I did my first dive with my backplate and wing - a kayak dive. One of the problems with the system I found was that it was a pain to don the system with thick gloves on in the water. With my bcd, the straps loosen so I can slide right in. Further more the integrated weights keeps the bcd pretty much vertical so I can slip right in. Any tips for donning the system in the water? I had a hard time getting the straps orientated the right way and took way longer than it should...
Donning Backplate and Wing in the Water?
- Thread starter bober99
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I prefer the tank-between-the-legs method over the jacket method of donning in-water. It gives you a chance to line everything up and get your hands exactly where you want them before you slide down the tank with your arms inside the webbing. Just don't overinflate or you can bang your head. Like most things, practice helps.
I use the 'flip over the head' method. in the water, you put the tank valve (or isolator if using doubles) in your sternum with the backplate facing up. slide your arms through the straps as far as you can. lift up the bottom of the tank as you duck your head down under water & the rig should fall into place on your back.
Put the crotch strap & waist strap in place and buckle up.
Put the crotch strap & waist strap in place and buckle up.
I also use the so-call "tank-between-the-leg" method and had no problem with it. Just make sure the wing are not over-inflated. I only inflate it enough for me to sit on the tank with the water level at about my chest level.
Oh, in fact, the only difficulty I discover is trying to get hold of the cotch strap. For now, I will hold on to the cotch strap when sitting on the tank before slipping down to dress up the setup.
Oh, in fact, the only difficulty I discover is trying to get hold of the cotch strap. For now, I will hold on to the cotch strap when sitting on the tank before slipping down to dress up the setup.
rjens
Guest
Does anyone mind expandin on the "tank between the leg" method. Maybe its just late, but I can't picture getting frfom sitting on the tank with the water level at my chest, to having a BP/W in place on my back.
I am also a bit leery of trying to get the amount of air in the wing just right, as "just wrong" means my tank, regs, wing and plate are now at the bottom of the ocean...
Thanks
Rob
I am also a bit leery of trying to get the amount of air in the wing just right, as "just wrong" means my tank, regs, wing and plate are now at the bottom of the ocean...
Thanks
Rob
tank between the legs method
sit on the backplate with the bottom of the tank clasped between the knees. take your time lining up hoses and shoulder straps, grab the crotch strap and let the plate slide up your back. Keep lean ing backwards until you are fully clipped in.
I personally hold it in front of me and put one arm in the opposite strat, then roll onto my back and then put the second arm through.
sit on the backplate with the bottom of the tank clasped between the knees. take your time lining up hoses and shoulder straps, grab the crotch strap and let the plate slide up your back. Keep lean ing backwards until you are fully clipped in.
I personally hold it in front of me and put one arm in the opposite strat, then roll onto my back and then put the second arm through.
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