**Broseidon's Apnea Training Log**

[Broseidon]

Hi Jonny - I used to be a hardcore, 8 stone crosscountry runner but to be honest, I don't really do that much cardio these days... as I work hard, I don't have that much free time so if it's a toss up between weights or cardio, weights win

Have you tried doing the O2 / CO2 tables, they really are amazingly good at upping your breath hold times.

Re weights vest, the the vest / belt combo seems a pretty good idea - I've found with the belt, when I've got 8kg of lead on it, I need to do it up so tight to stop it moving / turning that it makes me feel sick after a while.

I'm quite taken with the idea of making my own weights vest, I've done a few test runs with various designs and have pretty much settled on how I'm going to make it - will post pics as soon as it's done!

It's a simple but effective rucksack design using a normal weights belt clasp on one shoulder with a clip around the waist, like the ones on the right:

If you need to drop the weights you un-clip the waist (finger and thumb) and pull the shoulder buckle (other hand) - the weight just drops off with no fuss at all, now I just need to decide it I'm going to hack apart my trusty Berghaus rucksack or not

 

[scottwilson]

Mate you can buy clips in packs on ebay for a couple quid save hacking ur ruck sack apart.

 

[Broseidon]

Mate you can buy clips in packs on ebay for a couple quid save hacking ur ruck sack apart.

But it's all part of the fun!

On a separte note - did my CO2 tables set at 4:30 today: i.e 8 holds at 2:15 with variable breathe times - bit too easy.

 

[apneaboy]

Bro. Quick release or we will be remembering you next winter for your new system.

When your statics get up and you start getting close to a limit you will notice things get a little muggy.

Quick release is just that, one buckle, your feeling close pull your belt open and if you go the weights fall. Anything more complicated than that would work in training but would be still attached when your on the bottom in real life. Run this by some of the old hands see what they think.

No joke mate just advice.

Quick release only.
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[Broseidon]

Hmmmm...fair enough - safety is always the priority - I sat down with a pen & paper last night and I think I've got a design that works with only a single belt buckle... I think...

 

[apneaboy]

If its the weight of them your struggling with I can help you to the water with them, they will be a bit lighter for you then.

 

[Trelawney]

Hi Broseidon,

One buckle or clip only for a Q/R, and make sure it can be undone with cold, gloved hands. If the time comes for you to ditch it, it needs to be gone in an instant.

Cheers,
Chris

 

[apneaboy]

I'm just wondering what you are using now?

What is the main problem incase there is a good solution already thought of?

 

[Broseidon]

I'm just using a normal weights belt - I find that I have to do it up so tight to stop it turning round / moving that after a while it makes me feel sick

 

[apneaboy]

Are you using a rubber belt or nylon?

Rubber is better.

Is it a standard buckle or Marseille belt (metal clip buckle)? I prefer the standard buckle.

Where do you wear it? Around your stomach/gut or lower around your pelvis?

I wear it below my stomach and on my pelvis so its on bone not pressing on your dinner! It makes it easier to breath and doesn't make you feel sick.

??

 

[Broseidon]

Nylon belt, standard buckle. I have to wear it right over my waist / stomach as I'm quite lean - if I try to put it on my hips it just slips up round my waist which is pretty useless

Going to post a pic of my next design.... give me 5

 

[apneaboy]

Nope don't bother, its the nylon belt thats the problem.

Get a £10 rubber belt and stick it round your pelvis and get it proper tight. When the neoprene of your wetsuit compresses it isn't a problem then, with nylon the compression causes the belt to slip. Doesn't matter how lean you are, it works when i've been fat and thinner.

Nylon belts are for scubies, freedivers use rubber mate.

You can release it with a cold gloved hand quickly.

 

[Broseidon]

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm......

 

[devondave]

Have to agree , rubber belts are much better .
It's very important you know where the release is located , even if you can't see it , and a proper fitting rubber belt will stay in place regardless of movement or suit squeeze . I find them more comfortable too .
For this reason I use one for scuba as well , and then have to explain why to the other divers , though I think some tec' divers use them now for safety reasons or maybe it's for comfort or both .
I would try one and see , then use a harness if you want to distribute the weight , I love my harness , one of the best things I've bought , good for back ache sufferers too .
Ankle weights can take a little lead off the belt as well , but not everyone likes them .
Weight is something you have to play around with , but once you find a system that suits you , the difference is considerable .

Regards ,
Dave .

 

[azapa]

here is mine, what a great relief for my back and kidneys. I never spear without it now. I dive in a 7mm suit and often cart around 8 to 9Kg of lead. This back weight is 2.5Kg. It is "Semi" (ie NOT really) quick release. The rubber straps are easily cutable too with a dive knife.

As apeaboy mentions, and from experience, as things get "fuzzy" towards the end of a long apnea, you won't be taking this off. Nor a weight belt either (most spearos who drown BOed still have it on, I would go so far as to guess 99.8% of them) You should never be getting to the "fuzzy" stage in apneas in the ocean, watched or not, unless you are well trained and being hyper-watched (as in a freediving competition).

Tough call really!

 

[foxfish]

Have a look at the Ireland thread as there is neoprene belt discussion & pics happening there.

 

[apneaboy]

2.5kg out of 9kg is fine off the belt as you would still be positive if you dropped the main weight.

In the Maas book his tip if you have accidently overstayed your welcome and you realise it, is to open the quick release of the belt and leave it open. If you BO you then automatically drop it.

I agree aswell you shouldn't get to the fuzzy stage spearing, my point was a situation where you have messed up and end up that way.

99.8% of dead spearos may have their weight belts attached, but 96.3% of those using my idea didn't end up on the bottom because of it by definition .

I read the other day that 89.2% of statistics are made up on the spot, I'm in full agreement, why ruin a good argument or story because of a few little numbers rofl
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[Alixir]

here is mine, what a great relief for my back and kidneys. I never spear without it now. I dive in a 7mm suit and often cart around 8 to 9Kg of lead. This back weight is 2.5Kg. It is "Semi" (ie NOT really) quick release. The rubber straps are easily cutable too with a dive knife.

Great shot of your upper back and shoulders. Definitely the hottest image I've noticed today (temp is also back down to below zero so thanks!). Please excuse my ignorance but I'm wondering what those kidney-warmers at the back of your belt are for? At first view the thumbnail gives the impression of toilet rolls... :duh

 

[azapa]

Great shot of your upper back and shoulders. Definitely the hottest image I've noticed today (temp is also back down to below zero so thanks!). Please excuse my ignorance but I'm wondering what those kidney-warmers at the back of your belt are for? At first view the thumbnail gives the impression of toilet rolls... :duh

If that is the hottest shot you have seen today I think you should get around the web more :duh


Those things are Ocean Hunter (its a Kiwi brand) weights that I bought from assorted Kiwi's at vertical blue 2008. Very nice design. They kinda look shiney in the photo as they were covered in good old duct tape, what a mess!

 

[scottwilson]

I use a weight vest and have to say I will never go back. Very comfortable and spreads the lead out so helps to stay flat in the kelp. If I drop the weightbelt I go straight to the surface ( Tried and tested) so very happy.