Achieving neutral buoyancy

[Matsya]

I am able to remain almost perfectly neutrally buoyant and control my buoyancy only by breathing. BCD empty for all practical purposes -
all this as long as I stay horizontal. The minute I become vertical I begin to ascend !! Any suggestions?

 

[HBDiveGirl]

I am able to remain almost perfectly neutrally buoyant and control my buoyancy only by breathing. BCD empty for all practical purposes -
all this as long as I stay horizontal. The minute I become vertical I begin to ascend !! Any suggestions?

...stay horizontal. Really.

If something forces you to become vertical (surge, obstacle, task at hand,) vent your wing/BC immediately. Even though you feel that the BCD is empty, as you change to vertical your upper body usually rises in the water column, and whatever air is in your wing will expand. Plan ahead, if you can, and vent as soon as you go vertical.

Then, as soon as you can, get back to horizontal. :14: Your experience is great validation that it's the ideal position in the water column.

Claudette

 

[PARADISE HUNTER]

All of the advice given here is excellent. But remember to be patient. It won't happen in the next couple of dives. But you will improve your buoyancy over time. The more you dive the better it gets. It probably consumes much of your thoughts when diving, but it won't for long. Good Luck.

 

[Matsya]

...stay horizontal. Really.

If something forces you to become vertical (surge, obstacle, task at hand,) vent your wing/BC immediately. Even though you feel that the BCD is empty, as you change to vertical your upper body usually rises in the water column, and whatever air is in your wing will expand. Plan ahead, if you can, and vent as soon as you go vertical.

Then, as soon as you can, get back to horizontal. :14: Your experience is great validation that it's the ideal position in the water column.

Claudette

Thanks for that tip Claudette. Will try it on my next dive this weekend.