weight belts, BCs and short waists

[ChristineKB]

Does anyone have any suggestions for how to deal with taking off and putting on a weight belt when the BC comes down over your hips?

Since I am taking my open water course and haven't saved enough money to buy and integrated weight BC yet, I'm stuck using BC that is being supplied by the school. I'm wearing a size small and the cummerbund of the BC crosses my hipbones rather than my waist.

Help!

 

[King_Neptune]

ChristineKB,


They don't have any other BC's you can use? Something that is (at least somewhat) properly fitted to your build?

If not, is there someone that you can borrow one from? Although trivial sounding, improperly fitted gear can become more than just a nuisance, it can actually become rather dangerous. Think of it like this - S.C.U.B.A. gear is your Life Support System, much like a parachute would be if you were skydiving... Would you jump out the door if the parachute did not fit on you? ... ekk! I sure hope not, hehe


=-)

 

[Rick Murchison]

I'm sure you've already done so, but just in case... most BC's have adjustments the shop can make to extend or contract the basic size a bit. If that's been done and you have the shoulder straps pulled in all the way, you may need to go to a child's BC to be safe. As KN said, it's not just a matter of comfort - you must be able to wear your weightbelt where it is easily jettisoned.
Rick

[Edited by Rick Murchison on 01-08-2001 at 11:20 PM]

 

[SubMariner]

It's the shop's responsibility to supply you with gear that is the right size for you. Period. There *are* BCs that come in XS or XXS, so they have no excuse.

If they aren't willing to give you gear that is appropriate for your size (and therfore SAFE gear that you can learn to use PROPERLY) then you should ask for your money back & go elsewhere.

Just my $0.02's worth...

~SubMariner~

 

[ChristineKB]

Thanks for the replies. I tried a child's BC but I'm too big around the middle. The instructor and the dive shop that is supplying the gear are working on getting me a BC that fits better. Unfortunately, no one has yet figured a way to add five inches height between my shoulders and hip bones.

This week we are doing the water skills evaluation and I have been promised that I will have a properly fitting BC by the first confined dive.

I do appreciate your concern.