Well I still didn't get the cigar. But I got closer. I probably tired a dozen or so times today. At least today, I got to the point I can get the gear off and on the bottom. And one time today I got the fins on, and the mask on, but not the snorkel in my mouth and the mask wasn't clear. But that was my best attempt.
Every other time something seemed to go wrong. My fins would float away, I put the mask on upside down...something. On my last attempt, I grabbed the mask by the snorkel and apparently yanked so hard the snorkle came out of its clasp--I had a snorkel and no mask.
Keys girl I think you were mixing this skill up with the SCUBA ditch and recovery, but I still appreciate you responding. Had no problem with SCUBA ditch and recovery. Did it first time and kept doing it until it was smooth. Secret to smooth seemed to be to ride the tank like a pony so that your unit wasn't floating around while you put on your mask, fins and weight belt.
In any event I am going to spend the week practicing breath hold exercises. I just did 53 seconds in a resting position.
ClayJar, I got glimpses of insight into your advice to stay calm and relaxed. Yesterday I couldn't even get my gear off on the first dive, much less back on on the second dive. Today I was able to take it all off and stack it with the fins upright, straps under fins, and didn't feel rushed. I just couldn't make that breakthrough on the second dive. I was always frantic to get everything on.
My buddy who is going through the course got it after a couple of trys. He said he just decided he was either going to do it or drown.
I think I have the weighting about down, which seems important, including a couple of ankle weights to help me get into a less energy intensive position.
Next Saturday I have to get it...this is my last watermanship skill.