So... I started scuba lessons on Monday of this week. I had another class on Thursday. Then today being Saturday, we finally got to get into the gear. Everything except the weight belt was what I expected it to be. The weight belt weighed a tonne, and I still had to add another 3 pounds to it. So I think all up it was 33 pounds, but I wasn't expecting near that much. I guess one thing good is that because I have more muscle than fat I didn't need a whole lot more weight. Some guy needed like 40+ pounds or something crazy.
So the weight belt is to keep you buoyant. I've just realized that the way you spell buoyant is stupid. First it'sputting the BCD (no, not birth control device) on the tank. The BCD is the Buoyancy Control Device. Basically it's a vest that you can inflate and deflate easily. Once the BCD is on the tank, then the Regulator goes on. After the regulator and gear is attached to the tank then it's pretty ready to go. Of course this assumes you have your mask, and snorkel already done up too, which I didn't this morning. Not a big deal but less weight on you while you put that together saves some energy. I didn't really notice it, but the skinny guys, and even the fat guy did. Anyways, weight belt goes on first. A specific way to do this is to hold the non-buckle end in your right hand and throw the weight around behind you and grab the other side (buckle side) with your left hand. then bend over and put the weight just above your hips. then fasten tightly, and stand up. they shouldn't move. The put the BCD and tank on, with a partner get them to hold the tank up and hold open the BCD vest so you can get your arms in. Of course something to mention is that you should of course be wearing a protective suit, or wet suit before the weights hehe The after the BCD is done up right, make the buddy check you out. Then you do your buddy... We did it from the shore, so basically we walked out in the water, inflated our BCD's and sat back and put on the scuba fins. We then deflated our BCD's. The instructor then decided on a path we would take, and well we did lots of things, then we went for a brief swim...
More later...
Fatty-