I did my first cold water dive:
Place: Flaming Gorge Reservoir (Utah)
Elevation: 6040'
Water Temps: Average 61 degrees F
Max Depth: 48'
Exposure: 5mm full wetsuit over 5/3 hooded vest.
Buoyancy: Aluminum BP with 30 lb wing
Water Clarity: 8 to 15'
Went with two friends on my first cold water shore dive. At my age, I found that lugging a BC/tank with extra weight for cold water was more than I bargained for. We dove in a threesome and even with bright flashlights, I found I could lose sight of the other two in the dark murky water in the blink of the eye. That was REALLY disconcerting to me. On the first dive, my mask constantly leaked cold water, I forgot to run the harness through the crotch strap and I didn't have sufficient weight to stop a slow ascent when my tank got low. So with the others out of sight, I found their bubbles on the surface and swam over above them so they could find me.
The second dive went better (except for forgetting to do the back zip on my wet suit...LOL). I added 4 lb more (total of 20 lb) and I did better controlling my buoyancy. However, buoyancy is something I am still learning. While the other divers are happily searching for treasures, I spend a lot of time trying to stay at one level. There were, however, moments of blissful hovering with fish (small-mouth bass) curiously checking me out. I just need more practice.
Things I need to change: The weight pockets on my wing and waist belt are for trim and not designed for weights above 3 lb. I need bigger pockets. Cold water diving is my lot in life, so I need to seriously consider a steel tank and SS backplate. The soles of my booties (Mares Equator) are too thin for shore diving, I feel every little sharp rock. I have a long hose configuration and I need to find a better way to manage the length when I'm not in the water. Overall, I managed to not get cold for the most part, so that was a big plus! Thanks for allowing me to share.
Place: Flaming Gorge Reservoir (Utah)
Elevation: 6040'
Water Temps: Average 61 degrees F
Max Depth: 48'
Exposure: 5mm full wetsuit over 5/3 hooded vest.
Buoyancy: Aluminum BP with 30 lb wing
Water Clarity: 8 to 15'
Went with two friends on my first cold water shore dive. At my age, I found that lugging a BC/tank with extra weight for cold water was more than I bargained for. We dove in a threesome and even with bright flashlights, I found I could lose sight of the other two in the dark murky water in the blink of the eye. That was REALLY disconcerting to me. On the first dive, my mask constantly leaked cold water, I forgot to run the harness through the crotch strap and I didn't have sufficient weight to stop a slow ascent when my tank got low. So with the others out of sight, I found their bubbles on the surface and swam over above them so they could find me.
The second dive went better (except for forgetting to do the back zip on my wet suit...LOL). I added 4 lb more (total of 20 lb) and I did better controlling my buoyancy. However, buoyancy is something I am still learning. While the other divers are happily searching for treasures, I spend a lot of time trying to stay at one level. There were, however, moments of blissful hovering with fish (small-mouth bass) curiously checking me out. I just need more practice.
Things I need to change: The weight pockets on my wing and waist belt are for trim and not designed for weights above 3 lb. I need bigger pockets. Cold water diving is my lot in life, so I need to seriously consider a steel tank and SS backplate. The soles of my booties (Mares Equator) are too thin for shore diving, I feel every little sharp rock. I have a long hose configuration and I need to find a better way to manage the length when I'm not in the water. Overall, I managed to not get cold for the most part, so that was a big plus! Thanks for allowing me to share.
