My one big concern about getting BP/W

[Artimas]

Here we go again!

I want to get a BC, and would like to take advantage of the things a BP/W offers.

But, I do have a concern.

I like the way a jacket BC holds me up out of the water in a vertical position when I'm on the surface. I'm comfortable and relaxed. I tried a back inflate BC, that I felt wasn't nearly as comfortable on the surface, and it made me feel less relaxed, and in fact a bit concerned about getting swamped in the face by the wave action. I felt as though I had to constantly work to stay comfortably afloat, and honestly, it worried and bothered me.

I know that how a BC performs under water is really what matters, but if I can't be comfortable on the surface, it ruins my whole dive.

Is there a way to set up a BP/wing to keep me as comfortable on the surface as a jacket BC?

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

It takes getting used to but a backplate and wing keeps you out of the water well as long as it isn't over inflated. Remember you dont breath through your navel so you shouldn't need anything besides your head out of the water anyay. Keeping your reg in your mouth or having a snorkel stowed in a pocket for those few times you need it will help to to stay comfortable and breath while sitting on the surface.

It all comes down to experience, the more you dive a plate based bc the more comfortable it becomes and after even couple dives you will wonder how anyone can dive a jacket and be comfortable.

dont over inflate the wing and you will be fine. good luck.

 

[Tortuga68]

Yes - get your trim right with correct weighting

Distribute your non-ditchable weight on the upper/lower cam bands/STA as required

 

[divad]

dont over inflate the wing and you will be fine.

Or, "over inflate" the wing and float on your back.

 

[cool_hardware52]

Here we go again!

I want to get a BC, and would like to take advantage of the things a BP/W offers.

But, I do have a concern.

I like the way a jacket BC holds me up out of the water in a vertical position when I'm on the surface. I'm comfortable and relaxed. I tried a back inflate BC, that I felt wasn't nearly as comfortable on the surface, and it made me feel less relaxed, and in fact a bit concerned about getting swamped in the face by the wave action. I felt as though I had to constantly work to stay comfortably afloat, and honestly, it worried and bothered me.

Did the Back Inflate you tried include a crotch strap? Without a crotch strap inflating the BC often results in the BC rising out of the water, but the diver does not. Soon the BC is over your head, not good.

I know that how a BC performs under water is really what matters, but if I can't be comfortable on the surface, it ruins my whole dive.

Is there a way to set up a BP/wing to keep me as comfortable on the surface as a jacket BC?

As others have mentioned being properly weighted is important, and so is using a properly adjusted harness with a crotch strap.

The crotch strap assures that both the diver and the BC are "lifted" at the surface.

Tobin

 

[Thalassamania]

Here we go again!

I want to get a BC, and would like to take advantage of the things a BP/W offers.

But, I do have a concern.

I like the way a jacket BC holds me up out of the water in a vertical position when I'm on the surface. I'm comfortable and relaxed. I tried a back inflate BC, that I felt wasn't nearly as comfortable on the surface, and it made me feel less relaxed, and in fact a bit concerned about getting swamped in the face by the wave action. I felt as though I had to constantly work to stay comfortably afloat, and honestly, it worried and bothered me.

I know that how a BC performs under water is really what matters, but if I can't be comfortable on the surface, it ruins my whole dive.

Is there a way to set up a BP/wing to keep me as comfortable on the surface as a jacket BC?

I know someone with the same concern, he wears a old smallish horsecollar too. I find it a little weird, but he says that's what makes him comfortable. I've not tried it but there is some sort of inflatable do-hickey in the front of the back inflation Oceanic BC's that is designed to have the same effect.

 

[scubadada]

Artimas,

I dived with a Scubapro Glide Plus for several years. It fit well, was very comfortable, but I did not like the feeling of constriction and limited mobility underwater. It gave me a very comfortable position on the surface regardless of the amount of air in it. I switched to a Knighthawk. It fit extremely well, was as comfortable and gave me complete freedom underwater. Surface positioning is dependent on degree of inflation. Properly inflated, I am extremely comfortable in all conditions. It's also great for surface swimming on my back. Different BCs require familiarity and experience to get the highest performance. Good luck in your quest for the right BC.

Good diving, Craig

 

[PScUba]

In addition to what other of had, with a back inflate BC or BP/W just try to lean back on the surface. Just imagine you are in a big comfy rocking chair and your head should be well above the water. If you need to make a surface swim, just do it backwards. This should help make you feel more comfortable on the surface.

 

[1_T_Submariner]

Like other have said just don't over inflate. Even play around with the inflation and you will be able to tell the differnece.

Divers don't belong on the surface for long anyway.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

Here we go again!

I want to get a BC, and would like to take advantage of the things a BP/W offers.

But, I do have a concern.

I like the way a jacket BC holds me up out of the water in a vertical position when I'm on the surface. I'm comfortable and relaxed. I tried a back inflate BC, that I felt wasn't nearly as comfortable on the surface, and it made me feel less relaxed, and in fact a bit concerned about getting swamped in the face by the wave action. I felt as though I had to constantly work to stay comfortably afloat, and honestly, it worried and bothered me.

I know that how a BC performs under water is really what matters, but if I can't be comfortable on the surface, it ruins my whole dive.

Is there a way to set up a BP/wing to keep me as comfortable on the surface as a jacket BC?

Proper weighting, selecting the correct-sized wing, and harness set up correctly (with crotch strap) goes a long way. Don't over-inflate the wing as others have mentioned. Then just practice with it a bit. Most find it comfortable to lean back a little when on the surface with BP/W.

I find my BP/W to be MORE comfortable than a jacket BC on the surface because it does not ride up. Even fully-inflated I only feel a slight forward push, which is easlily compensated for by leaning back. And if you are properly weighted you should normally not need to fully-inflate your wing at the surface anyway...

And under water I like it much more than a jacket BC.

Good luck, and just have fun with whatever you decide to use!