BPW for 11yo

[iratherbediving]

Hello... trying to get my boy his first BPW, just starting to dive.

- He is 70lbs, about 4ft tall.
- Will be doing lake diving in Arizona, Socal diving, and some vacation diving.
- I anticipate wearing 7mil wetsuits most of the time

I am trying to get him gear he can grow into but do not want to compromise his ability to dive comfortably by getting him gear that's too large. Plus I have a younger boy that may potentially use the smaller gear later on.

My main questions are:
- Would a standard-sized backplate work for him? or do I need to look for a smaller plate? right now I am leaning toward aluminum or Dive Rite SS Lite for ease of travel
- Would a 30lb wing work or be too big?

Have very limited local options that sale BPWs to take a look first hand.

Thanks!
-

 

[runsongas]

a small sized backplate would be better. unfortunately those cost more because they aren't made in large volumes. can try a soft plate like the oxycheq travel plate as an alternative. a 30lb wing is likely too big also. the 24lb zeagle wing is a relatively compact and short wing that may work well. otherwise, try any of the other smaller wings under 25lbs.

another way to go would be a mexico style sidemount harness.

 

[Marie13]

Standard size plate is going to likely be too long. I’m 5’5” and a regular plate is too long for me. Halcyon and Oxycheq make short plates. Dive Rite also has the TransPac which is a soft plate. It comes in women’s sizes, so maybe that’s an option.

 

[tbone1004]

4ft tall is way too short. Get the oxycheq fabric plate for now since it's very small and that will last him a long time. I would wait until at least 5'6-7" before getting a standard backplate

 

[Mr. Sunday]

DTD has kids sized SS plates and wings. I have no experience with them personally and Im sure there is a shipping premium from Europe but it might be an option for you.

backplate s-s 3 mm complete KIDDO RED | DTD

KIDDO RED | DTD

 

[happy-diver]

Brilliance is what happens when you look past the end of the street
That stuff looks so good I might get a kid somewhere and get some

 

[iratherbediving]

Thank you all for your input. Will likely go with either the Oxycheq fabric/travel plate or a transpac

 

[Chris H]

Halcyon makes a small plate. I have one with an 18lb Oxycheq wing for my 9yo son. There aren't slots in the small plate so you need a single tank adapter.

 

[iratherbediving]

Halcyon makes a small plate. I have one with an 18lb Oxycheq wing for my 9yo son. There aren't slots in the small plate so you need a single tank adapter.

Thanks... do you know if there are any pads for small backplates?

What type of harness do you use for your son? Single webbing?

 

[iratherbediving]

Also, does he use aluminum or ss?