Very large man wanting to start Scuba Diving.

[Manjamad]

Been researching places to be trained/certified in my area the past few days. I called and the man told me I would need to get a BCD. I'm 6'4 550lbs, I'm not sure what I can do. I'm currently wearing a 7xl shirt, and it's very loose, but thats kinda the point. Is there any sites out there that carry BCD's that I could use? If it would help, I can go measure certain dimensions. I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to answer this.

 

[DevonDiver]

I'm not sure how big most regular design (jacket) BCDs go to... but you could always investigate a BP&W style BCD, that uses a single-continuous webbing harness. You can make it as large as you reasonably need to.

It looks basic, because it is... but don't assume that it isn't comfortable, or is a 'lesser' choice... this is what many serious divers use.

BP&W Harness

The harness is just a length of nylon webbing, with attachments;

 

[Manjamad]

I will look into this, I'm assuming this is going to be about my only option, it's probably cheaper than one of those 800 dollar jackets too, Which one that fit me would probably be worse.

 

[fisheater]

It's an option that MANY experienced divers have gone with, even without fit issues.

I suggest that you call Tobin, the owner of Deep Sea Supply, for advice on getting a BP/W rig to fit you and your needs.

Www.deepseasupply.com

He makes great gear and, more importantly, works with his customers to make sure that they get what they need.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[lulubelle]

There is a user on Scuba Toys, Bigman, who bought a BC, wetsuit, etc. You might want to contact him and see what resources he has found.

A BP/W would be a great idea though, it can size up/down with you as needed.

 

[Manjamad]

Thank you for the input, I called Tobin, he informed me that before I get a BP/W, I should have my own wetsuit. And weighing 550lbs, when I weighed 600 28days ago, I would spend alot of money on a wet suit, just to have it not fit me in a month or 2. So he suggests I wait.

 

[DevonDiver]

Solve that problem by going somewhere warm to complete your OW course.

You can split your course - doing the academics and pool sessions (no wetsuit needed) locally, then completing the actual open water dives on a holiday. This is called a 'referral'.

Not sure what the price of domestic flights is in your country, but it might be worth comparing against the cost of a custom-made wetsuit?!

 

[oly5050user]

Before starting any course or purchasing gear I would strongly suggest getting a medical release from a Dr, even if you answer no to a dive medical form at the start of class a resonsible instructor can and will ask for a medical release due to your size. Diving can be a physically challenging activity. Can you walk a mile at a decent pace without stopping in a reasonable short period of time? Very basic swim qualifications are 200 yd non stop swim or a 300 yd mask/snkl/fin swim and a 10 minute tread water. It is for your safety and the safety of whoever is in the water with you.
As to equipment,most LDs will not have gear such as exposure suits/bcds that will fit you.So you would have to own your own.

 

[Charlie J]

I started diving at the 300 lb stage (5' 11") and an XXL BCD - but a back inflate wing model, 5X wetsuits (they are small & don't use the normal sizing for clothes).

After a couple of years and about 100 dives - I switched to a BP & Wing - and believe me, there's no going back after that. I even put the SS plate in my carry on when traveling to the Carib to dive!

I agree with oly5050 ( I use that camera myself!): you have to be comfortable in the water and capable of moderate to strenuous activity - depending on where you dive. My diving ranges from 39 degree quarries to 68 degree NC off-shore to 80 degree Caribbean diving. Therfore exposure protection varies from drysuit to wetsuit to a T-shirt and trunks. If you need a wetsuit - it'll probably have to be custom made - and it sounds like you're on a quick weight loss program - so 50lbs is easily the difference between a wetsuit working correctly (minimizing water pumping/circulation around the body) to just a bladder passing cold water over you body with every kick.

Also - the combination of "bioprene" and neoprene will require significant amounts of weights, especially initially, as all new divers tend to retain extra air in their lungs until they relax after 20-30 dives.

I can second the recommendations above for suppliers - both are good sources - you can also try Divers Supply - if Hartsville is the SC one, there's a store in Charlotte, NC.

At this stage, the most important decision is picking the right LDS and instructor - they'll help guide you with this process.

PM me if you want to share more details, etc.

Good Luck!