No crotch strap??

[b1gcountry]

I don't know what Ed's dedicated buoyancy class entails, but there is a lot of work on buoyancy within the fundamentals class.

Tom

PS, I don't notice too much difference diving a singles rig with/without a crotch strap. I've never dove my doubles without one. I'm not sure how I'd feel backrolling in doubles without one...

 

[Colliam7]

The class was given by the instructor that I would be taking tech classes from at my lds. He said that I should loose my crotch strap. I guess it is easier to shut off your valves by pulling the release on the harness, so the tank bottoms can move away from you, and the valves get closer (you may have to grab and pull on a hose). Apparently you can also use an underwater scooter w/ no problems, which was one of my first questions for him.

I want to be sure I understand what the instructor said, and I am not trying to be a smartass here. Did the instructor say to 'lose' the crotch strap - IOW, get rid of it altogether because you don't need it, for doubles or scootering? Or, did the instructor say to 'loose'(n) the strap? The replies suggest others read the former, which does seem foolish. When I first started doing valve shutdowns, I found it helpful to release my waist buckle, let the crotch strap loop slide off the right side of the waist strap and push the tanks up higher to get to the valves - IOW loose(n) the crotch strap. I subsequently adjusted my tank band position (moving my tanks higher), and addressed the issue more effectively that way. Just curious.

 

[rongoodman]

Ed's Buoyancy classes cover most of the same skills as Fundies, but spread out over a longer period, with more time for practice and individual instruction. Well worth the drive for me from Albany. Unfortunately, the distance and expense makes hanging out at Brownstone Quarry every weekend to dive with those guys not really practical for me.

Just out of curiosity, what agency does your instructor teach for?

 

[TSandM]

After all my struggles with reaching valves, I have come to a couple of conclusions: 1) Most people can physically reach where the valves sit, unless they've had shoulder injuries. And some of us who HAVE had injuries and have some restricted motion can STILL reach our valves EASILY.

2) Being able to do so is in part related to correct technique. The elbow thing is important; so is your body position when you're reaching for the valves. It's easy to pitch up when going for them, making the tanks hang as far down your back as they can go, and making them harder to reach. Staying horizontal or even going slightly butt up helps.

3) The biggest issue for most people is their exposure protection. I first realized this when I dove in the pool in my 3 mil wetsuit and discovered valve drills were TRIVIAL. I got a double dose of realization when I demoed the Fusion dry suit, and found out I could reach my valves as easily in it as in the wetsuit. I think people massively underestimate the degree to which a dry suit and heavy undergarments restrict their range of motion.

Just my opinions, after two years of working at this.

 

[Rainer]

Agreed, a lot of it has to do with exposure protection. I can get to my valves pretty easily in both of my dry suits (Bare XCD2 and DUI TLS350), but it's MUCH easier in the DUI. Difference in cut, material, and zipper placement make a big deal.

Another "trick" is making sure to get your head BACK when reaching for the valves. I see a lot of divers new to doubles drop their head as they reach back, and that takes away a few inches of reach. Get your head back against that isolator and you'll be reaching further.

 

[texdiveguy]

Something also to bare in mind....in the real world of diving and reaching ones valves in a real situation, your efforts don't require 'demonstration quality' execution just the desired end results.....so it does not have to be picture perfect just effective. To many divers in IMO spend way to much time concerned with operational skill appearance and to far to little time diving.

 

[c6six]

He definitely meant get rid of it all together. TDI. I don't want to out him too much, I don't know how serious of a thing it is.

Is the general consensus that the DUI is that much better than the Bare?? Especially when it comes to being able to have a bit more movement?? The dry suit I was in was on the small side for me I know that for sure (requiring help putting my fins on in the watter). If DUI is for sure better is it worth the cost difference?? I assume the answer to that would yes as you have to plan on having it for years and years, especially in my climate.

 

[Rainer]

I have a Bare suit and a DUI. They're both nice.

 

[texdiveguy]

DUI is no better in general terms than BARE...they are both top producers and the key thing in any DS is to get one that 'fits' you.

 

[BarryNL]

Another "trick" is making sure to get your head BACK when reaching for the valves. I see a lot of divers new to doubles drop their head as they reach back, and that takes away a few inches of reach. Get your head back against that isolator and you'll be reaching further.

I find the best technique is to use your head (literally) for all the valves. I generally rest my wrist against the back of my head and then use my head to push my hand/arm into the right position to comfortably turn the valves.