Not a very nice experience

[tfsails]

If they were swimming up slope, it would be a pretty simple matter to pick up the pockets.

Kudos to you, OP, for keeping your wits about you and solving the problem! Just a hint for another day . . . Even if the power inflator is stuck in the "deflate" position, lowering it below your body will stop the exit of gas. In a horizontal position, one should have to lift the inflator significantly to get any gas to dump. In a vertical position, you might have to hold the inflator down along your body, but even then, you should be able to hold a significant amount of air in the BC.

TS&M--I've seen lots of your blog entries (hope I'm using the word "blog" correctly here...) and the more I read what you have to say, the more impressed I am with your diving knowledge and wisdom. Just about everything you've ever said has been well-thought and generally spot on. Kudos to you!

TF