First Dive in Doubles.

[mwhities]

Talking about COMPLETELY different.

First, I'll catch everyone up. I started the day by trying on the dry suit that I bought from Tim (kidspot). I had bought it from him sometime last year or maybe the year before. (Sometime before Tanner was here so at least 16 months ago.) The suit fit a LOT better this time than the first time I tried it on. (Granted, 336lbs compared to 316lbs (this morning) makes a lot of a difference.)

I was happy that I was able to slide it on and actually have enough room (maybe not much) for undergarments. (I only wore thin shorts, the pool is 89F and I figured I'd get WAY to hot.) I was able to pull the suit all the way up so I had no sag in the (__Y__) and it actually fit my legs quite well. (Before I though they were too long but, I could actually get he "middle" of the suit to/past my med-section.) I was able to have the top bunched up around my mid-section (Think DiveRite's suspenders, how people walk around with them around their waist.)

I could sit down and bend over and put my DUI rock boots on (Size 15 with XXL Jets - Perfect match - Thanks Tim) and tighten them up. I then put my arm through the sleeve (since I wasn't sweating yet, I was able to get my hand through the seal.) and then I pulled my head through the neck seal. Well, I was standing there (goodthing it was cool out) in my dry suit with the zipper open in my drive way. Luckly my niece was there.. hehe.. "Sarah, can you come try to zip this up?" Sarah, "Sure Uncle Michael!". (She's upset because it's "not fair" that her older brother Adam (10 years old) can scuba dive and she can't.... So she's always ready to do anything to help or "get a chance" to "scuba". (Too sweet too.)) Yay! After bending WAY back, she was able to pull the zipper all the way across.

So, I asked her if she wanted to go swimming at the local Courthouse (local gym). Of course.. (She's a fish along with her brother.) So I commence getting to trying to get out of the suit and mind you, I started to get hot. Sarah unzipped me and her mother had to come out and help me get my hand through the wrist seal. After that, I sat back down and started peeling my legs out of the suit. The socks (crushed neoprene I assume) are a PAIN to get off. (PLEASE tell me there is a sock I can wear that will help them slide right off!). Finally got both legs out and loaded up the truck.

We arrive at the Courthouse and I go in and pay a 5.00 guest fee for both of us and make our way to the pool. They were kind enough to open the gates by the pool to allow me to park close to the pool and only have to walk 15+- yards to where I'd set my gear up.

Sarah grabbed my fins, boots and other small things. I setup the doubles with the DR classic wing and my back plate. (I put the bolts through the middle grommets (If you know what "spot" that is on a classic wing.) I then carried that and my dry suit to the pool. Funny enough, they had a LOT of tables there, unfortunately, all of them were plastic. So I had to lay a towel out and then squat/sit the double on it. OUCH. Never again.

Sarah (such a wonderful helper) starts putting my mask, fins and regulators by the tank and then jumps in and splashes me. Too funny.

So, I sit there on the ground with the tanks laying there and try to strap this Argon bottle to the tank. HATE IT. I had to lift the tanks and try to fish the straps through the doubles and then velcro it. Argh! I'm already sweating and I know it's going to get hotter when I get the dry suit on.

I finally finish getting the bottle and then start adding my regs. First the left post then the right post. I HOPE I had it right. (I did, I just usually miss the finer details of things. :P I did forget to add a SS bolt snap to my long hose! Doh!) I then checked and double checked to make sure the valves were on and working. I breathed from both regs and all was good.

So I go to the rest room and change int my shorts. I make my way out to the pool and start doning my dry suit. It's HOT in there so I open up one of the doors where my gear was. (They have garage size doors on the far walls.) Ahh, good ole cool air. I finally get suited up and have my shoes on. So I try to climb down the ladder but, my dry suit wouldn't allow my legs to bend very well, so I did a half giant stride in.

OUCH... major squeeze in just 3 1/2' of water? My feet were compressed big time. So I pull the towel the doubles are laying on and get the tanks closer to the side of the pool. I have the isolater valve closest to me so I pull the tanks to me and allow the iso bar to rest on mu hip and I grab my crotch strap nearest the back plate and pick the doubles up and then set them in the water. Ahh, another hurdle down. So I ask Sarah to help hold the tanks up while I try the get the straps on over my shoulders. With out a dry suit, it's super easy (I bet you all know that already.. :|) but, WITH a dry suit and the exhaust valve on your shoulder, it's a MAJOR PITA. :| Luckly I was able to get my left nub and the valve through and then "chicken wing" my right arm in through the other strap. *PHEW*.

I then asked Sarah to hand me the Argon bottle hose and I quickly added air hoping it would relieve pressure on my feet. Nope. :| So I quickly get my waist strap strung through my crotch strap and then tighten it up as much as I could. Then I did another air check and made sure everything was working properly. T`was.

I tell Sarah to "pick me up" if I go to the bottom and don't move. She smiles and laughs. So I put the reg in my mouth and "fell over" forward. Wow. it was DIFFERENT for sure. I added more air to my dry suit to relieve the squeeze I had going on everywhere. I then pointed my head down and my feet up (I'll give you one guess why....).. Ahh, much better. I lay there and try to get my buoyancy right in the 3 1/2' pool. Well, Sarah listened to what I said and picked me up. I started laughing... she said "I did what you told me!!" I laughed again and told her just to watch me and I'll let her know if I needed her.

So I go under again and still try to get buoyant. I'm on the bottom, I'm on the surface.. Man, this sucks!! Finally, I get my buoyancy "somewhat" under control but, the tanks feel really wobbly. I could not for the life of me figure out why the tanks kept swaying side to side. I'd stop dead still and they'd still be "lose and wobbly".

After going from one end to the other end of the pool, I come up and there was Sarah. I asked her if she was touching me at all. She grinned and said "I was riding on your tanks!!" and started laughing. I too started laughing. I told her that this was hard enough and to please not do it again. I thought I was going crazy. She laughed and then dove under the water and swam off.

So, I start down again and BAM, it's EASIER.. that turd butt Sarah. I'm able to get my buoyancy under control slightly but, when I do a full exhale and inhale I lose it. I had to "shorten" my breaths so I wouldn't hit the bottom. After about 15 minutes of the 3 1/2 side of the pool, I surface and tell Sarah I'm going to the deeper end. She says okay and swims off.

So I submerge again and make my way to the deep end. It's only about 15' deep. I get over the slant part and I try to head down.. swoosh, there I go to the bottom. Imagine someone belly surfacing a wave or snow sliding on their stomach with doubles on. That was me. WOW. Different.

I finally come up about three feet and start kicking around. I'm actually able to keep my buoyancy somewhat under control. I swim the length of the pool several times adjusting my dry suit with the air bubble and adjust the wing as well. Several times I'd start dropping and a few I'd start popping up. After the next 15 minutes or so, I "feel" like I'm starting to get the hang of it. I'm actually able to breath "normally" and not sink and rise as much. (Maybe because I was at 11-12'.) I noticed a few "weird" things as I was trying to work with my dry suit and wing. I'll ask those questions later. )

I feel comfortable enough that I want to switch to my back up reg. Well, I had noticed that when I put it on (bungee around my neck) that I was "short". I figured it was because I was standing up and the tanks were low on my back. So I didn't think anything of it then. Well, I grab my back up and it's still to short to put into my mouth. So I hover there (at least I think I was.) and try to figure out why it's not reaching. I reach back and I grabbed my first stage on the right post. I feel for the hoses and since I know the primary reg and wing inflater hose is on that one, I trace one of the hoses and in turns out to be my inflater hose. So I grab my first stage again and trace the other.. Better but. wait.. what's the other hose? So I forget the primary hose and I follow this new one. Ahh, my back up reg hose.. I follow the hose back up to my primary reg hose and my back up reg's hose is "behind" the primary reg's hose. THAT'S why it's short! (At least I hoped.)

[mwhities]

Since I can't get the back up into my mouth to rearrange my long hose, I take my reg out of my mouth and kinda do a air share drill but instead I "flip it" and put it back into my mouth. (So now my long hose is "deployed" and floating in front of me and then to my side.) So I grab first stage again and find the long hose. I begin to pull it through the back up regs hose loop. When I finally ran out of hose to pull through, I palm my primary and then push it through the loop and my head. I put the reg back in my mouth and I grabbed my back up. Yay! It moved and seemed to move far enough.
I then wrap my primary around the back of my neck and all is well. I then palm my primary and then do a quick switch from my primary to my back up. No problem. Seemed a little shorter than normal but, better. (I couldn't look completely to the left.) I then tried pulling on the short hose and I get a little more. I turn my head and it worked. I then started to put my long hose back into place. I was trying to put it between my plate and wing. I think I did but, when I "swung" the hose out and back in with my arm, the hose seemed to keep hanging on something and wouldn't snug up against me (the plate).

I couldn't figure it out. I knew there was no valve there or anything. I left it as it was and rerouted the primary reg back over my head and around to my face and then let it hang. (Remember, I forgot to add a bolt snap to it.) I then stuffed the extra hose into my waist strap. (I no longer have a can light and I forgot to add my knife back on.) Alls well. I switch out regs and I'm breathing off my primary again.

Feeling more confident after doing all that without hitting the bottom or popping to the top, I simulate an air share. I grab my reg and then donate it to my OOA imaginary buddy. I signal "okay" and he responds with "okay". I drop the reg and pull the rest of the hose out. All this time, I'm blowing out slightly from my mouth. I grab my back up reg and start breathing off of it. I grab my SPG from my left chest strap d-ring and show it to my imaginary buddy. He signals "okay". Yay! I felt I did that right... Did I?

So, I felt pretty good just swimming back and forth across the pool. I decide that I needed to take my mask off and put it back on. I figured I'd slam into the bottom. Nope. I actually think I stayed in about the same spot. I took my mask off and then I put the face part back on my face and "rubbed" my head back until I felt the strap and then grabbed it and positioned it. I then cleared and appeared to be at about the same depth.

Then the MAIN reason I wanted to try doubles popped into my head. Can I reach the left valve? I talked with Ben_V in chat and told him that I couldn't reach the left valve when I had the tanks on standing up. He told me that the "closest" way to simulate reaching it without being in water was to prop the tanks up slightly on a tail gate or something and try. I did that and I was JUST able to reach the left one. Seemed promising!

Then I thought of something else... I've read where the dry suit has restricted people from being able to get to any valve. Talk about crushing! Arggh!!

So, I reach back and there is my right post. Okay good, one down, two to go. I reach right behind my head and there is the isolater valve! Yay! two down and one to go. I reach behind my head and grab my ..... first stage! NOOOO!!!! So I gather my thoughts and try again. I grab my first stage again and I slowly "walk" my hand/fingers further left. I feel the tanks being "pulled" to my right side, then BAM! There is the left valve!

I am able to use the tips of my fingers to turn the valve back and forth. I wasn't quite brave enough to try turning it off and back on completely. I was just so excited that I could actually reach it. At this point, I believe I was really sucking down some gas because I was sooo pumped up for reaching my left valve.

This has been around 25 minutes or so. I had noticed Sarah diving into the pool and looking at me and waving. So I knew all this time that she was okay. I could also go up to 3 or 4 feet and see all the way across the pool and see her swimming.

I figured it was getting late so I looked at my dive buddy and called it. We swam back to the shallow end where Sarah was. She wanted to breath of the reg so I allowed her to. (She's done it several times with her daddy and with me with him.) So I asked her if she wanted to breath on the reg under water while I swam the length of the pool a couple times.. Of course! So I told her to grab my tank and let her feet float out behind her. We swam (staying in only the 3 1/2' part of the pool) up and down the pool twice. Between my breaths, I could hear her's and knew she was still there.

After we made it back. I decided that I wanted to see if I could turn the left post off and then back on. So I switched to my back up and I reached over and started walking my hand back to the valve and started twisting it. Turning and turning it finally stopped. Ok? I might have done some..... ACK!.. No air! So I start turning it the other way and ahhh, air again. I came up and was smiling... Sarah looked at me and said "What's up with you?" "Just happy my little love.".

It was time to break the gear down and head out. I had a fit with getting my fins on while in the water. I just knew I'd have the same issue trying to get them off. I was lucky enough that I was in 3 1/2' of water that I could kneel and grab the spring straps on both feet with no issue. I asked Sarah to pull them off while I breathed off my reg under water.

I was thinking I could climb the ladder and walk the doubles straight to the truck. HAHAHAAH No way. I couldn't even get my foot to the last ladder step. So I had to reverse the process I did to get the tanks into the pool.

Make this shorter, long enough I'm sure... I was able to get up the ladder in my dry suit. Luckly, I couldn't with the tanks, the steps "bent" under my weight. I think they'd broke if I had the tanks on. Sarah helps me break everything down and helps me carry it all to the truck.

NOW, here's the hardest part. I started sweating and my feet were STUCK in the socks. It literally took me about 10 to 15 minutes PER FOOT to get them out. PLEASE tell me there IS an EASIER way to get them off.

So, I know I'm not the best at English, writing, etc.. but, I hope you enjoyed my first dive in doubles. I know I did. This just opened up a whole NEW world for myself. I can't wait to explore it.

Thanks again to all of you that have supported me, given advice, criticized me or anything else. All of you are very special in your own ways with me. I could go on and on but, I'm tired. Stupid time change.

Okay, enough. Thanks again all,

Michael

[sskasser]

Michael,
This is great news! Congratulations man! Can't wait to see ya down here in NFL in your doubles! Way to go!

Dive safe,
Shirley

[mwhities]

Michael,
This is great news! Congratulations man! Can't wait to see ya down here in NFL in your doubles! Way to go!

Dive safe,
Shirley

Thanks Shirley.. I plan to take cavern soon. I want to get 20 - 30 + open water dives with the and swim through the bus and pipes at ABWA (http://www.divealabama.com) for practice.

Hopefully sometime before the middle of next year.

Michael

[sskasser]

Good deal! But you have to bring that cute little munchkin of yours!

[mwhities]

Good deal! But you have to bring that cute little munchkin of yours!

You mean this little turd butt?

http://www.divematrix.com/gallery/data/508/photo8.jpg (http://www.divematrix.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/4360)

Michael

[mwhities]

What might be your (Forum members') opinion on a one-armed diver diving doubles in a cavern/cave?

As long as I passed Cavern/Intro cave (and further later on) with my instructor stating I was able to perform reliably and safely for myself and my buddy, what percentage of you would be willing to dive with someone like myself?

Be honest and if you can think of anything to suggest or comment on, please do. Honesty is what I need to help me decide if this is something I REALLY want to do. I'm sure I could take care of myself but, would I actually be able to take care of myself and my buddy? Thoughts?

Thanks,

Michael

[TommyB]

Mike,
I'd dive with you when you get down here-

Tommy aka ntburchf

[Mike Edmonston]

What might be your (Forum members') opinion on a one-armed diver diving doubles in a cavern/cave?

As long as I passed Cavern/Intro cave (and further later on) with my instructor stating I was able to perform reliably and safely for myself and my buddy, what percentage of you would be willing to dive with someone like myself?

Be honest and if you can think of anything to suggest or comment on, please do. Honesty is what I need to help me decide if this is something I REALLY want to do. I'm sure I could take care of myself but, would I actually be able to take care of myself and my buddy? Thoughts?

Thanks,

Michael

Mike,

I have no issues diving with you at all, but you're on your own if you need to pee! I'll hold your light, but that's it! :yawinkle:

[scblade27]

If you can pass the classes you will be more than ready, your instructor will make sure of that. I would have no problem diving with you.

[mwhities]

Mike,
I'd dive with you when you get down here-

Tommy aka ntburchf

Tommy, I appreciate that.

I'm looking for your thoughts of "what if...". I'm running the reel, someone blows by (rudely) and silts up the place. For some reason, my buddy is OOG and tackles me for air. How would I handle that? Would I be able to get us both out through touch contact? (I'm sure my instructor (whomever) would go over that but, for now, could I really do it?

I'm being overloaded with a silt out, OOG buddy, trying to run the line and get us both out of there alive.

Thoughts on something like that?

Michael

[mwhities]

Mike,

I have no issues diving with you at all, but you're on your own if you need to pee! I'll hold your light, but that's it! :yawinkle:

Mike,

Thanks, read my last post to Tommy. :) As for me peeing, Steve Gamble will be taking care of that tomorrow or Monday. (I sent my dry suit to him yesterday for a p-valve and maybe redoing my glued on pockets.) (Ohh and I have one hand and I can use it.. the light will just light "lilmike" up a little. :P)

(I still need a light though..)

Michael

[mwhities]

If you can pass the classes you will be more than ready, your instructor will make sure of that. I would have no problem diving with you.

Kevin,

Thank you too. I guess I'm just looking for things that might get me overloaded to the pint I'd break or wouldn't be able to do whatever it might be.

Like you said, my instructor will make sure of it. Maybe she/he will put me in these situations (controlled) and see what would happen.

Michael

[FW]

If a team member has an OOG emergency, then leave the reel. Heck, most two armed divers would do the same. You OK the line, and follow the OOG diver out, like we were all taught. You can't loose track of him, he is tethered to you by your hose :-)

[Mike Edmonston]

I'm looking for your thoughts of "what if...". I'm running the reel, someone blows by (rudely) and silts up the place. For some reason, my buddy is OOG and tackles me for air. How would I handle that? Would I be able to get us both out through touch contact? (I'm sure my instructor (whomever) would go over that but, for now, could I really do it?

I'm being overloaded with a silt out, OOG buddy, trying to run the line and get us both out of there alive.

Thoughts on something like that?

Michael

You would need to address one problem at a time in order of life threatening importance.

1. Your OOG buddy will probably take the reg from your mouth, so you need to make sure you can access your secondary reg without your hand. (shorter lanyard, mouthpiece pointed up, tilt head down and grab with your teeth), or you can put the secondary in your mouth with your reeling hand by deploying a bit more line if that's what needs to be done.

2. Since you are holding the reel, you are NOT LOST at that point. Your buddy is on your hose, therefore he is not lost either. You have maintained a continuous guideline to open water.

3. Once things have settled down a bit (30 seconds or so) and your OOG buddy is now in front of you, you will have to make a choice. Hand him the reel to tie off, or you tie it off and line follow your way out. That will depend on where you are, what formations are available for tieoffs, and how much gas you have to work with.

4. Remember, that depending on flow, a siltout is a localized event, and once out of the blitzed area, vis will return to normal(ish).

5. You will have to establish your own team protocol as far as touch contact and line following while OOG with your buddy team, as you will either be OK'ing the line or communicating.

Hope this helps,

[SuPrBuGmAn]

I might be choosy on where and when the dives we conduct are taking place, but I'd dive with you. I may avoid the siltier passages all together just to avoid the possible need to do a lost line, no visibility buddy/line search(not that I think you can't do it, I just think its gonna be more difficult for you - its not exactly easy for someone with two arms). In a higher flow environment, you'd lead, so your light isn't swinging all over the place behind me while you pull and glide.

No visibility wouldn't matter once your on the line, a bump exit would work fine, so constant contact with me isn't necessary(keep that hand on the line).

*shrugs*

You buy the wings afterwards - LOL

[Cantey]

Honestly one thing that comes to mind is running the reel itself, how would you do that? I could run it to the mainline but what about lost line, etc?

[Mike Edmonston]

Honestly one thing that comes to mind is running the reel itself, how would you do that? I could run it to the mainline but what about lost line, etc?

I'm pretty sure he can use a spool instead of a reel. You can roll up a spool with 1 hand, by moving your wrist in litle circles.

Safe Diving

[mwhities]

You would need to address one problem at a time in order of life threatening importance.

1. Your OOG buddy will probably take the reg from your mouth, so you need to make sure you can access your secondary reg without your hand. (shorter lanyard, mouthpiece pointed up, tilt head down and grab with your teeth), or you can put the secondary in your mouth with your reeling hand by deploying a bit more line if that's what needs to be done.

2. Since you are holding the reel, you are NOT LOST at that point. Your buddy is on your hose, therefore he is not lost either. You have maintained a continuous guideline to open water.

3. Once things have settled down a bit (30 seconds or so) and your OOG buddy is now in front of you, you will have to make a choice. Hand him the reel to tie off, or you tie it off and line follow your way out. That will depend on where you are, what formations are available for tieoffs, and how much gas you have to work with.

4. Remember, that depending on flow, a siltout is a localized event, and once out of the blitzed area, vis will return to normal(ish).

5. You will have to establish your own team protocol as far as touch contact and line following while OOG with your buddy team, as you will either be OK'ing the line or communicating.

Hope this helps,

Breaking it down like that makes it "seem" easier to do. Something to thikn about. Stop. Relax. Breath.

Thanks Mike.

Michael

[mwhities]

I might be choosy on where and when the dives we conduct are taking place, but I'd dive with you. I may avoid the siltier passages all together just to avoid the possible need to do a lost line, no visibility buddy/line search(not that I think you can't do it, I just think its gonna be more difficult for you - its not exactly easy for someone with two arms). In a higher flow environment, you'd lead, so your light isn't swinging all over the place behind me while you pull and glide.

No visibility wouldn't matter once your on the line, a bump exit would work fine, so constant contact with me isn't necessary(keep that hand on the line).

*shrugs*

You buy the wings afterwards - LOL

Always a good choice. I'm sure I'd be staying away from siltier dives as well. I'm just trying to figure out if this would be anything I should pursue.

So essentially I'll lead out and maybe stop once in awhile and let you hit me so I know you are still there? Kinda?

I think I still owe you a couple dinners of wings. :)

Michael

[mwhities]

Honestly one thing that comes to mind is running the reel itself, how would you do that? I could run it to the mainline but what about lost line, etc?

That's something I plan on practicing in open water. Give myself a ceiling and not go past that and run line from one spot to another. Maybe eve a black out. Have a buddy stay a few feet above me and be my "ceiling".

I have the smaller DR blue safety reel and being a PITA to work it, I can somewhat (out of the water) use it. I have a guy that's going to show me how to properly run line (or at least enough to see if I can do it) in a couple of weekends. All will be open water of course.

Thanks for thinking of that.

Michael

[mwhities]

I'm pretty sure he can use a spool instead of a reel. You can roll up a spool with 1 hand, by moving your wrist in litle circles.

Safe Diving

That's an idea. I have two DR finger spools and a Gulftex finger spool, plus my two DR blue safety reels. I'll try both of them out in a couple of weeks.

Thanks,

Michael

[bdoxey]

Well, first off, seeing that you can reach your left valve with your RIGHT hand, I'd probably be just pissed off (ok...embarassed) that I can barely reach mine with my LEFT hand.

You probably don't remember, but I met and talked with you at ABWA a few months ago when you were taking an advanced class. I was impressed when you casually hefted your rig up onto the 4 foot high set-up bench one-handed. Watching you gear up by yourself and the way you had your gear configured showed that you had put quite a bit of thought and practice into your diving to date. I don't think you'll have any problems at all.

I live in Birmingham. Let me know next time you're over here and we'll go diving.

Bryan




What might be your (Forum members') opinion on a one-armed diver diving doubles in a cavern/cave?

As long as I passed Cavern/Intro cave (and further later on) with my instructor stating I was able to perform reliably and safely for myself and my buddy, what percentage of you would be willing to dive with someone like myself?

Be honest and if you can think of anything to suggest or comment on, please do. Honesty is what I need to help me decide if this is something I REALLY want to do. I'm sure I could take care of myself but, would I actually be able to take care of myself and my buddy? Thoughts?

Thanks,

Michael

[mwhities]

Well, first off, seeing that you can reach your left valve with your RIGHT hand, I'd probably be just pissed off (ok...embarassed) that I can barely reach mine with my LEFT hand.

You probably don't remember, but I met and talked with you at ABWA a few months ago when you were taking an advanced class. I was impressed when you casually hefted your rig up onto the 4 foot high set-up bench one-handed. Watching you gear up by yourself and the way you had your gear configured showed that you had put quite a bit of thought and practice into your diving to date. I don't think you'll have any problems at all.

I live in Birmingham. Let me know next time you're over here and we'll go diving.

Bryan

Bryan! I do remember you. (After looking at your profile picture. ;P)

I have a long monkey arm so, don't be to embarrassed. :)

Thank you for the observation. I never really think about anyone watching (stalking!?!? ;P) me. I'm just there to dive and have fun. :) I try to do the best that I can for what I have. Sometimes I might not perform my best but, I know there will be better days.

I've actually organized a Toys for Tots Dive at ABWA. I have several people coming to meet/dive with me but, more the merrier I say. (Plus, you need to bring a toy for Toys for Tots. ;))

Here is a link to the Toys for Tots dive thread on SB.

Toys for Tots Dive (http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/trips-local-marketplace-deep-dixie/258796-abwa-nov-15th-16th.html)

Hope to see you and everyone else there.

Michael

[jmaddox]

Have you given any thought to attaching your light to your head/helmet somehow to free up your hand. Ive seen this before and always thought it was pretty slick. something like this.

Light Holder -- For the Compact MR11 or H10 light heads, all that is needed for use with custom mounting systems is a snap-in light holder. The H10 Lumedyne reflector collar, standard H10 reflector or MR11 housing can snap directly into the light holder.

http://www.diveriteexpress.com/lights/lightacc.shtml

just a thought. good luck.


--jm

[mwhities]

Have you given any thought to attaching your light to your head/helmet somehow to free up your hand. Ive seen this before and always thought it was pretty slick. something like this.

Light Holder -- For the Compact MR11 or H10 light heads, all that is needed for use with custom mounting systems is a snap-in light holder. The H10 Lumedyne reflector collar, standard H10 reflector or MR11 housing can snap directly into the light holder.

http://www.diveriteexpress.com/lights/lightacc.shtml

just a thought. good luck.


--jm

Naa, I haven't really thought about that. However, when I had my Salvo 10W HID, I could lay it behind my head (reverse of the long hose) and set it where I could look at my computer/bter and it was pointed out enough that I could see where I was going at night in open water. A few people have recommended those little lights designed to clip to your mask strap but, I'm trying to stay away from being so geeky looking. ;)

I'll look into it and see. Thanks for your comment.

Michael

[SuPrBuGmAn]

So essentially I'll lead out and maybe stop once in awhile and let you hit me so I know you are still there? Kinda?


The trick is already being on the line, but yeah, once there... I move forward a bit, stop, and don't continue until you bump into the back of me, then move forward again, repeat, repeat, repeat, ect.

If for some reason, I don't get a bump, I go back looking for you(hopefully on the line).


...but, I'm trying to stay away from being so geeky looking. ;)

Goodluck! :D

[mwhities]

The trick is already being on the line, but yeah, once there... I move forward a bit, stop, and don't continue until you bump into the back of me, then move forward again, repeat, repeat, repeat, ect.

If for some reason, I don't get a bump, I go back looking for you(hopefully on the line).



Ahh,very cool. Thanks.



Goodluck! :D

HEY! Wait a minute... *looks at your avatar*....

Michael

[TommyB]

The other option to think about instead of backmount is sidemount. Might be easier to reach the valves under the arm pit area instead of over the shoulder. Would be a lot easier to kit up??

Something to think about -
When you get down here let me know an I'll let ya play with my sidemount rig if you want.

Tommy

[mwhities]

The other option to think about instead of backmount is sidemount. Might be easier to reach the valves under the arm pit area instead of over the shoulder. Would be a lot easier to kit up??

Something to think about -
When you get down here let me know an I'll let ya play with my sidemount rig if you want.

Tommy

Do you know Ernest? (Alethiea?) They thought about a SM rig one time but, not sure about the left tank. The way it clips or something. Can't quite remember.

I'd have to buy all new gear but, it's an option. Next time you go dive, try mounting everything one handed. Right hand preferably. :)

Michael

[aainslie]

The helmet trick with a light works REALLY well. I use some PVC piping cut out so that the light clicks into place. I dive hands free about 50% of the time this way, and it's a great place to put the light when I need 2 free hands - I'll bet it's even more useful for you.

You need a climbing helmet with as little padding as possible - Petzl make a nice one - and just drill holes and zip tie one of those DiveRite light holders onto the side of the helmet. It's also a good place to put 2 backups. Just don't forget the helmet behind when you go diving :)

[sskasser]

The helmet trick with a light works REALLY well. I use some PVC piping cut out so that the light clicks into place. I dive hands free about 50% of the time this way, and it's a great place to put the light when I need 2 free hands - I'll bet it's even more useful for you.

You need a climbing helmet with as little padding as possible - Petzl make a nice one - and just drill holes and zip tie one of those DiveRite light holders onto the side of the helmet. It's also a good place to put 2 backups. Just don't forget the helmet behind when you go diving :)

I did something similar with my Petzl climbing helmet (no padding), but with no drilling. I ran a thin bungee through the air holes, criss-crossed. My back up lights slip right into the bungee on each side. They come out easy enough, but I haven't had one accidentally dislodge yet.

Andrew,
I'd like to see your PVC solution. Nice idea! As the LED's get smaller and lighter, I'm thinking about going hands free soon, too.

Michael,
No way in hell I'd dive with you, brotha! It's not the arm, it's the homestate! ...oops...wait...that's my homestate...darn it...still...right smack in the MIDDLE of MS?! :roll: Where're the caves? J/K, of course. Get down here and let's get that twinset wet!

Shirley

[FW]

Honestly one thing that comes to mind is running the reel itself, how would you do that? I could run it to the mainline but what about lost line, etc?
I saw a powered reel at DEMA 2007. It isn't cheap, but can be run with one hand.

http://www.spectrumdiving.com it is called the "autoreeler"

[Mike Edmonston]

Here ya go Mike,

This reel would work for you, although it costs as much as your doubles.

http://www.spectrumdiving.com/autoreeler.htm

Spools are cheaper :yawinkle:

Safe Diving,

[Mike Edmonston]

Oops,

Didn't see Forest's post above.. He beat me to it. :yawinkle:

[aainslie]

that things has been shipping in a year's time for 2 years now...

[mwhities]

Thanks guys but, I think I'll stay away from that. :)

I may actually try the helmet set up. I guess in the "tight" spots, I would need my one hand's attention. :)

Michael

[bigken462]

Michael,

I'll collect a helmet from my repelling stash for you to try if you can find a way to attach something w/o drilling or altering the straps. The water should not be an issue as I often use it in waterfalls etc. during rope work.

Kenny

[FW]

Thanks guys but, I think I'll stay away from that. :)

I may actually try the helmet set up. I guess in the "tight" spots, I would need my one hand's attention. :)

Michael
Contact them. Give them a "sob story", and maybe they will just give you one :-D

[mwhities]

Contact them. Give them a "sob story", and maybe they will just give you one :-D

I'll let you know if it works.

I'm going to try that with Mike too. I need the backup lights for the helmet and need a good 21w Salvo.

Just think of the attention I'd get. (free (kinda) advertising) ;)

Michael

[mwhities]

Thanks all for everything.

I'm currently waiting for my dry suit to return and looking for a p-valve QD. It's going to be fun, first p-valve dive on my fifth dry suit dive and second ever doubles dive. :)

Any helpful suggestions?

Michael

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Bring an extra towel and large ziplock!

[bdoxey]

Thanks all for everything.

I'm currently waiting for my dry suit to return and looking for a p-valve QD. It's going to be fun, first p-valve dive on my fifth dry suit dive and second ever doubles dive. :)

Any helpful suggestions?

Michael


Going to try that in the pool too?

[mwhities]

Bring an extra towel and large ziplock!

I guess I'll need big rubber band too? ;)

Michael

[mwhities]

Going to try that in the pool too?

No, I was actually going to get to the 20-25' platform at ABWA this weekend.

Michael

[The_Great_Manta]

What might be your (Forum members') opinion on a one-armed diver diving doubles in a cavern/cave?

As long as I passed Cavern/Intro cave (and further later on) with my instructor stating I was able to perform reliably and safely for myself and my buddy, what percentage of you would be willing to dive with someone like myself?

Be honest and if you can think of anything to suggest or comment on, please do. Honesty is what I need to help me decide if this is something I REALLY want to do. I'm sure I could take care of myself but, would I actually be able to take care of myself and my buddy? Thoughts?

Thanks,

Michael

i'd dive with you not a problem!!

[mwhities]

i'd dive with you not a problem!!

Thank you. I appreciate it.

I have another three dive report that I'll post tomorrow about my doubles, dry suit and p-valve experiences this weekend. (No details, just highlights, so it's safe to read. :P)

Michael

[tflaris]

Congrats on your first series of dives with doubles.