I just signed up for a scuba class, went to pick up the equipment and I literally can hardly lift the tank more than a few inches off the ground. I'm 5'3" and 96lbs. Can I still dive? The man who worked there didn't seem to care and just carried it for me. I'm trying to imagine how I'm going to put this on my back without tipping over. It's kind of embarrassing!
2007-11-26 21:14:19 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Swimming & Diving
It might prove a little difficult lugging your tanks around from car to shop for fills or car to dive site. I think you'll find that once you have the tank secure in your BC and have donned it, you'll be ok for your dives. Your legs will be doing the work then, until you get in the water. Once in...you won't notice the weight of the gear at all.
Better hit the gym a bit though unless you have a your own personal gofor tagging along on your dives. You should be able to lug your own gear.
2007-11-26 21:22:27 · answer #1 · answered by scubabob 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is OK! I was recently SCUBA certified and also found it impossible to lift up my tank. No worries though because wherever you dive, there will be a divemaster and a helpful crew who will help you with everything. Like even when you get out of the water, they will pull your BC to relieve the weight.
Don't be embarrassed! You're not the only one!
2007-11-27 05:16:10 · answer #2 · answered by Lum 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not a problem. My wife has a bad shoulder and can't lift her tank anymore either.
It's quite common (and courteous) for dive buddies to help each other getting gear on. Once it's up and on your back, it's a lot easier to carry. Once it's in the water, the weight isn't an issue.
You could consider a smaller tank, but considering your size once you learn to breath you should be able to stay down on a standard tank for nearly two hours. (I envy you...)
2007-11-28 13:22:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it will be light once in the water. If you ever go on a dive and have to carry it, it may be a problem, but I'm sure either your diving partner or someone else can help ya out!
2007-11-27 05:17:23 · answer #4 · answered by SkaRox 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The weight of the equipment will be different in the water. however it is a very serious safety concern if you cannot physically get yourself out of the water in the event of a equipment failure or emergency. You should speak to the class instructer about this before you start the class.
2007-11-27 05:23:31 · answer #5 · answered by insignificant_other 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I help my wife with her tanks all the time. Not a problem.
You could alwas opt for a smaller tank. 80cf (cubic foot, if your in the US, approx 10L everywhere else) aluminum is the "standard" tank for dive shops.
Try a 62cf, which should help.
2007-11-27 22:57:17 · answer #6 · answered by Heretic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could get a smaller tank, as you are small you will use less oxgen. Under water the weight doesn't matter at all anyhow. You could also do dome exercises so that you get a bit stronger.
2007-11-27 05:18:32 · answer #7 · answered by psychopiet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋