Hogarthian diving etymology

[bencaha]

So I did some research but couldn't really find a conclusive answer. I know what a Hogarthian rig is and what the word means in the context of diving. However, I was wondering about the origin of the word, who began using it, what its general origin is etc.. It just seems like an odd word to use to describe a diving rig. Does anyone have any info on that?

 

[tbone1004]

it's named after "Bill Main" and is a bit of a rib on him since his middle name is Hogarth. He's still around and actively cave diving, if you're lucky you get to run into him at Ginnie Springs. What's funny though is when you see him you won't see what you recognize as a DIR rig since he'll be in a wetsuit and diving doubles with no isolator but that's a separate topic of discussion.

 

[jborg]

William Hogarth Main - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Nemrod]

Does not Hogarthian refer more specifically to the rigging of the scuba whereas DIR includes a uniform variation of a Hog inspired rig but also methodology, training, team approach etc.?

I dive Hog inspired double and single scuba but I am not DIR or whatever DIR has come now to be. The basic elements of a Hogarthian rig is a single piece harness on a backplate (metal, plastic, fabric) with an offset right metal waist buckle, three D-rings, one each on the shoulder straps and one on the left waist and a crotch strap and open water Hog rigs may have a fourth D-ring where the crotch strap attaches to the plate for a lift bag and in penetration may carry reels and typically there will be a D-ring or ring at the crotch strap to waist loop for a scooter attach which is also awfully convenient for tethering a camera off. There are two cam bands. The philosophy (that sounds overly dramatic ) is minimalist or Minimalism.

Some might note that the Hogarth person himself has beat up USD 1085 second stages on what looks like the ubiquitous USD Conshelf first stages. And a (Rubatex) wetsuit. The USD/AL 1085 second stage, 1085 was the USD catalog number:



So, would it be possible to say that unless you have a well worn Rubatex wetsuit and genuine 1085s on a Conshelf (Supreme) you are not Hogarthian in purest form? (Just teasing)! Documents attached.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Interview with Bill Main: Interview with Bill "Hogarth" Main

Here's an excerpt:

HP: How did the Hogarthian equipment configuration come about?

BM: John Zumrick invented the term "Hogarthian". It really started as a joke. I have always been stuck with that middle name, and then Gavin started using the term. We started minimalising—stripping out anything that we did not need. Every time I saw something good—as long as it meshed with the system—I would adopt it. I was one of the first to use the Goodman handle, putting the backup lights under the arms—lots of little things, most of them invented by other people.

HP: What do people fail to understand about diving “Hogarthian” and how does it differ from what people would consider to be a DIR (Doing It Right) equipment configuration?

BM: It is mainly being streamlined—if you don’t need it, don’t take it. I was glad that they changed the name to DIR because there are some differences that I still don’t agree with, like having the wing inflate on the right post. I always have mine on the left, so that if the post rolls off, I'd know, because the inflate stops working. Speed is a big part of the equation for me. I have to limit my dives. I can’t stay in the water for 10 to 15 hours in a wetsuit. Also, sometimes “Chicken Little” comes calling and says, “The sky is falling down,” and you just got to get out of the cave quickly.

 

[The Chairman]

Of interest: DIR, WKPP, GUE, and Halcyon Part 1 of 3

 

[boulderjohn]

Before he was banned, Dan Volker wrote something about the connection (or disconnect) between Bill Main (Hogarthian) and DIR. I was present for a conversation about that topic with someone who was relaying what Bill had to say about it, too. They were in agreement.

The disconnect came about because of the WKPP/DIR belief in standardization. George Irvine believed standardization was critical, and that conflicted with Bill's tinkering. George wanted everything to stay the same; Bill was always looking for a better way.

 

[lostsheep]

Of interest: DIR, WKPP, GUE, and Halcyon Part 1 of 3

One post from 21 years ago …interesting.

Anyone got a link to the article Main was responding to?

 

[Divin'Papaw]

One post from 21 years ago …interesting.

Anyone got a link to the article Main was responding to?

Was it the first post in that thread, which was written by Jarrod?

 

[lostsheep]

Was it the first post in that thread, which was written by Jarrod?

Well now i feel dumb…