Diving without a BC

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Originally Posted by Steve K

If the wing and drysuit fail or you don't have a wing, then just use a lift back. You can store a big one in the backplate pocket. One should be able to swim a balanced rig to the surface anyway, at least for a single.

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I almost always have at least one lift bag with me when diving, and a Jersey Reel, so of course that would get me to the surface. I always have ditchable weight as well if necessary.

About being able to swim a balanced rig to the surface, you hit the nail on the head. Really if your buoyancy is spot on, then you should be able to move about without much if any air in your BC or Drysuit.

I did notice a few of the old timers I have gone diving with did not use any BC. Well one guy had a wing, but it had no inflator and many tears in it. He said the only reason he had it on was to allow him to say he had a BC so he could get on the boat. LOL

Anyway, I bought a wing so it really does not matter any more.

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Originally Posted by acelockco

I did notice a few of the old timers I have gone diving with did not use any BC. Well one guy had a wing, but it had no inflator and many tears in it. He said the only reason he had it on was to allow him to say he had a BC so he could get on the boat. LO

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I had an old Mae West type vest I used when I traveled. Of course it had no inflater, it was faded, cracked, and had a crudded up CO2 cartridge on the back. I, too, used it as a "prop" to get on boats...

My preferred rig for warm water diving:

http://angelfishphotography.com/Images/HowWeDive.png

can't tell by the picture but I certainly hope that you're wearing something else besides the tank hehe.

Ya think he's trolling for minnows?

If the water is cold, the guys WOULD be trolling the minnow, not "for" minnows. The Titan triggerfish were in nesting season during this photo, so you could say he went diving-Fear Factor style!

This is funny! Not just the minnow part, we didn't have BCs or BCDs when I learned to dive! You did it with the right weight and a good kick! I dove for three days once in Cozumel before I realized my BCD had a broken inflater valve! You shouldn't need until you need one;) They are like having Air-conditioning in your car, you can live without it, but boy sure is nice to have!

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Originally Posted by Alex777

My preferred rig for warm water diving:

http://angelfishphotography.com/Images/HowWeDive.png

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PERFECT! That is what I am talking about. I would definately wear some shorts though. That just seems like such a free and comfortable way to dive. Of course that is not intended for all conditions, but thats cool.

I still have my old Campack! They were great, just a piece plastic with a straps. You might find one on E-bay? Have fun, I think I posted on a thread about how we used to just jump in with the tank under our arm with a reg, fins, and a mask! What else do you need? That was a few pounds awhile!

so I gotta ask, why do you wear a bc now?:confused: