OW Class Question

[Finnatic]

Hi Everyone,

Here's the deal...I signed up for an SSI OW class at the local dive shop. We just finished the classroom part and will be starting the pool part next week. Now, the instructor is also the owner who also happens to be a ScubaPro dealer. The equipment we will be using will be ScubaPro regs and BCs with Air II. So all of our training, including the share air skills will be done with this AirII. According to my textbook, in a normal ascent the inflator hose is generally held aloft in the left hand while venting air from the BC. During the share-air I'll be breathing off the inflator hose?? Seems a confusing way to teach newbies...especially since I am fairly certain I'll opt for a more traditional octo setup. Which brings up another point..this LDS is a small Mom and Pop operation. "Mom" has had me try on the Ladyhawk BC with the AirII twice...VERY PRICEY...but I have my eye on the Genesis model which is very similar to the Ladyhawk but more reasonably priced. They are also a Genesis dealer, but she won't order one for me to try on unless I am certain I want to buy it. I'd appreciate your comments on this situation. Thanks.

 

[FFMDiver]

I'm not a master diver - but - what exactly is your question??

 

[n2diving]

Well...
The way I see it, ascending while sharing air ain't a normal ascent. Bleed air out of your BC with the dump cord on your right. I agree that just passing your octopus simplifies things, but if your having trouble adapting to a simple drill under controlled conditions I'd would suggest alot more practice in the pool.
Mom & Pop shops probably can't afford to have a large inventory just hanging around. You seem to have made up your mind which BC you prefer. If the "Genesis" is what you want...buy it.

Bmer

 

[The Chairman]

my use of the AIRII when I had a reg failure at Blue Spring a couple of eons ago. At least they are training you with the gear they are hoping to sell you! I don't think they are optimal for ANY level of diving, much less beginner and for the reasons you stated.

But, you are not breathing off of the inflater hose! This is an actual regulator and all you have to do is breathe. You will not have to manipulate valves. On ascent though, you do have to take your reg out of your mouth from time to time to vent. Not the best practice, IMHO.

As for the Genesis... tell the owner (or wife) that this is not acceptable, and that you will find a shop that actually stocks them and will subsequently buy from that shop instead.

 

[Finnatic]

Bmiuse..the question is should a dive instructor teach a new diver share-air skills using Air II just because that is what he stocks.....and hopes to sell?

 

[ppilot]

NetDoc once bubbled...
On ascent though, you do have to take your reg out of your mouth from time to time to vent. Not the best practice, IMHO.

I have to correct you, an air2 will vent just fine when you're breathing through it. No need to take it out of your mouth. You just have to know not to push the button *all* of the way in while you're doing it.

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Finnatic once bubbled...
Bmiuse..the question is should a dive instructor teach a new diver share-air skills using Air II just because that is what he stocks.....and hopes to sell?

Why should an instructor teach air sharing using a traditional octo (a 7' hose, a pony bottle, a hookah rig, or any other redundant air source for that matter) just because that is what they stock and hope to sell?

Shops have to choose something. It would be nice if they could teach as many varieties as possible, but that may not be practical in terms of investment in their rental inventory.

 

[blackice]

NetDoc once bubbled...
As for the Genesis... tell the owner (or wife) that this is not acceptable, and that you will find a shop that actually stocks them and will subsequently buy from that shop instead.

If you wish to try something else find another shop that has a different range of BC's .. also see if they hire BC's so you can try, it's a great way to understand if it's the right one for you.

 

[Finnatic]

Ok, so there is no "universal" way to teach this skill to beginning divers? I would have thought we would be taught using equipment that is most commonly seen in "real life" diving situations. From reading on this board, I don't get the impression that AirII is the preferred secondary air supply that most divers use.

 

[Diver0001]

Finnatic once bubbled...
Hi Everyone,

Here's the deal...I signed up for an SSI OW class at the local dive shop. We just finished the classroom part and will be starting the pool part next week. Now, the instructor is also the owner who also happens to be a ScubaPro dealer. The equipment we will be using will be ScubaPro regs and BCs with Air II. So all of our training, including the share air skills will be done with this AirII. According to my textbook, in a normal ascent the inflator hose is generally held aloft in the left hand while venting air from the BC. During the share-air I'll be breathing off the inflator hose?? Seems a confusing way to teach newbies...especially since I am fairly certain I'll opt for a more traditional octo setup. Which brings up another point..this LDS is a small Mom and Pop operation. "Mom" has had me try on the Ladyhawk BC with the AirII twice...VERY PRICEY...but I have my eye on the Genesis model which is very similar to the Ladyhawk but more reasonably priced. They are also a Genesis dealer, but she won't order one for me to try on unless I am certain I want to buy it. I'd appreciate your comments on this situation. Thanks.

If I understand you, you're asking if you should practice AAS (alternate air source) with a normal octopus as well as the air 2.

I think the answer depends a bit on the big picture. AAS drills always involve the same basic prinicples. As donor you donate your alternate (whether your alternate is also your primary or an octopus doesn't matter mcuh) and as "receiver" you "secure" your buddy's alternate and both buddies "grip" each other to maintain control while ascending etc. There are other ways but these are the things you usually learn. With that in mind it doesn't matter much which configuration you have as long as everyone is clear on how and what to donate are how and what to secure. In the "real" world you'll encounter a range of setups too and you should be prepared to discuss OOA protocol with every new buddy you dive with. If you understand this and you know one way well then adapting isn't hard.

If you are buying a "traditional" primary/octopus setup when you finish the course then I would suggest mentioning this to your instructor while yo still have the chance and get some practice in with a normal octpus during the course. Obviously it's not black-magic and you can practice on your own but it doesn't hurt to do it with an instructor looking.

R..