Carribeandiver
Guest
To be neutral is very important as it effects air consumption and the ability to relax and enjoy the sights instead of constantly checking the depth gauge.
Being a new diver, this is a problem for me. I read an article in Scuba Diving on proper weighting and tried the suggested technique.
That is, I weighted myself and jumped in, in full gear. If I managed to float at eye level on the surface, then my weight was correct.
I found the perfect weight amount and descended into the depths. Then the problems began, depth effects buoyancy. And as the tank empties, that too effects buoyancy. I found that I had perfect weight at the start of a dive but was underweighted at the end of the dive when my tank was positive (AL80).
What a struggle to do a free ascent and safety stop when you are positive. Up and down, up and down. 30 seconds at 20 feet, 30 seconds at 15 feet, 30 seconds at 12 feet, back to 30 seconds at 17 feet.
In short, it appears it is better to be overweighted then underweighted. Air can be added to a BC to compensate but what can you do if you are underweighted?
Any comments, tricks and/or tips would be appreciated.
Being a new diver, this is a problem for me. I read an article in Scuba Diving on proper weighting and tried the suggested technique.
That is, I weighted myself and jumped in, in full gear. If I managed to float at eye level on the surface, then my weight was correct.
I found the perfect weight amount and descended into the depths. Then the problems began, depth effects buoyancy. And as the tank empties, that too effects buoyancy. I found that I had perfect weight at the start of a dive but was underweighted at the end of the dive when my tank was positive (AL80).
What a struggle to do a free ascent and safety stop when you are positive. Up and down, up and down. 30 seconds at 20 feet, 30 seconds at 15 feet, 30 seconds at 12 feet, back to 30 seconds at 17 feet.
In short, it appears it is better to be overweighted then underweighted. Air can be added to a BC to compensate but what can you do if you are underweighted?
Any comments, tricks and/or tips would be appreciated.