From Greg: Proper weighting is also critical in helping to avoid panicked situations on the surface. If you are way over weighted, you’ll feel like you can’t get positively buoyant while floating on the surface. You’ll use energy to stay afloat by kicking. You’ll max out the flotation of your BC which will cause air pressure to be released from the relief valves. That will freak you out even more which will cause more panic. At some point, training and experience needs to take over and remind you what’s ke...