TheHuth
Contributor
Does anyone have an opinion on which is the better skill test to do (200 meter non assist, or 300 meter with snorkel, fins and mask)?
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Assuming you're asking - as a non-certified diver - "which test should I do when taking my OW course" the answer is "it depends."
From a fitness standpoint, they should be roughly equivalent. Propulsion is somewhat easier with fins... but that swim is 50% longer. Net-net should be the same relative fitness needed.
One consideration that's never brought up in these discussions is pool size: Unless you're doing the swim in a "full size" pool (~25m or longer) it's a real pain in the ass to do 300m in fins. The constant turning to change direction slows you down (not that it's timed, but it's a waste of energy) and can cause foot/leg cramps in those not used to swimming with fins. The shop where I did my DM and instructor training had an on-site pool, which was great. But it was far smaller than a lap pool... so by the time you actually get moving on each lap it's time to stop and turn around.
If you're worried that your not a strong swimmer... don't sweat it. It's not timed and you're not graded on technique.
I also suggest you do it at the END of a pool session rather than the beginning, if possible. Students who do the swim first and get winded, cramp, etc end up having a bad pool session afterward.
Ray
Thanks for the replies. Sounds like the 200 meter is the way to go. I consider myself to be a very strong swimmer. I spent every summer on a lake as a kid, and we'd swim all the way across it for fun. But I havent swam in years. I am however in pretty good shape since I ride my bike almost every day. So if you're saying that few people fail the fitness tests, I'm sure I'll be perfectly fine.
First, for OW it is not a fitness test, it is a swim test. Second, either is acceptable for OW. As an instructor, I prefer the 200 yd/m swim....it seems to me to do a better job weeding out those who cannot swim. It is a long way to dog-paddle.
One consideration that's never brought up in these discussions is pool size: Unless you're doing the swim in a "full size" pool (~25m or longer) it's a real pain in the ass to do 300m in fins. The constant turning to change direction slows you down (not that it's timed, but it's a waste of energy) and can cause foot/leg cramps in those not used to swimming with fins.