What one thing do you wish you'd learned in BOW?

[Cave Diver]

After reading some of the threads here on S/B and noting there seems to be severe deficiencies in the training of some new divers I thought I would start this thread.

I also thought the feedback might provide some insight to the instructors who read this board as to what areas of their training program might need a little more padding.

So, what was it for you?

Understanding of how to wieght yourself properly?

What "neutrally bouyant" really meant?

Different types of kicks?

 

[MechDiver]

The "value" of buoyancy control. In that, it is not a nice thing to have, but a necessary skill.

MD

 

[R_Deluca]

I would have to say bouyancy control. Other than a fin pivot and a 30 sec hover there was no other time spent working on bouyancy!

 

[divingvenice]

I wish the instructor had spent a little more time on buoyancy control. Our classes for the most part were held in a YMCA pool, where we did a hover near the bottom. Our actual dives were done off of a local beach and the entire time it seemed like it was a constant battle to stay somewhere near the bottom. I just think there should be more time spent on this particular skill, we were told that it is something you learn to fine tune and master over time. Its gotten easier as I have done other dives and learned to take into account things like the type of wetsuit I am wearing and remembering that the amount of air left in my tank does affect my buoyancy. Anyway, enough of my babbling.

 

[Mo2vation]

Buoyancy control would have been nice, but trim is at the top for me. There's no way I could have actually learned this in OW... I would have liked to have seen it. At least a demo of where the bar should be with trim and byouancy.

I was on Catalina this weekend - and we were at the old swim platform (55') in perfect viz. Just checking it out... I'm horizontal, a couple of inches from the bottom and just lighting up the thing... it was fun.

Then the eggbeaters came in. They had what would be considered by most as "good buoyancy control", but because they were "diving" essentially standing up (maybe 3 or 4 feet off the bottom) their kicks raised such a cloud that I just had to sigh, and motion to my buddy it was time to go.

It was sad - I mean, they weren't BAD divers. They weren't UNSAFE. I'm sure they were having a great time. They're just ignorant. I wish someone had told me and showed me the benefits of diving horizontally in good trim when I first started.

K

 

[BIGSAGE136]

IMHO its impossible to enjoy the sport to its fullest, and respect other divres without the two.

Safe diving

 

[DandyDon]

MechDiver once bubbled...
The "value" of buoyancy control. In that, it is not a nice thing to have, but a necessary skill.

MD

Me, too.

don

 

[saying]

I wish they'd explained what that little tire gauge thingie is for and why we need it if we're just supposed to leave it in a pocket?

I mean, can't they figure out a way to just take it off and get that hose out of the way? Sheesh.

 

[timhernandez]

As a newly certified diver with my 1 year anniversary coming up, and 26 dives in the last year, I agree 10,000 % with these 2 points being the things most needed, and the least teached.

Speaking only for myself, I know it sucks big time to not have good control of your buoyancy and your attitude in the water.

Very frustrating to be diving with a few of your more experienced friends and watch them laugh at you while you bounce around trying to figure things out.


I would also add proper weighting skills and some instruction on how to figure out what you need for weighting, weight placement (trim) and how your cylinder affects all these workings.


Now that I think about it, seems like a lot of information to feel under educated on before you hit the water.

-Tim

 

[CBulla]

I have to agree with the above mentioned about at least a demo of good bouyancy, maybe a video of it.

My instructor tried to explain the skills, and knowing when your properly boyant and how to adjust.. but with the other things your working with in the beginning your doing good to have some coordination with the various other skills your trying to gain control over. We had things to do in the pool to work on that bouyancy issue as well, such as the hoolahoop swim through and "unscrew the big nut from the big bolt... then put it back on. All without touching the bottom," and the over and under hurdles. The biggest challenge in the pool was staying still and not circulating with the current from the pool jets.