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I am willing also, but I'm sure DiveTucson can get a better rate than $30 minimum that I saw. What does DAN have against Canada?

Yes, you won't find many here that disagree with purchasing a bp/w. Infinitely adjustable for size, lift, color, weights, pockets, or whatever other do-dad you could want. Many, like myself, started with a BCD and then moved onto backplates. You'll be better off skipping the wasting money step...

It does not have bungees on it, and my other does. It feels much bulkier to me, but I've never measured it in an objective way. One day I will add bungees which should make a big difference. It is good quality and I've never had any issues with it in its limited use, so don't let my opinion...

I would use the wetsuit. Adding gear that you're not comfortable with adds complexity to a class where, presumably, you are also adding new skills. I struggled for quite a while with buoyancy and trim in my drysuit, compounded by a so-so off the rack fit. My custom was easy to adjust to, but...

Talk to DAN first to rule out immediate concerns, then wait for a more helpful response.

I mostly dive 23 lb in warm water with 5mm or less and it is adequate for the weight I use. I do keep in mind buddies' weight needs as I like to have extra lift if needed to "share." Above 5mm I'll bring my 38 lb wing. I also have a 32 HOG, but I don't dive it much as it is bulkier than my others.

What is your wing lift swing between the two? I do have different wings for cold and warm water, though I have not noticed a difference in drag while frog kicking. I primarily use 23/38 lb DRIS wing, which only changes the bladder so it makes sense that I wouldn't feel a change.

Wow, that was ridiculously easy. I'm glad you responded to an old post to put on my radar. Thanks @Akimbo and @Miyaru. I've just put you two in for a raise.

Akimbo mentioned this in another thread. I would like to see the ratings make a comeback as well.

I needed 12 pounds in a 2.5 mm full suit and BCD on my first vacation dive after certification. It was excessive, as the divemaster got me down to 8 pounds or so with some guidance. I was finning at the surface without realizing it and was breathing too rapidly. Slow exhales help a great deal...

That looks nice, well done! Hopefully it lasts a long time for you.

Do you also have difficulty swallowing as the OP does? I have never had difficulty equalizing or suffered a reverse block, fortunately. Slow is a good rule of thumb, regardless of experience.

Agree that definitions would be helpful. I answered based on probability of injury before seriousness of injury without guidance. Based on that, scuba wasn't a front runner. Good luck.

Not that I'm aware of. I did get frequent ear infections.

DAN will speak to you without membership.

Do the warning labels contain any hazardous chemicals, such as adhesive backing? If so, they should have their own warning label. All they're good for is ensuring no one pays any attention at all to the warning since it's on virtually everything. Billboards ought to be erected all over the...

Every now and then I have such a sensation, though it's never happened while diving. You might try tilting your chin up slightly, so your neck is fully "exposed." If I do this and touch with light pressure on either side of the cervical lymph nodes or near my adam's apple, I can immediately...

Not much to add since everything seems to have been answered already. I'm glad that you're happy with your new instructor. Don't get discouraged, new gear/new diver can take some adjustment. Once you get some dives in to figure it out, you may find you like the back inflate. It's a natural...

I found a need to consciously think about breathing when starting out. After some time it comes naturally. That combined with good buoyancy and trim should solve that problem. Back pain could be from too much weight. With a long hiatus not used to the equipment pushing down on you and/or too...

Faster and (probably) a lot more sporadic. That's how I was taught as well. Having said that, I've been on night dives with unknown groups and their attention signals had me thinking they were having an emergency.