Lead?

[Huw]

Hi guys,

I am not new to DB, i am usually found in the spearo section of the site. My perfomance is limited at my hobby due to my lack of freediving. After reading many books and following a breathing programme i can now breath-hold for 2.30ish. I know this time is tiny compared to some of you guys out there, but for the location of my diving this is adequate for the moment ( i only intend to be under water for 1.40 tops...) meaning that i will not be pushing myself to the limits at the beggining.

I would now like to introduce freediving to my spearfishing and am going to buy the gear. however my main problem is... how much lead do i need???

i really do not like the idea of strapping weights to myself and leaping into the sea without any knowledge, and so i really need to speak to someone who knows what they are doing.

i guess the following factors will apply, and may help ypu advise me:
1) I weigh 69 kgs (without wetsuit, gun etc).
2) I have a boyant wetsuit
3) Water depth is about 8m tops
4) I cannot use a pool to try out lead
5) I will be around very reliable buddies whenever i dive and i can have one buddy on a small boat and one in the water with me when i first begin.

Any help would be very gratefully recieved,
Huw

[spaghetti]

I don't know if there's any mathematic model. But with your body mass and a 5mm wetsuit for those depths, I think 6 kg at the belt are okay.
But you just have to try and try until you find your ideal weight set.

For fishing in shallow water, you could also consider a weight jacket or backpack (which on the contrary are NOT recommended for deep dives). A backpack reliefs from pain your lower back, distributing weights on all the body. Seatec, Omer and Merou weight jackets are the most appreciated in my country.
Cheers

[Huw]

Spaghetti,

Thanks for this advice.

6kg sounds suprisingly low, but on the other hand i am not quite sure waht i was expecting... i am holding 6kg in weight now... in a bag, i just cant see that it would make me neutral in the water.

As for a weight vest... i like the sound of this idea, does a weight vest contain weights, or do you buy the vest and then buy weights to place into the it?

If you dont mind me asking which do you use and how heavy are the weights?

Huw

[spaghetti]

well, I use 6kg at the belt with the 5mm jacket and 3mm trousers for diving in <10 meters, plus two 500 grams weight laces at my elbows (they prevent fins to wave as a flag during aspettos). But I'm slightly heavier than you (75-78 kg: depends on how much pasta I've had for dinner). For me the best thing for you is try and try, but surely other forum mates may give you more technical answers.
Personally I don't like to be too much negative, even in shallow waters: a neutral weight set makes me feel smoother moving and safer too.

Yes, I also have a weight backpack made by Parisi Sub (a small brand: don't know if they export) which is sold with 3 leads of 1kg each. I use it sometimes, but not very often. What should be said about jackets and backpacks, is that if you find yourself in trouble and need to surface quickly, you can drop a belt easily, but you can't take off the weight jacket as fast. I'm not saying that w. jackets are not safe, but...

[Huw]

Originally Posted by spaghetti

But I'm slightly heavier than you (75-78 kg: depends on how much pasta I've had for dinner).

Thanks again Spaghetti,

I dont really understand what laces are though? If you could explain those further, it may help me .

I think that seeing as weightbelts seem to be more common than w. jackets and safer too, it may be wise of me to begin with one. Maybe once i am more comfortable, and am used to using weights, a jacket may then be a possible investment. I have already heard that rubber weightbelts are the better than material ones, so at least i have this piece of knowledge.

Huw

[samdive]

6kg sounds about right for me, if anything a bit heavy.

Give it i try in shallow water, get in to just over your depth with all the kit on and hang still on the surface. Your face should be comfortably still above the water without being miles out - if you exhale hard you should duck under - if that works then try with 6 for a while. Add or subtract once you know for sure

Either way, you should always be in the water with a buddy of some sort, if they have any experience at all they should also be able to advise once they see your body type and suit type.

There are a few Cornish spearos lurking around here.. I'm Cornish but not a spearo!

Sam

BTW top tip - you don't need to buy a rubber weightbelt - you can buy or find a mountain bike tire (about £3 from somewhere like JJB Sports) and stick a scuba weightbelt buckle on it. They are actually better than the rubber weightbelts you buy, usually much more stretchy.

[Huw]

Thanks alot guys,

I will hopefully try this out during the next week. I shall let you know how i get on.

Huw