BASIC SCUBA DISCUSSIONS - How do you teach bouyancy control?

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MSD FORUMS - BASIC SCUBA DISCUSSIONS

TOPIC: How do you teach bouyancy control?

maximak2

Posted: 5/27/2007 8:31:10 PM

Joined on
8/9/2006

Title says it all. I am by no means perfect at it. I was trying to help some one with it but I didn't feel successful. I told them to watch their depth guage, use short puffs into the BC and keep on top of it. Like your ears, do it before you REALLY need it. That way when you are at your depth you are not still sinking like a stone. Give me some fed back and ideas. Please.

CRC Diving

Posted: 5/27/2007 9:51:51 PM

Joined on
5/15/2007

I would send them to a qualified instructor for proper training. Proper bouyancy is more then just adding and subtracting air from your BC.

CRC Diving

Scubaetc@hotmail.com

www.crcdiving.com

MgicTwnger

Posted: 5/27/2007 11:04:18 PM

Joined on
6/1/2006

PADI calls the class "Peak Performance Bouyancy".

Take it, it will teach you the techniques and get you really aware of it.

I am not the one who needs mental help. I just need to vent.

Carmella Soprano

MgicTwnger

Posted: 5/27/2007 11:04:35 PM

Joined on
6/1/2006

PADI calls the class "Peak Performance Bouyancy".

Take it, it will teach you the techniques and get you really aware of it.

I am not the one who needs mental help. I just need to vent.

Carmella Soprano

Captain Dale

Posted: 5/27/2007 11:32:43 PM

Joined on
3/31/2006

You can't learn buoyancy control by doing pushups on the bottom of the pool and "hovering" in a lotus position doesn't quite do it either. Students need to be encouraged to swim in midwater, not touching the bottom or breaking the surface, while engaged in activities in the pool during their open water classes. They need to be taught that it is expected that they swim like a fish during class or they will crawl like a crab when they go out on their own.

Dive safe,

Captain Dale Bennett

Charter Captain & Instructor Trainer

Open Water through Advanced Trimix

toucan_girl

Posted: 5/28/2007 2:56:40 AM

Joined on
10/21/2006

Peak Performance Buoyancy is a good class to start off with. I also stress that good buoyancy control comes with time and lots and lots of practice. Even if you feel like you have it down...changes in environment and diving conditions can throw a curve, especially to new students. My only other recommendation would be to take another specialty class, such as National Geographic or Underwater Digital Photography. When you are focusing on something like aquatic life or taking good photos, buoyancy doesn't become the primary focus for the student, and the anxiety about buoyancy control isn't so prevalent.

maximak2

Posted: 5/28/2007 11:18:46 AM

Joined on
8/9/2006

Thanks for the replies. Dale hit it the best, swim with the fish. Even though hovering above the platform was going better than the open water. The most dificult part was travelling in open water, especially when vis was low. Next time I see them I will suggest the bouyancy class or practice with the bluegills at the quarry. Thanks Again.

hammerhead

Posted: 5/28/2007 1:13:18 PM

Joined on
3/13/2006

Let's start with being properly weighted in the first place. I shoot for neutral with 80 cu.ft. Alum w/500 p.s.i. (helps with 15' hover)

It's okay, just show us on the doll where the P.A.D.I. instructor touched you.