Here at Scubanana, we are enthusiastic users of the long hose configuration – whether you are recreational diving, technical diving, sidemount, or cave diving. But in our day-to-day diving life, we often hear comments like:
• “Long hose diving is not for recreational divers.”
• “That only makes sense because you’re technical divers.”
These statements are based on a common misconception. The long hose configuration is not a niche setup reserved for technical environments – it is a highly practical, safer, and more efficient regulator configuration that works extremely well in recreational diving too. Let me explain why…
A Brief History of the Long Hose Configuration
The long hose configuration originated in cave diving in the 1980s, where reliable gas sharing in confined spaces was essential for survival. It later became a core element of the DIR (Doing It Right) and Hogarthian equipment philosophies, emphasizing simplicity, standardization, and efficiency.
What started as a solution for overhead environments has proven itself so effective that it has been widely adopted in technical, cave, wreck, and increasingly recreational diving.
What Is a Long Hose Configuration?
In a standard recreational scuba setup, divers typically use:
- A 76 cm (30 inch) hose for the primary regulator
- A 102 cm (40 inch) yellow hose for the secondary regulator (octopus), usually clipped or stowed on the BCD
In contrast, the long hose configuration uses:
- A 213 cm (7 ft) hose for the primary regulator
- A short 56 cm (22 inch) hose for the secondary regulator, worn on a bungee necklace directly under the chin
This means one very long hose and one very short hose.
The long hose is routed cleanly along the body and stored using a long hose retainer, a canister light, or even a knife on the hip to store away the loop. The secondary regulator is always accessible because it sits directly below the diver’s chin.
One big procedural difference is gas donation:
With a long hose configuration, you donate the regulator from your mouth and then switch to your own secondary regulator on the necklace.
Why Donate the Regulator From Your Mouth?
Quite simply: it makes more sense 😛
- You know that the regulator in your mouth works
- A traditional octopus is often dragged through sand, left unused for long periods, or poorly secured
- It’s way faster (and trust me that your out-of-gas-buddy appreciates that)
- In a real out-of-gas situation, a stressed diver will instinctively grab the regulator producing bubbles—the one in your mouth, you might as well donate it
Donating the primary regulator is faster and cleaner. There is no searching for an octopus clipped somewhere on the BCD. After donation, you simply grab the regulator on your necklace—positioned directly under your chin – and start breathing.
This procedure is simple, but it is different. That is why training the new setup is important!
Training Matters
You should never simply install a long hose and jump into the water without practice. Like any equipment configuration, it requires proper training and repetition, ideally under the guidance of a professional instructor.
The long hose configuration is superior, but you need to know how to use it correctly.
The same applies to your dive buddies or teammates. If they are not familiar with long hose gas-sharing procedures, explain it clearly before the dive – or better yet, encourage them to adopt the configuration themselves. 😉
Why the Long Hose Is Better in Scuba Diving
We firmly believe that the long hose configuration is the superior regulator setup for almost all divers.
Gas sharing is the clearest example. A longer hose provides:
- More space to manage the situation calmly
- Easier side-by-side swimming
- Better control during ascents
This is particularly valuable for Divemasters and Instructors, who often dive with less experienced divers. When sharing gas with a stressed or even panicked diver, distance equals safety. The long hose keeps the receiver far enough away to prevent mask loss, regulator dislodgement, or uncontrolled movement.
A controlled, face-to-face ascent also reduces the risk of secondary problems such as rapid ascents or decompression issues.
The long hose configuration is equally beneficial for photographers and videographers, who often dive with bulky or dangling equipment.
DPVs, Streamlining, and Equipment Management
If you dive with a DPV (scooter), a long hose configuration is not just recommended—it is essential.
- The necklace prevents accidental freeflows
- Nothing sticks out to create drag or entanglement
- Gas sharing while towing is only realistically possible with a long hose
Overall, the configuration is far more streamlined. Everything has a defined place, close to the body. As we learn in entry-level training, streamlining leads to:
- Lower gas consumption
- Reduced entanglement risk
- Easier equipment access
- Better for the environment
Because both regulators are used and checked on every dive, you always know they work.
Technical Diving, Cave Diving, and Teaching
In technical and cave diving, the long hose configuration is mandatory. In overhead environments, it is the only way to share gas safely, especially when going through a restrictions in single file.
In sidemount diving, configurations may vary, but most divers stick to the long hose setup.
Even if you are an Open Water Diver and advanced diving still feels far away, starting with the end in mind is a valuable philosophy. Learning to dive with a long hose configuration from the beginning means that, as you progress into more advanced forms of diving, the setup will already feel natural. You avoid unnecessary relearning later and build solid, transferable habits from the start.
The biggest misconception of them all:
“You cannot teach in a long hose configuration.”
This is simply false.
PADI standards – and those of other agencies – allow instructors to teach using a long hose configuration. Instructors are free to use it, and students can be taught effectively and safely with it.
I even asked PADI personally while writing this blog post, so yes I’m pretty sure. 🙂
This setup is not just for experts. It works with single tanks, twinsets, sidemount, and recreational setups alike.
Final Thoughts
The long hose configuration works better in nearly all diving situations. The only downside is that it requires proper training and familiarity. It is not something you should “just bolt on” without learning the procedures.
If you have never tried a long hose setup, ask us – we are happy to help.
Once you experience it underwater, chances are very high that you will never go back to the standard recreational configuration.
