Trim problem with 5 mm wetsuit!

[uncfnp]

I recently dove for the first time in a 5 mm wetsuit. I added weight to compensate, 4's in the BC pockets and 3's in the tank pockets (I use 3's and 2's with my 3 mm). My problem is that I have done 3 dives in the suit and still want to do a face plant and my feet float to the surface. I normally have slightly floaty feet but in the 5 mm if I stop swimming I almost immediately start to go head down and feet up. It was so bad the first time that my knees ached for hours after from fighting to keep my feet down. I tried lowering the tank and it helped some but if I go any lower, the tank will be on the ground! (I'm 5'4"). It's bad enough that I decided I'd rather be cold in my 3 mm and have switched back. I hate the idea of ankle weights. Any suggestions? Thanks for your help.

 

[CoolBreezeOH]

Try reducing or eliminating the weight in the tank pockets.

 

[00wabbit]

Try some heavier fins like jet fins.

 

[g1138]

Don't cinch your shoulder straps so tight if you are actually doing that.
The shoulder straps realistically only shift the pocket placement on your BC. They really have minimal effects on how snug they make the BC from your back to your front.

Lowering the pockets will place your weight closer to your feet, helping with your trim.
Also wearing a weight belt may help.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Another vote for the weight belt. Sounds like you need to get the weight lower and the tank trim pouches are just keeping it up high. Don't use em.

 

[swimmer_spe]

Get a pair of ankle weights. That will drop your legs.

 

[AfterDark]

I solved that problem by putting tank weighs at the bottom of the tank. I use 2lbs, shifts just enough weight back to trim me out.

 

[windapp]

I would love to have that particular problem. There are so many ways to move weight down on your body, and so few ways to move it up. I vote for the weight belt, which I avoid because I have the exact opposite problem.

 

[thez_yo]

I'm the same height as you and had the same exact problem, and got it fixed, so don't give up on the 5mm yet. I used all of the solutions suggested here - I tried ankle weights which worked but was a nuisance so I just went to heavier fins instead (from aqualung adj's to jet fins), and I removed any weights that were above my waist on my back on the bc and have them arranged where a weight belt would lie now. In the 5mm that's 4 evenly spaced out 3lb weights. My feet somehow miraculously float up a little in the pool still once I get through half the tank(s), but not out in the ocean for some reason. I think it may be a matter of figuring out a slightly different position for my hands (maybe not so far out in front of me, or maybe they're not far enough? still figuring it out) to level things out.

 

[windapp]

You can also try overweighting a pound or two on the weight belt if simply using the belt doesn't help. The additional air in your BCD will tip your front end up to balance your legs. Keep in mind that if your legs are light, you will need to use the muscles in your hips and butt to keep them down even after you have your weight right.