DR: The Fluster Cluck SCUBA PuttPutt

[ktomlinson]

Good to see you taking the initiative to be a good diver Senseiern. I applaud you.

We'll get that weight down to something more reasonable for sure!

Just for everyone else, how are you gonna get that weight requirement down? If something floats it floats right?

 

[Indian Valley Scuba]

Reduce anxiety, minimum the stress, it is amazing how little weight a diver truly needs when they are relaxed. We run Indian Valley Scuba "weight loss" clinics each year at some of our local sites, and folks will typically drop half the weight they thought they needed, in just two days of working on it. While you cannot argue with physics, it would be a very special body that actually required 30 or more pounds to sink, especially in a freshwater pool. Thank you for asking.

 

[sydney-diver]

I started with 28lb and now use 18lb. My main issue was I was I would dump air and start to descend then as soon as my head got wet I'd take a big breath (and I've got pretty high lung capacity) and I would bob right back to the surface. The DM's loaded my up until I would sink but I finally figured out that I first needed to get comfortable and calm on the surface first, then dump my air and breath out and calmly sink. Made a huge difference.

Plus new divers often have new suits which over time compress and require less weight.

 

[ktomlinson]

Thanks for telling me how you would get the weight down. She dove with 16 pounds of weight in a freshwater pool.. She only thought she needed 30, then 20 and they gave her 16 btw. The guy with the crass chess comment should note that aspect of her story as well.

 

[nadwidny]

Thanks for telling me how you would get the weight down. She dove with 16 pounds of weight in a freshwater pool.. She only thought she needed 30, then 20 and they gave her 16 btw. The guy with the crass chess comment should note that aspect of her story as well.

The guy with the crass chess comment doesn't care.

 

[D_B]

thanks for posting

 

[Indian Valley Scuba]

It's all about working with someone to get it right. So many instructors and DM's are guilty of overweighting students cause it is easier to manage everyone when they are stuck to the bottom. Then, amazingly, they want to sell you a Peak Performance Buoyancy class that will help you reduce your weighting and achieve better buoyancy control. Hmmmmm

 

[Jack Scuba]

That is definitely true about the weight. You will shed it off as you become more comfortable and aware of your weight and will then be able to shed the extra pounds of lead. Some times it is as simple as breathing and exhaling deeply.

Regardless, it was good that you expressed your concerns instead of getting pushed around! Too many times new divers don't express themselves and then complain afterwards - that doesn't solve many problems.

 

[Ninja Diver]

How big are you? 32-36 lbs in a lot of weight for the pool. Glad to hear you're getting into the sport, but one of the pit falls of having a "buddy" even if he's a good diver. Is you tend to not learn the things you need to in the order in which you need to learn them.
Your concern for your bouyancy is the perfect example. Bouyancy is certainly something you'll be taught in your OW pool and cert sessions, but it's also not the first thing.There are MANY things you need to be taught before you take on bouyancy. Ask for referrals in your area. Ask to talk to other divers a shop has certified. I would recommend SSI over PADI. But that's a personal preferance. I don't want to get into a PADI vs SSI discussion.

 

[DaleC]

My first OW dive was with 42lb's of lead (don't ask me why). Now I dive the same conditions with 28lb's, and that's with twin Al 80's.

My advice sen would be to avoid the people you don't feel comfortable with and stick with the ones who want to spend the time working with you (like IVS). Diving is one of those activities that brings out the best, and the worst, in people.