whats the best way to make yourself streamlined.

[coralcrazed]

Iknow Iknow... the #1 is become boyant. However, is there any other suggetions that you do as a diver. I'm looking for technique or even equipment that you recomend...

I am also thinking of combining the octo into my low pressure inflator. I figure it will eliminate a hose and a hanging octo. Is this a good Idea? thanks

[Stingray Brett]

I think being streamlined is 1 boyuant and another one is having the right amount of weight and a bc or bp/w that fits you nice

[coralcrazed]

Originally Posted by Stingray Brett

I think being streamlined is 1 boyuant and another one is having the right amount of weight and a bc or bp/w that fits you nice

you bring up a great point... how do you know if a bc fits right or not? is that a silly question? I hope not.

any other cool suggestions on becoming more streamlined?

[Stingray Brett]

Thats why you should rent around see if your like a jacket bc or a back inflation or you might want have a bp/w

[tedwhiteva]

Originally Posted by coralcrazed

Iknow Iknow... the #1 is become boyant. However, is there any other suggetions that you do as a diver. I'm looking for technique or even equipment that you recomend...

I am also thinking of combining the octo into my low pressure inflator. I figure it will eliminate a hose and a hanging octo. Is this a good Idea? thanks

Besides proper weight - remember, the best check is at the end of the dive, with 500 psi in the tank - the distribution of weight to give you proper trim. Example: when you just float horizontally without moving, do your feet sink? need to move weight up then.
Equipment - if you dive with a guage console, does it hang down a foot at the end of a retractor? That's not streamlined, and more drag than an Octo, especially if you route the octo under your right arm when stowed.

If you want to see if anything is dragging, decend horizontally onto a flat bottom (pool?) and see (or have your buddy see) what hits first.

Just my .02, and worth everything you paid for it.

Edit - by the way, my avitar is a great example of not being treamlined about 3 years ago!

[coralcrazed]

great advise especially about the position of the weight. I tend to sinkhead first and wear a weight belt. I can't move the weigt belt any higher though. I wonder if I should go with a weight integrated BC. its just a weight issue with travel though. thanks


Oh and what is a bp/w?

[dmdoss]

Originally Posted by coralcrazed

great advise especially about the position of the weight. I tend to sinkhead first and wear a weight belt. I can't move the weigt belt any higher though. I wonder if I should go with a weight integrated BC. its just a weight issue with travel though. thanks


Oh and what is a bp/w?

Back Plate and Wing.

[tedwhiteva]

Originally Posted by coralcrazed

great advise especially about the position of the weight. I tend to sinkhead first and wear a weight belt. I can't move the weigt belt any higher though. I wonder if I should go with a weight integrated BC. its just a weight issue with travel though. thanks


Oh and what is a bp/w?

Sinking head first at the beginning of the dive - move the tank down (by moving the BC tank strap closer to the valve. Try an inch at a time but don't go beyond the beginning of the curve.

Weight integrated BC an issue when you travel? - you don't take the weights with you when you travel, but get them from the rental shop at your destination and put them in the BC pockets

[coralcrazed]

Originally Posted by tedwhiteva

Sinking head first at the beginning of the dive - move the tank down (by moving the BC tank strap closer to the valve. Try an inch at a time but don't go beyond the beginning of the curve.

Weight integrated BC an issue when you travel? - you don't take the weights with you when you travel, but get them from the rental shop at your destination and put them in the BC pockets

awsome info again... you mention moving the tank down which is a great idea... I have a question. you know how most bc's have a hanger loop strap at the top. well on my doves I always loop this around the valve before I put on my reg. but the DM on my last dive said not to do this... Forgot to ask him why. so why? I would think that if your tankstrap was to come loose on a dive and fall off than more than likely your reg. will get ripped out of your mouth. Isnt that the reason to do this? that is what I learned in my padi class

also whats the purpose of a bp/w vs a regular bc?

[crosseyed95]

First, take everything you don't absolutely need and put them in your hand. Turn to your left right before you dive and clip them on your partner.

Everythings available and your're streamlined. Used this method many times and it works great for me.

SPECIAL BONUS: You'll always come up with more air than your partner.