Aim
To achieve neutral buoyancy by performing a fin pivot. The fin pivot will be performed by using the power inflator and by orally inflating the BCD.
Reason to Learn
The fin pivot is a great way to find neutral buoyancy in the water. If you're ever in doubt as to whether your buoyancy is correct you can perform a fin pivot and be sure that it's just right.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 1-3 Minutes
Here's How:
- Kneeling on the bottom, release all of the air from your BCD by holding the deflator above your head and pushing the deflate button.
- Facing downwards, lie down on the bottom with your fins straight out behind you.
- Add a small amount of air to your BCD. You can do this using one of two methods:
- Power Inflator: Push the inflate button quickly to add a small "squirt" of air to your BCD.
- Oral Inflation:
- Take a breath from your regulator.
- Remove the regulator from your mouth.
- Seal your lips around the exhaust valve on your deflator and push the deflate button as you blow a "puff" of air into your BCD.
- Release the deflate button before unsealing your lips and place your regulator back in your mouth, remembering to clear it.
- Take a breath from your regulator. You should begin to rise off the bottom as you inhale and you should sink as you exhale. If you don't begin to rise repeat step 3.
- You're now neutrally buoyant.
Tips:
- Remember to only add small amounts of air to your BCD at a time. If you add too much you may become positively buoyant and float away. If this happens deflate your BCD and start again.
- Try to keep your fin tips on the ground. Some people have naturally buoyant feet and may find it difficult to do so - that's OK.
- There's no need to get it right on the first go. Continue to repeat steps 3 & 4 until you're neutrally buoyant.
What You Need:
- A full set of scuba gear