scubaozy
Contributor
I think you are referring to "fin pivot" that exercise do not exist anymore, no requirement for pivoting with fin tips.I don't use a bar, but I think that they can be used for momentary stabilizing. If a student never let's go, that's an issue in my view. However, they are likely not applying as much weight on the bar as they would with fin tips for the simple reason that people are typically foot heavy.
Buddha does not exist either, it is called hovering, no requirement to hold that position. Only the picture in owd manual depicts it. I have a feeling you are fighting ghosts.Still needs to go. Have students hold one wrist with the other hand. If you distribute weight properly, they are not sculling with their fins.
My recommendation is directly to OP based on the input. OP understands and could get to NB but loses control and cannot explain why. OPs instructor advise OP to set lightly negative and compensate with swimming/kicking. To me this looks like there could be a problem in the swimming technique. You need an event to put you off from NB, e.g. erratic breathing (lack of breath control) or wrong swimming technique. Anyone guess could be better than mine or yours, as this is a of remote diagnostics based on statements, so, suit your self if you disagree.I disagree on both points. Yes, if a student isn't perfectly horizontal, they will continue to ascend slowly as they swim forward. Except they can make adjustments by correcting their trim, exhaling completely, etc.
I don't think that students comfortable in the water start breathing erratically. Keyword is comfortable. There are a number of things I do prior to having students in scuba, including a modificaiton of some mask/snorkel skills taught to me by @Peter Guy.