Someone help me with my trim

[partridge]

Neutrally buoyant I am 100% vertical. This is perfect for my normal dives which are drift dives along a wall. Problem is when I go to another dive site where there is a bottom. The only way I can keep horizontal is when moving.

I use a 3/2 mm wetsuit and 10 lbs of weight on a belt. Since I got my Jet fins, it only added to my being vertical. I have a regular BC and dive 80, 95 or 100 AL's.

I even tried moving my belt up to my stomach.

Is this normal? Are there any ways to improve this?

All suggestions are welcome, even change in equipment.

 

[Arnaud]

If the valve of your tank is in the middle of your back, try to move it up. You should be able to reach the valve.

Consider trying a B/P.

Stop thinking vertical. Scuba diving is an horizontal sport...

 

[paolov]

Neutrally buoyant I am 100% vertical. This is perfect for my normal dives which are drift dives along a wall. Problem is when I go to another dive site where there is a bottom. The only way I can keep horizontal is when moving...

You may dump some air from your BC. a small amount of air may give you this vertical position on stationary position.

however , you are at rescue level, so i suggest you go and do your adjustment at 20ft. figure it our from there, ask a buddy to help you.

Or you may join us this weekend . PM me if you would like to join us this weekend.

 

[paolov]

Oh well, i think you are at the other end of the island. Well if you ever get to this side (Batangas) let me know and lets do some diving.


on your trim, well. let me just share with you my rig.

1. First of all i do not use a wetsuit anymore. i use rashguards (layers depends on the temperature)

2. I use a thin hood. serves in heat retention (it really works!!!) and to protect exposed skin from stings.

3. I do no use weights, i use SS BP with bladder of 100lbs lift.

4. reel and ballon always attached.

5. dive position is controlled by breathing , very much like the use of submarine ballast.

6. Fins Beuchat power fins (late 1990s series)

prior to this i did a lot of configuration dives, where my sole purpose is to adjust my rig and trim. Find your trim by doing it !

happy Diving. If i ever get down south, i'll give you a ring .

 

[partridge]

Rash guards don't hide my "extra insulation" as well as a wetsuit. haha.

I have been diving for 10 years but stopped for 2. I don't remember having a problem before but maybe I just didn't care.

Like I said, 90% of my dives are along a wall so I actually like to stay vertical. Was hoping there was a quick fix like attaching weights or something.

 

[Captainsea]

Like someone else stated.. try moving your tank up on the backpack about 2 inches.. then try taking 2 lbs off your weight belt..good luck.. it takes a while to get everything situated.. expecially after a stay out of the water, or new equipment..

CLiff

 

[neil]

......................
..... Was hoping there was a quick fix like attaching weights or something.

Attaching weights is not a quick fix, it's THE fix, without buying new gear. You're only using 10 lbs, which isn't very much, so why not start with moving 4 lbs up high onto the tank and down low next to your BC backpack. Combined with moving your tank up, you should immediately see SOME improvement in trim. Try moving more of the weight if needed. This shifting of weight is essentially what's happening with a backplate. Just use a standard cam strap with lead weights. Simple and cheap. If you're willing to spend $$, a back inflate BC with trim weight pockets or BP/wing are the way to go, IMO.
Neil

 

[PaulB]

I definatly agree with Neil. Redistributing some weight should imporve your trim greatly. Moving it up to your tank and or bc pockets should stop your lower body from being pushed down.
Try it out and let us know what happens.

 

[Wendy]

3. I do no use weights, i use SS BP with bladder of 100lbs lift.

Why are you using so much lift? What size tank or tanks are you using?

 

[5615mike]

I definatly agree with Neil. Redistributing some weight should imporve your trim greatly. Moving it up to your tank and or bc pockets should stop your lower body from being pushed down.
Try it out and let us know what happens.

Ditto

And yes, why are they using a 100lb. wing with no weights. Can you say "overkill"