BCD Question after confined water dives

[mavjax]

I finished my confined water dives yesterday and was doing a bit of research based on my experience. In particular I have a few questions related to BCD's.

I noticed the following things during the two days in the pool:

When in the shallow end, on my knees doing the various skills, I found it somewhat difficult to breath, almost like I could not get enough air, yet at the bottom of the deep end no problem. I then noticed that even at depth, if vertical I felt like it was difficult. I also noticed that any time I had the BCD inflated at at the surface, there was significant chest sqeeze that I found uncomfortable.

In reading today, it sounds like these issues may be resolved by having a BCD that is a back inflate or by using a backplate and wings. The backplate and wings sounds and looks very attractive to me as I no not like the feeling of being totally confined and enveloped in a jacket BCD.

Any comments/suggestions would be great as I prepare to do my open water dives in Freeport Bahamas next month.

Thanks.

 

[String]

Sounds like the BC is too small...

 

[boney]

After your course why not rent a back inflate or a BP/Wings and try them out...
You may also want to let your instructor know so that in your OW dives you are not faced with the same issue - they should have a different size for you.

 

[jbd]

I use a jacket style BC and the only time I have any trouble with "chest squeeze" is when someone gets crazy with establishing bouyancy for me during the rescue portion of the classes I teach. If you are weighted properly and comfortable in the water you need not inflate the BC to the maximum amount. Even with the back inflate BC's over inflation at the surface will tend to push you over on your face.

As noted in many many threads over the years, with experience you will drop the amount of weight you need and consequently you will not need to inflate your BC as much at the surface.

Proper fit is one of the most important considerations when buying or renting scuba gear. Boney makes a good point about renting--try different styles and types of gear until you find what you are most comfortable with.

Best regards,

jbd

 

[Wreck]

Back-inflate styles are pretty popular and people who use them rarely go back to the jacket style BC. Like you, I didn't care for being wrapped up in a jacket BC and experienced some of the same things you did during my OW classes. No matter if the BC is big enough for you, when you get it snug enough for comfort, any inflation makes it too snug. I went for a back-inflate BC for comfort/fit reasons. But now I regret not spending the money on a BP and wings instead since I've got eventual plans for doubles.

 

[BIGSAGE136]

Save $$$ time and disappointment. Get the BP/W.

 

[ShakaZulu]

I have the Seaquest Black Diamond BC, don't have that problem (exspensive though $500+). Looks like the BP/W is positioning itself strongly in the market, may wanna look in that direction. Rent for while and ensure yourself about you buying decision. This stuff is exspensive..............

 

[dbeedle]

I would examine a couple things; first, fit, make sure the BC fits well, second check your weight. Could be you are overweighted. If you need that much air in the BC to remain afloat it could be too much weight or, again, an ill fitting BC that is too small to provide the lift you need. As you are just finishing up you confined water dives I'd guess you are working though the OW class. Could be you are simply over inflating the BC, which is common until you get used to this whole dive thing.

As for the type of BC, you might try a back inflate. Personally I prefer a jacket style BC. A back inflate will have some tendency to float you face down. Great for diving but as an instructor I spend some time on the surface talking with students so a jacket style works better for me. YMMV.

 

[The Kraken]

Mavjax,
May I pass on some good ol' country wisdom from my grandfather, may he rest in peace?
He always told me, when considering a tool or a car or a truck, or anything else for that matter . . .
"Son, when you're diggin a hole always make sure your wheelbarry (he never would refer to them as wheelbarrows) is one size bigger than the hole your diggin cause there's more dirt in that hole than you think."
What he meant is this, given one's bugetary considerations, buy the best and biggest you can because you're probably going to exceed it's capacities in a short while.
It's possible to take a high grade tool (read tech) and do a job that does not exceed that tools capabilities, but if you take a lower grade tool one can quickly reach a point at which the requirements of the job transcend the tool's ability to perform.

 

[Snowbear]

May I pass on some good ol' country wisdom from my grandfather, may he rest in peace?

Sounds like your grandfather was a smart man.