Musing about trim

[Dr. Lecter]

Both hands resting on the DPV handle bridge usually, which leaves me in a position similar to the first photo but with the hands a bit lower to keep the thrust column off me and my BO tanks.

When I don't have the scooter, they're usually claspt together in front of me similar to the first photo. A minor difference is that they're a little lower than that perfectly flat Superman profile for comfort; a major difference is how much the elbows are flexed in -- I like my data easy to see, not turned 90 degrees away from my eyes. My avatar picture is a decent example.

What I really don't get is the (to me) extreme bend of the knees to that kind of right angle. I understand that it offers some advantages in terms of up/down movement resistance and raising of kick thrust away from a bottom. But, I've found that about 45 degrees of bend is more than sufficient to keep myself stable, in good frog kick position, and not silt the bottom...while also not sticking anything that far up above the rest of my body profile. Doing it while kicking is a bit silly, but doing it while scootering at any degree of speed is just extra drag.

 

[nimoh]

Although I have no supporting evidence to back this up, I think it is reasonable that different people will be comfortable in different positions. For some, perhaps arms straight out is comfortable. For me, my elbows are bent, but I still generally keep my arms higher than in the second picture. So, I wouldn't go so far to say that the person in the first picture is uncomfortable, but I know I would be in that position.

Does DIR define the proper elbow bend angle? ...just kidding

I think this is similar to the fact that some people slouch, some have a very rigid posture. Some people cross their legs while seated, and some don't.

 

[Akimbo]

Wow, the first image looks like he is running a course with a compass board. Unless I am carrying a camera I tend to hold my arms close by my sides Mike Nelson style. I can't imagine why I would want to block my view with my arms.

 

[tomfcrist]

The superman position has always baffled me. Yes, when cutting through tight holes and spaces it can be practical, but to an entire dive in that position? Doesnt seem either comfortable, practical or even fun. It seems to me to be a "look at me and my perfect trim" type statement when a diver holds that position for more than about 10 seconds, which makes me wonder what skills they are lacking that leaves them feeling so inadequate that they feel the need to try to show off. I personally think these people look like clowns.

Have you seen your avatar? No need to get defensive.

Why yes I have....and I know the story behind it.

 

[TSandM]

I understand why the hands are out in front -- if you are using lights for passive communication, they have to be. Sometimes they need to be for balance.

I was sort of wondering if there are people who find that position comfortable to maintain for long periods, because I don't.

 

[eelnoraa]

My first warm water trip, even with light fins, I wasleg heavy. I had to extend my arm like the 1st picture to be somewhat in trim when needed. It wasn't comfortable. I think having light in that postion also create a lot of back scatter in silty water. Light beam axial is too close line of sight.

 

[diver 85]

Top pic looks like Superman trying to get a few extra yards outta that trip(flight).......

 

[divad]

I was told it's a good way to get into, or check your trim. It's a handy learning tool, also useful for balancing your weight.

 

[waterpirate]

I never dive like the first photo. I do go " all superman " to adjust drysuit, stretch out cramps on the hang, and amuse people who criticise my trim. On a typical dive for me, the hands have a task to perform, as others have said.
Eric

 

[Storker]

I do go " all superman " to adjust drysuit

Me, too. And that's the only occasion I can imagine where I'd assume a position like that.

On 9 dives out of 10 I carry a camera rig, and keeping a "Superman" position would be rather impractical for photography. On the few dives when I don't carry my camera - or if I don't feel for holding onto it and just leave it dangling from its tether - my hands are either pointing towards my feet, or I clasp my hands more or less in front of my face, with a pronounced bend in the elbows.

Usually, my hands are too busy to keep them in one single position for very long. When I'm diving, I'm usually holding a camera, taking pictures, picking up scallops, holding a catch bag, shining a torch, pointing out something for my buddy, communicating or even holding onto a rock outspring or a kelp stipe if my buoyancy isn't up to standards and I need a small time-out to collect my bearings.