Bouyancy issue - what happened to me?

[Spencermm]

Just another thought- what were you wearing?

I found that when I was neutrally buoyant and wearing 5mm or 7mm neoprene, even a slight ascent caused the neoprene to expand, causing me to rise further, causing the neoprene to expand further, etc., and up I went.

Thicker neoprene wetsuits make buoyancy control more difficult than it has to be. (I switched to a dry suit.)

I was wearing a 5mm.
Thanks for the input. I've learned a lot from this thread.

 

[spectrum]

Thicker neoprene wetsuits make buoyancy control more difficult than it has to be. (I switched to a dry suit.)

Okay help me out here.... How does a drysuit help anything?

Sure, a membrane suit in and of itself is buoyancy stable but assuming the wetsuit is being worn for thermal protection the drysuit diver will be wearing a garment the loft, displacement and buoyancy will vary at least as much as comparable neoprene.

If the diver is following an irregular contour the suit will even vent on rises and not return to the same state when going back to the prior depth requiring re injection of air someplace.

For a diver working to master buoyancy the variability of the bubble will only make trim maintenance more of a challenge.

I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with a new diver going or even starting dry but I fail to see where diving dry makes buoyancy control easier.

Pete

 

[The_DivePirate]

Okay help me out here.... How does a drysuit help anything?

Sure, a membrane suit in and of itself is buoyancy stable but assuming the wetsuit is being worn for thermal protection the drysuit diver will be wearing a garment the loft, displacement and buoyancy will vary at least as much as comparable neoprene.

If the diver is following an irregular contour the suit will even vent on rises and not return to the same state when going back to the prior depth requiring re injection of air someplace.

For a diver working to master buoyancy the variability of the bubble will only make trim maintenance more of a challenge.

I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with a new diver going or even starting dry but I fail to see where diving dry makes buoyancy control easier.

Pete

I also believe a drysuit my be a little easier for trimming, NOT for bouyancy. That is if you can keep your feet down, (I hate ankle weights!!!! Can you say crutch.) I guess I should also say that back inflate/wing style BC's, not vest type also help with the proper positioning of a diver. I know that some have a view that new divers( usually overweighted divers) have a face down posture at the surface. But, with proper weighting there seems too be no problem. Also, if you do alot of surface swimming to the point of desention, a back swim seems more comfotable.IMO Well, back to the drysuit, too learn a few basic skills in getting rid of unwanted air(usually in ones feet) I'd suggest talking with a few experienced drysuit divers on the roll technique, and always keeping the exhaust valve partially open while learning the suit. On ascent keep a posture of the left side partially raised. Anyways, all this is off the subject of where the OP started the post, I believe that lung pump was the issue at hand, along with other experienced divers here on the board. I also believe that spencermm should just watch his breathing and remember that scuba is relaxing, so stay relaxed. With that said, I believe that he will do fine and have many enjoyable experiences too come!!! Oh yeah, I think I should also mention, there is probably not a one of us that did not that issue as a novice diver, and if you say you didn't, your probably full of it.Or yourself anyways. Last off, Everyone have a great Christmas and safe new year!!