thinking of doubles

[mcc2318]

i just had a couple of questions, i noticed on most it looked like you need to first stages, is that true? Is there certain training that you need?

[mwhities]

Yes, you need two first stages and two second stages. Here is a great site for details.

DIR-diver.com - Reg configuration doubles

As for training, you might be better off finding a local diver as a mentor. Nothing beats someone that does it all the time for proper (and free) training.

Otherwise, you can get classes and GUE Fundies is one I recommend. Global Underwater Explorers | Global Underwater Explorers

Michael

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by mcc2318

i just had a couple of questions, i noticed on most it looked like you need to first stages, is that true? Is there certain training that you need?

Yes. Two first stages, and a different hose configuration.

There are a number of agencies that can teach an Intro to Tech course that will give you the basics of doubles diving. But a Mentor, as Michael pointed out, is a great way to get started. The most important thing is to properly learn your valve drills, and make sure you're configured such that you can reach them.

[skdvr]

I just put a set of doubles together, and I will dive them for the 1st time this weekend. I am going the route of talking to Tech divers in my area and they are going to help me out with my first few dives in the new Twins...

Phil

[mwhities]

Originally Posted by skdvr

I just put a set of doubles together, and I will dive them for the 1st time this weekend. I am going the route of talking to Tech divers in my area and they are going to help me out with my first few dives in the new Twins...

Phil

Good luck. I'll get mine April 12th. Won't get to dive them as doubles until I get back home and put them together.

Michael

[skdvr]

Originally Posted by mwhities

Good luck. I'll get mine April 12th. Won't get to dive them as doubles until I get back home and put them together.

Michael

Thanks, I just hope I do not get in the water with them and have NO buoyancy control what so ever. I am sure it will be off but I just do not want to be all over the place. I am a little nervous about that.

Phil

[mwhities]

Originally Posted by skdvr

Thanks, I just hope I do not get in the water with them and have NO buoyancy control what so ever. I am sure it will be off but I just do not want to be all over the place. I am a little nervous about that.

Phil

Sorry for the slight hi-jack to the OP.

Just get in the shallow end of your pool with a buddy (not in gear) to help you. I'm going to do that and my dive buddy will have a hand on my manifold incase I get stuck to the bottom of the 3' pool.

[MSilvia]

Start shallow and you won't have to worry about buoyancy issues. Try it out at a pool or shore dive just to get in the ballpark. While you're adjusting your buoyancy, think of the impact on your trim too. Doubles can really exacerbate the tendancy of a single tank to be top or bottom heavy. When I first tried out my twin 100s, I nearly ended up head first in the sand. Getting it dialed in meant finding a way not only to make the rig lighter, but to move the center of gravity back.

[texdiveguy]

Originally Posted by skdvr

Thanks, I just hope I do not get in the water with them and have NO buoyancy control what so ever. I am sure it will be off but I just do not want to be all over the place. I am a little nervous about that.

Phil

Phil... you gotta start somewhere....glad to hear you are taking the plung! Start off shallow of course and don't be afraid to experament with different trim options. It really is not all that hard to go to doubles if your basic dive skills are good. Remember to fill that bc a bit more prior to entering the water--

[cummings66]

That's a good idea. It's amazing how negative a set of twins as large as his will be compared to a single tank.

It's also very nice to feel the stability twins offer in comparison to a single tank. I like it and feel that any diver who's squared away could handle it with no issues.

I would add one thing though, if you're a diver who comes up when they run low on air and have moved to doubles to get more bottom time, watch your NDL's because odd's are you can exceed them now and you'll get something you didn't expect.