How do you go backwards/movement in tight quarters

[Whatgoesdown]

It may depend on your fins too. Avanti Quattros (and the newer models) are good, Sherwood Magnums are really good (although I didn't like them much going forward). Cressi Garas are excellent (but why are you wearing them for a dive in tight spots in the first place). Sometimes I wish when they did fin reviews they put this stuff in. I don't really care how much more efficiently they push me through the water, I want to know how much control I have!! Can anyone out there swim backwards with split fins?

 

[jeckyll]

Those just learning the reverse kick often end up rocking back and forth instead of actually moving in reverse. This is because their fin tips are pointed up instead of straight back. When they push their fins *straight back* to get ready for the side sweep their fins propel them forward a bit.

Here is a tip that will keep that from happening as well as eliminate the tendency to back kick toward the surface:

When you extend your fins back to load for the reverse kick think of yourself as dropping your fin tips toward the bottom. If you do it right they will slip through the water without resistance and you won't move forward. Then when you sweep them out to the side you will move backward. It really doesn't take much to move backward a lot if done correctly. Just think about how little sculling action is require to move you forward. Same *little sculling* will move you backward if you eliminate the forward component.

Hope this helps.

UP: First, where did you get that picture of me diving!!!

Second, you are right! I realize that I keep going 'head down & feet up' when I try to back kick. This now makes perfect sense, my fintips are pointed up.

I should be in the water Tuesday night with someone who know ought to know how to do a proper back kick and will ask for some feed back given my current "blender technique" as well.

Thank you for the suggestions, much appreciated

Bjorn

 

[DennisS]

At risk of looking like I am clueless... I use my hands. I experienced much more surge recently in Hawaii than I ever get in the quarry... and I found that I could use my hands better in tight quarters than my big, awkward, behind me fins.

Okay, someone tear me apart and tell me why using hands is wrong. I'm waiting...

Hey, if fish can use their pectorals. I found out that hands work a lot better in a "come here and look at this" situation. You have a divers clustered around a small area waiting to get a peek and if you kick your fins backing away you're liable to knock someone's mask off.

 

[PerroneFord]

Hey, if fish can use their pectorals. I found out that hands work a lot better in a "come here and look at this" situation. You have a divers clustered around a small area waiting to get a peek and if you kick your fins backing away you're liable to knock someone's mask off.

Well, if you have your hands full, like with a camera, a videocamera, a light, a reel/spool, or other items, using your hands is not always a viable option. So someone might want to do it without hand use.

As to your other point, is it not possible to check behind you before backing up to see if another diver might be in the way?

 

[Uncle Pug]

Can anyone out there swim backwards with split fins?

Yes.

You have a divers clustered around a small area waiting to get a peek and if you kick your fins backing away you're liable to knock someone's mask off.

This is another use of the reverse kick.

 

[Doc Intrepid]

..."I found myself struggling when it came to controlling myself in tight tunnels when there's a surge"

In tight tunnels when fighting surge (or outflow) another technique that is often faster and more sure is to "pull and glide". Trying to maintain horizontal trim in tight tunnels and surge can lead to more problems than solutions. Pull and glide can be used to maneuver with minimal CO2 build-up and/or flailing.

Just another tool in the toolbox. YMMV.

 

[lamont]

In tight tunnels when fighting surge (or outflow) another technique that is often faster and more sure is to "pull and glide". Trying to maintain horizontal trim in tight tunnels and surge can lead to more problems than solutions. Pull and glide can be used to maneuver with minimal CO2 build-up and/or flailing.

Just another tool in the toolbox. YMMV.

using your hands: bad

pull and glide: good

 

[neil]

using your hands: bad

pull and glide: good

Um, then what do you pull and glide with?

 

[teknitroxdiver]

Um, then what do you pull and glide with?

He means that instead of flailing your hands around trying to paddle backward, pick an object on the bottom, use it to push off of, then allow yourself to 'glide' to a stop.

 

[ianr33]

pick an object on the bottom, use it to push off of, then allow yourself to 'glide' to a stop.

It is better if the object is a bare rock rather than a sea urchin or fire coral