Scooters, how FAR do you GO?

[ScubaInChicago]

We routinely do scooter runs of 1 to 1.3 miles out here on the MoCal coast.

So, to set the stage, you'll need some Google Earth data. First, download the Point Lobos Overlay.
Then, to place over this, here are typical dives for us:

Twin Peaks circuit (1.1 miles, Google Earth path)

Montana (1.3 miles, Google Earth Path)

Did you tow a dive flag with a gps to track the routes above?

 

[elan]

AJ and LiteHedded described it pretty well. GUE teaches that towing position and its like day and night. Before the DPV class we were as messy as in your pic 1. After they taught us how to do it properly I was towing my buddy for 40 mins total time on my short body gavin (60 mins burn time) and I used about 20% more than I would usually use. It was no where tiring for him or me Both were wearing doubles and a stage. Like it was said it helps to have the guy being towed to be a bit positive. Hugging the legs is quite a bad idea as first you do not let him use the legs for maneuvering then you cannot adjust you buoyancy easily. The head tight position and proper buoyancy is very important. Once the diver being towed is in that position the tower does not even notice it.

As for the speed we routinely do a dive to a wreck which according to google earth is about 3000ft from the shore. On a full pitch of gavin and ss uv-26 we get there in about 20 mins.

 

[fdog]

Did you tow a dive flag with a gps to track the routes above?

No. The tracks are our known point-to-point navigation waypoints.

All our navigation is done by bearing and distance. Depth adds confirmation.

For example, the trip to Montana is:
Worm Patch => Hole In The Wall => Granite Point Wall => Q-Tip => Crossroads => Montana


All the best, James

 

[Knotted Lion]

The tow started out as you describe, but, somewhere around the 8 minute mark the stages would shift and make it tough to keep the 2 divers together as a unit. This would make the assembly draggy. Happened both ways

Trust the Florida guys on this, two hands on the crotch strap with the head tucked is the proper method. A successful tow is really dependant on the towed diver maintaing buoyancy and remaking still (no sightseeing).

KL