Carrying Tanks

[Sham_ba_la]

I was wondering what some other's solutions were on carrying their tanks.

As a newbie diver I have realized it's a pain carrying a heavy full tank and all the gear from the car to the diving location..anyone have any easy solutions on this?

D

 

[Karl_in_Calif]

Up and down stairs, there isnt much choice other than to carry the tank. On my shoulder is the easiest way for me. I usually carry my fiancee's tank(s) for her as well, while she carries other stuff down to the tarp.

I have a two wheeled cart that I use for my twin tanks. That could work for singles as well, but stairs would even then still be a problem.

Find an elligible single male diver, and that should solve it!

 

[FredT]

Ideally the way to carry tanks is to grab the valves of two tanks (or a tank and a gear bag) with the knees bent and the back straight. Then stand up. Your arms should be straight with the tanks off the ground, and the load on your back balanced.

Next choice is to flip the tank up on a shoulder while holding the valve, then roll it into your neck to put the load as close to the spine as possible. Ballance the load with a gear bag in the off hand.

Remember the target is to get the gear to the dive site. It all doesn't have to make it in the same trip. Some smaller divers prefer two or more small "gear bags" to break the load down into more manageable units and shorter fatter high pressure steel tanks than the "normal" aluminum 80's so they can "stand up" to carry the tanks.

FT

 

[Karl_in_Calif]

FredT once bubbled...

Remember the target is to get the gear to the dive site. It all doesn't have to make it in the same trip. Some smaller divers prefer two ro more "gear bags" to break the load down into more manageable units and shorter fatter high pressure steel tanks than the "normal" aluminum 80's.

FT

High pressure steel 55's are nice and small and light. You might try that tank.

Setting up a tarp, and making lots of trips, like Fred said, is an excellent principle, that also reduces CO2 loading before a dive.

 

[Sham_ba_la]

Karl_in_Calif once bubbled...


High pressure steel 55's are nice and small and light. You might try that tank.

Setting up a tarp, and making lots of trips, like Fred said, is an excellent principle, that also reduces CO2 loading before a dive.

Yeah the several trips is what I'm doing now, but I will admit I like your other idea better on finding someone to carry it for me..

On the Steel 55's I haven't seen those only Aluminum ones, so I'll probably stick with those. Oh and throwing one on my shoulders.. no way!! ha! I may be strong for a girl, but definatly not going to try that one.

D

 

[chickdiver]

Try putting the tank in the BC and wearing down- works on the same principle as a backpack. You can also pick up one tank and use the other armt o help lift it onto your shoulder. I find this is the easiest way to carry AL80s. I can't carry them at my sides, since I am only 5'3" and they hit the ground...

 

[diver_paula]

Sham_ba_la,

I have to agree - carrying the tank by wearing your b.c. is the easiest. Although it's not all that nice at the end of the dive when everything is wet. Although that really only applies to those who unsuit and dry before getting back to shore.

Over the shoulder is next best if you aren't tall enough to carry them with your arms straight. It's easier than it sounds. It's really more of a balancing act.

I've also found my male buddies don't mind handling the tanks if I carry more of the 'shorter' gear.

Paula

 

[Panzer70]

The LDS I rent the equipment I use from still had a couple of tanks with J-valves... it makes a nice handle for when you need to carry them... While window shopping at a LDS in Madison, WI, I reccently saw some K-valve tanks with J-Valve type extension... giving the person a handle to carry the tank with...

 

[OHDiver]

But..... I have these neat velcro strap thing-a-ma-bobs that you strap around the tank.... They have two velco straps that go around the tank with a handle in the middle.... Sooooo when you carry the tank, you are holding onto a handle and I think it makes it quite a bit easier to carry the tank.
If I can find them in a dive equipment catalog on line.... I will send along a link so that you can see what I am trying desperately to explain....

 

[OHDiver]

http://www.divebooty.com/equipment_details.asp?pid=3217

Here you go.... try this site... they are called "tank carriers"