Weight Belt around hips or waist?

[Granny Scuba]

I am starting open water training for the 2nd time!

One of the problems I had was with weight belt removal, and I really want to succeed this time. My SDI book says to wear the weight belt around the hips.

Why around the hips and not the waist?

Thanks,
Granny

 

[RonFrank]

I wear mine around my waist. I also wear it underneath my BP/W. I have NO plans on removing it, even if I could if need be....

If one of the drills you must do is weigh belt removal, make sure the belt is easily dropped! I would hope that is in a pool or very shallow water...

My question is why are you not weight integrated?

 

[gcbryan]

I am starting open water training for the 2nd time!

One of the problems I had was with weight belt removal, and I really want to succeed this time. My SDI book says to wear the weight belt around the hips.

Why around the hips and not the waist?

Thanks,
Granny

It should be waist. I don't know why it would say hips but the point is it has to stay on and I don't see that happening if it's around the hips.

 

[Guba]

If I were to wear my weight belt around my hips, I'd soon be wearing them around my ankles (or not at all). Go for the waist.

 

[TMHeimer]

The weight belt always slipped down-sometimes about to come off. A problem male divers have due to the difference in hip shape from females. I use suspenders-a buddy knows to release my BC weights. I tighten the suspenders so the belt is at least waist high. Have no problems with buoyancy and horizontal swimming. Everyone's different.

 

[Jeff Toorish]

I wear mine around my waist. I also wear it underneath my BP/W. I have NO plans on removing it, even if I could if need be....

If one of the drills you must do is weigh belt removal, make sure the belt is easily dropped! I would hope that is in a pool or very shallow water...

My question is why are you not weight integrated?

Most, if not all, training agencies require students to remove and rebuckle a standard weight belt during training.

To the OP, are you sure it says around the hips not above the hips?

In any event, wear the belt where it is:

1. secure
2. comfortable
3. trimmed

Jeff

 

[paddler3d]

Most, if not all, training agencies require students to remove and rebuckle a standard weight belt during training.

I've got my books, PADI, in front of me and it refers to 'weight system'.

I'd interpret that as a belt or weight integrated.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

The weight belt always slipped down-sometimes about to come off. A problem male divers have due to the difference in hip shape from females.

Not picking on you, I swear. Humans have hips! For most humans, if they are not active enough, eat too much or both of the above the waist can easily exceed the dimensions of the hips. This happens to both men and women.

That is the reason integrated weight systems were designed, because diving can not survive financially catering only to fit humans.

 

[Louie]

Hi Granny,

Usually, the weightbelt goes around the waist but if it sits more comfortably around the hips, I don't think it's a problem. I personally can't stand the belt sitting uncomfortably on my hips and hitting the bony bits.

I would reinforce what Jeff has stated about the importance of the belt being:
1. secure; 2. comfortable and 3. trimmed.

Make sure the belt is snug - but not uncomfortably tight. It's very frustrating having the wobbling and moving weight belt as this can throw off your positioning and balance.

 

[RonFrank]

Most, if not all, training agencies require students to remove and rebuckle a standard weight belt during training.

Our LDS uses weight integrated BC's. I'm betting most Ops do, and for sure most PADI shops. I'm not sure many LDS's in/around Denver even have standard weight belts! There are some notable exceptions, and I know that ALL shops have belts available, but you maybe be over estimating the number of shops that use non-weight integrated systems during OW certification.