Proper ascent

[TSandM]

CD, I read that a long time ago, and I tried it, but I had two problems with it . . . one was getting and holding the inflator in just the right place, and being comfortable with my left hand there for a long time. The other was that I sometimes want to manage the two air spaces (BC and dry suit) so that, for example, I'm dumping the BC but have a little extra air in the suit, so I need a manual control over the BC vent (rather than an ideal gas law autopilot ) Anyway, I ended up reverting to doing the standard brief burps.

 

[CD_in_Chitown]

I found holding the inflator in my left arm that d/s vents fairly well. Once your at the stop you can release the inflator and do whatever you like.

Its a little tricky to find the "sweet spot", when I first heard it I was very skeptical but after using this trick for the last several dives I'm fascinated at how ideal the gas laws are.

 

[khacken]

I am going to give that a shot CD. That will be neat if I can figure it out.

 

[Diver0001]

It sounds like you're worrying too much about it.

You need to have control and to be able to slow or arrest your ascent, which it sounds like you do, so I don't see a reason to be all concerned about it.

Are you looking for a way to precisely control your ascent rate, or are you looking for a way to make your friends go "wow"?

R..

 

[Willie]

I make it a game to ascend 1foot, stop for a few seconds, ascend another foot, stop, and so on.

A buddy and I did this on a recent dive and it felt really good to know that I could control my ascent with such precision. We probably took at least 5-6 mins to ascend from 20' to 3'. I need to practice this more so it becomes second nature.

Willie

 

[Web Monkey]

If you hold your inflator hose up at about chin level (middle mass if you're horizontal) and keep the exhaust button depressed as you ascend, natures balance will strike an equilibrium by pushing out air and keeping you neutral when you stop.

That's really interesting! I'll have to try it this weekend!

Thanks!

Terry

 

[khacken]

It sounds like you're worrying too much about it.

You need to have control and to be able to slow or arrest your ascent, which it sounds like you do, so I don't see a reason to be all concerned about it.

Are you looking for a way to precisely control your ascent rate, or are you looking for a way to make your friends go "wow"?

R..

I am really looking to precisely control my ascent rate. Don't need to wow my friends, but keeping them from laughing is always good

 

[Thalassamania]

Try this:

As you exhale put short bursts into the vest. When you just start to move up hold the vest inflator hose as far down (deep) as you are able. Now hold the oral inflation button open. Bring the hose up till air starts to flow out of the mouthpiece, then lower it till it just stops. You know have an air siphon from your vest that you can use to control your ascent rate with amazing precision. The only problem is that the direction is counteractive, raise the mouthpiece up to slow and lower it down to speed up. Remember to keep it OPEN ALL THE TIME.

 

[Diver0001]

Or you could make stops.

You might need combine stops with the technique Thomas described anyway. Controlling the speed is one thing. Getting the speed exactly how you want it will take some practice.

R..

 

[CD_in_Chitown]

I am going to give that a shot CD. That will be neat if I can figure it out.

Try it once you're comfortable with the basic ascent. Its not a tough trick but if you're still figuring out the basics it might be challenging.