Info Beginners Guide To BP/W

[ams511]

Scary video. I wonder if transporting your wing in a hard case would avoid wing pinching.

The pinch flat is caused by something hard hitting the wing, usually a plate or a tank. As I mentioned in a previous post, DSS wings are fragile. The outer shell was very flexible and the inner shell was a thin urethane (a thicker urethane was used latter). One of the selling points of the DSS system is how easy it is to disassemble the rig and transport or store the wing separate from the plate. This is to avoid pinch flats.

Most modern wings has since switched to using a more durable outer shell and a nylon inner shell. So pinch flats are less of an issue.

 

[Rox1731]

great thread!

 

[FoolsParadise13]

Awesome thread. Thanks for posting. I learned a lot.

 

[BubbleChaser]

Thank you for the introductory breakdown on the BP/W system. Being a new diver(12 dives), your article was very helpful in understanding the concept of this system. As I continue to dive more, I am looking at getting my own equipment. Would you recommend this system for someone such as myself who is starting their diving journey? My short term goal is to get my AOW certification. I plan to do that after I have reached 50 dives.

 

[happy-diver]

Maybe if you tackle AOW earlier expanding your selection of dive sites your learning will be broader

 

[BubbleChaser]

What is your opinion on how many dives should a new diver have completed before going for an AOW certification? When I ask this question to instructors, the # varies diversely.

 

[RIHappyDiver]

What is your opinion on how many dives should a new diver have completed before going for an AOW certification? When I ask this question to instructors, the # varies diversely.

There’s no reason to wait. Unless you have a couple of more experienced divers that you dive with, and you’re diving somewhat regularly, start looking at it now. Ask other divers in your area about their experiences with the course, and who they used as an instructor, to help you decide where to take it. You don’t have to use the same shop, unless you felt really good about you OW class. Some on here will say that it is a fluff class, but it has the ability to help you build confidence and improve skills.

As for the BP/W setup, there’s no reason that you couldn’t start using it now. I started with a back inflate, simply because the one that I wanted was on sale at a VERY low price. I took to the back inflate very quickly, as did my wife when she got certified 2 years ago. I now have a Dive Gear Express (DGX) BP/W that I love. My wife has no interest in it. Others very much prefer a jacket style BC. If you know some folks who have varying style of systems see if you can try them. That’s not always as easy as it sounds, so you may have to take a trust fall and buy-to-try.

Sorry about the ramble but hope there was something helpful there. Enjoy your new found hobby. It is lots of fun!

Erik

 

[FishWatcher747]

What is your opinion on how many dives should a new diver have completed before going for an AOW certification? When I ask this question to instructors, the # varies diversely.

The real question is not when to take AOW, it is how does a beginner continue to rack up dives in a safe manner until one becomes more competent?

If you are lucky enough to have your own dive sherpa like a spouse or close friend with more experience who can guide you through your dive infancy that is one way.

Most people don't have a dive sherpa.

Most people either seek out group dives led by more experienced divers or DMs to gain more experience or take more courses from instructors (like AOW).

There are dive operators who offer a guide for their trips at no additional cost. This is a great place to start for confident beginners.

 

[scrane]

What is your opinion on how many dives should a new diver have completed before going for an AOW certification? When I ask this question to instructors, the # varies diversely.

Have enough dives that you're comfortable underwater. IMO, AOW is mainly a way to get a variety of dives in a supervised scenario. AOW certification potentially opens a lot of diving opportunities.

 

[Wallowa]

Good discussion but I will add that certifications do not make someone a competent diver. Nor does the number of dives, but linking the education received from instructors, fellow divers and most of all each dive should improve the skill and competency. It takes time.

In the end diving skills are learned through experience. We learn by doing if we connect the dots and profit from lessons presented on each dive. None of this speaks to aptitude. Some folks are waterdogs and learn quickly. But getting underwater is the best classroom.

Hey, I could be wrong...