Ankle weights?

[floridasungirl]

I have a problem when I'm diving b/c my a$$ is way too bouyant and I have to fight to keep my feet low. I'd rather have some simple and economical solution if anyone has one besides adding more weight to my already out of control dive bag

Thanks in advance.

 

[oly5050user]

maybe lower the tank in the bc to change center of gravity.Also move weights to the rear a bit.If using a weight integrated bcd you would need to switch to a belt.

 

[TSandM]

Negative fins. Jets with spring straps give you a nice counterweight at the end of your feet, without adding any more gear to your bag.

 

[Teamcasa]

If you dive with your own tank, switch to a steel one. Adjust it up or down to find a good trim position. If you normally use a rental Aluminum tank (like 90% of the dive boats have), get a weight pouch and attach it to the rear of you BC or get two and put one on each side of your tank strap. Adjust weights as necessary.

Sometimes, a set of ankle weights are just easier than working out your basic trim issues.

 

[sheck33]

I have a problem when I'm diving b/c my a$$ is way too bouyant and I have to fight to keep my feet low. I'd rather have some simple and economical solution if anyone has one besides adding more weight to my already out of control dive bag

Thanks in advance.

Please explain. Do you use a drysuit? wetsuit? Do you use your drysuit, if that is what you use, for buoyancy control? If you do then you need to start using your BC for buoyancy control instead. Is your wing too big?

There is no reason to use ankle weights, ankle weights 'solve' a problem that can be solved by distributing weight correctly and/or using negatively buoyant fins.

 

[Brewski]

Lets see she's in south fla, where the waters in the 80's. don't think she's using a drysuit.

I agree with Oly, redistribute your weight to correct your trim problem. moving the tank lower in the BCD could be all you need. Also how much weight do you place in your trim pockets? I don't think you shoud have too much there at all.

 

[sheck33]

Lets see she's in south fla, where the waters in the 80's. don't think she's using a drysuit.

I agree with Oly, redistribute your weight to correct your trim problem. moving the tank lower in the BCD could be all you need. Also how much weight do you place in your trim pockets? I don't think you shoud have too much there at all.

Well by that analogy everyone in Puget sound should be wearing a drysuit
I personally get cold so fast I would consider a drysuit for long exposures even in warm water.

Man I wish I was diving warm water

 

[Ann Marie]

Are you using a wt. integrated BC? Are you tightening up the shoulder straps so that the fit is snug? That usually moves the weights up around your waist, which can throw your center of gravity off. Try loosening your BC straps some to move the weight closer to your hips and see if that helps.

I'm in California and when I wear a wetsuit, between my boots and wetsuit, I have 14mm of neoprene around my ankles. My feet float. I don't have this problem when I switch to tropical booties and use my 3mil. When I'm diving here in California, I use ankle weights and redistribute the weight to compensate for them.

 

[floridasungirl]

I use a 3 mil, integrated BCD with 4 lb on each side in the front and 2 lb in the back on each side for a total of 12. When it gets really cold I have a 2 mil "jacket" and add an additional 1 lb in each of the front.

I think the fins are the biggest problem but before I go buy anything, I'll try putting the tank lower and the BCD lower and see how that goes. In the past besides not being able to control my position (I'd end up in a diagonal if I just float natural) my back would hurt from constantly arching trying to keep my feet lower.

Thanks for all the info.

 

[ZzzKing]

Kind of an old thread but I think I might try pulling some of your weight out of the integrated pockets and putting it on a belt, then wear the belt slung low over the ... um... buoyant area. Total cost about $12-15 for three feet of webbing and a steel buckle.

Try 2# in each front pocket. Put the balance of the weight on the belt and snug it around towards the back against the tank. From there move a couple of pounds at a time toward trim pockets or tank straps as needed to balance you out horizontally. It may take a couple of dives to get it sorted out like you like.

The suggested Jet fins with spring straps are a good idea as well but significantly more expensive and your legs and finning technique may not be in good enough shape to handle them yet.