Progressive Aquatic Training

Skin Diving Skills II

Introduction To Fins

The fins are used merely as an enlargement of the diver's foot, thus increasing the propelling surface. By increasing this surface, the diver is able to acquire more thrust without an equal increase in effort. There are many different types of fins on the market, and a review of their outstanding features is helpful.

A. Adjustable foot fin.

This fin is characterized by an adjustable heel strap, which makes it adaptable to a large variety of foot sizes. In general, this fin is very flexible, and not particularly desirable for diving.

B. Open heel non-adjustable fin

This fin is manufactured by many companies, and in general is very rigid with a large blade. This fin requires very well-developed leg muscles in order to avoid leg cramps, and should be "worked up" to. This fin seems to be a favorite of spear fishermen and competitive divers because of the tremendous thrust afforded.

C. Full Shoe fin.

This fin, as the name implies, has a full shoe, or foot pocket, and is the most commonly used by divers. There are a large number of makes of this type fin, with varying degrees of rigidity. The most preferable for the new diver, and for most divers is one of medium rigidity. These fins are made either floating or non-floating, with the floating types being generally favored.

D. Putting on fins.

The best means of putting on your fins is to wet both the feet and the fins, then, grasping the fin by the ridge along the side of the blade, thrust the foot well forward into the foot pocket. When the foot is correctly positioned in the fin, slide the heel up around the foot with your thumb, using it as a shoe horn. Fins are put on in much the same manner you would put on a pair of rubbers. Never pull the fin on from the foot pocket, as this tends to tear the fin, or at least shorten its life. Fins should fit comfortably and snugly, with sizes usually corresponding to shoe sizes. It is preferable to have your fins a little large, rather than too snug, as a too tight fin will cause foot cramps. If your fin is a little too large, this can be compensated for by wearing a pair of sweat socks under the fin.

E. Use of fins .... Flutter Kick

In the use of the flutter kick, it is important that the diver remember that the purpose of the fins is to enable him to get as much thrust with the expenditure of as little effort as possible. In order to do this, there are accepted methods of kicking, which make this possible. One such kick is the flutter kick, the kick most employed by divers. In order to properly execute the flutter kick, the diver must point his toe and kick from the hip, breaking from the knees only slightly. The power for this kick comes from the pivoting from the hip. and the break at the knees is only a whip-like action after the entire leg has been swung. A bicycle type kick should be avoided, as it is very inefficient.

2. Introduction To Mask

A. Construction

A good mask is constructed of a safety plate glass lens, with a stainless steel band around it: a soft rubber skirt, and an adjustable head strap.

Some masks recently introduced are made of foam neoprene, and are reported to be of excellent quality. Masks come in varied sizes, shapes, and colors; some with devices for grasping the nose, some with "clearing valves". The important factor in selecting a mask is the "fit", and for this reason they come in assorted shapes to fit individually shaped faces.

B. Fit

Before purchasing a mask it is important that the diver determine whether or not the mask is going to fit him. This can be done in the following manner: The mask is put in place without the use of the head band. The diver then inhales through the nostrils, and lets go of the mask. If he can hear an air leak, he knows that the mask does not fit properly, and so changes to a different type mask. If the mask fits properly, there should be no air leak, and the mask should remain in place until the diver releases the partial vacuum created.

C. Wearing

The mask is put on by placing it gently against your face and seating it. A slight inhalation through the nostrils will hold it in place as you put the headband in place around the head slightly above the ears. Care should be taken so as not to adjust the headband too tightly, as too tight a mask can be extremely uncomfortable.

D. Use of Mask

The face mask is used as an accessory only, to keep an air space between the diver's eye and the water. When exposed directly to the water, the human eye is a very inefficient organ, and things appear blurred and distorted. When an air space is introduced between the eye and the water, as in the use of a face mask, vision is adjusted to normal, or even better than normal, as objects viewed through a face mask are magnified by some 25%. Occasionally, while diving, a diver's face mask may become dislodged, or for some other reason become flooded. Even though this is not a threat to survival, many untrained divers panic at this occurence. It is of vital necessity that the diver be so adept at "clearing" his mask that this flooding will be considered only a minor nuisance. Clearing a mask can be accomplished by either of two methods.

E. Clearing the Mask

The skirt of the mask is pressed against the face with the thumb and forefinger above and below the right eye. The head is then tilted to the left and back, so that the points where the skirt is being held to the face are uppermost in the water. The diver then exhales forcibly, in short bursts into the mask through his nostrils. The air, unable to escape from the highest point of the mask, escapes out the lower portion of the mask, pushing the water out of the mask ahead of it. The alternate method of clearing the mask is accomplished by looking directly at the surface of the water, pressing gently on the rim of the mask, and exhaling forcibly in short bursts through the nostrils. Either of these methods may be used, dependent upon personal preference. There are masks upon the market today with purging valves built in, but it is important that the new diver acquaint himself well with the above mentioned methods before "graduating" to a more deluxe type mask.

3. Introduction To Snorkel

A snorkel is a J shaped tube that enables the diver to lie prone in the water and breathe through the tube. It is worn between the headband of the mask and the head. By preference it should be flexible so that it will be less apt to become entangled in aquatic vegetation, etc. and to dislodge the mask. Those snorkels incorporating check valves, ping pong balls, etc. should be avoided, for they are, in addition to being unnecessary, often unreliable. The optimum length of the snorkel should be 13 inches from the mouthpiece to the open end of the J, any longer and the diver is forced to expend too much energy to breathe. Upon descent underwater, the snorkel fills with water, and the diver need only hold his breath against it. Upon resurfacing, the diver may return directly to a prone position. In order to clear the snorkel and resume breathing, the diver need only exhale sharply through the snorkel, much as though he were using a bean shooter, and the snorkel will be free of water.

Progressive Aquatic Training III

1. Swim 500 yards using flutter kick.

The purpose of this 500 yard swim each session is to perfect the use of the fins, the different kicks, and to act as a warm up. The person supervising this exercise should pay particular attention to the execution of the kicks, as development of bad habits at this stage of the training may be extremely hard to correct later.

2. Dolphin Kick

The dolphin kick is a relaxing kick and its rhythmical motion is almost effortless. The diver, lying in a prone position, bends the trunk of his body downward briskly, and his legs upward. Then, arching his back and breaking at the knees, he thrusts downwards with both legs. This motion forces the trunk upward, completing the cycle.
3. Trudgeon kick

The trudgeon kick is a power stroke and is executed in the following way. The diver lies on his side, the snorkel worn on the side uppermost. The diver extends the arm on the bottom side and pointing his toes executes a scissors kick, that is, executes long powerful kicks with one leg crossing over the other. In this kick it is necessary that the legs bend, but bending

should be held to a minimum.

Progressive Aquatic Training

Skin Diving Skills IV

Head first surface dive

This surface dive is the dive used most often by divers, particularly by spearfishermen. The purpose of the surface dive is to get beneath the surface with a minimum amount of effort and commotion. The diver, lying prone in the water, bends sharply downward from the waist, at the same time raising his legs vertically into the air, knees rigid, toes pointed. The weight of his legs will drive the diver well beneath the surface. Care should be taken not to kick until the fins are completely beneath the surface, so as to eliminate any commotion.

Feet first surface dive

This surface dive is started from the vertical position. The diver executes a scissors kick, at the same time pushing downward in the water with his hands. The feet are then brought together, the arms raised, and the diver's body sinks from the weight of his torso above the surface. Once completely submerged, the diver turns and goes in the desired direction.

Progressive Aquatic Training

Skin Diving Skills V

1. Step-in Entry

This entry is merely a variation of the "Life Saving Entry", adapted to diver's use. The diver holds his mask in place with one hand, to prevent its being carried away when he enters the water, and steps off into the water with considerable forward momentum. He is bent forward from the waist. As his fins hit the water he executes a scissors kick, and as his free hand approaches the water the diver strikes the surface to break his momentum. When scuba is worn, the entry is the same except that the hand that was free is now used to grasp the harness at the point of attachment to the tank, in order to prevent the tanks riding up and perhaps striking the diver in the back of the head.

2. "Slither-in" Entry

This is the most often used entry of all, and is used primarily in situations where the waters are unknown. The diver perches on the gunwale of the boat, or whatever he is entering from, grasps it with both hands to one side of his body, raises his body, pivots, and lowers his body in one smooth, slow motion and so lets himself down into the water very gently.

Progressive Aquatic Training Scuba Skills VI

1. Introduction to scuba

Go through pre-dive check list.

a. Check harness, bands, and position of reserve valve, if any.

(Valve should be in "up" position. Horns of regulator should be pointing "up".)

b. Visually check regulator hoses.

c. Remove tape from valve and bleed small jet of air from tank to clear orifice.

d. Position regulator on tank and tighten yoke screw. (Horns of regulator should be pointing "up".)

e. Attempt to inhale from regulator. If able to do so it indicates that either a hose leaks, or a diaphram is ruptured. DO NOT DIVE WITH THIS REGULATOR UNTIL REPAIRED.

f. Turn on air.

g. Inhale from regulator and check operation.

h. Don scuba, using quick release hitches on all straps.

i. Re check position of reserve valve and breathe through regulator to ascertain that air is "on".

2. Use scuba in four feet of water.

Lie prone on bottom and breathe; do not move about, but accustom yourself to breathing underwater. Satisfy yourself that the unit will deliver you all the air you can use.

3. Using one of the methods that was taught in the second session, flood and clear the mask several times, while wearing scuba.

4. Equalizing

Swallow several times, then, if ears do not "crackle", remove mask and holding nose, blow against nostrils until ears pop.

5. Swim 50 yards using scuba, maximum depth 10 feet, accompanied by experienced diver. As you descend clear ears, and mask. Learn to attain neutral bouyancy by breathing.

Progressive Aquatic Training Scuba Skills VII

Clear Hoses

Remove the mouthpiece from your mouth, underwater, then replace it, and exhale. Then, cautiously inhale and continue breathing normally. Due to the non-return valves, the exhalation clears the mouthpiece and exhaust hose. However, if the non-return valves malfunction, it will be necessary to raise the mouthpiece above the level of the regulator and let it free flow. As soon as it free flows, the diver places the mouthpiece in his mouth and takes a cautious inhalation. If the intake hose is not yet completely clear, the diver may then roll on his left side and exhale vigorously. Surface dives, using scuba Surface dives using scuba are performed essentially as they are without scuba. However, the diver should practice them so as to accustom himself to the additional weight and bulk of scuba gear. Entries using scuba gear.

The entries are performed in the same manner as when using skin gear. However, in the step-in entry, the "free" hand is now utilized to hold the tank harness at its point of attachment to the tank to eliminate the possibility of the tanks riding up and striking the diver in the back of the head.

Progressive Aquatic Training

Scuba Training VIII

1. Basic Life saving

Because we, as divers, spend far more time in the water, under conditions far more hazardous than do most swimmers, it is essential that we, as divers, know the fundamentals of lifesaving. Whenever we dive we rely upon the "buddy" system, which in addition to providing us with a measure of safety, also carries with it the obligation to be able to render whatever assistance is necessary. It is axiomatic that most divers "get into trouble" at the surface, rather than at depth. This is primarily because many divers exceed their capabilities, and upon realizing this, panic. In situations such as this the "buddy" is morally obligated to render all assistance possible. In order to be of assistance, it is imperative that divers have at least a basic understanding of the fundamentals of lifesaving.

a. Controlled Situations

In a situation where your buddy is on the verge of panic, or is merely in trouble, remain behind him, supporting him at the surface with a firm grip under the arm or by the valve of his tank while talking to him and enabling him to get his breath. If he is wearing a weight belt, have him jettison it and then reassure him. A calm, assured conversation on your part may well avert a panic situation. DO NOT GET IN FRONT OF HIM, AS THIS WILL ENABLE HIM TO GRAB YOU IN A MOMENT OF PANIC. If, instead of panicing, the victim remains fairly calm and cooperative, the job of the rescuer is considerably easier.

b. Panic Situations

In a situation where your buddy panics, his first impulse will be to climb you and so elevate himself out of the water. In this situation it is imperative that you retain your reason, or in all probability this situation will result in a double drowning. For this reason, if you have any hint that your buddy may be on the verge of panic, stay behind him out of his reach, but where you can render the needed assistance. If by some misfortune, he should make contact with you and proceed to climb you, remember, the last place he wants to go is "down", so immediately submerge. As you submerge, he will continue to "climb" you, thus enabling you to elude his grasp. As soon as you are free of him, grasp him by the legs, turn him about so that as you surface you are behind him. If he is wearing a weight belt, jettison it for him on your way up. You are now in a position to render real assistance.

c. Breaking Holds

If, you should encounter one of the very rare individuals who instead of climbing you, seizes you in a hold and refuses to release it, you must know how to break the hold. If the victim has a front head hold upon you, first, submerge. Then, if the hold is still on, grasp the lower arm of the victim by the wrist and elbow. Turn your head to the side and push upward, which will at the same time push you downward in the water, thus freeing you. An alternate method of freeing yourself from this hold is to grasp the victim at the hip and push outward and upward, turning your head to the side, again freeing yourself. Remember, the victim is in a panic, and so his respiratory rate is much accelerated, hence, he cannot stay submerged as long as you. An excellent rule of thumb in freeing yourself is "SINK, THINK, ACT".

Progressive Aquatic Training Scuba Skills VIII

If the victim, by some mischance, should get a hold on you from the rear, the same system applies SINK, THINK, ACT. Grasp the victim's lower arm at the wrist and elbow. Push up on the elbow and down on the wrist, which will free you, yet allow you to retain contact with the victim. Turn him, and again, if he is wearing a weight belt, release it on the way up. The vast majority of panic victims will release their hold upon you and try to climb you as you submerge. The discussion on breaking holds is for that very rare individual who does not react in the normal manner.
d. Towing Scuba Equipped Buddy To Safety

There are essentially two methods of towing your scuba equipped buddy to safety. Which method you use will depend upon conditions and personal preference. The important things are to get the victim in a horizontal position and to keep his head above water. One method of doing this is to grasp the tank by the valve with one hand and near the bottom of the tank with the other, pushing up on the bottom of the tank until the victim is horizontal in the water. This puts the rescuer on his back with a leg on each side of the tank. Care should be taken to retain a good grip on the valve of the tank, so as to prevent the victim from twisting out of the rescuer's control and grabbing him. In this carry, if the victim does turn, the rescuer turns with him and the result is that the victim is face down in the water with the rescuer above the surface. If the victim is struggling wildly, a few seconds facedown in the water will sap considerable of his energy, and after a very few attempts of this nature, he will be convinced of the inadvisability of such tactics. Above all, as you are towing the victim, talk to him. Reassure him. Chat with him about incidents completely disassociated with the current situation. Try to get him to assist by using his fins to keep himself horizontal in the water. Once the victim feels that he is in good hands, and once again feels fairly secure, he will be cooperative. Panic is usually short lived, if the rescuer knows his business and handles the victim with firmness and assurance.

Another method of towing a scuba equipped victim is to grasp the tank valve in one hand, swim on your side, using the trudge on kick, and let the victim's tank ride on your hip. This necessitates your keeping your arm crooked and keeping a firm grasp upon the valve. This carry is not as useful for long tows, as is the other method, due to its being rather fatiguing to the rescuer. If at all possible, actual contact with a victim is to be avoided. That is, if the victim is not actively panicked, use a reaching assist. Hand him an object, such as a snorkel, towel, etc. and tow him at arms length. In such a situation, the victim can be of active assistance, as well as presenting much less of a hazard to the rescuer.

Progressive Aquatic Training

Scuba Skills IX

1. Fundamentals Of Buddy Breathing

Buddy Breathing is an emergency survival technique, and it is essential that the trainee practice it until he is very adept. So adept, in fact, that performance of these techniques are mere routine.

a. Mouthpiece Shuttle Method

In this type of Buddy Breathing the divers face each other in the water, each holding a strap of the other's harness. As they ascend slowly they pass the functioning mouthpiece back and forth, each diver exhaling into the mouthpiece as soon as he receives it, then inhaling once and passing the mouthpiece back to his buddy. While awaiting his turn to use the mouthpiece, the waiting diver must EXHALE, in order to avoid an AIR EMBOLISM. In practice of this technique, it is more practical for the trainees to swim in a horizontal position, with the functioning regulator on its left side.

b. Severed Hose Method

In this type of Buddy Breathing the diver in trouble severs his buddy's EXHAUST hose near the regulator, (The exhaust hose is the left hose of the regulator, as viewed by the wearer.) and places the free end in his mouth, after raising it above the level of the regulator so that it will free flow and so clear itself of water. Both divers may then inhale at will, but must exhale through their nostrils. For best results, both divers should try to maintain the same level in the water, and holding each other's harness straps will facilitate this. This type of Buddy Breathing is actually much superior to the mouthpiece shuttle, providing the EXHAUST hose is severed and both divers are acquainted with the technique. Practice with both techniques will enable the trainee to make his choice as to which method he prefers. In a practice session the hose is not severed, of course, but instead disconnected from the regulator before submerging.

Progressive Aquatic Training Scuba Skills X

1. Fundamentals Of Ditch & Recovery

This exercise has several purposes. For one thing, it gives the trainee the ability to ditch, or get rid of his gear if necessary. However, of far greater importance, it instills a knowledge of the versatility of his equipment and of his own adeptness in the trainee. Through the actual performance of this exercise the neophyte diver is made aware of his freedom and ability to cope with adverse situations.

Ditch and recovery must be supervised by an experienced diver, or preferably by an experienced, qualified instructor, due to the inherent dangers involved in early practice of this exercise. Particular care should be taken to avoid an air embolism, and the experienced diver or instructor should station himself above the trainee, refusing to allow the trainee to ascend without exhaling.

a. Method-Ditch

The diver should kneel on the bottom with one knee up.

Remove fins and snorkel.

Remove weight belt and place across raised knee.

Pull waist strap quick release hitch and chest strap hitch.

Elevate tank over head and bring forward and down in front of diver.

Lay tank flat on bottom, with diver assuming prone position.

Place weight belt over tank to keep tank in place.

Place mouthpiece under regulator, to prevent free flow.

Remove mask and place alongside regulator.

Ascend, EXHALING.

b. Method-Recovery

Skin dive down to equipment.

Put mouthpiece in mouth, clear hoses, and breathe.

Remove weight belt from tank and place across raised knee.

Put on and clear mask.

Adjust hoses so that they will not twist as tank is put on.

Grasp tank at sides so that hands are through harness in such a manner that they will fall into proper position as tank is elevated.

Elevate tank overhead, shrugging harness into proper position.

Lower tank onto back into proper position.

Secure straps with quick release hitches.
Put on fins and replace snorkel.

2. Ditch and recovery should be gone through on land first, then in five feet of water, and lastly in ten feet of water.

THE DANGER OF INCURRING AN AIR EMBOLISM BY SCENDING WITHOUT EXHALING CANNOT BE OVER-EMPHASIZED.

MATERIAL LIST

1. INNER TUBE
2. 1" x 6" x 18" BOARD
3. 1/4" DOWELL ROD
4. DIVER'S FLAG

Are You Ready To Move Onto The Next Lesson? Click Here...