Bubbletrubble
Contributor
@chemdog: Some dive shops do rent out BP/W rigs. Most don't, though.
The BP/W is the BCD of choice for the GUE and UTD instructional agencies. If you sign up for any lessons with instructors affiliated with those organizations, you are sure to get lots of good advice on assembling, fitting, and customizing your BP/W.
Another option is to join a local dive club and ask around. I don't know where you live in California, but we see a good number of BP/W divers here in SoCal.
Formal training on how to operate a BP/W really isn't necessary. If you show some initiative, you can string together all of the knowledge you need by combing the Internet and many threads here on ScubaBoard.
Just make sure that you do a proper weight check when you transition to one from a conventional BCD.
The BP/W is the BCD of choice for the GUE and UTD instructional agencies. If you sign up for any lessons with instructors affiliated with those organizations, you are sure to get lots of good advice on assembling, fitting, and customizing your BP/W.
Another option is to join a local dive club and ask around. I don't know where you live in California, but we see a good number of BP/W divers here in SoCal.
Formal training on how to operate a BP/W really isn't necessary. If you show some initiative, you can string together all of the knowledge you need by combing the Internet and many threads here on ScubaBoard.
Just make sure that you do a proper weight check when you transition to one from a conventional BCD.