No crotch strap??

[LVX]

When I first started diving doubles I too had problems reaching my valves no matter what technique I used. I then started yoga and now have absolutely no problems what so ever... Flexibility is the key. And, just so you know, I had a serious shoulder injury as well...

 

[Belmont]

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.

Same here, with rather short arms, that's one time I use my head

 

[Flightlead]

After all my struggles with reaching valves, I have come to a couple of conclusions:

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.

I cannot agree with this more. after struggling with my valve shutdowns in my d/s and heavy undergarments for 6 months I finally was able to do a valve shutdown mid water, without lift bag, and without blowing my depth too bad. A combination of proper arm positioning, adjusting my d/s on my arms and waist BEFORE entering the water (when the suit and undergarments will slide over each other easily), and getting head down were the key for me. I think I can actually tighten up my crotch strap now.

now, if I can just switch to the correct gas and stop omitting deco I'll get this tech thing!