terri
Guest
So far, I have never had this experience. And reading your posts will probably raise my already,'top of the mind awareness' while down. Glad there are divers out there like you sharing information, just makes us better, and safer.
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butchwise:Ripples on the bottom? Anyone concider that there may have been a current present? As with many of the other good responses, there could have been enough of a slight current "helping" with the ascent.
Just a thought, but I would'nt worry too much about it. You are OK and VERY aware of the fact that you could have been in deep trouble. I think that the next time it will be in the back of your mind, and you will be more aware of your bouyancy control.
Happy diving....
Butch
Scubaguy62:Apple,
One thing that I'm curious about, and up front, no pun intended; you say you're now using about 24 lbs to dive and that you had cut back about 5 lbs. Are you using a 5 or 7 mil wetsuit? A dry suit? If you're not, and you're of average built, you may be using too much weight, which can come as a result of not dumping all the air out of your bc, or perhaps using an exposure suit that fits loose and traps air.
Rick
appleofthesea:Hi Scubaguy62,
Thanks for your reply and suggestions. I am glad that you were ok after your experiences too.
I am of average build, more on the thin side than thick side. I use a custom made wetsuit -- it is a 7mm full suit and a 5 mm shorty on top. My hood is 5 mm. I know that the initial 30 lbs of weight was too much -- but I wonder if the 24 - 26 lb range is the limit for how much weight I can take off of my belt. Do you think it is still too much weight considering my thick wetsuit?
In addition to many of the senior members excellent analysis comments (which I agree with completely)...I too had a lift vs sink issue back in the day I started diving (around 1973-74) and my OWI had us maintain a negative attitude when we started our accent. (I understand yours was uncontrolled but this is just something for you to think about) The thinking was that we: 1- wouldn't get out of control as quickly on our trip to the surface.appleofthesea:Wow. Thank you for all of the kind and useful responses. It is indeed a learning experience. I was reluctant to post my experience, but not only did I think that it would be good to get suggestions, I thought other new divers might find them useful too.
I think also that in the event I started rising again I would be more prepared and would handle it much better. Better than that, I am going to be on my toes to try and make sure it does not happen. I felt humbled, and I think that is a good thing for safe diving.
Best wishes for everyone. You are all great.
Appleofthesea