Jasonmh:
I was looking for the DIR answer to how to wear a weightbelt with a BP&Ws setup. I thought it was supposed to go under the crotch strap, but now I am hearing that it should go over the crotch strap if you are wearing a wetsuit, and under if you are wearing a drysuit. Also, if it is supposed to go over the strap when wearing a wetsuit, does anyone have any tips for putting it on. I find it difficult to get the weightbbelt on after I have the BP&Ws on. Also, is it anti-dir (for lack of a better term), to use a neoprene weightbelt with soft weights in them instead of a traditional lead hard weight?
Thanks,
Jason
Hi Jason,
I'm no authority on DIR, but I can tell you how to end up with your weight belt outside of your harness.
First but on your weight belt, just snug enough to keep it from falling off.
Put on your harness.
Reach back, around the side, not through the crotch, and grab your crotch strap. Pull it forward around one side or the other.
Stuff the end of the crotch strap down inside the weight belt, grab end below weight belt and pull it down and around to the back.
Reach through crotch and grab the crotch strap, pull it to the front, and up through the weight belt.
Feed crotch strap on to waist belt of harness, close buckle in the usual manner.
Now your weight belt is "last on, first off"
Sounds harder than it really is.
I used to do this, but now I use a XS Scuba pouch belt, under my harness. If I ever have to ditch (never have) I can just open a pouch and take out 2-3 lbs at a time. I like having the belt under the harness to prevent inadvertant loss of ballast..
Tobin