Scuba diving equipment

Question
Hi Mike,

I have problems with my lower back and would like to know what type of BC and weights (other dive equipment)are the best for me to use.  I need to keep as much pressure off the lower back as possible and cannot use weight belts.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Monica

Unfortunately, any dive equipment that you have to wear on your back is going to impact your lower back.  There is no BC or weight system I can recommend that won't put stress on your lower back while on land.  Even weight integrated BC's require weights in the BC and will distribute that weight to your shoulders.  That, in turn, will put the eventual stress on your lower back.

HOWEVER, I can suggest a couple of different approaches which might help you.  Depending on the type of diving you're planning to do, these suggestions might work.  It's worth considering anyway.

If you have access to a scuba unit with a weight integrated BC, you might try fully assembling the unit, including weights.  Then partially inflate the BC and put the unit on while you are in the water.  This will allow the buoyancy of the water to keep the full weight off your back.  You can also remove the unit before exiting the water.  To do this effectively, I would suggest practicing in a pool until you get the hang of it.  The key to success is keeping your body low in the water so you don't have to raise the scuba unit above the water to put it on.

A second suggestion which came to mind is the use of a Hookah unit. This device consists of a small gasoline powered breathing air compressor mounted on a float, boat or dock and connected to a regulator by a long (30-50 foot) hose.  Only the second-stage regulator is held in your mouth. This eliminates the entire scuba unit and the only weights you'll need are what are required to sink your body and a wetsuit.  This would be impractical if you're heading out on a dive trip but I thought it might be worth mentioning.  Weights could be put in the pockets of a weight vest.

Other possibilities include the use of ankle weights and tank weights. These could help with the problem but getting the proper weight distribution can be tricky so I would only investigate this option if nothing else works for you.

Monica, I hope this gives you some ideas to manage your back problem and continue to pursue your underwater hobby.  Best of luck and Happy Diving!

Mike Giles
Mike's Dive Center