How to add weight in front of upper body?

[eelnoraa]

I have a serious trim problem. I SS bp. Latest weight check found that I need to carry additional 16 lb. I also know I am leg heavy, so I put 4 lb (2 on each side) on the upper cam band. The rest of 12lb, I carry them on weight belt, 6 on each side toward the front of my waist already.

Now here are the problems: 1) I am still leg heavy. 2) I tent to roll up side down.

2) tells me that 4lb on upper camband is already too much. I need to reduce or even completely remove them to eliminator roll. But 1) tells me that I need more weight on my upper body. My tank is already sitting high. My head is hitting the 1st stage when I look up, so cannot move tank up anymore.

Any suggestion how it can be done?

 

[Gombessa]

Now here are the problems: 1) I am still leg heavy. 2) I tent to roll up side down.

Can you explain what you mean by roll upside down? When you try to stay absolutely still in the water while horizontal, do you go head-down/feet-up onto your back?

This isn't nearly as common in single tanks, but typically when you think you're foot-heavy but tipping onto your head, it's because you're actually head-heavy and you have to keep your feet down in order to adjust your center of gravity to prevent going head-down. That tricks you into thinking you're leg-heavy.

 

[spectrum]

It's sort of in the parlor trick category but you can try ankle weights around the crown of your cylinder. That gets the weight very high on your body and it will slump close to your back.

Do you carry a light? I always dive with a 4 Cell (Tec400) cluped to a shoulder D ring. It's a little negative and hung low and forward.

What are you using for fins. A less negative fin may be a way to approach the problem from another direction even if it means adding something back onto your belt.

Pete

 

[Blackwood]

Bench press, shoulder press.



Seriously, though: what types of cylinders are you using? Mass distribution can be dramatically from one tank to another.

 

[TSandM]

If you use the XS Scuba weight pockets for your camband weights, you can push them forward until they're right on the backplate, thus minimizing the "keel" effect -- putting them on top of the tank maximizes it.

In addition, make sure your harness is adjusted so that the tank remains very stably in the center of your back. A certain amount of "anti-roll" is skill -- there is a balance component to learning to dive that almost nobody ever talks about, but it's like riding a bicycle -- you have to keep the heavy weight balanced or it will fall. Except you're the bicycle, and you're trying to balance the rider . . .

 

[fisheater]

Also. If you have a DSS plate, you should consider Tobin's weight plates.

 

[Teamcasa]

First, have a trusted mentor work with you on adjusting trim and moving around the ballast.

You may also consider getting rid of the cam weights, get some bolt on weights for your plate (DSS has them).
Distribute the weight on your belt more side-to-side and nothing on your back.

But really, dive with a mentor first. You may just be doing something that a little honing of your skills can fix.

 

[eelnoraa]

Can you explain what you mean by roll upside down? When you try to stay absolutely still in the water while horizontal, do you go head-down/feet-up onto your back?

I cannot stay still and maintain horizontal. If I were to get my self in horizontal position, then get into sky diving posture, my leg will drop. I have no problem maintaining up-right position at all. I can only maintain horizontal if I am finning

As for rolling, if I were finning forward (horizontally), a slight roll in my body, will make me roll continously until I am up side down.

Do you carry a light?
What are you using for fins.
Pete

I don't use light. I am only carrying the absolute minimum for now. I don't think I can manage too many add-on in water.

I am using AL sling shot. Not sure it is positive or negative.

Seriously, though: what types of cylinders are you using? Mass distribution can be dramatically from one tank to another.

I am using rental AL80.

If you use the XS Scuba weight pockets for your camband weights, you can push them forward until they're right on the backplate, thus minimizing the "keel" effect -- putting them on top of the tank maximizes it.
. .

I am already doing this. 2 pocket on upper band pushed all the way into the STA, and 2lb on each pocket. It appears that this is NOT enough weight to balance my leg heavy trim, but it is enough to to make the tank side heavy so I tend to roll. This is why I am trying to see if I can add weight to the front of upper body.

Also. If you have a DSS plate, you should consider Tobin's weight plates.

Too bad, I have dive rite plate. I talk to a local DSS reseller, he said DSS weight does NOT fit on dive rite plate. So I guess this is not a option for me.

 

[JeffG]

I am already doing this. 2 pocket on upper band pushed all the way into the STA, and 2lb on each pocket. It appears that this is NOT enough weight to balance my leg heavy trim, but it is enough to to make the tank side heavy so I tend to roll. This is why I am trying to see if I can add weight to the front of upper body.

Tighten the harness (maybe) or just dive more.

 

[Teamcasa]

Too bad, I have dive rite plate. I talk to a local DSS reseller, he said DSS weight does NOT fit on dive rite plate. So I guess this is not a option for me.

The weights are lead and quite soft. They are very easy to re-drill, cut and fit them to your plate.