Beach diving sand jam

[Scuba]

I recently went though the surf deep tumble, chew em up, spit em out cycle. After crawling out like a sandcrab I later discovered that sand can get into places that I thought only gases and liquids could.

Not only that, but my compass bezel was completely jammed. Only later at home after much effort and prying was I able to get it to rotate once again.

The quick release/lock tabs on my leg knife was also jammed tight. This wasn't as bad as the compass bezel, but it still took some prodding to get the knife out.

These are things to check after wallowing in the sand before going back in. Things I was'nt aware of that could happen.

Do you have any other tips on what can go wrong with gear after sand exposure aside from regulator problems?

 

[Scubaroo]

Things to check after a beach dive in no particular order...

- fin strap buckles - you can replace with spring straps (I haven't done this yet)
- BC inflator - rinse well
- BC pull dump / rear dump - rinse well
- BC quick releases - check for sand inside of buckles
- any BC / wetsuit pockets for sand
- both primary and secondary regulators - I like the fact I can pull my Apeks apart and rinse them between dives
- compass bezels - on my Suunto, removing the strap for rinsing lets more sand out
- wrist computer - make sure there's no sand wedged anywhere, especially the little holes for the depth sensor
- console - if you use one, you can get lots of sand inside the console very quickly that just doesn't rinse out - it stays damp too - best to ditch the console and just use an SPG
- SPG HP hose swivel - sand can wedge in there
- knife sheath clips - I replaced my knife with shears instead which go into a webbing pouch
- budget - make sure there's enough money to go boat diving next time

 

[Rooster1]

bc inflator hose, I have had mine jam twice because of sand and very fine rock:upset: