I'm just a DMC, but I'll reinforce Scotts comments. DM candidates are usually tested to ensure that they can demonstrate the skills, not just master the skills.
My instructor requires that I am able to demonstrate each skill in what feels like s l o w motion. The gear exchange, for example, takes about two minutes. Ditch and recover on the surface takes about three minutes. The 30' swim in CESA takes 20-30 seconds. Hover only takes about a minute total, the hover is 30 seconds in any position. The lotus position has it's benefits, but isn't a requirement. I think it looks cool.
If you can do the skill slowly, you have probably mastered the skill, and you will be able to demonstrate the skill in a way that students could actually learn from seeing you do the skill. So it's worth practicing in a pool till you feel like you can can do the skills and be bored doing them, not challenged. (the trick is getting the pool time
Now if I can just finish my mapping project...
---------- Post Merged at 06:01 PM ---------- Previous Post was at 05:59 PM ----------
Oh, one more thing. If you are jonesing on the lotus position in a pool, you can sort of cheat by wearing a shorty wet suit to be more buoyant, and then wearing 4-6# of weight on a weight belt. That way, your torso will be appropriately buoyant and you will have some weight down by your hips. Easy!
My instructor requires that I am able to demonstrate each skill in what feels like s l o w motion. The gear exchange, for example, takes about two minutes. Ditch and recover on the surface takes about three minutes. The 30' swim in CESA takes 20-30 seconds. Hover only takes about a minute total, the hover is 30 seconds in any position. The lotus position has it's benefits, but isn't a requirement. I think it looks cool.
If you can do the skill slowly, you have probably mastered the skill, and you will be able to demonstrate the skill in a way that students could actually learn from seeing you do the skill. So it's worth practicing in a pool till you feel like you can can do the skills and be bored doing them, not challenged. (the trick is getting the pool time

Now if I can just finish my mapping project...
---------- Post Merged at 06:01 PM ---------- Previous Post was at 05:59 PM ----------
Oh, one more thing. If you are jonesing on the lotus position in a pool, you can sort of cheat by wearing a shorty wet suit to be more buoyant, and then wearing 4-6# of weight on a weight belt. That way, your torso will be appropriately buoyant and you will have some weight down by your hips. Easy!