Ed Palma
Contributor
Over the past three years on the board, I've learned a lot of new things.
-I've learned some of the basics about tanks and regulators. Lots of good resources on how to care for and service regulators and tanks.
-My DIY side was nurtured, making spools, lights, wings...
-I've gained some insight into the dive industry, from things as mundane like tipping, all the way to the battle between LDS and the internet.
- I've picked up a lot of safety pearls from the accidents and incidents section, that no matter how remote a possibilty, ch!t happens.
- I've both adapted and adopted the techniques and styles from a multitude of posters - finding the right mix for me. I've run the equipment gamut, from jacket with airsource2, to BP/W with airsource, then back to back-up regulator. Tried my old jacket recently, but went back to the plate. I've gone from composite fins (thermoplastic and rubber), to plain old mares planas, then jets. tried the planas again recently, went back to jets. The major reason for me shifting to a longer primary was that there was less tension on the mouthpiece when it was configured right, although with the advent of miflex, this reason seems superfluous.
Photo on the left taken on the day I got certified 3 years ago, with gear rented from the resort. Photo on the right taken recently, with my warm water configuration.
Changes: Though my gear selection has improved, for some reason, the smile seems to have changed, and I look a lot older. And fatter.
What has the board done for you?
-I've learned some of the basics about tanks and regulators. Lots of good resources on how to care for and service regulators and tanks.
-My DIY side was nurtured, making spools, lights, wings...
-I've gained some insight into the dive industry, from things as mundane like tipping, all the way to the battle between LDS and the internet.
- I've picked up a lot of safety pearls from the accidents and incidents section, that no matter how remote a possibilty, ch!t happens.
- I've both adapted and adopted the techniques and styles from a multitude of posters - finding the right mix for me. I've run the equipment gamut, from jacket with airsource2, to BP/W with airsource, then back to back-up regulator. Tried my old jacket recently, but went back to the plate. I've gone from composite fins (thermoplastic and rubber), to plain old mares planas, then jets. tried the planas again recently, went back to jets. The major reason for me shifting to a longer primary was that there was less tension on the mouthpiece when it was configured right, although with the advent of miflex, this reason seems superfluous.
Photo on the left taken on the day I got certified 3 years ago, with gear rented from the resort. Photo on the right taken recently, with my warm water configuration.
Changes: Though my gear selection has improved, for some reason, the smile seems to have changed, and I look a lot older. And fatter.
What has the board done for you?