Recreational Rebreathers?

***EBT*** · 17th January 2008, 10:45

Every sport has its elitists, "what do you mean you bought a race spec fireblade to ride around in the countryside, there's safer ways!". You do what you want, why you want.

For me personally, diving a breather when I dont need to is arse-ache. 'recreational' diving (sub 40, no/limited deco) is OC because I can do that with half my brain switched off (down to just one brain cell then!). For others its a chance for peace and quiet, others for photography and for some its even part of a fetish. Nigel, remind me, motorcyclists wear leather right? Im spotting a trend...

lizardland · 17th January 2008, 11:13

Quote: (Originally Posted by EBT)

(down to just one brain cell then!)

Are you rounding upwards?

wearypanda · 17th January 2008, 11:59

Quote: (Originally Posted by lizardland)

I think the OP meant <40m and no/limited deco by "recreational" as most of the Septic agencies define it as.

Other than as a nice to have gadget, I can't understand why anyone would want the hassle of a rebreather where a cylinder of nitrox could be used. Even just on cost, a CCR dive costs me about £9-15 inc. gas & consumables, not including bailout, maintenance, servicing, depreciation/wear & tear and capital cost. When I can fill my twin 12's for £5 and the kit cost maybe £300 to me I couldn't justify it. After three years of diving a CK I really look forward to the opportunities to dive OC.

Fair enough, if it's someone aspiring to trimix in the same way that an OC diver aspiring to mix will go to a twinset but if all my diving was <40m with 10min of deco max then I wouldn't go near a Rebreather.

Some of us (maybe many of us) want to dive CCR for reasons other than going deep and long. I have no desire (at present) to go deeper than a 'recreational' 40m, but still prefer to dive CCR. I love the lack of bubbles and that the wildlife does not scoot away from you just because you are breathing, and the dive is so much more peaceful. I also prefer the more natural breathing, the warmer and moister air, and the extended NDL. Breathing an optimal mix also means that you shoud be less likely (if you dive recreational profiles) to get bent.

I personally avoid trying to work out what each dive costs. I do it because I enjoy it. There have been loads of things I have done in the past (most especially flying) which I would not have done if I had worked out the real costs or tried to justify those costs.

I agree that preparing a CCR to dive and the ongoing maintenance of it is a bit of a hassle. However, I have found that if I spend time preping and checking the unit the evening before I dive, the following day there is not very much more to do than is needed on OC.

This whole rebreather thing is very much a question of personal choices and preferences.

17th January 2008, 10:45	#11 (permalink)
*EBT* Apprentice Luddite Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: UK, Brighton Posts: 2,110	Re: Recreational Rebreathers? Every sport has its elitists, "what do you mean you bought a race spec fireblade to ride around in the countryside, there's safer ways!". You do what you want, why you want. For me personally, diving a breather when I dont need to is arse-ache. 'recreational' diving (sub 40, no/limited deco) is OC because I can do that with half my brain switched off (down to just one brain cell then!). For others its a chance for peace and quiet, others for photography and for some its even part of a fetish. Nigel, remind me, motorcyclists wear leather right? Im spotting a trend... __________________ Eagles May Soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines! RBW Terms of service
(Offline)

17th January 2008, 11:13	#12 (permalink)
lizardland Yak Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Home Build Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North... Posts: 1,387	Re: Recreational Rebreathers? Quote: (Originally Posted by EBT) (down to just one brain cell then!) Are you rounding upwards? __________________ Can you imagine drifting along in the sea with your mouth open and a load of f***ing plankton going in? You'd like it, would you? www.westons-cider.co.uk Azerbaijani Association of Technical Divers Publicity Officer and Goat Wrangler
(Offline)

17th January 2008, 11:59	#13 (permalink)
wearypanda New Member Current Rebreather/s: Pelagian Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Pelagian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Wiltshire, UK Posts: 94	Re: Recreational Rebreathers? Quote: (Originally Posted by lizardland) I think the OP meant <40m and no/limited deco by "recreational" as most of the Septic agencies define it as. Other than as a nice to have gadget, I can't understand why anyone would want the hassle of a rebreather where a cylinder of nitrox could be used. Even just on cost, a CCR dive costs me about £9-15 inc. gas & consumables, not including bailout, maintenance, servicing, depreciation/wear & tear and capital cost. When I can fill my twin 12's for £5 and the kit cost maybe £300 to me I couldn't justify it. After three years of diving a CK I really look forward to the opportunities to dive OC. Fair enough, if it's someone aspiring to trimix in the same way that an OC diver aspiring to mix will go to a twinset but if all my diving was <40m with 10min of deco max then I wouldn't go near a Rebreather. Some of us (maybe many of us) want to dive CCR for reasons other than going deep and long. I have no desire (at present) to go deeper than a 'recreational' 40m, but still prefer to dive CCR. I love the lack of bubbles and that the wildlife does not scoot away from you just because you are breathing, and the dive is so much more peaceful. I also prefer the more natural breathing, the warmer and moister air, and the extended NDL. Breathing an optimal mix also means that you shoud be less likely (if you dive recreational profiles) to get bent. I personally avoid trying to work out what each dive costs. I do it because I enjoy it. There have been loads of things I have done in the past (most especially flying) which I would not have done if I had worked out the real costs or tried to justify those costs. I agree that preparing a CCR to dive and the ongoing maintenance of it is a bit of a hassle. However, I have found that if I spend time preping and checking the unit the evening before I dive, the following day there is not very much more to do than is needed on OC. This whole rebreather thing is very much a question of personal choices and preferences.
(Offline)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode