Advice re: donning my BCD

[sytech]

I have a Cressi Aqualight-R BCD.

It's a great lightweight BCD and has lots of features. I have the XL size and it fits perfectly.....once I get it on.

I am 6'2" tall and have broad shoulders. I have a problem getting my shoulders through the "arm-holes" even when I have the straps attached and loosened all the way.

I have tried sitting with the rig connected to the tank and then taking each side of the BCD and grabbing first one strap and attaching it and then the other strap and attaching that but it's still a struggle.

I hope I'm making myself clear because it's hard to describe without a picture.

Any suggestions for easier donning will be appreciated.


Thanks,

Sy

 

[Coll]

Hey Sytech, I have the same problem with getting my BC on. I have broad shoulders and am not particularly flexible and it can really be a pain sometimes. One thing I do is unclip one of the shoulder straps and then with the rig connected to the tank, I put my arm into the connected shoulder strap and then just re-clip the other shoulder strap and voila! It takes some practice but nothing replaces having a buddy help you heft it on and then I have my buddy stick their hand through from behind and grab my hand to lead it through the strap. Hope this helps!

 

[DeNomad]

The fireman method works well for most BCD's. I don't think I would want to try it with a backplate and wing, but this is a really easy method for putting on a BCD - plus it looks cool!

Disclaimer: Try this at your own risk. If you attempt please try doing this without the tank attached the first time in order to get the feel for it.

Since pictures are worth a thousand words check out a video of this method on youtube.
YouTube - How to don an SCBA in 40 seconds

If you have problems with this method then your BCD may not fit very well.

 

[redacted]

The fireman method works well for most BCD's. I don't think I would want to try it with a backplate and wing, but this is a really easy method for putting on a BCD - plus it looks cool!

Disclaimer: Try this at your own risk. If you attempt please try doing this without the tank attached the first time in order to get the feel for it.

Since pictures are worth a thousand words check out a video of this method on youtube.
YouTube - How to don an SCBA in 40 seconds

If you have problems with this method then your BCD may not fit very well.

It works just fine with a BP/W also but it is not the kind of thing you want to try on a boat. I don't turn the valve on until just before I let the plate all the way down on my back.

When I can't do the ally-oop, I try to get real low on my rig and reach my arms up and into it. On a larger boat with benchs, this means scooting off the edge of the bench to get started.

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

Agree with AWAP. It's just as easy, once you have your kit all set up, to just squat down a little so that you have more room to maneuver, slip your arms into the straps, and then slide up into your BC. It's also safer.