horizontal ascent...

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Icarusflies

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Hell All;

I have seen a couple of videos of GUE training and I have noticed that when performing an horizontal ascend they seem to inflate their BC.

In my PADI course we were instructed to ascend kicking and deflate the BC. I realize that the only way to ascend in an horizontal position is to get some additional buoyancy with the lungs or the BC. I ll appreciate a feed back from you guys with experience, Thanks.
 
Are you sure you weren't seeing the air in the B/C's expanding as the diver ascended and his motions were venting the B/C?

the K
 
Gas is not added to the BC during ascent (unless you vent too much!). A horizontal ascent is started from neutral buoyancy by taking a large breath.
 
That makes sense. So the ascend is started by taking large breath and is controlled by venting just enough gas not to be negative....I see how this can take some practice.
 
It's really not hard to do.

If you are, indeed, neutrally buoyant, a good, deep breath will initiate your ascent. As you start ascending, the air in your B/C starts to expand causing an acceleration in your ascent. In order to maintain a constant rate of ascent, you must vent the expanding air from your B/C.

the K
 
Try this:
  1. Initiate ascent with a deep breath.
  2. Put the BC inflator mechanism as deep as possible, press the button (open) and hold it open.
  3. Raise the inflator (holding the button open) till it starts to bubble.
  4. If you want to ascent faster, lower the inflator.
  5. If you want to go slower, raise the inflator.
It takes a little practice but works well.
 
Thalassamania:
Try this:
  1. Initiate ascent with a deep breath.
  2. Put the BC inflator mechanism as deep as possible, press the button (open) and hold it open.
  3. Raise the inflator (holding the button open) till it starts to bubble.
  4. If you want to ascent faster, lower the inflator.
  5. If you want to go slower, raise the inflator.
It takes a little practice but works well.


I read about this over the winter...it's a skill I'm looking forward to practicing this year!
 
Thalassamania:
Try this:
  1. Initiate ascent with a deep breath.
  2. Put the BC inflator mechanism as deep as possible, press the button (open) and hold it open.
  3. Raise the inflator (holding the button open) till it starts to bubble.
  4. If you want to ascent faster, lower the inflator.
  5. If you want to go slower, raise the inflator.
It takes a little practice but works well.

My fear (might not be real) is that when you press the button open, and hold it open, wouldn't you let water into your BC?? I know that the BC is flexible, and pressure is already equalized... But it is an unconscious fear.

How much water do you get into the BC after a dive??
 
fisherdvm:
My fear (might not be real) is that when you press the button open, and hold it open, wouldn't you let water into your BC?? I know that the BC is flexible, and pressure is already equalized... But it is an unconscious fear.

How much water do you get into the BC after a dive??
Just enough to rinse it out. No ... really the air flows out due to the siphon, but water does not flow in. Overcome your unconscious!:D
 

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