Had a regulator freeflow at 90 feet on a bridge piling job in Mobile Bay last month

It was a cold water dive, about 45 degrees. My primary second stage just started blasting air nonstop. Couldn't stop it by tapping the purge. Had to switch to my octopus, signal my tender, and make a slow, controlled ascent while managing my buoyancy with the freeflowing reg. The whole ascent I was just thinking about my air consumption and watching my SPG. Made it to the surface fine, but it was a long 5 minutes. What's your go-to move when a reg freeflows deep? Do you try to fix it or just bail to your backup immediately?

3 comments

3 Comments

ivan8218d agoMost Upvoted

You managed that in 45 degree water? Absolute madness.

marymorgan18d agoTop Commenter

Wasn't there a whole thing about cold water swimmers doing this on purpose? I read it helps with inflammation or something, but honestly @ivan82, that still sounds completely insane to me. My idea of a cold plunge is a slightly cool shower. I can't even imagine getting into water that cold on purpose, let alone staying in long enough to swim. Those people must have a different kind of wiring in their brains.

evannelson7d agoMost Upvoted

Thought it was crazy until I tried it.