Tank valve

mpings · 07-06-2007, 03:37 AM

I just got back in the water again after 6 years and I am having a problem with my tank. It seems to be riding too high and it is in the way of my head. When I am swimming parallel with the ground I cannot look forward, only down and to the side. I know it is usually because my BCD is too low on the tank, but I raised it up as high as it would go and I am still having problems with it. I have a back-inflate BCD, but I don't think that was it because if I remember correctly, I had this problem 6 years ago when I was getting certified and I was using the vest BCD that had air bladders on the front. None of my dive instructors seemed to have any solutions for me. Can anyone help?

**glynneco** · 07-06-2007, 11:17 AM

If you've already raised the BC as high as it will go check the Shoulder straps on the BC itself. There should be an adjustment to loosen them and thus drop the tank. You might also look into a crotch strap to see if that doen't prevent it riding up in the water.

**MgicTwnger** · 07-06-2007, 01:23 PM

Your problem might also be your trim. Taking a Peak Performance Bouyancy class will help with that.

mpings · 07-06-2007, 06:07 PM

Ah, yes. I did find that my shoulder straps are expandable. I will try that, thanks. MgicTwnger, what do you mean by my "trim"?

**MgicTwnger** · 07-06-2007, 06:18 PM

Trim is your balance in the water: head up, feet up, etc. It is effected by the amount and placement of weights, tank position and weight, and a bunch of other things you can tweak.

mpings · 07-06-2007, 08:02 PM

Oh, that sounds helpful. I've been shifting my weights around on my weight belt to make things a little more comfortable, but don't really know exactly where there supposed to go.

**MgicTwnger** · 07-06-2007, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpings

Oh, that sounds helpful. I've been shifting my weights around on my weight belt to make things a little more comfortable, but don't really know exactly where there supposed to go.

Short answer: There are so many variables that the only way is to get in the water and experiment.

**glynneco** · 07-06-2007, 09:12 PM

Get somebody to look at you in the water as you motor along. Level? Good.
Head up or head down? Bad.

Is your head up? Move the center of gravity closer to your head.
Head down? Move your center of gravity closer to your feet.

The adjs can be very minor.

mpings · 07-07-2007, 01:59 PM

I've always been pretty level. If anything, only minor changes.

**glynneco** · 07-07-2007, 03:48 PM

If it ain't broke don't fix it!