stevek@gymble.UUCP (Stephen N Kogge) (08/15/85)
Until we lose this news group or get to know each other well enough we probably ought to list our certification level... I have PADI "MASTER DIVER" which requires OW, AOW, several other certifications along with RESCUE and CPR certification (big deal all you need is time and patience). There was a question about doubles. I have double 50's 72's and 80's. The 50's are the most comfortable and for "deep dives" of over 100 feet even though they only have 100 cu ft total the smaller mass means less work and less air used. The 72's are bigger and heavier than the 50's but only give about 20 cu ft more (72cu ft is only for the first hydo period, then they drop to only about 60 at rated pressure). I just used the 72's for both dives off North Carolina last month, one dive to the U352 at 110 ft for 15min, and the second dive on the "senataur duhamel" which I think was at 70ft for a no decompression limit that day of 25min (my log is at home). 80's give you lots of air for deep dives but boy do you know they are there in the water with the extra drag and mass, and after you swim up and down the anchor line they seem to weigh a ton getting back onto the boat. (the usual seas off NC are 2 to 6 foot) I have been accused to breathing water (2hours on 1 80 at 30ft) so it is very hard to say what the average person will get off any tank(s). If you don't have tanks yet, rent different types are find what you like. There was a question about yokes for the tanks. There are several types but basically two classes. One group screws into the tanks and replaces both valves. The other type (the ones I have) connect the valves. The valve type cannot get water into the conecting tube between the tanks, and when you turn on the air you get both tanks. The simple connecting tube has to be cleared of water after use, both tank valves must be turned on (to keep underwater suprises to a minimum) but you can use the tanks as singles by removing the tank/backpack doubles bands (10 min work). Enough for now. I will try to get back and give y'all the "sure cure" for seasickness, diving Pennecamp (sp?) state park Fla, MAUI, St.Thomas, Cavern diving in Fla, Bonnair, and the Cheasapeake (sp?) Bay (who can spell anyway).