Weight

[Angry Dan]

I have another question about weight.

On my recent trip to NDAC with EllieCee (whom I would like to thank for putting up with a novice and I would also like to thank RachyBaby for the coffee),we managed 2 dives.

On the first dive we both initially struggled to get below the surface. I was using a harness with 4Kg of lead shot in each side, 2 integrated weight pouches in BCD with 2Kg in each. On the safety stop I was unable to hold position.

For the second dive I added 2 1Kg shot pouches one in each of the trim sections either side of my tank. This made getting down no problem but once we had descended I could not inflate dry suit sufficently to clear the bottom. I then dumped one of the 2Kg pouches and was able to continue the dive. I was then able complete the safety stop (with a bit of confusion) although I did have to hold on to the reference line for a short period.

My question is would it be better to dive with the extra weight at the begining and add air into BCD to compensate which I can then release prior to ascent?

If not has anyone got any tips I can practice for overcoming this issue.

[Flyingspanner]

Start by doing a proper weight check, if you can, use a cyl with about the same amount of air in as you'd normally end a dive with, adjust your weights till you float at eye level whilst holding a normal breath. Then descend slowly when you exhale.

[Bobco]

As above, have you access to a pool? its an easy way of doing this, if not a more local pond than the NDAC?

[Angry Dan]

I did weights check after dry suit course with instructor which is why I went from 10Kg to 12Kg, using exactly the same equipment.

I have read a lot of people add air to their drysuit to prevent squeeze but use their BCD for bouyancy. I know this is frowned upon as there are 2 systems that need to be controlled during ascent but as my main issue seems to be only the inability to get down initialy after I have reduced air in tank I would be able to dump air from BCD.

Would you expect where the weight is carried to effect buoyancy? This does not make sense to me but would repostioning where I carry the weight help.

I am intending to replace my undersuit (not until I have a decent torch tho),so maybe that will also help.

[Carlylove]

Once you have your weight check done and are correctly weighted for the dive you may find this useful.

I used to find that as new diver just as I started to go below the surface I was inhaling as an almost involuntary reaction to being underwater with no air in me and would rise again

Now I exhale until I am all the way under and descending then slowly draw breath so as not to suddenly be full of air and rise again.

HTH

[aquafan]

I'm glad you had a good dive at NDAC, I know what it's like trying to get the weight correct.
I know this is probably wrong but I am only putting air in the suit to stop squeeze. I am using BCD to help with buoyancy. I don't have a problem with having to air spaces, when ascending I have my left arm up while holding the deflation hose in left hand.

[jb2cool]

Some might say it's wrong, some might say it's right.

I use my drysuit to keep me dry and my BC to control my bouyancy. Sounds right to me.

[aquafan]

Not jus me then I also don't like the feeling of the air moving around in the suit, if at anytime you go vertical you either get a rush of air to your chest and arms or legs.

(20-11-2008 04:49 PM)jb2cool Wrote:  Some might say it's wrong, some might say it's right.

I use my drysuit to keep me dry and my BC to control my bouyancy. Sounds right to me.

[Angry Dan]

(20-11-2008 04:34 PM)Carlylove Wrote:  Once you have your weight check done and are correctly weighted for the dive you may find this useful.

I used to find that as new diver just as I started to go below the surface I was inhaling as an almost involuntary reaction to being underwater with no air in me and would rise again

Now I exhale until I am all the way under and descending then slowly draw breath so as not to suddenly be full of air and rise again.

HTH

That is a good tip, I am not sure what I currently do so will have to pay specific notice to it next time I get to go diving.

[Bobco]

Agree, but a can of worms for a new diver.

Stick with one, the suit, until you can handel 2.

(20-11-2008 04:49 PM)jb2cool Wrote:  Some might say it's wrong, some might say it's right.

I use my drysuit to keep me dry and my BC to control my bouyancy. Sounds right to me.