trim options for lead feet

[Jasper]

I recently field tested my new BP/W in Mexico and loved the streamlined feel. But I have questions on trim.

I find that my feet are very negative and am constantly swimming to keep them level. The problem may be caused by my 6'6" length so large lever action. Also I just went to spring straps on the fins which I loved for don/doff but adds weight far from center. Maybe another factor, I am a sinker anyway - only 3# needed with my 1mm suit.

So should I expect to be able to adopt the flying frog posture without effort? In other words feet naturally above a horizontal torso?

I loaded my 3# weight on the upper tank band but still rotate to vertical without swimming.

Are there such things as ankle buoys (as opposed to ankle weights)? Should I just go back to the rubber fin straps? Wear more weight than I really need? Wear the weight attached to a 2' pole on a helmet?

Thanks for any helpful insights!

 

[redacted]

You could always get a scubapro Mk7 1st stage. That cured any problems I had with feet heavy

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

Are you diving wet or dry, single tanks or double (stages, deco, pony, etc), are you using steel or aluminum tanks, etc are all things that will effect trim but usually the number one issue I see is people rig the tank to low.

In the water, horizontal, you should be able to reach back and shut off or turn on your valve (assuming no broken shoulders or anything). This goes for single and double tanks. I won't get into other reasons why this might be handy, but I'm sure moving the tank up will greatly help your trim.

If it's already up high enough, try adding some lead to the shoulder straps or upper tank strap. remove some/all weight from your waist and put it someplace else.

keep in mind that trim may change throughout a dive, based on the type of tanks your using, and weather you have farted or not ;-)

 

[Deep South Divers]

Where's the three pounds worth of weight that you have?

What sort of BC? Tank? What kind of fins?

We'll solve this.

 

[Jasper]

My last attempt was

1mm full wetsuit

3# mounted on the upper tank band; zero on belt

Al 80 tank mounted with the valve about even with the nape (its a homemade flat BP so to go any higher I hit my head but that could be altered to move the tank out)

HOG 32# wing mounted on a homemade Al backplate

In my wife's opinion the farting is near continous so maybe...

Thanks for the help

 

[dumpsterDiver]

lighter fins? Also removal of the lead from the cam band and place a 3 lb lead shot ankle weight around the tank valve, might help somewhat to keep your face a little lower.

 

[Deep South Divers]

What kind of fins? Freshwater or salt?

 

[Deep South Divers]

What kind of tank? Catalina? Luxfer? S80, S80N, or S080? (The engraving will tell you.)

 

[Peter_C]

Where are your feet when you dive? Bring them in towards your back and learn to frog kick. As also recommended putting an ankle weight around the tank neck should help.

 

[Audsred]

As I have the opposite problem - my feet want to float - here are some things I determined affected if my feet would float. SP Twin Jet open heel - yellow as they are positively bouyant - or check for other fins that are positively bouyant. You may want to go to a 5mm boot (if you're not there already) - these are just a couple of things you can try in addition to the other ideas above.