Back finning

[chilldive]

So as not to hijack the other thread where this came up as a challenging skill, I curious know if anyone REALLY ever uses this skill? And if so, what situation are you getting into that would REQUIRE the use of this skill?

[the dude]

i use it while working with video but not really for anything else.

[LCF]

I find my back kick is very useful when I'm doing anything that requires staying in one place -- tying in jump lines, putting down markers or picking them up. I swim up to the point where I want to stop, and use the back kick to arrest my momentum. I also use helicopter turns (which are half back kick) when signals from behind me require that I turn around to see what the message is.

[phillip1]

For video a lot, also if an area is a bit "crowded" as in you need to back up cause your buddy is tying in etc.. basically any situation that involves backing up a bit, it saves having to spin around or use your hands as paddles to back up a bit.

[K Mejean]

It comes in real handy when working on an archeology site. I did a little of that work a year or so ago and I used it quite often.

[MichaelAngelo]

doing survey or when I am drawing underwater, or video. One note I often do it with out thunking about it. It is now a built in memory response.

[diverdarren]

Chill, funny you should mention backfinning; I met you and your ex-brother in law on Ed's boat at cannonball this summer and almost asked you if you would tell me how this skill is performed. I have practiced it but have only had limited success. I can go beep, beep, beep through my reg while I'm backing up though... Darren

[AB8CD]

Whenever I use my camera on a dive I thank Ela for the "encouragement" to learn to back fin. Moving in... holding the shot... backing out... It makes a huge difference. Also, I second the deco in a crowd as well as holding a light for another diver tying off a line, etc.

[SuPrBuGmAn]

When I want to back off of something without kicking the **** out of it, or any other kind of contact...

Its handy.

[Sludge]

what situation are you getting into that would REQUIRE the use of this skill?

I find that whenever I have to backfin, it's right after I've said, "Oops."