Buoyancy Help

[timeknight]

Hi all, I’ve been reading this board for a while but this is my 1st post. I have some questions regarding Buoyancy and weight. My Wife and I just finished out Open Water class and this past weekend we went on our 1st solo dive, and we both had some problems getting down and I hoping I can get some help here.

In our OW class we were diving and we had no problems descending but we made some changes to our gear. We both were using the Aqua Lung Wave BC during class and have recently upgraded to the Aqua Lung Malibu RDS (cause it was on sale). Is this a more Buoyant BC? Also during class I was using an 80 cubic AL tank but last weekend I used a 63 or 68 cubic AL tank (can’t remember what the actual size was). Would this make a difference?

Thanks in advance for the help.

PS if you want to see pics from our dives check them out here
http://www.knight.lv/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=scuba

 

[norcaldiver]

I can't really say on the BC, but I wouldn't think that it would make that big of a differance. However, yes, the tanks are probably what gave you a problem. The 80s that you were using weight more than the 63s, hence you were actually packing less weight this time. It probably wasn't more than a couple pounds difference, but when you're weighted right(and it sounds as if you were) loosing a couple lbs can make all the difference in the world.

ps. neat pics, pm me sometime, I'm always looking for buddies. I love to take my video camera out and need the slow moving buddies that most pic takers are.

 

[herman]

A couple of things come to mind. I kind of doubt that there is much difference in the BC, the tanks will have some impact but I suspect the major reason was stress. For what ever reason, stress levels seem to increase the weight requirements and this being your first unescorted dive I would wager the stress level was a little higher than it was in class. So, do a GOOD bouyancy check, find an easy place to dive and practice your skills. I will bet the weight problems will soon be resolved.

 

[Charlie99]

herman once bubbled...
I suspect the major reason was stress. For what ever reason, stress levels seem to increase the weight requirements and this being your first unescorted dive I would wager the stress level was a little higher than it was in class.

I've noticed that new divers sometimes do the natural thing..... suck in a big breath of air before they duck their head under the water.

Timeknight, before you start adding more lead to submerge, try two things:
1) exhale forcefully just as you try to descend, 2) use your hands to swim yourself down if needed, but keep your feet and fins absolutely motionless.

Even lazily or absentmindedly moving your feet back and forth can generate a few pounds of upward force.

Congratulations on your first unescorted dives.

Charlie

 

[MikeFerrara]

Always check your weighting when you make equipment changes. A change in equipment can effect both the amount of weight and the placement required.

Environmental changes and changes in you can also effect it.

 

[finstotheleft]

I agree with Herman that the stress level does play a role. I get stressed out in cold water...having to wear a hood and extra gear just kills me. I get all constricted and stressed out. Last time, I had every weight that wasn't nailed down on me, and was to the point of putting rocks in my BC pockets...I just could not get down. Then once I got down, I had horrible bouyancy. It's been like that on every cold water dive.

I've about decided that I don't like cold water diving! (although I'll probably try it again...not much choice in KY... )

 

[scubadudeuk]

some very helpful and cool advice there guys i didnt start the thread buts its been very helpful to me thanks

 

[DiveRoper]

Finstotheleft, thanks. If you get a chance, please reread my post in the Basic Scuba Questions part, Bummer on OW Certification. This is what happened to us, The water was cold, 60 degrees, our first OW dives etc. No wonder we had a more difficult time.