Overweighting

[aowdan]

16 pounds with a 1mm? Good gracious. :11:

As to doing the weight check--one way is to hold the weight you're going to test by a strap. Lower it to the diver in the water and have them hold onto it. That way you can pull them to the surface if needed.

No, not 16# with a 1mm. i didn't make myself clear. i have a 1mm, 3mm and i use a hooded vest (7mm hood 3mm vest). i use these combined. it's the initial descent that gives me trouble. according to the standard bouyancy check, i'm fine. but if i try to lighten the load, can't get down using the "just sink" method. if i do a surface dive and go head first i'm ok with less weight. once i get down and everything gets good and wet and compressed. i'm good, and would not need that much weight. with just my gear (no suits), just my swim shorts, i can get down with 4#, but good greif, the water is cold here this time of year (68 degrees yesterday) BRRRRR.

 

[aowdan]

Thanks to all so far for the advice.

 

[matt_unique]

The most weight I've worn on a weight belt was 16lbs. It was on my first NC ocean dives wearing a (yuck) jacket BC. Never did a proper weight check or anything--I didn't use weight in class so I didn't expect to use any out there. Forgot about that 6lb backplate from class. Mate on the boat handed me a 16lbs weightbelt after I couldn't descend.
After the dive, it felt like my back was going to break in half from all the weight. I don't see how people wear such heavy weightbelts...

You would be shocked at the weight requirements to dive cold water. Alum tank, BC, neoprene drysuit, thick thermals, etc. 30 - 40+ lbs no problem.

--Matt

 

[jeckyll]

Matt: Try a bag suit. And AL doubles (yes yes, I'm buying steels hopefully in the future). And low to mid 40's water.

Stupid weight

 

[matt_unique]

Matt: Try a bag suit. And AL doubles (yes yes, I'm buying steels hopefully in the future). And low to mid 40's water.

Stupid weight

I know this first hand with my 7mm neoprene drysuit in mid to high 30's water. This year the coldest I've measured was 38 degrees F two weekends ago. In fact, I have been meaning to post in NE Lobstah Divers to see what other temps have been seen in my area.

--Matt

 

[jeckyll]

I think I'd refuse to get in the water in a wetsuit if it was below 45

 

[matt_unique]

I think I'd refuse to get in the water in a wetsuit if it was below 45

I only wear a wetsuit on vacation in warm water. I only use a dry suit in these parts!

--Matt

 

[aowdan]

you effers are nuts. cold water? yes 65 is cold. more than 3mm is cold................................maybe i'm just spoild???

 

[1_T_Submariner]

I use 24lbs in freshwater. I have carried extra weight for my wife when she said she was over weighted antoher time I found a weight 4lbs gotta pick it up, did the rest of the dive just fine.

 

[Brewski]

You would be shocked at the weight requirements to dive cold water. Alum tank, BC, neoprene drysuit, thick thermals, etc. 30 - 40+ lbs no problem.

--Matt

Switch to steel tank. back plate/wing combo.