Trying to Streamline

[waynel]

I'm a new diver and rying to streamline as much as possible. I've just purchased a new ScubaPro BCD with Air2, so I've eliminated the Octopus. But I'm not looking for opinions on that (I've read countelss pro and con threads on this). My question concerns console placement. Any problem clipping the line to the left side (under left arm) of my BCD. Not tightly, just maybe a ring larger than the line, to keep it close to my body and then clipping the console panel across my waistband secured to a lower right side D ring with a retractable lanyard. I can then simply putt the console with my left hand for a quick read an retract it back to my body. Two questions: would this put too much restraint on the line to the point of weakening it, and has anyone used these retratable lanyards for this purpose? If it fails when I try to pull it, I can just unclip it from the D ring. Thanks in advance

 

[scarefaceDM]

Before anything, What type of consol are you talking about? SPG, Compas, Guage computer?
What other things are you CLIPPING to you BC?

Where is your primary knife? do you have a back up knife where is that?
Do you have an SMB a light etc. WHere do you put those things.

Streamilining means - nothing dangles, Nothing is on retractors.It is securely clipped to a D ring via a gate clip. Or in a pocket. Your profile in the water is due to proper trim along with your gear being squared away. Streamilning does not just count for a squared away BC, You Knife placment, your fins and if your straps dangle, the way you kick in the water etc...all play a roll in streamiling.

If I may sugest a good read.

DRESS FOR SUCESS by Dan Mackay
https://secure.gue.com/catalog/order

It shows you how a streamlined diver is and what it takes to become streamlined.

 

[waynel]

Console has SPG and depth. SMB, whistle and mirror in right side BCD pocket. When allowed carry a knife (Cozumel does not), it is strapped to right outside calf. No back up knife. The only thing that might be outside a pocket is a dive light clipped to D ring on left pocket on wreck or deep dives. Computer on left wrist (strap trimmed, as with fin straps) and compass on right wrist.

 

[scarefaceDM]

Here is what I did when I was diving with my Zeagle Range BC.

First. Only take what you need when diving. Meaning. If your diving OW, chances are you do not need a big light. A small back-up 3 C cell will do fine to look into things. If you doing a night dive the bring the big light.

I would put my computer on my right arm. Because when you do an acent you can control your BC and look at your computer as you go up at the same time

Compass on the left arm. If you do have one. If you do not..GET one and learn how to use it.

I would not put the SPG on a retractor. I would attach a gate clip/bolt clip and bring the SPG under the left arm and securly attach it to the left D ring. When you do need to look at it..just unclip it, clip back when done. It is secured, simple.

Knife - Place it on the inside of your leg. Reduces drag and also reduces risk of entanglement.

What ever you can Safley put in a pocket and get at it easily do so.

When diving with a light. If you can, Put a gate clip or bolt clip marine grade on it. Attach it with a zip tie. clip it to the upper D_ring on your right shoulder. When not in use. Also it depends on the SIZE you have.

For your fin straps. DUCK tape anything that flapps. Even if you cut it. Just tape it up , this prevents entanglement in the event you may through a swimthrough or swim along a wreck and get a fish line or something else caught in your fin strap buckle. ( it happened to me once. The next dive I duck tapped my fins up. )

Fin kicks. Flutter kicks are fine for getting out of a swift current. If you have not learned the FROG kick yet...do so. This type of finning reduces any chance of silting up an area if you close to the bottom, or near a wreck etc. And also you reduce the chance of doing some unseen dammage to coral.

Hope this helps
Stephen

 

[waynel]

Outstanding, Steven. This kind of tips from a DM were exactly what I was looking for. I will put into place on my next dive (in 3 weeks). Yes, I can frog kick, but never thought about using it to prevent silting up. This is exactly why I joined SB. I consider it my Continuing Education. Can't thank you enough.

 

[scarefaceDM]

No problem

You will not learn to dive surfing the net...pure information only...
If you can befor hitting the Open water..get into a pool...practice makes pefect
Find someone whom has more experience than you and ask them if they can help you out on a few things. Chances are they will...just buy them a beer afterwards..or what ever...

If there are any more questions...just ask.
Safe dives
Stephen

Outstanding, Steven. This kind of tips from a DM were exactly what I was looking for. I will put into place on my next dive (in 3 weeks). Yes, I can frog kick, but never thought about using it to prevent silting up. This is exactly why I joined SB. I consider it my Continuing Education. Can't thank you enough.

 

[waynel]

I understand. I started this thread because a DM, about the same build as me, wearing a 3mm full suit like me, strapped on only 6lbs while I needed 14lbs. I tried 10lbs and could get down. He told me it was all about streamlining. That's why my thirst for knowledge on this topic. And the thing I love about diving is that most experienced divers (like yourself) are willing to help educate newcomers. It's a good community. Thanks for your offer of help in the future. I will take you up on it.

 

[timle]

weight differences from streamlining? I don't think so. Now it may have to do with the difference in gear between dives - like a negatively bouyant BP versus a Jacket BC. It probably has alot to do with comfort level and knowing how much weight you need versus how much they put on you in OW class.

The weight I carry has been coming down since I left OW. Some of that is equipment (BP) but some is just relaxing and really finding out what you need. I dive with less weight now in a dry suit than I did with a 3 mm wetsuit fresh out of OW.

 

[scarefaceDM]

From streamlining..um..no not quite..loosing weight comes from more than just stream lining your gear...

AS you get more experience you will loose a few pounds. You also have to look at what type of gear the DM had. If is is similar to you fine. New suits tend to be more bouyant. ANd also new gear. But once they get crushed over several dives and get broken in. You will start to see that you may loose one or two pounds. Also if you use a steel tank. You will loose a few more pounds...it is all related to experience aswell...

So get your arse into the water...

Safe dives
Stephen

 

[Guba]

Good advice and tips all around. However, I do have my console on a retractor. It's internally attached to a kangaroo pocket on my BC. The retractor feeds through a grommet in the pouch and effectively snugs the console to my body. I've also used a retractor for a small camera I carry routinely when on "tourist" dives. One side of the camera is held by the retractor, the other by a snaplink to a D-ring. To use the camera, I unclip it. If I should have to let go for any reason, the retractor snugs it back to my body.