Pound of Feathers; Pound of Lead.
I’ve known for a while that I was getting a little heavy around the midsection.
I even stepped on the industrial scale at work to weigh myself and it said GET OFF! Actually, it said “Error”, but I think the meaning is pretty clear.
When I jumped in the pool for lesson 3 of my scuba lessons, imagine my surprise when I couldn’t reduce bouyancy enough to sink to the bottom.
That’s right. Fat Floats!
Probably didn’t help that I was tricked out in my new gear. Really just some fins, a snorkel and mask, but the neoprene from the boots (they’re adjustible strap fins) and my previously purchased vest are adding to my bouyancy.
My instructor took off his belt and tied it to my tank for added weight.
That helped.
He said everyone breathes deep/heavy at first (I tend to out of the water as well). Control comes with experience and is easier in the ocean.
That much was obvious, as he finished the dive without his belt—maintaining his levels with lung pressure alone. He even demonstrated a hover without it.
I will practice more.