It sounds like the main issue for AIDA (if I interpret correctly) is consistency of rules for all competitors. And from the point of view of athletes who actually compete in dynamic apnea, we don't want to be DQ'ed on a technicality that does not appear to give us any special advantage.
I think we need to discuss this idea of consistent rules for all competitors at all competitions. Sometimes it is difficult to find optimal pool space here in Vancouver. I imagine that some other clubs have similar challenges. Even the world championships in Egpyt had pool issues, initially. For example, when CAFA competitions are held, we are often limited to renting two lanes. Sometimes the lanes are in the middle of the pool and other times they are at the edge. Sometimes the depth is uniform and other times there is a shallow end as shallow as 1.3 metres, which is borderline for making a turn underwater and ensuring a stable recovery at the end of the performance (especially w/ monofin). So in some cases, a competitor can stand up after his or her performance, if the dynamic finishes in the shallow end. Of course the actual benefit of this may vary for each competitor (I prefer deep water, myself).
When we've had competitions in Vancouver, competitors have used the pool side when possible to support themselves to recover after their dynamic apnea. Does this mean that those results are invalidated when compared to competitors who competed at competitions that were only held in the middle lanes? Sometimes, the organizers do not have that choice.
I guess my (long winded) point here is that some variables will be almost impossible to eliminate. For example, pool depth should probably be consistent at over 2 metres for the whole distance. But if you try to eliminate these pool variables, you run the risk of making it near impossible to find a suitable pool for competitions, which doesn't help the development of the sport - we all know how pool rental policies can change overnight. :duh
In my mind, if we need absolute fairness for all competitors (and if it really matters), we should remove lane ropes and forbid the use of the wall altogether so that people train to surface on their own power in clear water as if they were in a lake or the ocean.
If that is unpalatable to the athletes, then we allow pulling at the end of the performance on whatever object is available (pool deck, lane rope, flutter board, etc).
7.8.2: Again, I feel that the surfacing rule is one that just causes grief to competitors. I'm sure judges hate applying it, as well. How does letting your legs break the surface (or your shoulders) actually help you with your performace? It doesn't. Drag is increased and whenever your fin(s) comes out of the water, you lose propulsion. I don't think athletes should be penalized for an activity that reduces their performance. Long track speed skaters are not penalized for placing their hand on the ice if they lose their balance. Why penalize them for something that slows them down? :duh
I would love to see this rule stricken and replaced with: "The athlete must keep the airway submerged until the end of the performance."
Pete