Which bits of DIR to use

[Helen F H]

I like the DIR philosophy, but there is no way i can change all my gear to fit in with it, not straight away anyway.  For a start i would have to get a custom back plate cos im so short, plus there are other bits n bobs that i really like and that arnt DIR.

So what are the best things in DIR that can be easily transfered to my normal set up?

[daz]

The long hose is a good start.

Daz

[Helen F H]

On which side?  I have unmanifolded twins...so right or left?  Dont say both...

[daz]

Ummm ok got me there...   Given that indies are not DIR, throw the question into the equipment forum.  Personally I don't see it makes a huge difference which side.  But if you went for the right post at least if you switch to a manifolded set, everything will still go in the same place.

The only thing is that in a OOA situation you might have to do some reg swapping to get your buddy on the long hose.

A knife on the waist strap also makes sense for very little money,  and if you are serious about what other DIR ideas you can adopt for very little money I will give you one suggestion that will cost nothing.

Give your computer to me...  That's right you won't need it and I'll even pay the postage so it does not cost you anything

Daz

[Mark Chase]

Long hose is a great start and I just mount in on the normal side when I am diving indys. DIR say that’s the left hand tank as you face the rig with the wing towards you. I have my one on the right as I can shut that side down quicker than the one on the left and primary is the most likely to go. Obviously that’s not DIR

Necklace back up reg is also very good but problematic if diving with PADI divers.

Minimal clutter to the frontal area costs nothing and is a good plan

Set gas lists for deco costs nothing extra and is also a good plan

Trimix below 35m is good too but expensive and I wouldn’t use the percentages they use due to cost.

I like the spring fin straps (but haven’t got them yet) also ridiculously expensive

Their mantra on practice practice and buoyancy control is a dammed good thing and only costs time and effort

Clearly marked cylinders is also good but sometimes difficult with the amount of stickers they force you to have in the UK

Never dive with a stroke is a very good plan unless you’re training. Mind you their definition of a stroke and my own are vastly different.

Thin is that DIR is a holistic concept encompassing lifestyle choices, diet, exercise, dive planning equipment choice and configuration, gas choice, decompression planning etc. All in all its a vast church and you cant be DIR by just wearing Speedos and a hog rig ;0.

So other DIR things you could do are:

Regular aerobic exercise
Avoidance of alcohol or drugs
Eating a low fat diet

Now you can see why it’s not for me.

Got to go. I'm off for bacon and eggs and a pint


ATB

Mark Chase

[daz]

Mark,

Please expand :-

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]Necklace back up reg is also very good but problematic if diving with PADI divers.

Why?,  I do all the time and can't see where the problem is.

Daz

[siltmonkey]

Presumably because they're trained to go for the reg that isn't in your mouth - if they went for the necklaced backup, it would make for a very cosy air-sharing experience!




r

[daz]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (siltmonkey @ Dec. 01 2003,11:06)]Presumably because they're trained to go for the reg that isn't in your mouth - if they went for the necklaced backup, it would make for a very cosy air-sharing experience!




r

I suspected that would be the answer but for me it is a non problem.

The one thing I always explain to a buddy above all else is they take the reg in my mouth.  

Most of the guys who I dive with regurlarly know the drill and have even tried it so no problem.  

This is not a PADI problem per se, it is a common with most of the recreational training agencies.

Daz

[Davey Willo]

If someone is on their last gasp of air they'll take the one from your mouth without asking no matter which agency trained them.....

[Dr Stevil]

I dunno about that Dave, I've heard first hand stories about OOA folk who simply will not accept a donated reg, I don't understand what the psychology is behind it but it's extremely well documented and freaky as a freaky thing.

From personal experience, BSAC also teach to take the one not in your mouth but every trainee I've told "Take the reg from my mouth, not the yellow one" has done it 'quick as boiled asparagus', it's not a problem at all, in fact I believe it makes it easier.

However, back to the original point, yes LH-ing is the obvious starting point
Long hoses rock!