a question of weight

[DiverQueen]

Yeah...I started with about 26lbs and had trouble staying afloat on surface.  I now use about 19lbs, this is my third season. 

Head first or feet first is a personal preference, as well as where you are diving.  In our nice clear pits, feet first lets you see it all on your way down.  It's also easier for clearing your ears/nose pinch...  As you get more comfortable, you will find that doing a surface dive to get under water will allow you to get down quicker with less weight on board.  Once you get down 10 feet or more, the water pressure against your suit (especially neoprene) will reduce your natural buoyancy. 

The type of tank you use has variations you need to take into account as well.  A standard Al80 will be about 5lbs positively buoyant when nearly empty.  This may cause you to lose control when it's time to surface.  This is why buoyancy checks should be done with a tank with only 500psi in it.

Changes in gear configurations (adding a stage tank for example  : )  will require another buoyancy check!!!

Best wishes and good luck!