I recently got my PADI OW cert, and have done a total of 6 dives in Maui. These dives were with a 5 mm full wetsuit, 63 cu ft AL tank, and Cressi S111 BCD. I used a total of 16 lbs of lead in the BCD's front integrated pockets. I had excellent buoyancy control and trim for a newbie, and felt very comfortable during the dives.
This past week, I got into the pool for the first time with my new Bare XCD2 Tech drysuit, OS Systems dry gloves, 5 mm hood, undergarment, Cressi S111 BC, and 80 cu ft steel tank.
After about 30 minutes of my instructor and I trying to figure out what was going wrong, I chose to abort the session to give the other students their opportunity.
The basic problem was - I continually "fell backwards" upon descent (descending with my back toward the bottom). My feet always ended up way higher than my head, even with 1.5 lb weights on each ankle. When I tried to roll onto my belly and swim, I kept turning turtle. We tried various amounts of weight in the BCD pockets, between 16 and 30 pounds total.
I have not had the chance to get back into the pool again, or even discuss the situation with my instructor.
Obviously, the weight distribution was way off - too much to the rear, or some other major factor. This was a very discouraging session, and I am trying to figure out why things could be so far off, and what to try next time.
Any sound advice would be greatly appreciated.
This past week, I got into the pool for the first time with my new Bare XCD2 Tech drysuit, OS Systems dry gloves, 5 mm hood, undergarment, Cressi S111 BC, and 80 cu ft steel tank.
After about 30 minutes of my instructor and I trying to figure out what was going wrong, I chose to abort the session to give the other students their opportunity.
The basic problem was - I continually "fell backwards" upon descent (descending with my back toward the bottom). My feet always ended up way higher than my head, even with 1.5 lb weights on each ankle. When I tried to roll onto my belly and swim, I kept turning turtle. We tried various amounts of weight in the BCD pockets, between 16 and 30 pounds total.
I have not had the chance to get back into the pool again, or even discuss the situation with my instructor.
Obviously, the weight distribution was way off - too much to the rear, or some other major factor. This was a very discouraging session, and I am trying to figure out why things could be so far off, and what to try next time.
Any sound advice would be greatly appreciated.