Are there 2 d rings on your crotch strap? All I do is lean forward so it swings forward from that weight, and then grab it.
I love how easy it is to get into a BPW. There’s just too many straps, belts, and danglies on a regular BCD. If I have the option, I just throw the whole unit overboard and put it on in the water. Get a few weird looks from other divers fighting to get their gear on. But if the boat allows it, and the waters calm, I toss my unit overboard and just swim to it.