(no subject)
I went for a scuba dive this morning.
Some say that is insane in the middle of winter.
I attempted it first without a hood. Big mistake. Fortunately, the instructor whom I was following had a spare one. So she gave me hers. Would have been very difficult without it.
The dive was an experimental dive, as I was diving with new equipment. New BCD, new wetsuit, different weight set-up. It was purely for the purpose of observing how the new set-up felt, how I'd handle it, and to determine if changes were needed.
Observations:
My fins are positively buoyant. I knew this already, but the effect is even more pronounced with this set-up.
My weights were held in two pouches. One on each hip. 9 pounds on the right side. 6 pounds on the left. Out of balance is not good.
I wasn't heavy enough. Not enough weights. Plus my wetsuit is brand new, so it hasn't lost any buoyancy yet.
Consequently, I struggled to get under the surface.
15 degree water is bloody cold to dive in without protection!
Alterations:
I may buy new fins in the near future. Undecided on that yet though.
I've now purchased 9 pounds of weights and replaced the 6 pounds that was on the left side. That should put me back in balance. And it's given me extra weight, so I shouldn't have any more dramas with buoyancy controls.
I also purchased a hood. That will give me the protection I need if/when I dive in winter again.
The effort of going diving was definitely worth it for the feedback I got out of it.
Strangely enough, I'm actually happy.
Some say that is insane in the middle of winter.
I attempted it first without a hood. Big mistake. Fortunately, the instructor whom I was following had a spare one. So she gave me hers. Would have been very difficult without it.
The dive was an experimental dive, as I was diving with new equipment. New BCD, new wetsuit, different weight set-up. It was purely for the purpose of observing how the new set-up felt, how I'd handle it, and to determine if changes were needed.
Observations:
My fins are positively buoyant. I knew this already, but the effect is even more pronounced with this set-up.
My weights were held in two pouches. One on each hip. 9 pounds on the right side. 6 pounds on the left. Out of balance is not good.
I wasn't heavy enough. Not enough weights. Plus my wetsuit is brand new, so it hasn't lost any buoyancy yet.
Consequently, I struggled to get under the surface.
15 degree water is bloody cold to dive in without protection!
Alterations:
I may buy new fins in the near future. Undecided on that yet though.
I've now purchased 9 pounds of weights and replaced the 6 pounds that was on the left side. That should put me back in balance. And it's given me extra weight, so I shouldn't have any more dramas with buoyancy controls.
I also purchased a hood. That will give me the protection I need if/when I dive in winter again.
The effort of going diving was definitely worth it for the feedback I got out of it.
Strangely enough, I'm actually happy.