22 replies to this topic

[Capn Jack]

So, I was showing off with a dive video at work, taking my landlubber colleagues on a voyage of adventure to sunny tropic scenes. While answering the usual questions - "how deep were you?", "Aren't you afraid of sharks and stingrays?" etc. I noticed several of the folks on my dive video were waving their arms/hands around a lot, which as we all know is usually counter-productive.

I also noticed I was doing it too in one scene - which really shocked me - I thought I was long past that, having worked way too much on good foot finning techniques.

So, what do you do to keep your hands at peace with the ocean? I sometimes have students hold their shoulder straps as a means of keeping their hands from churning the water - anyone have other tips?

[Twinklez]

On most entries I have to use both hands to hold my mask on because my hair is soft and the strap usually comes lose in back, so one hand in front and one hand in back. That means I have to do something with my console so it's not flopping lose on a giant stride. I clip it to a ring on my BCD just below my weight pouch on my left side. After descent I will usually unclip it and hold it in my hands near my chest. If I need my hands free for something I stuff my console inside my BCD at the chest kind of like a woman might stuff money in her bra. Works for me - if my hands are busy holding the console they can't be attempting to assist with maneuvering.

[Terri]

So, what do you do to keep your hands at peace with the ocean? I sometimes have students hold their shoulder straps as a means of keeping their hands from churning the water - anyone have other tips?

I usually have my hands clasped in front of me with my forearms resting on the cumberbund of my BC. Sometimes I cross my arms and hold on to the opposite elbow with my hands.

Every once in awhile I'll find myself churning the water with my hands, but usually it's in shallower water and the surge is threatening to push me into the coral. If that's the case, I don't care what I look like...I just want to make sure I'm not harming the environment!!

[secretsea18]

Camera..... of course.

What else????


RD

[Cold_H2O]

I have found that a camera in my hands does help keep them from flapping around.
I use to always have a flashlight in my right hand but since I have been borrowing my buddies light that sits nicely on top of my hand it has made picture taking so much easier. No more clipping the flashlight while I use both hands to steady the camera.

Diving in the PNW is always a flashlight required dive so I usually have one hand in front of me the other is usually on my computer navigating.

It is so easy to forget and flap my hands if they are not busy holding something.
Next time I dive empty handed... what am I saying.. every dive is a picture taking dive..

Edited by gis_gal, 12 November 2006 - 08:52 PM.

[jeff]

I use my hands to prevent traffic accidents. The rest of the time I hold my hands at my waist, holding a light, holding my camera. Whe are you overusing your hands?? to turn??

[PerroneFord]

I usually have a light on one hand. Sometimes I'll hold my light hand with the other one. Sometimes I'll just lay it back by my waist. When I am diving without a light I'll just fold my hands one over the other.

[BeachBunny]

I'm a crossed arms across the chest type of girl. Sometimes I hold the D rings on the bottom of my BC. Eventually I hope my hands will be busy with a camera!

[Latitude Adjustment]

I'm guilty of sculling with my hands when backing off the reef after taking a picture and on night dives my light head is mounted on my wrist so it points wherever the camera does so it's out in front of me in a superman up up and away pose.

[JimG]

I'm guilty of sculling with my hands when backing off the reef after taking a picture

I've found that I do a lot less of that (and hand sculling in general) since I learned how to backwards kick. It's kind of cool to be able to back up while filming, without jarring the camera in the process.

[Dennis]

I don't use my hands very much. Too busy with the camera. I have found myself trying to use them sculling back from the reef. Really doesn't work very well.

[Cold_H2O]

I've found that I do a lot less of that (and hand sculling in general) since I learned how to backwards kick. It's kind of cool to be able to back up while filming, without jarring the camera in the process.

I am working on my backwards kicking. It is a great skill to have and I agree will keep you from feeling like you need to use your hands for control.

Edited by gis_gal, 13 November 2006 - 08:37 AM.

[Capn Jack]

Back Fin video

For those who have not seen the back fin technique - here is a video.

We probably need to have one of our experts make a more glamorous SD movie on how-to - but this is a link to a good one - albeit no sound.

Website with back-fin video

Click on "Learning" in the left-hand navigator, then scroll down to "video skills" and you'll see the one for back fin.

Best thing is to find a pool and an expert, but you can probably get the hang of this on your own with some practice. Obviously, excellent buoyancy is primary prerequisite, along with trim. Some folks tend to go up, which is usually a symptom of not having your head raised.

[Latitude Adjustment]

I'm guilty of sculling with my hands when backing off the reef after taking a picture

I've found that I do a lot less of that (and hand sculling in general) since I learned how to backwards kick. It's kind of cool to be able to back up while filming, without jarring the camera in the process.

If I'm so close to the reef that I need to hand scull then the back kick won't work either without the fin tips hitting the reef, when I'm down that close my legs and fins are bent up behind me.