Just getting back into caving - tons of questions

[gschaut]

So it's like asking about anchors on a sailing site...

I already own the back mount gear so will stick with that for the time being, it fits and the muscle memory is still there. Until someone can convince me to change.

So a new light, get over this cold then I'll be back in the water. Wohoooo!

You mean there is ANOTHER type of anchor, other than Danforth?

[gasdiver]

I think after a long break I'd do my first few dives with an instructor, or a very strong mentor. Skills decay over time.

This is good advice. I should have done more of it when I got back into the sport after a long absence. The ballroom at Ginnie is a great place to practice line drills.

While it may be hard to do, take a close look at your gear and toss anything that is old and made of rubber. Fins, wetsuits, drysuits, cracked hoses etc... What I found was that as soon as I started using that old crap again, it failed on me at the most inopportune times. So, I ended up replacing it anyway and often it was while away from home, so I had to take what I could get to salvage the trip. Then when I got back I had to replace the gear again to get the right size or configuration. In an effort to save a buck, I ended up spending 3...

[Amytom]

You mean there is ANOTHER type of anchor, other than Danforth?

Cruisers forum would tear into that statement. BTW Manson Supreme all the way.

[Amytom]

Good idea. Will see if my instructors are still teaching and if not look for a new one.

Also will be taking it slow and relearning each cave system from scratch.

[mdax]

I'd replace all hoses and work with an active cave instructor to polish your skills back up over a couple days. Get a Light Monkey led or hid and enjoy being back in the caves!
If your kids are in college don't underestimate their ability to go through money!

[a64pilot]

You mean there is ANOTHER type of anchor, other than Danforth?

Oh God, Danfoth's are nearly useless, OK in sand and with a little boat I guess CQR or a Rocna if you don't want to drag.

[dogwatch]

DELTA

[Al]

Unless you have a compelling physical reason to switch, I would stick to the backmount that you were trained in and are familiar with. In your circumstance, at least use what you know until you deem it unsuitable for your needs. I would just dive places like Ginnie and peacock until the lights go back on.

Get a new light. HID is awesome, LED is a close second, and old halogen lights are just stupid anymore.

[Amytom]

Thanks for the good advice guys. I'll resist any more anchor comments but will be back with more specific questions.

[Amytom]

Had another delay with some frontal sinus problems. Have a diving ENT who did a roto-rooter job on my upper cavities and today was my first day back in the water. Went to BlueSprings and did four bounces to 70-85 feet to abuse and test my sinuses. Much better now. Only a slight pressure on the third dive but it eased rather quickly.
My son was with me (no lights to keep it open water) and he had some equipment issues - old Oceanic data plus cracked and flooded (funeral services will be held tomorrow) and the vintage seaquest balance bc had the inflator hose flange break off. Any hope of repairing that for him? Maybe using the diverite wing fittings?

So not only do I still need a new light (to go with my new sinuses) but now my son needs discount hand me down bc and computer. Does it ever end?