Rebreather Modifications/Tips for when scootering?

Ben Field

Hi Folks,

Picked up a scooter last week and tried it for the first time on some shallow reef dives at the weekend (on OC) very entertaining and excellent for covering lots of ground and in current, I'm sold on the concept now!

So, anything I should do/bear in mind when using it with the Rebreather, obviously things like blasting the bailout regs into freeflow is abit more likely and a few more dangly bits to tidy away from the blender/prop.... any other advice/lessons learnt?

Thanks,
BEN

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ScubaDadMiami

Not that this means that this is the way you should do it, but I charge and then turn off my offboard regulators so that the tanks do not get emptied in the flow.

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RichClark

You might want to consider a chin rest for your DSV. Phi had one one his old SK and really helped moving the weight and pull of the DSV on to the Chin.

Cheers

Rich

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DaveC

The only problem with turning off the offboard gas is if you have it plumbed into the BOV. However, if you remember its turned off then its not a problem

This is where having all the gas on one side is good. You drive with the right and bailout is on the left. or leashed and it keeps the bottles from freeflowing.

Dave

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Dave

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zoo_diver

Good point Dave. Another option is that you sidemount your bottles. They will be tucked up under your arm and won't freeflow and you won't have to worry about turning them off.

Mikel-Deko

Hi,
I have just buy a new scooter and i will like to know any tips also.

But, until now, i was using the apollo av1. I tried diferent configuration for the stages and it was almost imposible to wear two stages in the left side.

Will see with the farallon...

Best
Mikel

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cameron

More so then modifications I have found that the whole thing is about technique. Getting your knees up and head down really make riding more comfortable. Improper trim becomes VERY apparent on a scooter.

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Decodiver

Leave your gas turned on and fit flowstops where necessary.

Take it easy, make sure the scooter goes where you want it and not the other way around.

Always dive with a compass.

Cheers,

Dave Cooper.

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Rebreather World Terms & Conditions

Ben Field

Thanks folks,

Spent the weekends OC tryout getting the trim sorted, obviously it'll change alittle with the KISS but I know the body position to start with.

Just been fplaying with flow stops and making a chin rest (adjustable) so thanks for those tips, will see how I get on. My stages are mounted armadillo style so will try with flow stops on and off for effect.

Also made up a tow leash for my buddy, had him hanging on my belt at the weekend, worked but was abit uncomfortable over any distance.

BEN

PS Its an AV-1 I have, can't really imagine the need to go any faster though, I was pretty surprised by the speed and power from such a small thing! This weekend I'll see how it copes with abit more depth (Trigger mod completed also!)

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lizardland

Like what Dave says... I don't turn off my deep bailout gas either. Mine is on long hose and round the neck (like how DIR divers breathe their stages) with the 2nd stage on a lanyard round my neck. I haven't had any freeflow problems while scootering (TX40 2nd stage set on -ve). I've heard the KISS DSV can freeflow while scootering but I've got my Paragon permanently disabled so it doesn't matter to me.

To add to Dave's point about a compass, definitely carry AND use one if in open water especially somewhere without landmarks and really practice navigation (I ended up inadvertently scootering into a working oil terminal a few years ago -- I was lucky, if I'd gone the other way it was a nuclear naval base). Keep an eye on how long you've burned the scooter too, 1/3's applies to scooters as well as gas, they're awkward bastards if you have to swim one back. Carry a small lift bag that will float the scooter if it floods too.

If I'm using just one stage then I prefer it side slung as normal (on the left but that's just my preference) but if I'm using two then I find having the second nose clipped to the waist d-ring is better for streamlining. I've really noticed the difference it makes when I've been towing another scooter.

With the KISS, I keep the displays and MAV on the left so that my right is free to drive the scooter. I've got the MAV and wing inflator bungeed to the left shoulder strap as I don't think a pound of stainless will do the prop any good and my dil SPG is clipped in tight as well. I found my PO2 was creeping up when scootering with the KISS, I guess I wasn't burning as much O2. I swapped in a 0.003" orifice which helped but I guess you could also dial the IP down instead.

One thing I found when scootering on a Rebreather is that you really need to be more aware of what is happening. Scootering can take a lot of attention if you aren't careful, it is very easy to concentrate more on the ride than anything else.

Finally, wear more thermals, you'll get colder quicker.

Cheers,

Stuart

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