Swimming faceup buttdown in Back-Inf BC

[SeaHound]

Back Inflation BC owners ... One question!

I am very used to swimming backwards underwater (face towards the surface and butt towards the ocean floor). This was I dont know where I am going but I do know where I came from. It also enables me to see the surface and the rest of the dive group that is usually behind me.

Can you do this or can you swim to your side as easily with a back inflation BC as you can with jacket style? I would think it would be hard because the aircell on your back would prevent you from "rolling to your side" dont you think?

 

[herman]

I have a Ranger and it's no trouble to surface swim on my back in it. If you over inflate it, you have to kind of get on top of it and ride it like a raft. It's more difficult to explain than do. Never tried on my side but I expect it would be fine as long as you don't over inflate it. Over inflation is the biggest problem people who switch from jacket type to back inflate have.

 

[jonnythan]

I think he means swimming that way underwater, not on the surface.

I have a bp/wing and it's no problem. In reality you should only have a couple of pounds of air in the wing at any given time. Weight placement may be an issue though.. almost all of the weight I dive with is in the backplate and channel weight, so that end is heavy anyway. If you have a weight belt or weight-integrated BC where the weights are on your hips it may be more of an issue.

 

[simbrooks]

Its not really an issue with air moving around in the wing, a quick roll will put the air back all through the wing from you being on your side or back. On your side the air sits in the upper side of the wing, on your back it is balanced, but the wing will slightly taco up around you. You can dump air from the inflator hose if you feel the need to ascend with no troubles.

Why not take a little time to look at the floor? Lots of interesting stuff there.

 

[herman]

Oops, missed underwater. I swim like that on occasion also, properly weighted and trimmed, it's no problem.

 

[crpntr133]

Swiming on your back while UW is possible. Just keep in mind that you probably don't want to do this for a long period of time. Since you have no reference to the bottom you may end up hitting something and causing damage to yourself as well as whatever you hit.

 

[utnapistim]

Back Inflation BC owners ... One question!

I am very used to swimming backwards underwater (face towards the surface and butt towards the ocean floor). This was I dont know where I am going but I do know where I came from. It also enables me to see the surface and the rest of the dive group that is usually behind me.

Can you do this or can you swim to your side as easily with a back inflation BC as you can with jacket style? I would think it would be hard because the aircell on your back would prevent you from "rolling to your side" dont you think?

I found it easy to do: swim to a side, face towards the surface and head down; The difference is if you stop completely, it will keep you face down (this also meant more relaxation for me);

I imagine it would be a problem if you are overweighted: then, you have to add much air in the bladder and that will make a big difference: it should force you face-down;

Btw, I use the triple-L Orion BC; anyone who can tell me: can I call it BP/wing (since the bladder is detachable) or just back-inflated BC? (I know it's a probably a stupid or newbie question).

Sorry if I hijacked the thread; didn't mean to.

 

[jonnythan]

Btw, I use the triple-L Orion BC; anyone who can tell me: can I call it BP/wing (since the bladder is detachable) or just back-inflated BC? (I know it's a probably a stupid or newbie question).

Sorry if I hijacked the thread; didn't mean to.

No, it's a back inflate BC. A backplate looks like this:

http://www.diveriteexpress.com/bcs/img/backplateupdsm.jpg

 

[Uncle Pug]

Seahound, the position is called supine. I do that on occassion JFTFOI and often on ascent during the last 10'.

That said, the best way to see where you have been is to tuck your head down and look between your legs. Of course if your prone position is such that you are head high and foot low, like most folks, then you won't be able to do this.

Actually, looking between your legs to see behind you is a good test to see if you are in true horizontal trim.

Now for something important.... why is the rest of the dive group usually behind you? Are you an Irish Setter? Do you need to be kept on a leash?

 

[scubatoys]

Really the thing with orientation with back inflate bc's is a bit overblown... If you are weighted right, you probably don't have any air in the BC at which case it makes no difference where the bladder is... on your back, around you, or on your left foot... No air, no floatation...

Now obviously, if diving with a heavy wetsuit at depth and you have to have some air in it, it may make a little difference, but I spin over all the time with my Brigade with no problems what so ever.