]

An instructor should first explain how to kick . He should then demonstrate proper technique . And finally give the students lots of time to practice . If he did not do all 3 of these , I would definitly find another instructor . I expect students to be a little akward at first and allways tell them up front that 2 things in scuba can take allot of time to master .
Bouyancy controll and proficiency with fins .
Don't be discouraged , just keep working at it .

 

[parrottheaddiver]

Swimming with fins will come with practice...try to get as much pool time as needed as others suggested and also try a different set of fins. Your LDS should work with you in trying to get you gear that will work for you. You may find that some types of fins work better than others. Hang in there and practice...we all go through the training because we all need to LEARN the skills. Can't hurt to remind the instructor of that little fact.

 

[DORSETBOY]

Tell the bonehead that if you'd already known how to scuba dive, you wouldn't be paying him for lessons.

lol, yep agree!


Also ask the instructor how he would like to sit on the bottom of what sounds like a cold swimming pool evidently with insufficient thermal protection freezing his arse off.

 

[DORSETBOY]

Also, dont worry about using 'too much' air, with time you'll relax naturally and use less air. Having your instructor point that out to you when you'e learning to dive is not going to help you at all. Different people use different amounts of air, what's right for one diver is not necessarily right for another diver.

 

[Ber Rabbit]

Another exercise you can try is something I call "pushing the wall." Some students have problems learning to swim with fins while snorkeling because you have the air/water interface to deal with. You can minimize this problem by doing the following:

1. Wear your mask, snorkel and fins
2. Face one wall of the pool and submerge until your snorkel is only 2 or 3 inches out of the water.
3. Place your palms against the side of the pool with your arms completely extended in front of you while you are horizontal (Looks like Superman flying but without hands touching each other)
4. Concentrate on keeping your knees locked and start to kick driving the kick from your hips (your butt will wiggle back and forth as you do this). You want to try to keep your fins from breaking the surface of the water.
5. You are going to swim and "push the wall" until you get the feeling for keeping your knees straight then allow your knees to relax as you kick while still driving the kick with your hips.
6. You want the blade of the fin to do all of the work. Once you relax (unlock) your knees they will flex a little in response to the pressure of the water on the fin blade. That is the feeling you want, pay attention to what your legs and fins are doing you should still be driving from the hip. You should not be bringing your knees toward your chest as though you're riding a bicycle.

Once you get the hang of how the kick should feel try taking it for a free swim for a few laps. It's usually easier to do underwater than on the surface.

Hope this helps!
Ber

 

[rubbachicken]

Tell the bonehead that if you'd already known how to scuba dive, you wouldn't be paying him for lessons.

i'd go along with that, then perhaps you might ask him why he's an instructor, he obviously not a good one
then perhaps you need to tell him, he might want to take up karoke singing as a day job

 

[Kaiser]

So what was the outcome of this?