Quick Buoyancy Tips
If you are struggling with buoyancy and trim on your rebreather, there are a few things you can consider:
If your feet are heavy, get lighter fins. Heavy fins, such as the popular Jet Fin design, were originally designed for divers wearing thick neoprene drysuits. Membrane-style dry suits rarely require negative fins unless you are diving with thick buoyant undergarments. Try leg gaitors to keep air out of your feet and consider a dry suit that is equipped with separate boots.
Get a rebreather specific wing. Not all rebreathers come with a harness and wing. There are wings that are specially designed to deal with trim issues faced by rebreather divers, optimizing the buoyancy cells lower towards the hips.
Snug up your counterlungs. The closer your counterlungs are to matching the anatomical position of your own lungs, the better they will breathe. If they are snugged up tight, then trim changes are minimized as you shift position in the water column. Think of them as a physiological extension of your own body. If they are loose and flop around, your buoyancy will shift with the air movement.
Go to the dentist. The next time you are in the dentist’s chair, ask her for her retired lead aprons. This convenient material can be cut into small trim weights or rolled into tiny packages that can adjust your trim. It can even be sewn into your dry suit underwear in the shoulder region if that is where the lead is needed.
Sheet lead. I once tried heating lead in a cast iron pan in an effort to pour my own custom weights. I probably added to my future dementia in the process. Now I purchase sheet lead from McMaster Carr or other suppliers. This lead is thin enough to cut with scissors and can be shaped into custom pieces or wrapped around the top of a small onboard cylinder. Team up with friends and buy a roll to share.
Shot pockets. Several manufacturers produce variable ballast pockets. These simple grommeted sleeves will hold 2 to 4 pounds of lead shot, which can be purchased at Walmart in the hunting section.
Custom trim weights. Many online dive shops carry custom lead or steel rebreather weights that are designed to fit specific rebreathers. This is likely the most expensive option, but it looks clean and well trimmed.
