What do you call the 1 ft metal pokers divers carry?

[Randy43068]

My God, how much conversation can be told about a damn spike to hold oneself in place in a current? Internet forums at it's finest!

 

[scubadobadoo]

Once again, it's not the tool ... it's how the tool gets used that matters.

I've seen people use laser pointers to point out tiny critters too. Keep in mind that in most parts of the world, these guys are getting paid to do just that. Most times they're aware that it's their livelihood, and are careful not to destroy or damage things. Sometimes it's different.

When I was diving in Indonesia, we diived with four different operations in Bali, Komodo, Bunaken, and Lembeh ... and used several different guides. At no time did I see any of them damage anything ... or even actually touch the critter they were pointing out. Moving a sea fan or gorgonian doesn't damage it if it's done properly ... current and surge move them every day, after all. Using a pointer in the proximity of a tiny crab or seahorse didn't seem to disturb the critter at all. Using a reef rod to steady oneself doesn't damage anything if one is careful where they put it ... it's far less damaging, in fact, than accidentally getting your fins too close to a reef ... which is the realistic alternative. I respect your opinion that if you can't control yourself without aids, then it's not worth seeing ... but let's face it, a lot of people who pay thousands of dollars to go see these sites aren't going to take that view. I'm in favor of making it possible for them to do what they WILL do in a way that mitigates the risk of damage.

Yes, I got my shots without the use of an aid ... but I have over a couple thousand hours of bottom time to draw on, and I don't have any expectation that someone who dives a lot less than me will be able to do something just because I can.

As for using a laser pointer ... if you do not shine it directly on the critter then I think it's OK. What I do at home ... using just my regular dive light (granted in much darker conditions than most people like to dive in) is to circle around the critter, indicating that I want the other diver to look inside the area I'm circling. That can be done very effectively with a laser pointer without damaging anything.

It's important that any piece of diving gear be used appropriately, and not as a substitute for developing good diving skills and habits. On the other hand, divers come at all skill and experience levels ... and realistically, none of us can dive without one way or another changing the environment we dive in. It's incumbant on all of us to recognize that fact and do what we can to minimize our impact. In some cases, I think a reef rod is a viable alternative because using one results in less of an impact than would be the case if the diver didn't have one.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

I agree Bob and thanks again for your intelligent responses.

 

[Rickg]

By then, it's too late, but I get the joke. Fact: Sweeping their eyes with your flashlight beam will dissuade them eventually.

That, or grenades.

Except when it is daylight in Sipadan or the Maldives and the nasty buggers are sitting on their nests and the flashlight beam doesn't do much good (except maybe to use as a club )

 

[Rickg]

Can you please share your technique???

Smack it right on the nose with it after which it will swim off a short distance and prepare for another attack. While it is regrouping swim away from it parallel to the sea bottom so you can get out their "cone" that they protect over their nest. Don't swim towards the surface because that just puts you into more of the cone. Also, don't take your eyes off them because chances are it will not have learned its lesson the first time

 

[Rickg]

Wow, I thought that the only way to deal with those nasties was to hide behind your buddy and hope she doesn't divorce you...

Great idea - I'll have to remember that the next time in get in that situation. But how did you know my wife is my buddy most of the time?

 

[J.R.]

My God, how much conversation can be told about a damn spike to hold oneself in place in a current? Internet forums at it's finest!

... and we haven't even gotten to the cool stuff like:

1: what GRADE of aluminum
2: what COLOR is your stick
3: optimal length
4: safe transport and stowage
5: boat boarding and water entry
6: customization options

 

[irishsquid]

... and we haven't even gotten to the cool stuff like:

1: what GRADE of aluminum
2: what COLOR is your stick
3: optimal length
4: safe transport and stowage
5: boat boarding and water entry
6: customization options

Thought I might add that no one should attempt to dive with one, without first obtaining proper instruction/training.

 

[kathydee]

Smack it right on the nose with it after which it will swim off a short distance and prepare for another attack. While it is regrouping swim away from it parallel to the sea bottom so you can get out their "cone" that they protect over their nest. Don't swim towards the surface because that just puts you into more of the cone. Also, don't take your eyes off them because chances are it will not have learned its lesson the first time

Thanks! This could be useful for the next tangle - I'm sure there will be one!

 

[Geezer]

This entire discussion has been very illuminating - and I will continue to use what I hope is the right tool for the right situation. I have seen heartbreaking times when fellow divers have chewed up coral with their fins, and I have thanked more experienced divers for teaching me how to minimize my impact while diving. I expect that I will use artificial aids - when necessary - to enhance my dive experience, without deviating from my goal (going back to Boy Scout times - to "leave no trace"). I think that is the goal being discussed here - only the means to achieve that goal are different.

 

[Rickg]

Thanks! This could be useful for the next tangle - I'm sure there will be one!

And my preference is for a stainless steel poker vice an aluminum one. I got mine in a hardware store while on a work-related trip to Okinawa for about $5. $10 is you include the price of the stainless steel clip.