Sinky Feet and Floaty Torso

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Bryan

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Hi all, just a quick newbie question...

I went diving yesterday and noticed that while my weight overall seems to be correct, I seem to be more positively buoyant in my upper body, while my feet sink.

I have a Zeagle Brigade, and it has side weight pockets and two small trim pockets near the bottom and on each side of the tank, and am considering moving some of the weight from the side pockets to the tank trim pockets.

I wonder if they will be too low to counteract my floating torso... is it possible somehow to put weights behind my shoulders with my current configuration?

Has anyone else had the same problem and come up with a good solution?
 
You are essentially on the right track to correct your problem. Basically your center of bouyancy and center of gravity are out of line with each other. I'm not familiar with your BC so I don't know if the tank pockets will be high enough to correct the problem.

One other thing to consider doing after moving some weight to the tank pockets is to move your tank just a little higher on the BC. Also another that might make a difference is to learn the frog kick for your finning technique. The leg position with this method will move your center of gravity forward.
 
jbd:
You are essentially on the right track to correct your problem. Basically your center of bouyancy and center of gravity are out of line with each other. I'm not familiar with your BC so I don't know if the tank pockets will be high enough to correct the problem.

One other thing to consider doing after moving some weight to the tank pockets is to move your tank just a little higher on the BC. Also another that might make a difference is to learn the frog kick for your finning technique. Th leg position with this method will move your center of gravity forward.

Thanks. I looked at my BCD a little more closely, and it looks like the trim pockets can adjust to go higher. I'll begin by moving some weight in the back first, and see how that goes. Then, if I still have trouble, I'll try to move the weight pockets up.

I'm starting to practice the frog kick, too. I bought a pair of used JetFins which I've heard are ideal for that.
 
If you are using the frog kick....

Bending your knees moves your center of gravity up and that helps too....after you get the weights set.

Good luck.

Chad
 
With my Brigade I put 1/3 of the total weight in the trim pockets around the tank and it works perfectly.
 
stangscuba98a:
With my Brigade I put 1/3 of the total weight in the trim pockets around the tank and it works perfectly.

1/3? Excellent advice... I'll give that a try. I've only had 1/7th or so back there so far.
 
DiverBry:
1/3? Excellent advice... I'll give that a try. I've only had 1/7th or so back there so far.

1/7th? That I bet is your problem. Try 1/3 and I bet you will be AOK.:D
 
BIGG_BUDD:
I have a Brigade, and put roughly 1/3 back there. Works like a charm.

Hi Jason! How have you been?

That makes 2 votes for 1/3 in tank trim pockets... I'll definitely give that a try on the next dives.

My LDS has another OW class on Saturday so I'll probably tag along and try that out.
 
My feet are sinky too. I dive mostly fresh water and use only 6# of lead in an AL Maverick BCD. Recently I've started attachinf 4# to a tank pouch mounted near the top of my tank and use 2# for dichable weights. Worked great.
 
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