Shutdowns - I'm getting there!

[Buoyant Babe]

Some time ago I started and IANTD Advanced Recreational Trimix Course, but I put it on hold for the last six months due to family illness, work commitments etc getting in the way.

In the meantime, it became apparent that my neo suit wasn't going to let me anywhere near my valves, so I switched to membrane (you all know the saga of that by now ). However, I've still been really nervous about perfecting the art of the shutdown.

I spent last night in the pool with my Instructor nailing it and I'm dead chuffed that with a bit of kit tweaking and slackening of the waist harness, I've managed to reach all my valves and do the drill in the time expected of me.

I also practiced no-mask swimming, out-of-air scenarios (with and without a mask) and kit removal and replacement on the bottom.

I know that compared to doing shutdowns in a drysuit and thick gloves, it's probably a doddle doing them in the pool, but I'm feeling much happier about the whole thing now and more confident that I will be able to do them smoothly in full kit. Thanks to all the YDers who gave me encouragement and helpful tips and advice about them

Next week I'll be back in the pool but this time with my stage, followed by a trip to Capers to practice in my drysuit, which is likely to be on Friday 3 May.

This diving milarkey doesn't always come easily to me, but God loves a tryer and with the support of my Instructors Bob and Kev, and my YD mates, I'm sure I'll get there in the end.

I'll keep you posted!

Hxxx

[John63]

Well done BB keep at it

[purple vonny]

And not easy with those wee Jimmy arms? Well done xx

[hebails]

Hi Helen, I've had issues with shutdowns as well. Can you tell me if they were considerably easier in the pool? (assuming you were not suited up) as I'd quite like to get in the pool with my set on to practice to build up a bit of muscle memory.
Thanks Paul

[Leg Of Salmon]

Originally Posted by Buoyant Babe

I spent last night in the pool with my Instructor nailing it

And when did you practice the drills?

[neilh]

Excellent stuff Helen - glad you're making some progress. Once you can reach them then keep practicing and you'll soon find that it's far less tricky than you remembered

[weazelz]

Originally Posted by hebails

Hi Helen, I've had issues with shutdowns as well. Can you tell me if they were considerably easier in the pool? (assuming you were not suited up) as I'd quite like to get in the pool with my set on to practice to build up a bit of muscle memory.
Thanks Paul

yes, please tell him Helen

regards

hebails' bailout

[Gram43]

Get yerself on a rack to be stretched, or do yoga. Exercises like your arm above your head with hand bent down behind your head and you push the elbow of the bent arm downwards with your free hand. Sounds like torture, but not if you're a contortionist.

You'll get there.

[Buoyant Babe]

Originally Posted by hebails

Hi Helen, I've had issues with shutdowns as well. Can you tell me if they were considerably easier in the pool? (assuming you were not suited up) as I'd quite like to get in the pool with my set on to practice to build up a bit of muscle memory.
Thanks Paul

You're right, I wasn't suited up - I had a 3mm full length suit on. My instructor told me to loosen my waistband really slack, which dropped my crotch strap too. I then used both chest d-rings to yank the harness and rig right up, putting my head down at the same time. I could reach my isolator and valves with both hands allowing me to turn off the isolator and right post one after the other quickly with my left and right hands respectively. I then kept a hold on the manifold with my right hand while I was fiddling with the left post. Despite being left-handed I found this left post the most difficult.

Please folks, I'm not asking for a dissection of the way I did this - I'll do it the way my Instructor wants me to and is happy to pass me with. I'm just so relieved that I know I can definitely do them, even if this is just a start and without my drysuit and undersuits

[hebails]

Originally Posted by Buoyant Babe

You're right, I wasn't suited up - I had a 3mm full length suit on. My instructor told me to loosen my waistband really slack, which dropped my crotch strap too. I then used both chest d-rings to yank the harness and rig right up, putting my head down at the same time. I could reach my insolator and valves with both hands allowing me to turn off the isolator and right post one after the other quickly with my left and right hands respectively. I then kept a hold on the manifold with my right hand while I was fiddling with the left post. Despite being left-handed I found this left post the most difficult.

Please folks, I'm not asking for a dissection of the way I did this - I'll do it the way my Instructor wants me to and is happy to pass me with. I'm just so relieved that I know I can definitely do them, even if this is just a start and without my drysuit and undersuits

Both exactly the same for me. I was told to loosen the waist strap till I had enough memory in my muscles. This allowed me to perform a shutdown.
I'm left handed as well and find the left post harder which is a little bizzarre.
Keep at it till i crack it is my mantra.
Paul