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Adjusting the backplate/harness

December 8th, 2005 by admin in ARTICLES and Doing It Right Print This Page   

Article by GUE Instructor Cody Gardner and Peter Steinhoff.

It’s important to have the harness properly adjusted. It doesn’t have to be super tight but it shouldn’t be sloppy either. This is a guideline that will help you get it right.

When you do the adjustments try to wear something of similar thickness to your underwear or wetsuit.

Adjustment checklist:

  • Make sure the harness is properly weaved.
  • Adjust the length of the shoulder straps.
  • Adjust the height of the shoulder D-rings.
  • Check that it’s evenly adjusted.
  • Adjust the waist strap.
  • Adjust the left D-ring.
  • Adjust the length of the crotch strap.
  • Adjust the back D-ring.
1. Is the harness properly weaved?
Before we start, make sure you have the harness properly weaved. It should be a one-piece harness and it must be weaved like this to work.
2. The length of the shoulder straps.
Adjust the harness so that you can easily reach back and touch the upper part of the plate. The top of the plate should be just below your second vertebra. Don’t put on the crotch strap or waist belt just yet.
3. Placement of the shoulder D-rings.
Extend your arms and close your eyes. Make sure your thumbs touch the D-rings when you bring your arms in.
4. Make sure that the right and left side are the same.
Double-check that you got the same shoulder strap length on both sides and that the D-rings are placed in the same spot. Adjust if necessary.
5. Adjust the waist strap.
The waist strap shouldn’t be too tight and it should never restrict your breathing. Make sure the buckle is on your right side. You can place it all the way back to hold the canister light in place but most people use a second buckle for that.Weave the buckle like this:
6. Adjust the left D-ring.
Align it with the center of your body.
7. Adjust the crotch strap.
The crotch strap should be fairly loose. Pull on it and make it an inch (25mm) longer than what it takes to reach the waist strap.
If you are not flying scooters, you can stow your D-ring like this.
8. Adjust the back D-ring.
Sometimes you need to clip things to your back D-ring. Put it as high as possible but not under your tanks.

Now you are all set up!
Happy diving!
© Peter Steinhoff 2002-2003 | www.dir-diver.com

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1 comment

  1. humberto visbal:

    hi i have a back problem and i want to know if that can make my back strait like normal backs person but i would like to know if you sell it or something



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