VeganDiving
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I was just wondering how long the swim is so I can prepare for it. Also is it with fins or without? Thank You!
How long is the required swim for the PADI OW?
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I was just wondering how long the swim is so I can prepare for it. Also is it with fins or without? Thank You!
Correct. Or, 300m with mask snorkel fins, at your instructors discretion.
OP
VeganDiving
Guest
Thanks for the help!
murrayp4
Registered
Mask and snorkel 300m swim is no longer allowed in European Union, not sure about the States
murrayp4:
Unfortunately, it is.
Not sure its allowed in Australia region either.
The EU thing is to ensure padi complies with the EUF standard for diving meaning it gets an EN certification and equivalency with other agencies. A swim is a mandatory requirement for those and a snorkel isn't a swim
The EU thing is to ensure padi complies with the EUF standard for diving meaning it gets an EN certification and equivalency with other agencies. A swim is a mandatory requirement for those and a snorkel isn't a swim
fisherdvm
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SSI has the same requirement - 200 swim or 300 snorkel.
I passed my OW doing most of the swim on my back. In hindsight, I should have learned how to swim first. Not mastering rhythmic breathing can make a diver panic in an out of air situation, in rough sea, or in equipment problems (BC failure or disconnected power inflator hose).
I would suggest a new diver to learn rhythmic breathing first, before taking OW. One should be able to exhale under water, and inhale above with the crawl stroke or breast stroke and be comfortable swimming the 200 yards without stress.
I am fortunate that I didn't have any major incidents because of my poor swimming skill. Now that I do 1200 yards several times a week, I am much less anxious in the water.
I passed my OW doing most of the swim on my back. In hindsight, I should have learned how to swim first. Not mastering rhythmic breathing can make a diver panic in an out of air situation, in rough sea, or in equipment problems (BC failure or disconnected power inflator hose).
I would suggest a new diver to learn rhythmic breathing first, before taking OW. One should be able to exhale under water, and inhale above with the crawl stroke or breast stroke and be comfortable swimming the 200 yards without stress.
I am fortunate that I didn't have any major incidents because of my poor swimming skill. Now that I do 1200 yards several times a week, I am much less anxious in the water.
OP
VeganDiving
Guest
Yeah at this point I can do the 200m using a breast stoke with only minimal stress (I'm a little bit winded at the end). My girlfriend on the other hand has not attempted the swim as of yet. I'm pretty sure she can do it, but any additional swimming tips might be helpful as I have not taken swimming lessons in over ten years and I really don't remember the finer points.
BTW: how long are the swims for the other levels, DM? For instance.
BTW: how long are the swims for the other levels, DM? For instance.
Open water swim isn't timed and can be any stroke - you just have to do the distance so if tired, slow down a little.
DM swim is 400m/yards and timed. (also has 800m snorkel, 100m diver town, 15 min tread)
DM swim is 400m/yards and timed. (also has 800m snorkel, 100m diver town, 15 min tread)
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