I had posted in another thread about the problems I was having with buoyancy, and even trapped air in the BCD. This is a follow-up to share with others something that greatly helped me. I just returned a few minutes ago from taking the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy course. By watching the videos, and spending an entire morning under water with a dive master, I now understand that my problem was not gear related, it was "me related."
The first thing that was quickly discovered is that I was not weighted properly. I had too much weight. We went through drills on how to check your weight before each dive, and then spent time at depth going through multiple drills and excercises. By the time the class was over, for the first time I had total confidence in my ability to suspend myself and maneauver as desired. It was a great feeling to have more control, and the diving experience was much more enjoyable as a result. The excercises involving breath control as a form of buoyancy compensation allowed me to swim through hoops.
Upon ascending, it was now possible to stop on a dime at each desired depth, and maintain that depth without movement.
IMH and inexperienced opinion, anyone who is just getting certified should take this course before setting out on their own. It will improve your confidence and comfort level.
Scott
The first thing that was quickly discovered is that I was not weighted properly. I had too much weight. We went through drills on how to check your weight before each dive, and then spent time at depth going through multiple drills and excercises. By the time the class was over, for the first time I had total confidence in my ability to suspend myself and maneauver as desired. It was a great feeling to have more control, and the diving experience was much more enjoyable as a result. The excercises involving breath control as a form of buoyancy compensation allowed me to swim through hoops.
Upon ascending, it was now possible to stop on a dime at each desired depth, and maintain that depth without movement.
IMH and inexperienced opinion, anyone who is just getting certified should take this course before setting out on their own. It will improve your confidence and comfort level.
Scott