I challenge you ScubaBoard members!

[baitedstorm]

After the recent accident out on the Speigel Grove, I think it's time we all take a closer look at ourself. Do we all still have our basic skills down? Can you still take off your mask and breathe for no less than one minute under the water off your reg? Can you take off your BCD and replace under the water?



My challenge is this.... I would like to see who will participate in refreshing our basic skills. This will mean completing all of your basic skills you were required to do to become an OW diver, after you've finished them, post here with your outcome. Were you as sharp as you thought you would be? Please be honest.


good luck, and safe diving!

 

[drbill]

You Conch Republic divers use masks and BCD's?

Just kidding. Always a good thing to practice skills at any stage in your diving career. Two years ago I had a mask strap break while trying to film a moon snail crawling along the sand at 35 ft. I wasn't going to abandon the shot so I pressed the mask against my face with the camera housing and kept on filming. It worked. And then today I wished I could have gotten rid of my BCD... it wouldn't fully evacuate as I was trying to film a round stingray. Found myself wishing for the old backpack days (we didn't have BCD's back then).

Dr. Bill

 

[baitedstorm]

You Conch Republic divers use masks and BCD's?

hehehehehe..... if you dive with Orlando Eric, there's a good chance you'll be missing your fins and even your mask... sneaky diver..

 

[Diesel298]

sounds like a good idea.. ill play

 

[nauifins73]

I agree we should practice our basic skills - BUT it was something I thought I would do next dive (my regulator didn't come out of my mouth for any reason!). Then I started teaching Scuba Rangers and I have to do all the skills. Guess what - I can do them. And I feel I am a better personal diver because of it.

 

[Diesel298]

so? whats this accident that you speak of?

 

[baitedstorm]

so? whats this accident that you speak of?

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=95804

 

[Sideband]

I run through all the basic skills at least once a week and sometimes 3 times. Depends on if there is a weekend class going on.

Joe

 

[ScubaFreak]

Due to work reasons, i was away from the water for longer than I had actually planned, but when I hit the pool a couple weeks ago, took me a few to get myself right again...donned and replaced my BCD, the first time I was as graceful as a flying penguin...but the second time I got it nicely. 3rd time even better! Happy enough with the mask removal and breathing without it too!

I am looking forward to going back to the pool again though...can't go over the basics enough

SF

 

[Hank49]

Can you take off your BCD and replace under the water?



My challenge is this.... I would like to see who will participate in refreshing our basic skills. This will mean completing all of your basic skills you were required to do to become an OW diver, after you've finished them, post here with your outcome. Were you as sharp as you thought you would be? Please be honest.


good luck, and safe diving!

Here's one I practice. I take off my bcd and hold the tank between my legs. I then take a breath and shut my tank valve. After exhaling slowly, I reopen the valve and take another breath. I do this after my safety stop for 3-5 minutes just so I feel comfortable if I need to do this because of a blown lp hose at 25 meters. And yes, no mask breathing too.
Ever have a bad itch on your back under water? It's great to be able to take off your BCD and scratch it. ahhhhhhh. Put it back on and go.