Getting down

[drckw]

Asking for help with what feels like a dumb question. I went diving in Aruba and Cozumel over christmas. I've got my own gear, real comfortable, no issues there. Here's the query. With the SAME amount of weight and gear, some dives I pop right down on descent, some dives I cannot seem to descend. I'm neutral at 15 ft at the end of the dive, no prob there, in fact probably slightly heavy. I don't actuallly believe I'm underweighted. But it is mysterious to descend easily on Tuesday and not be able to get down Wednesday with no alterations (other than a slightly different spot in the ocean.) I sometimes have difficulty clearing my ears, and on the days I pop down easily, my ears don't give me any issues. A connection of any kind? Ideas anyone? Thanks!

 

[ABQdiver]

I see where you would be confused, this doesn't make much sense. If your not changing your exposure protection, and wearing the same amount of weight then your decent "should" be the same every-time.

Were you inadvertently sculling your hands or fins? You mentioned being relaxed, and that is the biggest thing that will help your descents. Letting out all the air in your lungs to start the decent and keep the arms and feet still.

Next time, cross your feet and clasp your hands together, exhale and you should have no problem if your properly weighted.

 

[Walter]

There is usually one of three reasons (or a combination) for this type of situation.

1. Kicking up.

2. Air in BC.

3. Not exhaling.

 

[Boogie711]

Yes - First, make sure ALL all all your air is out of your BC. Then try crossing your ankles, to prevent you subconsciously finning - easier to ''accidentally fin' than you think. Now give yourself a hug - cross your arms to prevent you from subconsciously sculling with your hands. And finally, breath out... and when you need to breath in again, breath out some more - really collapse those lungs, while sitting in a totally empty BC and absolutely NOT moving.

That will get you down in the Dead Sea, much less the open ocean, if you're properly weighted.

 

[Warren_L]

In addition to everything that has been mentioned, your wetsuit may also be trapping a bit of air too. Generally not so much of a problem with the thinner suits than with the thicker 7mm suits.

 

[FIXXERVI6]

what about tank? you say you own all your gear does that include the tank?

Not all aluminum 80's are created the same.

 

[drckw]

what about tank? you say you own all your gear does that include the tank?

Not all aluminum 80's are created the same.

Thanks everyone for helpful comments. You got me on this one- tank being different? You're right, it was not my own tank.

 

[saltwater taffy]

Hi there,
I do all of the above tricks, but before entering the water, I actually physically suck all of the air out of my BCD.

Good luck to you.

 

[DandyDon]

This will happen to me at times - and this is no joke - especially the day after I have a nice bean dish. I like good beans, I'll eat a lot of them, and I float more for a day thereafter.

don

 

[ABQdiver]

This will happen to me at times - and this is no joke - especially the day after I have a nice bean dish. I like good beans, I'll eat a lot of them, and I float more for a day thereafter.

don

Don, That's "wwaayy" more than we needed to know! :54: :yuck:
Maybe you ought to hold off on the drysuit purchase.