Inexperienced Diver BC Question

[Diver Beth]

I'm an inexperienced diver, but finally in a situation where I'm able to do a lot more diving. I'm starting to get gear, but not sure about which BC style would be best for me. Here's my question: Do you prefer a jacket style BC, or a back inflate? I've used both, but always seem to feel like I'm being pushed forward when I'm at the surface in a back inflate. My guess is that it has a lot to do with my inexperience. I realize that I'm going to be spending more time under water than at the surface. I'd just like other's opinions on the different styles, & maybe some suggestions on what I could do differently when using a back inflate.
Thanks!

 

[boulderjohn]

I'm an inexperienced diver, but finally in a situation where I'm able to do a lot more diving. I'm starting to get gear, but not sure about which BC style would be best for me. Here's my question: Do you prefer a jacket style BC, or a back inflate? I've used both, but always seem to feel like I'm being pushed forward when I'm at the surface in a back inflate. My guess is that it has a lot to do with my inexperience. I realize that I'm going to be spending more time under water than at the surface. I'd just like other's opinions on the different styles, & maybe some suggestions on what I could do differently when using a back inflate.
Thanks!

The very first BCD I owned was a back inflate. I started with it almost as soon as I was certified. It was years before I heard someone tell me that back inflates push you over on the surface. I had never known that before. the reason is that because I started with it, I quickly learned the proper body position and inflation level to eliminate that problem.

Now ask yourself this. Which would you prefer, a BCD that tends to put you more easily in a good, horizontal diving posture during the entirety of the dive and requires a different body position for the brief time you are on the surface, or a BCD that floats you comfortably fully upright for the brief time you are on the surface and tries to do the same thing during the dive?

 

[CT Sean]

I prefer and use a back inflate style known as a backplate and wing, abbreviated as BP/W. I like it because of its modular design and the uncluttered nature of a simple one piece harness. As a nice side benefit, BP/Ws are negativgely buoyant (thanks the the metal plate) and reduces the amount of lead needed for diving vs requiring additional lead (your average jacket or back inflate BC is buoyant by at least a couple pounds)

I have no problems at the surface and can actually lay on my back quite comfortably with no effort. If you were being pushed face forward, you may have had too much air in the BC, possibly due to being overweighted.

 

[Diver Beth]

Thanks! My experiences have been just like you described. I'm really leaning towards the back inflate, because I'd rather be more comfortable on the dive, & learn to adjust my body at the surface. I really appreciate your input!

 

[AfterDark]

I've used both and prefer the B/Pw. The pitching forward is your trim. I use ankle weights at the bottom of my tank just above the boot. This trims me out for a comfortable surface swim on my face. If you are horizontal on the surface and are being pushed forward try letting some air out of the wing. When I fully inflate my wing it pushes me forward in that position. You shouldn't need to fully inflate your wing unless it's too small not enough lift or you are over weighted.

 

[Diver Beth]

Being overweighted has been a problem for me, but I've only just recently realized it. Again, my inexperience.... After my OW cert, things changed for me & I wasn't able to dive as often as I had anticipated, so I'm still gaining experience. I'm lucky that now I have the opportunity to dive every weekend, so I foresee me honing my skills!

 

[boulderjohn]

I hesitated to mention the Back plate and wing option because ScubaBoard users are rightfully criticized for pushing that option too zealously. The OP asked for the preference between jacket and back inflate, and that is how I answered. I now prefer the BP/W myself, but I recognize that a good back inflate BCD can be just the ticket for many divers.

 

[Diver Beth]

I've never tried the BP/W, but would love to give it a shot! I'm so glad that my life is such now that I can dive frequently, so I'm ready to try new things. Diving has been the most amazing experience for me, & anything that enhances it, I'm all for trying!

 

[AfterDark]

Being overweighted has been a problem for me, but I've only just recently realized it. Again, my inexperience.... After my OW cert, things changed for me & I wasn't able to dive as often as I had anticipated, so I'm still gaining experience. I'm lucky that now I have the opportunity to dive every weekend, so I foresee me honing my skills!

You should try to hook up with a few experienced divers to help you along. Once you get your weight dialed in a lot of things will seem easier and you air consumption will improve. Get a video of yourself swimming underwater to see what you think may need changing. Spreading weight out is a good practice. I spent many years diving with just a weight belt. Since going over to the B/Pw I've found that having weights in various places is a lot better. As boulderjohn mentioned there are also back inflate with plastic b/p that work well for some people. I haven't used one but my wife has one and likes it.

 

[Diver Beth]

You should try to hook up with a few experienced divers to help you along. Once you get your weight dialed in a lot of things will seem easier and you air consumption will improve. Get a video of yourself swimming underwater to see what you think may need changing. Spreading weight out is a good practice. I spent many years diving with just a weight belt. Since going over to the B/Pw I've found that having weights in various places is a lot better. As boulderjohn mentioned there are also back inflate with plastic b/p that work well for some people. I haven't used one but my wife has one and likes it.

My husband is getting certified this week. I did my certifications in another state, so when I moved back to MO, I didn't have a LDS or a group that I dived with. I've met my husband's instructor, his assistants, & everyone in his OW class. His instructor puts together several trips per year, & we're planning on going on some of those trips with them. They seem like a great group! I'm really looking forward to getting to know other divers back here in MO, & gaining experience from diving with them!