windapp
Contributor
I decided it was time to learn how to deploy an SMB from depth. First I did it in a swimming pool. I had a little trouble but pulled it off. Then I decided I would try it at Gilboa Quarry. With 1000 PSI left in my tank, my buddy and I went to the training platforms at 20 feet. I wanted to learn how to do this in cold water, so I used the exhaust from my regulator to inflated it. My technique was wrong, the thick gloves didn't help, and when I finally go some air into the SMB, the line had tangled itself around my regulator. I was kicking to stay down, I took the reg out of my mouth, and tried to untangle it but could not untangle the line completely. Then, needing more air to breath, put the reg back in my mouth. I thought for a while (still kicking), and finally decided that I would just kick a little less, and allow the the smb to slowly bring me to the surface. At that moment, my buddy figured out how to deflate the smb. By the time I surfaced after untangling the line, I had about 150 PSI of air left in my tank.
I thought about putting this in the near misses section of the forum except that it wasn't. I planned to do it on the platforms where it would be relatively safe, and I would have a good visual reference. There is no current in the quarry. I left enough air for contingencies, and ended up using it. My buddy was fully briefed on the plan. What I learned from the whole mess was exactly how necessary it is to try out new equipment and techniques in safe waters, and at safe depths. I am sure glad I didn't try it for the first time in the middle of the ocean with an insta-buddy.
I thought about putting this in the near misses section of the forum except that it wasn't. I planned to do it on the platforms where it would be relatively safe, and I would have a good visual reference. There is no current in the quarry. I left enough air for contingencies, and ended up using it. My buddy was fully briefed on the plan. What I learned from the whole mess was exactly how necessary it is to try out new equipment and techniques in safe waters, and at safe depths. I am sure glad I didn't try it for the first time in the middle of the ocean with an insta-buddy.