Swimming faceup buttdown in Back-Inf BC

[MakoSince70]

I occasionally do the back down underwater so I can observe the antics of the divers I am leading. I prefer Pugs look between the legs. However this position is just for a quick glance. (how long do you really want your head between your legs??)
The back down position is for a longer look. Sometimes I use a Scubapro back inflate. No problem if weighted properly.

 

[SeaHound]

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?

I dont know but yes staying close to my buddy is the biggest problem. What is an Irish Setter BTW?

 

[Uncle Pug]

What is an Irish Setter BTW?

A zipper.

Googling ~Irish setter hyperactive~ should help.

 

[Firefyter]

Yes, you CAN swim on your back underwater with a back inflate. I have a Zeagle Brigade, and I do it from time to time just for the heck of it. I also tried Uncle Pug's supine ascent just for the fun of it. It worked beautifully, and talk about a blast. I've learned lots of things from reading UP's posts, but this one is the most fun. It gets a lot of looks from other divers, both the guys with you, and especially other divers on the surface. Something about seeing the toes of your fins break the surface first kinda takes 'em by surprise...LOL.

 

[love2godeep]

I'd have to second what the others have said. I have a Scubapro Ladyhawk, and I have absolutely no problem going to any position, including face up. I do think that might change if the bladder had a lot of air in it, but of course anyone who is overweighted and overinflated is going to have problems down there, no matter what type of BC.

 

[SubMariner]

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

Well said, Larry. Ya beat me to it.

I have a hybrid BC (Aerix XT) which, for all intents & purposes, is back inflation. No problems at all in ANY orientation u/w. And on top it's not all that much of a "problem" either; you just don't over-inflate it.

 

[Scubakevdm]

Supine swimming in a back inflate BC can cause the bladder to "taco" you. This is usually only problematic in the presence of Orcas, to whom tacos are a favorite.

 

[NC myerssl]

I do it all of the time. As a matter of fact, for practice I'll swim (underwater) in the quarry on my side or back to check out the walls where all of the fish are hanging out. It's pretty cool to see the large catfish silouted (sp) in the sunlight above you.

I did notice that there is a difference between an aluminum and steel tank though. The steel tank will roll you a bit until you get used to it. But it is no big deal after the first or second dive.

Steve
NAUI Master Diver

 

[Caje]

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.

I agree if your weighted properly it would matter if you had a back inflate or a jacket.
Once your down you want to use the BC as a means to stay neutral at preferred depths (like everybody know) If your getting flipped over or youcant stay in a particular position, it might not be a matter of weight but where the weight IS. Back Inflators have the trim pouches in front of the bladder that can somtimes offset position. AS far as surface work, even with a fully inflated backmount you should be able to backpaddel and the BC will bring you out of the water like a boat planeing. Just relax as the BC brings you up into a position to see behind you. My question is (now I could have read it wrong) you go diving to see the underwater world and all the beutiful things there in. What the flip are looking up at the surface for? There aint nothen up there to see. I can understand the whole looking for stragglers concept,but if you have control of your class you wouldn't need to.