Quote: (Originally Posted by
Audimaniac)
.. make a very good case for bio-mechanics (in that operating valves on inverts is far easier and “natural” for our limbs than with uprights).
I continue to be intrigued by this one. Reaching valves on an upright set appears to me to involve only a small flex of the elbow - the same minimal and to my mind very natural movement as required to, for example, touch the back of your neck with your finger. Reaching where I think the valves would be on an inverted set appears to me to involve a much larger movement with either a full arm sweep or a more complex shoulder rotation with an elbow flex and then extend. That movement is OK for a routine procedure like checking backgas SPG but seems a bit too complex when a much simpler urgent 'flex elbow to manipulate valve' option is available.
When the diver is standing upright with their arms at their sides, the inverted tank valves would seem to the simpler movement, but in the prone diving position with arms forward I can't think of a simpler movement to reach the valves than the elbow flex. I wonder if people arguing inverts as more natural start their thinking from 'standing upright' as opposed to 'lying prone' ? Is this another case of people working out 'easier' methods whilst forgetting that they are carried out underwater rather than standing on land?
Tim