where to start, weighting?

[Rookie_J]

Is there a basic formula for proper weighting that is a good starting point? with all the variables weight requirements obviously changes.

I'm 5'7" 180lbs, will be diving a Zeagle back inflate and 80's.

what would you recommend as a starting point?

how much would you add for a 6.5mm suit compared to a 3mm?

my certification was in jamaica and if i recall correctly i was diving with 12 lbs (which might be excessive).

what might be a good place to start for trim weights?

i realize everyone is different, just looking for a decent starting point.

thanks in advance

 

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

Your exposure protection is the big factor. Here in Northern Cal, where 7mm wetsuits are the minimum, the general rule of thumb is 10% of your body weight plus some. It would be *much* less for a 3mm suit. Neoprene floats like cork.

Myself, I wear more than that formula, but I am pretty new to this. My understanding from people here is that you will probably need to start with more weight than you will eventually use down the road. I'm not sure I understand why, since I have to flip over and kick to descend already, but I'm interested in what replies you get.

Gregg

 

[MyDiveLog]

Is there a basic formula for proper weighting that is a good starting point? with all the variables weight requirements obviously changes.

I'm 5'7" 180lbs, will be diving a Zeagle back inflate and 80's.

what would you recommend as a starting point?

how much would you add for a 6.5mm suit compared to a 3mm?

my certification was in jamaica and if i recall correctly i was diving with 12 lbs (which might be excessive).

what might be a good place to start for trim weights?

i realize everyone is different, just looking for a decent starting point.

thanks in advance

Assuming you use an AL80 and the 6.5mm you could start your bouyancy check with 18 lbs. There's really no magical formula, but 10% of your body weight seems to be a pretty good starting point. Make sure you can easily add or take off weights ... I like to have at least 4 pounds that I can easily remove from pockets or that I clip on, as well as 6 pounds on the pool deck that I can easily add.

Whatever you do, don't adjust your bouyancy by the "succeeding dive" approach (i.e. add or subtract weight depending on whether you felt too bouyant or too heavy); take the time before your first dive to do a real bouyancy check. I won't belabor the "how," since that has been covered to death on this board, but if you have questions just PM me.

When I go from my 7mm to my 3mm I take off 10 lbs. My bet is that you'll need somewhere around 8 - 10 lbs for your 3mm.

 

[crpntr133]

Easiest is to take the time and do a weight check. For the 3mm to 7mm..about 2lbs per mm on a full suit to full suit. If you are going from a full suit to a shorty it will be a bit more.

 

[AggieDad]

Is there a basic formula for proper weighting that is a good starting point? with all the variables weight requirements obviously changes.

I'm 5'7" 180lbs, will be diving a Zeagle back inflate and 80's.

what would you recommend as a starting point?

how much would you add for a 6.5mm suit compared to a 3mm?

my certification was in jamaica and if i recall correctly i was diving with 12 lbs (which might be excessive).

what might be a good place to start for trim weights?

i realize everyone is different, just looking for a decent starting point.

thanks in advance

Contact via this board " JBD ". I purchased a booklet that he uses to teach buoyancy control. I hope to take his class soon. His explanation for proper weighting makes the most sense to me. I would explain it here but that would be unethical. I am 6'1" and weigh 260. According to all the other ways I have read about, I "need" upwards of 18 to 20 lbs with a 3 mm suit and AL80. This had me bouncing off the bottom and having the BC with a lot of air in it. I switched to a Zeagle Ranger and the same suit and about 12 lbs is all I seem to need. HOWEVER I am very new at this so do not take my advice as gospel. I am noticing as you will from reading posts here that experience and relaxation will cure a lot of newbie woes. I tend to breathe very deeply and when doing the buoyancy tests while floating at eye level to the water I tend to take WAY too large of air in.

 

[StingRob]

The purpose of every dive being logged (computer or dive log on paper) is to store as much info as you can/want about the dive. For each dive make a habit and write down as much as you can about the dive, which may help you in the future. Location, depth…. to what type of suit you’re wearing, amount of weight and so on are very helpful for your next dive in a similar environment.
About the weighting formula… maybe there is one - which I doubt - but the best thing go in a pool, do the mask level and see how much weight you need. Just keep in mind there is a difference from salt water to fresh water because of the density of the water.

Robert

Is there a basic formula for proper weighting that is a good starting point? with all the variables weight requirements obviously changes.

I'm 5'7" 180lbs, will be diving a Zeagle back inflate and 80's.

what would you recommend as a starting point?

how much would you add for a 6.5mm suit compared to a 3mm?

my certification was in jamaica and if i recall correctly i was diving with 12 lbs (which might be excessive).

what might be a good place to start for trim weights?

i realize everyone is different, just looking for a decent starting point.

thanks in advance

 

[kaboom1371]

I'm 5'6 160lbs. zeagle ranger with an al80, 7mm two piece suit, fresh water I use 28lbs

 

[ShakaZulu]

Start with 24lbs on the 6.5mm. You should be a little over weighted..........have fun.