Hi Everybody, new diver in FL panhandle

[ironrope]

Hi everybody. I am new to diving. I recently received my open water cert through NAUI. During the class I was provided a jacket style bc but I noticed I sometimes had a tendency to not be swimming parallel. Now I am looking at buying and wonder if maybe I should look at back inflated to maybe help me stay parallel easier. Or maybe I should be doing something different to stay parallel. I would really appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance.

 

[El Orans]

Welcome (Scub)aBoard! :happywave

it’s about time you surfaced here!

Click [thread=91105]here[/thread] for ScubaBoard 101: [thread=91105]A beginner's guide to the ScubaBoard.Com forums[/thread].

Don’t forget to fill out your Public Profile (and Dive Info) on one of your next surface intervals so we can get to know you a little bit better. Besides, it will make it easier for us to answer your questions. If you’re not in a particularly creative mood, you can have a look at my Public Profile for inspiration.

Well, you asked for it. Here it is, El Orans’ Guide to Gear Selection:
Apeks - Cressi - Halcyon.

If you want even more choice, here’s the extended version.

Gear Selection:
* Buoyancy Compensators (BC's) and weight systems
* Computers, Gauges, Watches & Analyzers
* Exposure Suits
* Fins, Masks & Snorkels
* Regulators

As a newly addicted diver, you may want to pick up some pointers and advice here as well: New Divers & Those Considering Diving.

Any questions? Just click this link: Send me a PM!

Laurens

This message brought to you by Stresskip Consultancy B.V.

 

[Koreanfrogger]

Welcome. I use primarly a back BCD. Swimming parallel is easy for me with this kind of BCD. However, I have a harder time on the surface with a back BCD. I feel like I am one of those drinking birds with my face always heading for the water.

 

[scubapolly]

Welcome to the board. Back inflates will definatly help with your trim in the water.

 

[diveman7683]

Welcome to the board.

The back inflate BCs have a tendency to roll you forward if they are over inflated.

 

[ironrope]

Thank you for your comments. I have heard that the back bc's stick your face in the water at the surface. I figure it's a small price to pay if it will make your bottom time more comfortable.

 

[mudhole]

Thank you for your comments. I have heard that the back bc's stick your face in the water at the surface. I figure it's a small price to pay if it will make your bottom time more comfortable.

Ironrope, life is not simple. . . People who use jacket style BC's can tell you why they like them, Back floats are popular with others. When you hear how bad one style is over another, don't worry about one is good and the other is bad. Learn to adjust to what you have. Any BC is just a bubble of air. If that bubble is close to your head your feet may sink, If that bubble is behind you, you will push forward. Place your weights on your body or BC where they will minimize tilting. Many Jackets now have weight pockets in front so you lean back at the surface. Many back floats have pockets to go on the tank band.

I started diving when experienced divers were sure the little horsecollar CO2 inflatables were thought to be dangerous. Don't let someone else tell you something that doesn't make sense. I still wear a weight belt and I can move the weights around to work with any floatation. Welcome to the board and use the "Forum Jump" to search for advise on gear. Oh, a tip when you get confusing tips look in the diver profile for how many dives the poster has. Someone with a few dives is very sincere, may not have experience with many choices.

 

[NEdivah]

Greetings and welcome to the board. I switched to a back inflate and I'll never go back to a jacket. Much better trim. Haven't really had much of a problem @ the surface, but then again I don't usually swim on my back either! Find what works for you and stick with it. Cheers!!

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Welcome ironrope!

 

[ironrope]

Thank you all for your responses.