I work out with weights and am in fairly good shape. But for some reason the last 2 steps of a boat ladder are difficult with a tank on my back. Does anyone have suggestions for building the muscles used to get back on board?
Help Getting on board
Started by
nextariel
, Mar 22 2006 07:33 PM
19 replies to this topic
#1
nextariel
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Posted 22 March 2006 - 07:33 PM
Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can. --Elsa Maxwell, September 28, 1958
#2
Starfish Sandy
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Posted 22 March 2006 - 07:51 PM
Great question Jill - I've been using the leg press - just made it up to 180 pounds - hoping that I am making the right muscles stronger!
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#3
finGrabber
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Posted 22 March 2006 - 08:29 PM
I'd say that the leg press is a great exercise, but you need to work on your mid-section as well
part of what keeps your back straight is your abdomen so do some work on that too!
part of what keeps your back straight is your abdomen so do some work on that too!
#4
finley
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Posted 22 March 2006 - 09:05 PM
squars with weightsI work out with weights and am in fairly good shape. But for some reason the last 2 steps of a boat ladder are difficult with a tank on my back. Does anyone have suggestions for building the muscles used to get back on board?
who's leading this parade anyway?
#5
Desert_Diver
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Posted 22 March 2006 - 09:22 PM
squats with weights
Deep knee bends with doubles on?
(heck, I can't even LIFT a pair of twin steel 120s without hurting something!)
#6
Capn Jack
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Posted 22 March 2006 - 09:55 PM
Exercise is a good plan, the weighted squats are probably the best place to focus. Remember core strength is very important for balance.
A couple of other ideas:
Think about using the movement of the boat to assist you - time your steps to work with the boat.
Nothing wrong with pausing a few seconds as your gear clears the water - you can catch your wind, and let your gear drain - that helps reduce the weight
If you're small, or packing doubles or tired or physically challenged -
Talk to the DM, and discuss your options before the dive... here are a few I suggest
1 - the DM can grab your tank yoke and help pull you up the last step
2 - Hand up your weights
3 - Clip/tie your gear off to the tag line and get some help hauling it aboard when everyone else is onboard
A couple of other ideas:
Think about using the movement of the boat to assist you - time your steps to work with the boat.
Nothing wrong with pausing a few seconds as your gear clears the water - you can catch your wind, and let your gear drain - that helps reduce the weight
If you're small, or packing doubles or tired or physically challenged -
Talk to the DM, and discuss your options before the dive... here are a few I suggest
1 - the DM can grab your tank yoke and help pull you up the last step
2 - Hand up your weights
3 - Clip/tie your gear off to the tag line and get some help hauling it aboard when everyone else is onboard
Edited by Capn Jack, 22 March 2006 - 09:57 PM.
No aquarium, no tank in a marine land, however spacious it may be, can begin to duplicate the conditions of the sea. And no dolphin who inhabits one of those aquariums or one of those marine lands can be considered normal.
Jacques Yves Cousteau
Jacques Yves Cousteau
#7
TekDiveGirl
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Posted 22 March 2006 - 10:38 PM
If you're small, or packing doubles or tired or physically challenged -
Talk to the DM, and discuss your options before the dive... here are a few I suggest
1 - the DM can grab your tank yoke and help pull you up the last step
2 - Hand up your weights
3 - Clip/tie your gear off to the tag line and get some help hauling it aboard when everyone else is onboard
And if you small and packing doubles???
Good suggestions for people that need that extra help.
And don't forget to tip that helpful DM.
Kimber
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Pink ~~~ It's the New Black!!!
#8
Latitude Adjustment
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Posted 23 March 2006 - 07:14 AM
Back in the early 70's I surfaced behind the boat and well past the trail line, there was a good current running and my legs were turning to rubber trying to catch the boat. Everyone was on the bow looking for me and with the wind in their face couldn't hear my whistle. Just about the time I was going to ditch my Nikon I grabbed the trail line.
The next day I went out and bought a bike to strengthen my legs, beware that this may change your wetsuit size!
Dive ladders have never given me a problem but pulling my self into a dingy has.
The next day I went out and bought a bike to strengthen my legs, beware that this may change your wetsuit size!
Dive ladders have never given me a problem but pulling my self into a dingy has.
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#9
Capn Jack
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Posted 23 March 2006 - 02:57 PM
One more in the exercise category....
Gear up at home, and do stair step exercises
Gear up at home, and do stair step exercises
No aquarium, no tank in a marine land, however spacious it may be, can begin to duplicate the conditions of the sea. And no dolphin who inhabits one of those aquariums or one of those marine lands can be considered normal.
Jacques Yves Cousteau
Jacques Yves Cousteau
#10
TekDiveGirl
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Posted 23 March 2006 - 06:49 PM
One more in the exercise category....
Gear up at home, and do stair step exercises
Sooo -- which gear should I use -- the twin 104s -- twin 95s or twin 85s? Maybe just grab a deco bottle or two?
Actually I think going somewhere you could actually walk stairs or using one of those steps people use for aerobic stepping class would be more beneficial -- where you actually have to lift the gear up with your musculature vs just the action of your legs going up and down and the gear basically staying stationary.
Kimber
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#11
nextariel
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Posted 23 March 2006 - 07:03 PM
Thanks for the suggestions. Since I already do squats will add some weights. Getting the DM to pull that tank yoke is wonderful, but sometimes you can ask for help and they look at you like maybe you shouldn't be diving if you can't get back on the boat.
I don't have any stairs, but maybe putting all the weight I own in my BC trim pockets and climbing up and down a ladder will work. (Not going to ditch my weight pockets when getting on board)
It seems to be when I get to where my arms are even with my body and I have to get the center above my arms is the problem. I think my legs are strong, but my upper back and shoulders aren't strong enough.
I don't have any stairs, but maybe putting all the weight I own in my BC trim pockets and climbing up and down a ladder will work. (Not going to ditch my weight pockets when getting on board)
It seems to be when I get to where my arms are even with my body and I have to get the center above my arms is the problem. I think my legs are strong, but my upper back and shoulders aren't strong enough.
Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can. --Elsa Maxwell, September 28, 1958
#12
cmt489
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Posted 27 March 2006 - 09:36 AM
Getting the DM to pull that tank yoke is wonderful, but sometimes you can ask for help and they look at you like maybe you shouldn't be diving if you can't get back on the boat.
My thought on this is that those that look at you like you shouldn't be diving should not be acting as professional DMs. This is their job and they are obliged to do it.
#13
Capn Jack
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Posted 27 March 2006 - 10:18 AM
ANYTIME you do not appreciate the attitude of the crew, make sure the owner/operator knows. Most of us work for the joy, and don't need jerks like this in the industry. You are the customer.Getting the DM to pull that tank yoke is wonderful, but sometimes you can ask for help and they look at you like maybe you shouldn't be diving if you can't get back on the boat.
My thought on this is that those that look at you like you shouldn't be diving should not be acting as professional DMs. This is their job and they are obliged to do it.
If the attitude of the operator mirrors that of the rude DM, let the rest of us know. Bad news travels pretty well.
There are a lot of divers out there who have difficulties for one reason or another. That is one major reason why the crew is there, to help their CUSTOMERS enjoy the experience. This ain't boot camp, you're paying for service.
Arrrh, to the plank with them!!!
No aquarium, no tank in a marine land, however spacious it may be, can begin to duplicate the conditions of the sea. And no dolphin who inhabits one of those aquariums or one of those marine lands can be considered normal.
Jacques Yves Cousteau
Jacques Yves Cousteau
#14
Dennis
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Posted 27 March 2006 - 10:39 AM
Donna has this same issue. I give the DM a hint when we get on board, that if he/she gives Donna a boost as she is coming up the ladder, they get a better tip.
DSSW,
Dennis
"Suppose you were an idiot ... And suppose you were a member of Congress ... But I repeat myself." --Mark Twain
Dennis
"Suppose you were an idiot ... And suppose you were a member of Congress ... But I repeat myself." --Mark Twain
#15
nextariel
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Posted 27 March 2006 - 05:38 PM
Thanks for all the support on this. A week of diving 4-5 times a day takes its toll, and that little assistance makes it soooo much easier.
Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can. --Elsa Maxwell, September 28, 1958
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