Looking for a mini tank.......

[TheAlpha]

Ok, first off I am going to say that I am a total newbie to the whole scuba scene. I am taking a Scuba Diving class next semester at school, and I would like to get ahead of the game. I just have a few questions that I am hoping some of you could answer.
First off, what are the mini tanks that the Baywatch lifeguards go under with? I have seen them before, but I have no idea what to call them or where to find them. I am just looking for a small tank to go under water for a couple of minutes, without the need for the other equipment. Does this exist? If so could you give me some recommondations and links. Thank you.

 

[DPJ]

I am not sure if you are refering to Spare Air or a Pony bottle, but I suggest you put these thoughts out of your mind until after you have been trained.

 

[eponym]

I don't watch that show, so I can't answer your question. But using equipment unrelated to scuba gear won't get you ahead of the game, it'll only teach you bad habits.

I'd say that two good ways to get ahead of the game would be to do some reading on scuba principles and skills, and to get into great physical shape (especially cardio) if you're not already. The better your cardio, the more time you'll have underwater--other things being equal.

I can recommend some books if you're interested. Best Publishing has several small volumes that are good, and they sell on the web. You could also find recent (or not-so-recent) scuba texts at auction sites.

Welcome to Scubaboard!
Bryan

 

[scubasean]

Ok, first off I am going to say that I am a total newbie to the whole scuba scene. I am taking a Scuba Diving class next semester at school, and I would like to get ahead of the game. I just have a few questions that I am hoping some of you could answer.
First off, what are the mini tanks that the Baywatch lifeguards go under with? I have seen them before, but I have no idea what to call them or where to find them. I am just looking for a small tank to go under water for a couple of minutes, without the need for the other equipment. Does this exist? If so could you give me some recommondations and links. Thank you.

I don't watch the show either...and you might want to keep in mind that the show has many things staged, and things wouldn't really work in real life the way they are depicted on the TV.

I urge you to wait until your class to try going underwater with a tank. As an example, breathing in at depth and holding in that air until you surface could injure you.

Your enthusiasm is nice to see...Please be patient and then enjoy all there is to see with SCUBA after your initial training is complete.

 

[MikeC]

The "lifeguards" on Babewatch used Spare Air's. As someone else mentioned, TV does NOT equal reality. Diving can be dangerous. Training helps minimize the danger. Please do not try this without proper training. Feel free to ask questions, browse the forums, learn BUT please wait to try going under with compressed gas. Your lungs and family will be happy you did wait.

 

[TheAlpha]

Sigh....I guess my idea was not so good after all. I will gladly take your advice, and wait my time. I appreciatte your help and patience and look foward to become active here at scubaboards.com.

 

[scubajoe]

TheAlpha,

Welcome to the board.

Mike is spot on. Those are Spare Airs on Babewatch. But in the real world they don't last quite as long. They are good for a couple of minutes at best. It seems that everyone is jumping on you for your post. It is only out of concern for your health. Scuba diving is fun and easy but only if you have the proper training.
If you want to try breathing underwater before you take your class go to a dive shop and take a discover scuba or scuba experience. They will cover the safety issues and let you actually try scubadiving in a pool. It will be in a controled environment with competant supervison. It is not very expensive and it is a lot of fun.

Joe

 

[RonDawg]

As already mentioned here, don't use TV as a guide for what is considered proper diving procedures. Even documentary shows on diving such as the History Channel's "Deep Sea Detectives" or those found on the Discovery Channel will sometimes depict experienced divers with newbie habits (i.e. dangling equipment, silting up the dive site, etc.).

As far as the fictional Hollywood stuff, thanks to "artistic license" who knows what accuracy you will find :11:

Watch these shows again after you've been certified. You'll be surprised just how much stuff you've missed before, plus if it's really bad you can make fun of them here on Scubaboard

 

[TheAlpha]

Thanks again guys. I believe the class at school is conducted in our swimming pool, so I will get to experience that I need soon enough. Would it be ok if I used a "spare air" in a pool or pond? If I ran out I could surface quickly. I guess I just want to experience being under water for a longer that I can hold my breath. Are these bad habits to start out on?

 

[wedivebc]

Thanks again guys. I believe the class at school is conducted in our swimming pool, so I will get to experience that I need soon enough. Would it be ok if I used a "spare air" in a pool or pond? If I ran out I could surface quickly. I guess I just want to experience being under water for a longer that I can hold my breath. Are these bad habits to start out on?

One of the most serious dive injuries is called a barotrauma and can result from breathing compressed air in as little as 3 ft of water and then surfacing without relieving the pressure. The pressure can couse a rupture of the small sacs in the lungs called avioli and can result in a total lung collapse. This information is the first thing taught to new divers because of the serious nature and new dive students are taught how to avoid it. So bottom line is it's not about bad habits its about huge risk.
Take the class, enjoy and we'll enjoy hearing about your experience