Marek K
Contributor
OK, I'll jump in here to give yet another persepective. (But only because this is the Basic Scuba Discussions forum, and I don't feel that I'm out of place here.)
As I understand it, one of OE2X's original concerns was that rec divers using a long hose might be considered to be a "tech wannabe's" by us "traditional" divers.
I use "traditional" equipment, but do understand and respect the rec-diving logic behind long hoses, bungee'd alternates, and BP/W's... assuming, um, someone is trained to use them, and isn't just blindly copying what they see or read. Not that that would ever happen.
My experience is by no means vast, but there don't seem to be many -- if any -- tech-type rigs that I see in my type of diving (weenie warm-water diving). But if I did see someone with a tech-type rig on a dive boat in the Red Sea, I wouldn't assume they were a wannabe... my assumption, as with everyone, would be that they were trained and knew how to use their equipment. Until proven otherwise.
My concern is the opposite, at least here on SB... that by admitting I still use a jacket BC, short-hose, console, and alternate clipped traditionally, I'll be condescendingly accused (or at least thought of ) of being a "member of the collective" using a "bright yellow octopus on a short yellow hose that dangles 3 feet below... [that] probably wouldn't work if you ever needed it... usually... found dragging next to the console"... or "drag anchors." Quotes from earlier in this thread, though I hope they weren't meant the way they sounded. Sometimes hard to tell. (Yes, my alternate is yellow, on a yellow hose.
But it's clipped up, as is my console. I don't see many contemporary divers whose equipment isn't these days, but YMMV.)
For my kind of diving, considering the kinds of people I dive with (or may be thrown together with as a buddy team), the traditional set-up seems reasonable. For better or worse, that's the way the overwhelming mainstream is teaching it, and that's the SOP that most divers know. I must admit, though, that if I were suddenly thrown together with a diver with a long hose and bungee'd back-up on a Red Sea boat dive, I'd be a little concerned; you bet I'd be insisting on more planning than usual, and an OOA drill.
Again, I'm absolutely not denigrating other configurations, even for rec diving. But I'd appreciate the same kind of respect in return.
No, I don't need a group hug. Yet.
--Marek
As I understand it, one of OE2X's original concerns was that rec divers using a long hose might be considered to be a "tech wannabe's" by us "traditional" divers.
I use "traditional" equipment, but do understand and respect the rec-diving logic behind long hoses, bungee'd alternates, and BP/W's... assuming, um, someone is trained to use them, and isn't just blindly copying what they see or read. Not that that would ever happen.
My experience is by no means vast, but there don't seem to be many -- if any -- tech-type rigs that I see in my type of diving (weenie warm-water diving). But if I did see someone with a tech-type rig on a dive boat in the Red Sea, I wouldn't assume they were a wannabe... my assumption, as with everyone, would be that they were trained and knew how to use their equipment. Until proven otherwise.
My concern is the opposite, at least here on SB... that by admitting I still use a jacket BC, short-hose, console, and alternate clipped traditionally, I'll be condescendingly accused (or at least thought of ) of being a "member of the collective" using a "bright yellow octopus on a short yellow hose that dangles 3 feet below... [that] probably wouldn't work if you ever needed it... usually... found dragging next to the console"... or "drag anchors." Quotes from earlier in this thread, though I hope they weren't meant the way they sounded. Sometimes hard to tell. (Yes, my alternate is yellow, on a yellow hose.
For my kind of diving, considering the kinds of people I dive with (or may be thrown together with as a buddy team), the traditional set-up seems reasonable. For better or worse, that's the way the overwhelming mainstream is teaching it, and that's the SOP that most divers know. I must admit, though, that if I were suddenly thrown together with a diver with a long hose and bungee'd back-up on a Red Sea boat dive, I'd be a little concerned; you bet I'd be insisting on more planning than usual, and an OOA drill.
Again, I'm absolutely not denigrating other configurations, even for rec diving. But I'd appreciate the same kind of respect in return.
No, I don't need a group hug. Yet.
--Marek
You guys are all cool. Its so nice getting lottsa feedback. My local dive shop is only open till 5pm. so you gotta adopt me!!! pls pls pls
