Regarding Streamlining

[Teamcasa]

I see several members refer to streamlining so the question is: How exactly do we define streamlining.

Obviously a tank or two strapped to your back with a regulator and hoses going to different places, coupled with virtually any buoyancy compensator or back plate with a wing is not by any stretch streamline. One setup may be considered more streamline than another but none qualify as truly streamline. Then again there are masks, drysuits (especially suits with pockets) and other impediments to becoming truly streamline. In point of fact, not much in our diving world is really streamline.

That said, divers should make every effort to reduce or eliminate loose parts, hanging hoses, octos, computers or gauges. Not so much for the resistance to water flow but for the entanglement or snag hazards and any damage that may be caused by your gear bouncing off the reefs.

 

[merxlin]

Great points Dave. Can you critique my rig here and let me know if there is anything I can do to be better streamlined?

Seriously, Dave makes some very good points. I would never actually dive in all this.

 

[jeter]

I veiw streamlining as not jumping into the water looking like a christmas tree with ever possible gadget or tool hanging from you BC like an ornamant. If you don't need a snorkel, leave it on the boat. If you don't need a line and reel leave it on the shore.

If you diving in the open ocean with a strong current don't leave your surface signaling devices on the boat. You might need those.

 

[Stu S.]

How horizontal can you get? We see divers moving along with their body tilted upright at a 30 degree angle. This is often accompanied by bent knees. That's a lot of surface area to push ahead. What kind of torpedo do you resemble? My pal Mike is a beanpole-man who dives really horizontal. He an example and reminder.

Removing a few clip-on items may help you go forward with a little more ease. Getting in correct trim is the real streamlining.

 

[String]

Great points Dave. Can you critique my rig here and let me know if there is anything I can do to be better streamlined?

Seriously, Dave makes some very good points. I would never actually dive in all this.

I particularly like the redundancy in snorkels - that way they cause equal drag either side of the head so as to not introduce a turning moment or yaw

 

[Teamcasa]

Look's pretty smooth to me Mike!
Here’s a couple of others

http://www.reals.net/images/IMG_0490_sm.JPG

 

[Teamcasa]

It's hard to froget my first drysuit dive.

 

[Blackwood]

Great points Dave. Can you critique my rig here and let me know if there is anything I can do to be better streamlined?

Sure, try head mounted lights.

 

[merxlin]

Sure, try head mounted lights.

I gotta get me somma those!

 

[merxlin]

BTW, this really is a very worthwhile thread and I hope my poking a bit of fun into it doesn't detract from the good advice that has been and will be offered up here.