1st BP/w experiance and sinking feet?

[mxracer19]

Well I finally got a chance to get wet with my new bp/w, and being that it was only my 3rd dive post-OW it was quite a time. My problem was that my feet would sink! My rig:

Dive 1.
6# SS bp/diverite bungied rec wing.
14# lead on belt.
7mm wetsuit.
AL. 80
Oceanic Vector fins

Dive 2.
6# SS bp/diverite bungied rec wing.
12# lead on belt.
2# ankle weight around tank valve.
7mm wetsuit.
AL. 80
Oceanic Vector fins

Dive 2 went slightly smoother than dive 1, possibly because of the forward 2 pounds. The problem was that the tank valve was pretty much over my head. Im afraid to move the tank down as that will cause a greater feet-sinking effect, but I cannot imagine diving like that all the time because it makes looking around such a PITA. Im probably slightly overweighted by maybe 3-4 pounds, but my wing is on its farthest-aft setting. my buddy said that my wing wasnt tacoing and that I had decent form.

I realize that If I just relax Ill be alright. My buddy said that I looked like I was ok when I relaxed and that alot of problems might be coming from the fact that when I lost lateral ballance it caused me to fidget and move - and my feet would sink like rocks. So im pretty much answering my own questions there.....

But how do I move that damn tank off my head without screwing with my trim? Thats my main question...

Thanks
-Matt

 

[ShakaZulu]

Interesting, I dive that exact same setup and in the beginning my feet would raise, jets fixed that problem.

DR SS bp/rec wing (using the center holes)
14lbs on weight belt
7mm wetsuit
AL80

Like to see the responses to this question.

 

[mxracer19]

just a heads up

 

[mer]

I have no idea how to diagnois problems with bungied wings, but here's what I would make sense with the non-bungied wings I have experience with.

First drop any extra weight, diving over-weighted will only increase trim problerms. Try a weighted STA, this will place the weight you need above your center of gravity rather than on the belt which is often below our centers of gravity. Depending on the STA this will take roughly 6#s of the belt.

Also, try bending your knees more. If your legs are too straight, this will alter your center of gravity, making your legs "heavy".

 

[cool_hardware52]

If your setup allows it try moving the wing down relative to the plate.

Good Luck, enjoy your new goodies.


Tobin