Buoyancy Control/Ankle Weights

[mccabejc]

After doing some testing in the pool, I'm down to 16 lbs with all equipment on (AL80, full 7mm suit, etc.). However, I'm finding that when hovering horizontal, I tend to nose dive. I think it's because my big ol' split fins float, and therefore tend to raise my feet. I'm thinking that the way to cure this is ankle weights, since I have a weight integrated BC, and can't really shift weights very much. Any thoughts?

 

[Green_Manelishi]

After doing some testing in the pool, I'm down to 16 lbs with all equipment on (AL80, full 7mm suit, etc.). However, I'm finding that when hovering horizontal, I tend to nose dive. I think it's because my big ol' split fins float, and therefore tend to raise my feet. I'm thinking that the way to cure this is ankle weights, since I have a weight integrated BC, and can't really shift weights very much. Any thoughts?

If you add ankle weights you might actually overweight yourself. I'd suggest 'lowering' the tank a bit to adjust your trim. If that does not work then remove weights from your BC as you add them to your ankle.

 

[CD_in_Chitown]

You're shifting weights by dropping three out of the BC and putting 1.5 on each ankle.

If it works shift it from your ankles to your feet through the use of neg fins if appropriate.

You're shifting weight when you lower the tank some too though, if you can still reach the valve you should be ok.

 

[Curt Bowen]

After doing some testing in the pool, I'm down to 16 lbs with all equipment on (AL80, full 7mm suit, etc.). However, I'm finding that when hovering horizontal, I tend to nose dive. I think it's because my big ol' split fins float, and therefore tend to raise my feet. I'm thinking that the way to cure this is ankle weights, since I have a weight integrated BC, and can't really shift weights very much. Any thoughts?

I use 2 pound ankle weights when diving dry. Helps keep my feet down.

 

[matt_unique]

I use 2 pound ankle weights when diving dry. Helps keep my feet down.

I wear weight on my ankles diving dry as well. Give the ankle weights a shot and see if it solves your trim problem.

--Matt

 

[donacheson]

After doing some testing in the pool, I'm down to 16 lbs with all equipment on (AL80, full 7mm suit, etc.). However, I'm finding that when hovering horizontal, I tend to nose dive. I think it's because my big ol' split fins float, and therefore tend to raise my feet. I'm thinking that the way to cure this is ankle weights, since I have a weight integrated BC, and can't really shift weights very much. Any thoughts?

As has been noted in another response, since you're probably minimally weighted, whatever you add in ankle weights take an equal amount off your weight belt. What you're doing is adjusting your trim.

 

[Curt Bowen]

As has been noted in another response, since you're probably minimally weighted, whatever you add in ankle weights take an equal amount off your weight belt. What you're doing is adjusting your trim.

I really like to be about 4-5 pounds negative, just because I take alot of photos and its nice to dump and set hard on something less silty to steady my camera and lights.