Hey All,

I know that there are a bunch of variables to consider such as the type of tank we will be diving etc... and I know from reading here that there really is no substitute for a proper weighting test... but...

At a high level, how much additional weight should I start out with knowing the following things.

My most recent set of dives in Punta Cana (my OW cert dives) we dove 3mil shortys and those ghetto fins that you put your foot into without boots.

Assuming the rest of the gear (tank etc..)is the same (which it likely won't be... although I know Stuarts Cove uses scubapro gear), how much extra weight do you think I'll need to take to compensate for diving in a full 5mm suit, and my own Mares AvantiQuattro fins with 5mil mares boots?

FWIW the instructor for our OW dives strapped us with 15lbs of lead.

From reading the archives, I think that may have even been a bit much, but I'm not certain and am looking for some guidance on how much weight to start with at SC's on Monday. Reading a few of those stories about poorly weighted divers popping up to the surface while trying to do their safety stops has got me thinking.

Thanks all...

Cheers!

The best option is to get a weight check done before you leave to go diving! They dont take very long! All i carry is my body weight in lead weights, and thats with a drysuit. It will also depend whether you are in fresh or salt water as well as i use like 3lb less in freshwater.

A very basic rule of weights is to use about 10% of your body weight eg if you weigh 100 kgs try 10 kgs of weight.By simply using flat 1/2 kg weights in the pockets of your BC you can adjust accordingly. Cheers Malcolm

Hi, what type of weights should I buy? I am average build, 145 Lbs, 6', Any good brands?

I've liked sea pearls soft weights. I am always switching them out, changing weighting and positioning depending on the dive and the gear I'm using. They seem indestructable. There is no magic formula to how much you need. 10% is a fairly good starting point. My suggestion is to rent a bunch of different sized weights including ankle weights and try different configurations yourself. Find a configuration that puts you most comfortably in a horizontal position. At the end of this dive when your tank is almost empty then you can fine tune exactly how much you need to just barely be able to submerge. The less weight you have the easier it will be to maneuver and control buoyency with your breathing. Cheers!!