Why are all the major players and significant authorities on diving, the ones who have consistently been taking it to the next level, and working hard to promote the industry, at all levels, diving BP/W setups, even in warm water rec? Why do these same people encourage recreational divers to adopt BP/W technology? If the technology is so easy to reproduce in the home - than their fiscal interest must be fairly limited. So whats the motivation for the vocalization.
As an instructor, or a divemaster, it can be said that we want what is best for students. Sticking them in vest/style BCDs is not doing them a service in the long-term.
I have been living the full time recreational instructor/guide life for this entire century (following the industry and publications fairly religiously) and I am not of the opinion ALL the major players and significant authorities are necessarily taking it to the next level or promoting the industry, much less ALL diving BP/W in every situation. Whenever I see words like
all, always, every, everybody and never, my brain says
salesperson &/or
know-it-all, and both terms are not necessarily compliments in my book.
In no-stop diving (recreational), both here (Hawaii) and in the Florida Keys, I have seen little reason to advise BP/W (or even back inflation) for beginning divers. The only times would be really big folk that harnesses accommodate better, and possibly someone who is only learning so they can take the expensive underwater video rig they already own. Obviously someone planning mostly dry diving should consult experienced dry diving instructors.
Task-overload is a significant part of the formative period and safe buoyancy with jacket style has less task-load. If you come to the surface slightly panicked (or worse) will you remember the delicate amount of air to put in your back inflation rig for proper surface buoyancy? With a vest, just fill the sucker up!
AFAIC, the right shoulder and right rear dumps are really just instructor/guide dumps for most divers, 'cause that's who uses it most of the time. After you are proficient in the basics, and have a better idea of where you are headed with your diving, then look into new/different gear. Would you recommend a Viper or Hummer for a 16 y/o new driver?
As an instructor I say that sticking
every new diver in BP/W is not doing
most of them a service in the long-term.
