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Scuba Forum > Training
 
#375
 Best way to surface swim on shore dive
RodneyKim - 3/15/2014 12:21 PM
Category: Training
Replies: 6
When doing a surface swim to conserve air, while doing a shore dive. What do you think is the best/easiest way to conserve the most air and energy. I have generally done the swim and snorkel method with the tank/bcd attached to my body. I have read that some prefer to take the BCD off and float on or behind it. Now this is in water that it not to rough to do the surface swim as opposed to going out under the waves when it is too rough to surface swim.

What are you thoughts or preferred methods.
#20451
LatitudeAdjustment - 3/15/2014 2:17 PM
In clear water I snorkel face down so I can see where I’m going and the bottom coming up.

In NJ surf you won’t see anything until it’s too late so I go in on my back, if the waves are breaking then it’s getting too shallow and you need to get your feet under you.

I never take the gear off until I’m on shore.
#200
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Capt-Dave - 3/15/2014 2:28 PM
I go in on my back as well. It seems to be the least tiring. If your out of breath when your ready to descend you will consume more air anyway. So I take it slow and easy with mask on and regulator in hand in case a waves hit me unexpectedly.
#51828
Greg - 3/15/2014 8:24 PM
In lakes or calm ocean, I surface swim on my back with all gear on and no snorkel. In choppy ocean, I would either descend immediately or swim face down with my mask and snorkel.
#3240
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daz88 - 3/21/2014 10:47 PM
swim on my back most of the time, but sometimes mix it up. If it was a long surface swim, I’ll usually chill for a while and get the heart rate down before dropping. (also enjoying the relaxing feeling of NOT being at work)
#2242
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MDW - 11/13/2014 7:58 AM
Avoid surface swimming altogether by planning your dive properly, monitoring your gas properly, navigating properly, ending the dive at or very near your exit point.