As a scuba diver or even a scuba diver that is starting out on their scuba diving adventure, you will need to know how important the BCD (Buoyancy Control Device) is for scuba diving. The BCD helps you to be neutrally buoyant at a certain depth. So why wear a wing BCD in cold water?
The wing-styled BCD helps the diver in colder water by making their movement easier as they have to wear thicker layers to keep them warm in the water. Also, the wing-styled BCD is generally more comfortable to wear but some scuba divers prefer the jacket-style BCD cause the BCD causes them to have their face turned down towards the surface.
In today’s post, we will go through in more detail why wear a wing BCD in cold water, so let’s get started!
Read more on common questions asked by divers
What Is The Main Reason To Wear A BCD?
The main reason why divers wear BCDs is to help them to maintain neutral buoyancy. The importance of neutral buoyancy in scuba diving can not be understated as been neutral buoyancy, the diver will use less air and energy.
What Is A Wing BCD?
The wing-styled BCDs were designed for double tanks and rebreathers and over time there was a conversion to a single tank.
A wing BCD consists of three elements which are the wing, a backplate, and a harness. The diver wears a harness that is attached to a steel back-plate or an aluminum back-plate. The backplate holds the cylinder while the bladder inflates and provides buoyancy.
Wing BCDs are generally more comfortable to wear but some drivers say that the wing BCD causes their face to get turned towards the surface. This is cause the air is on your back, there is a tendency to go face down.
Why Wear A Wing BCD In Cold Water?
Wing BCDs make it easier for scuba divers in colder waters as it helps to make their movement easier as they have to wear thicker layers to keep them warm in colder waters.
Also, wing BCDs are generally more comfortable to wear but cause the air is on your back, there is a tendency to go face down.
How To Clean And Store A BCD?
BCDs are built to be durable. It is important to clean and store your BCD properly. This will help extend the lifespan of your BCD and perform reliability.
How To Clean A BCDs?
Cleaning your BCD after your dive is important as to remove the saltwater or any dirt that might have been picked up doing the dive. Here are the steps to cleaning your BCD.
- Always inspect your BCD – Always be checking your BCD for any damage such as tears, ripped stitching, or any other problems.
- Soak your BCD – Firstly you need to soak your BCD in freshwater after the dive. This is important to remove any dirt such as saltwater, debris, or chlorine.
- Rinse your BCD – Now, rinse your BCD with a hose after soaking your BCD.
- Clean the interior of the BCD – To do this you need to press the deflation button while directing a stream of water into the mouthpiece. When the water is in the BCD shake the BCD to spread the water around.
- Empty the water from the inside of the BCD – Now you need to hold the deflate button, turning the BCD upside down and forcing the water out through the inflator hose.
- Drying the BCD – Finally, you need to inflate the BCD slightly, and then hang it in a dry cool place.
How To Store A BCD?
To store your BCD you firstly need to make sure that it is dry. Also, you should never store the BCD in direct sunlight and use chemicals inside the BCD.
This is because the sunlight damage the nylon fabric and if the heat is very hot it can damage the welded seams of the BCDs air cell
To store your BCD you need to store it in a dry and cool place. Then hang the BCD up on a decent hanger. Be sure that the BCD is completely dried before storing it.
BCD Maintenance Tips
There are a few basic tips that will help to extend the lifespan of your BCD (Buoyancy Compensating Device). These are as follows.
- Rinse your BCD in fresh water after each dive.
- Inspect your BCD regularly. You are looking for any problems with the neck seals, zippers. valves and any holes/tears.
- Store the BCD in a dry cool place.
- Ensure the BCD is dry before storing it.
- Don’t store in direct sunlight as this can damage the welded seams and the BCDs air cells.
- Don’t use any chemical solvents to clean the BCD.
How Much Is A BCD?
BCD prices can range from $200 to $300. If you are considering getting a second-hand BCD, you need to make sure it works properly and it has been serviced.
Wrapping Up
Finally, the wing-styled BCD helps the diver in colder water by making their movement easier as they have to wear thicker layers to keep them warm in the water. The wing-styled BCD is more comfortable to wear but some scuba divers have problems cause the wing BCD turns their face towards the surface.
And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on why wear a wing BCD in cold water has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.
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