New diver, questions regarding weight belts and buoyancy.

[Angriff]

Ok so I am a fairly new diver, but I only dive in pretty shallow waters, 15 feet max usually. My partner and I do gold dredging in rivers so we never have to go down too deep. However, we have been facing a problem with buoyancy, mainly that we are just too buoyant. We are using weight belts and they are really bulky and uncomfortable, and I was hoping there was a product that someone knew of that was more convenient for the kind of diving we are doing. I was thinking something like a weighted vest that doesn't get in the way or fall off a lot. Although I don't know if such a product exists with a quick release in case things go south in the water.

My other question is just in regards to comfort. I'm using a pretty crappy drysuit at the moment and it is incredibly cold (I live in Idaho and the rivers are all snow runoff), so I was hoping for some suggestions to keep warm or possibly a better suit suggestion. Currently I wear about 5 layers under my suit, which makes for a really uncomfortable gearing up process when it is warm outside. I found this suit, and it is within my price range, but I am definitely open to suggestions on how to either improve my current situation or acquisition of a new suit. ScubaPro Everdry 4 Scuba Drysuit 60.851.200 with reviews at scuba.com

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Steve_C]

You can get a BCD with integrated weights. All or part of your weight go into pockets that can be ditched in an emergency. Part of the need for lots of weight could be related to the dry suit and how it is used.

 

[Damselfish]

it's called a weight harness, google that and you should find some options. DUI is one.

 

[fisheater]

A steel backplate may also help.

 

[al248005]

it's called a weight harness, google that and you should find some options. DUI is one.

Heres the DUI. I have one and like it alot. DUI Weight & Trim System for Scuba Divers

 

[g1138]

If you're using a hooka setup, look up Freediving weight harnesses. Made by Omer, Mares, and other freediving manufacturers.

If you're doing scuba, check out weighted backplates. Deep Sea Supply sells heavy 5lb stainless Steel plates with extra steel bolt on plates to add an additional 8-10lbs.

If you purchase a backplate, you'll also need to purchase or create a harness to fit the backplate. And a wing to allow for some bouyancy control, such as floating on the surface.

 

[jIM STEELE]

steve makes a lead back plate that can weigh from 8 to 28 lbs have him make it what ever you want a 18 lb one is about 120$

---------- Post added March 30th, 2013 at 06:29 PM ----------

a hollis Kevlar would hold up much better than neoprene one

 

[Angriff]

All this information is fantastic, thank you guys so much!

---------- Post added March 31st, 2013 at 12:53 AM ----------

steve makes a lead back plate that can weigh from 8 to 28 lbs have him make it what ever you want a 18 lb one is about 120$

---------- Post added March 30th, 2013 at 06:29 PM ----------

a hollis Kevlar would hold up much better than neoprene one

Really good idea for the gloves, that would hold up a lot better when we are throwing rocks around underwater I imagine, thanks!

 

[TMHeimer]

I use suspenders (specifically for scuba) to keep the belt from slipping. You don't have to tighten the belt anymore than you wish, so you don't have to squeeze your gut to death. Belt is obviously more difficult to release in an emergency, so a buddy needs to know to drop my BCD weights first. I would guess the harness idea is even better. Should your diving take you to the tropics, I don't use the belt/suspenders there-- I just put whatever weight is needed in the BCD pockets to accomodate my shortie or body suit.

 

[jIM STEELE]

All this information is fantastic, thank you guys so much!

---------- Post added March 31st, 2013 at 12:53 AM ----------


Really good idea for the gloves, that would hold up a lot better when we are throwing rocks around underwater I imagine, thanks!

Hollis and ocean venders makes a strech kevlor dry suit