How do YOU execute your 15ft. safety stop?

[stevetim]

I am wondering how divers besides myself complete their safety stop at the end of their dives. Do you hover vertically? Horizontally? Kick horizontally at 15 feet?

I would just like to hear some input as to some alternate methods besides my usual hover and what works best for you.

Thanks for the input.

Steve

 

[Mothball]

Horizontal at 20', 10', 5', usually over 5-8mins depending on max depth. Semper Fi, Dave

 

[neil]

I like to do my stop in the kelp, hanging vertical so I can look for critters in there without craning my neck.

 

[CD_in_Chitown]

I hover, preferably horizontal, but most importantly without expending energy or using muscles as I'm told by Dr. Kay, relaxed deco is the key to off-gassing well.

 

[Davetul]

I just float however I happen to be floating for the day. Sometimes I float horizontally, most times I float vertically. Sometimes, I curl up into a genie and try to stay within one foot of my target depth, but I usually end up upside down when I do that. Guess I have a heavy head.

Unless it's a shore dive with a lot of things to look at between 15 and 20', then I just finish off the dive up there for as long as my air holds out.

 

[dive_lover88]

i sometimes do my safety stop upside down...looking out for pesky triggers.

 

[Jcsgt]

If I'm in open water, I usually do my trumpetfish imitation and do my safety stop upside down. Works really well if I'm right next to my upright buddy. If she starts floating up, I can easily hang onto her BC and kick down a bit.

 

[divezero]

Ya, I find the best way is so just chill at around 20 - 15 ft, looking at your computer, when the numbers go down, then you breathe out, when they go up then you breathe in, lets when I am in a lake and totally bored, and dont have to great of vis, its time consuming. When in salt water, usually look for good boat angels, shots to film to finish off the dive.

 

[HowieDean]

This is a very good time to practice skills.....

Breath off your Octo - just to make sure it still works
Take your mask off and put it back on
Take your BC off and sit on it
Cross your legs and arms and try to stay motionless
ETC.ETC.......

Practicing skills on a safety stop does several things...

1. Keeps you sharp

2. Helps you learn bouncy control

I average stops 4 a day and that's about an hour of just hanging around... I like to do things to brake up the routine...

 

[Jcsgt]

Also a good time to write on your slate any info you want in your log re: critter sightings, etc.