72I tried a 5ft hose on my recreational rig and didn’t like it. The hose routing is a bit funky because it’s too short. I was constantly tugging on it, trying to get slack.
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72I tried a 5ft hose on my recreational rig and didn’t like it. The hose routing is a bit funky because it’s too short. I was constantly tugging on it, trying to get slack.
A lot (majority) of those Rec divers I see with long hose, have it because it's "the cool thing" to have, with little though nor analysis as to whether they need it or can use it
Agree with you - I think the main problem is not the configuration but the lack of practise with whichever system they have chosen. It is often a forgotten or skipped step in a buddy check. I make the point of showing how mine looks and deploys (particularly with a new buddy) - it takes 10-15 secs to explain, deploy and re-stow.My personal choice for OW rec, is 2 x 40" hoses. The Alt is on the left side (aka British way) both 2nds are on swivel.
For my conditions and the divign and guiding I do, this has proved to be the optimum. Because both my 2nds are the same you could reach for either, however I'm more likely to be giving you one havign seen the issue.
With my Instructor Head on....
I get very frustrated with divers coming on the AoW, Recsue, even DM that haven't a clue about the airshare. They've been taught it and forgotten it. They don't need to physically practice it to remain current, they can "dry run" through the actions in their head
On too many occasions I give an OOA signal (as briefed) and float there with my reg out quietly "drowning" while they flap around - most common issue is them not knowing where their Alt is (or was when they rigged their kit but is now hanging down)
It is the skill I most have to refresh with students time and time again
I have no problem with whatever their config is. I personally don't feel that a 7' long hose is required in non overhead, 40" maybe a little longer is quite adequate to share and control, but I'll work with anyone
A lot (majority) of those Rec divers I see with long hose, have it because it's "the cool thing" to have, with little though nor analysis as to whether they need it or can use it
Whether people want to use long hose or Air 2 (ugh) its their call, but at least learn to use it, understand the pro's and cons of you rig and dive environment, and make conditions accordingly
The fact is havign to share air is a rare occurrence.
I'd personally rather share air with someone who has a sub optimal rig but knows how to use it, than someone with all teh gear but no clue...
It seems a lot of times alternate donate could also be:
Alternate donate:
Step1: Grab alternate to donate, whoops it's not there, go find it flapping in the wind or dragging in the sand, Grab alternate to donate
Step 2. Donate Alternate
With primary, step 1 would never happen. It's not supposed to happen with alternate either, but I see octos flapping around on near every dive!
BSAC takes a hard line on alternate donate and it works because it is trained relentlessly. Same goes for tech divers and primary donate. The lesson is to know what you and your buddy are going to use, and train.
To be clear, BSAC teaches TAKING the alternate, not donating it. In the lessons it is the OOA diver being taught what to do, the “donating” diver pretends to be a photographer or lobster botherer.
Primary donate is now ok for the twinset and OC trimix courses I am told, but I don’t think I have seen anything official.