A dive wing is an inflatable buoyancy bladder used by scuba divers to control their buoyancy underwater.
Dive Wing Explained
A dive wing is a crucial component of a scuba diving setup, designed for buoyancy control and streamlining. It works in conjunction with a backplate and cylinder(s).
Here's a breakdown:
- Primary Function: The dive wing acts as a buoyancy compensator, allowing divers to add or remove air to achieve neutral buoyancy (the state where a diver neither sinks nor floats).
- Location: It's positioned between the diver's back and the scuba cylinder(s), secured by a backplate.
- Construction: It is an inflatable bladder. When inflated, it provides lift to counteract the weight of the diver's equipment. When deflated, it reduces lift and allows the diver to sink more easily.
- Attachment: Dive wings are attached using a set of cambands or cylinder bands, holding the cylinder(s) securely to the backplate.
How a Dive Wing Works
- Inflation: When a diver wants to ascend or achieve neutral buoyancy, they add air to the wing using a low-pressure inflator hose connected to their regulator.
- Deflation: To descend or reduce buoyancy, divers release air from the wing using a dump valve.
Dive Wing Components
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Inflatable Bladder | Provides buoyancy control through inflation and deflation. |
| Backplate | Serves as a rigid platform for securing the cylinder(s) and wing. |
| Cambands or Cylinder Bands | Holds the cylinder(s) in place against the backplate and wing. |
| Low Pressure Inflator Hose | Connects the wing to the regulator to add air. |
| Dump Valve | Allows divers to release air from the bladder. |
Advantages of Using a Dive Wing
- Customizable Buoyancy: Dive wings offer precise control over buoyancy.
- Streamlining: They can create a more streamlined profile in the water, reducing drag.
- Comfort: When properly adjusted, they can be more comfortable than traditional BCDs.
- Configuration Flexibility: Dive wings allow more flexibility in equipment configurations, making them popular among technical and recreational divers.
In summary, a dive wing, along with a backplate and cylinder bands, forms an integrated system that allows divers to effectively manage their buoyancy while underwater. This equipment, featuring an inflatable buoyancy bladder between the backplate and cylinder(s), enables precise adjustment of buoyancy during a dive.
