5-point Ascent and Descent?

[ClayJar]

I was going to say, "Style, Technique, Originality, Speed, and Safety", but the question was already answered. :biggrin:

(Oooooh! Change "Speed" to "Velocity" and it can spell "STOVeS". )

 

[Blackwood]

Ascent = STELA:
S = Signal
T = Time
E = Extend (Superman position)
L = Look up
A = Ascend

Out of curiosity, is "look up" a quick check to see that your way is clear (to be done numerous times throughout)? Or are students taught to look up the whole time?

 

[Bubble Junky]

I tell my students it's a good idea to keep checking both up and with their buddy.

 

[Blackwood]

I tell my students it's a good idea to keep checking both up and with their buddy.

I would too (if I had students, that is).

Thanks for the clarification. I know it's just a little mnemonic, but it was ambiguous to my eyes.

 

[Bubble Junky]

I would too (if I had students, that is).

Thanks for the clarification. I know it's just a little mnemonic, but it was ambiguous to my eyes.

No worries. Yeah, I just posted the basics, not the full briefing of the skill I'd give to students.

 

[Charlie99]

Everytime I see the "5 Point Descent" thread title, I think about 3 point landings and imagine a diver hitting the bottom hands, feet, and head simultaneously.

Just can't get the image out of my head. :banana:

 

[ClayJar]

Everytime I see the "5 Point Descent" thread title, I think about 3 point landings and imagine a diver hitting the bottom hands, feet, and head simultaneously.

Just can't get the image out of my head. :banana:

You're not alone, but as I was having trouble visualizing the corresponding five-point ascent, I went with a different tack for my reply.

 

[MikeFerrara]

Quote:
Originally Posted by jeckyll
I thought you actually meant being horizontal in the water instead of going 'heads up'...

Ahh. No - that would be a nightmare to teach on OW !!

I think it works fine in an OW class ant it helps avoid the infamous "butt first plummit".

 

[Dash]

I like to descend horizontally, like a parachutist. I do a bob and exhale at the surface (after deflating BC) and my body immediately assumes a horizontal posture.

Is there anything wrong with this? I can still see my buddy and have a better view of what is beneath me. It also keeps me from finning unconsciously.

 

[Bubble Junky]

I think it works fine in an OW class ant it helps avoid the infamous "butt first plummit".

I like to have my OW students descend feet first facing their buddy (dives 3 & 4). To avoid the old "butt first plummet", I get them to push their hips forward and bend one leg up behind them, and point the toes of the other foot, giving them an an 'open-step' position. In this position they can easily bring their legs together to 'kick' up a meter or so if they have equalisation problems.