Swim test

[Diver0001]

Do you get a good last breath?

Pete

Depends on how much of a challenge you want.....

Most people can hold their breath while swimming for at least 30 seconds, usually longer. It sounds harder than it is.

R..

 

[Derek S]

I was very nervous about this part of the test (taking fundies very soon) as I just quit smoking 6 weeks ago after 15+ years of the nasty habit. Within my second try, I had made the 50ft mark, and by my 5th try, I had made it 75ft.

*Edit - those that have taken DIR-F, are students allowed to wear any type of goggles/mask while doing the test? I only ask because Chlorine/Bromine really bother my eyes, but I could tough it out for one test in the pool.

 

[mweitz]

Derek, we could use either a mask or swim goggles for my test.

I was a bit worried about the breath hold test too. I ended up doing 75' on my first try (it was NOT graceful by any means).

When I was doing my OW ESA I had to take a couple of breaths from like, 20'. So, I always sorta figured I was pretty screwed if there was an air problem at over 40' or so. Now, though my partner and I plan our gas carefully, I KNOW that I can surface from 75' if I had to (bent better than dead).

Mark

 

[m3830431]

I grew up free diving and after a long time moved to SCUBA. When I asked the instructor about these swin test I mentioned I could swim under water for 2 minutes 30 seconds. His remark was that we have to cure that.

If I have to hold my breathe I would and with SCUBA the natural response is to breathe.

Being a newbie to Scuba I also understand tha holding your breath while changing depths especially up is not good. However, I do agree that it shoud be explained and not assumed that everyone is an idiot. Although in todays society we do have to protect ourselfs from each other and litigation.

 

[CRDiver]

Are the breath-hold swims done in DIR-F any different than the breath-hold swims done by YMCA OW classes for decades?