Posted by Jim Hoffmann on June 25, 2001 at 11:56:12:
What I like about the DIR mindset is it’s attention to each aspect of diving (planning,
equipment, physical shape, etc.) One of the DIR idea’s that adapt will to So Cal Diving is
streamlining. We do allot of overhead environment diving in SoCal( we have lots of
kelp). Being streamline makes a better, safer diver. Most SoCal diver are not DIR
configured. So here are some idea’s how to streamline your non-DIR equipment
configuration ( that will only cost you a dollar or two).
One of the most important principles of streamlining is that there is nothing hanging
below the horizontal profile of the diver ( dragging hoses, lights, inflators(danglies) all
cause friction and drag in the water and hurts the divers efficiency and increases the
divers air/gas consumption).
First Stage Hoses: if you can try to have all of your hoses facing down off your 1st stage,
not out( this will make your hoses less label to being caught or tangled). This may not be
practical for all of the hoses, but do the best you can.
SPG: The pressure gauge and console that most divers have today can easily be
streamlined by using a vitron O-ring(2 in.OD) and a bass or SS Clip. Back thread the
O-ring into the console and clip, bring the console under your left arm pit, and attach the
clip to your D ring on your BC. This will pull the Console into to your body and
streamlines it. The O-ring gives enough flex, that you can pull it away from your body
and see depth and pressure.
Octo: The octo has always been a problem (what do you do with it?) there as been all
kinds of idea’s, but I have not seen one that really works. This one does, all you need is
some bungie cord. You make the bungie into a necklace and Tiewrap on the to the mouth
piece or lope it around your mouth piece forming a necklace, the necklace should pull the
second stage just under your chin.I really like this way of configuring the Octo, it
streamlines it and is very practial in everyday diving. Being around your neck makes it
easy to find in an OOA( the buddy can see it, you can get at it if your buddy takes your
primary, or if your primary is knocked out of your mouth it’s right there under your chin).
There are two ways configuring this: if you have your long hose (48 in) on the octo,
bring the hose under your right arm pit and put the bungie necklace around your neck, if
you put a shorter hose on your octo and a longer hose on your primary bring the both over
your right shoulder. Try this I think after a couple of dives you will like it to.
Inflator: The inflator can be streamlined with a bungie, loped around the it. The LP hose
can be pulled into with bicycle intertube placed along corrugated hose. You can also get
custom hose lengths (but that will cost).
Your body and your gear should present as smooth a surface as possible(just like a sea
lion) no catch points. If you have a knife on your leg this is a big catch point(put it up on
your BC). If you have to take a goody bag roll it up, don’t let it drag . Tape off your fin
straps or buy spring straps.
Once you have streamlined your gear you will see a huge difference in the way you move
through the water.
Jim Hoffmann (Greedy dive store owner and instructor)
Scuba Toys
Cypress, Ca.
Scuba-Toys.com