Ranger/Pacer Beads for Navigation

[tddfleming]

Is there such a thing of some sort of ranger beads for underwater? I have my Nav class coming up and if I have to do any type of count kicks and turn, I will never get past number one. I get around by remembering things on land, if I had to pace myself it would never be a square. Walking around a track, I lose count at one lap. I need some way to pace myself, not only for a class by in general. Any suggestions??? Reg. ranger beads would not work under water. What have others found that worked for them?

 

[Garrobo]

You aren't going to make a perfect sqaure underwater anyway what's with the currents nd all. Just like in dance steps and military drills you start off on your left foot. Try just counting your left kicks. If that doesn't work maybe you should take up knitting.

 

[tddfleming]

If that doesn't work maybe you should take up knitting.

Thanks, I will keep that in mind. Are all Ohioans this funny?? Keep in mind, I am one myself. Columbus.:mooner:

 

[MSltr]

Even though they have almost disappeard out of popular use in the Army as a result of GPS, they are still used. I kept mine after 28 years in the Army and use them for the same reason you are asking. My fin count was done over a 100 foot section; consequently when I travel that distance in fin kicks I move a bead. Since half of my diving is done in lakes with poor visibility, I find this useful in determining how far I have may have traveled during a dive.

 

[tddfleming]

How do you keep the beads in place?? I would think that they would move as you swim. Where do you attach them??? I am not sure if my husband kept his or not. I will have to see. He was the one that brought it up, as he used them all the time while in the Marines while "hiking." :shocked2: I know that is not what it is really called but in my world it is.

I guess I can put aside the knitting thing for now????

 

[tddfleming]

So you move a bead for every 100 kicks?? I was thinking for every 10 kicks, as I get distracted and lose count. Look a fish! Where was I at??

 

[on_two_wheels]

I think this might suffice for a given/known distance you need to travel. However, for just recreational diving such as jumping in and looking around, why not just time it? Granted, the currents/surge might throw me off course a bit and I try planning for it. For example, I'll swim 20 minutes agains the current, turn back and only swim 15. Of course, sometimes I'm off but if I misjudge the current, the beads/counting method will have the same result. The only catch is making sure you adjust if you spend more than a few seconds checking out a site. If I see something really great and/or my buddy is taking photos, I'll check time at stop time and time we resume.

 

[knowone]

Hansel & Gretel method for me and I'm not from Ohio but can sing on the bank of it.

 

[tddfleming]

Hansel & Gretel method for me and I'm not from Ohio but can sing on the bank of it.

I don't get it, please explain.