Bali Diving — Peak Performance Buoyancy
Peak Performance Buoyancy
Scuba diving is a bit like learning to drive a car, it’s very strange at first, but the more you practice the easier and more natural it becomes, until it is automatic and instinctive.
If you look at a scuba diver with perfect buoyancy, they glide effortlessly, use less air, their ascents and descents are controlled and they hover without a second thought. They can observe aquatic life without disturbing the environment and can swim closer to the reef which has more protection from the current and therefore using less energy.
Mastering perfect buoyancy whilst diving takes time and practice but there are certain things that can help you achieve perfect buoyancy.
Correct weighting – weighting changes in different circumstances; wetsuit thickness, salt to freshwater, aluminium to steel tanks. Overweighting pulls the lower part of your body down and so you are less streamlined. A simple buoyancy check at the beginning of your dive will tell you how much weight you need.
Weight positioning – Known as trim. Where you wear your weight and their position can affect your comfort in the water. Some BCD’s now have an integrated weight systems and Trim Pockets to allow you to distribute the weight in the position most comfortable for you.
Finning Style – Did you know you can steer with your legs? You can also stop, go upside down and glide effortlessly over the reef. Controlling the way you use your fins can slow your whole dive down to a nice relaxed, comfortable pace.
Streamlining – If your instruments and gauges are left free and not streamlined then they will cause drag in the water and can damage the underwater environment. By securing your equipment so is clipped in but can be easily reached and used will increase your comfort and decrease your air consumption.
All these things are covered in the Peak Performance Buoyancy Adventure Dive of the PADI Advanced Open Water course. It’s a great way to start the course especially if you are interested in taking underwater photographs.
To find out more about the scuba dives we offer on the PADI Advanced Open Water Course check our courses page.