It was suggested that the rule of thirds be modified when diving solo. I'd like to hear suggestions for modifying this rule.
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It was suggested that the rule of thirds be modified when diving solo. I'd like to hear suggestions for modifying this rule.
Just curious, how did they suggest you modify the rule? I've heard everything from 1/6ths to 1/2+200psi. I'm in no way even close to being ready or wanting to solo dive, but I am curious to see what the standards seem to be.
Use thirds with a buddy bottle, fourths without bottle and sixths when scootering. JMO
This is just me, but solo sm diving, I dive to 1/4, this is my "base line" and I modify up or down from there depending on many things, siphon, how strong? Restrictions, how many and how restrictive? One tank off restriction(s) or two tanks off restriction(s) how many jumps? How many T's, what's the vis like, going in? what's the vis likely to be like on the way out? If I'm solo sm probably a reason for it, vis will more than likely be bad and slow my exit...way too many options to cover it all.
You really need to know a cave before you get *serious* about solo diving it.
In a word...experiance. You can't buy it no matter how much money you have.
Although I have heard of the "1/2 plus 200 psi" rule, I also remember that Sheck Exley cites it as a classic mistake in BLUEPRINT FOR SURVIVAL.
I don't want to go into details etc,but there are a couple solo dive accidents in the past that creative air rules are thought to be a factor,if not the factor.Quote:
Originally Posted by allen
Hey Kelly,I cant figure out your avatar.Is it a sports team or something?
http://siusalukis.cstv.com/Quote:
Originally Posted by stairman
Oh,a softball team from Illinois.Thanks chimie.I dont feel so stupid for asking now.Someone uses that same avatar on TDS.
Modifying 3rds is fine, as long as you stay on the conservative side. Like Mike said, save extra gas for anything unusual, like restrictions, siphons, unfamiliarity with a system, low vis, etc.
Like Kelly said, creative, going past thirds, air rules are suicidal.
If you do use a buddy bottle, don't use it as part of your thirds. On the other hand, some divers *only* dive their stage, and save *all* their "back gas" (or side gas) for emergencies.
In any case, you should finish the dive with at *least* a third of your starting gas.