buoyancy

[bglaeser]

When spearfishing in 8 - 20 feet of water depth... where the goal is to lay on the bottom and allow the fish to approach the spearo, what type of buoyancy are you looking for? If one has a rock to hold onto, having a slight positive buoyancy seems ok. However, if the bottom is muck, I can't stay down without moving, and this defeats the purpose. And with neutral or slight negative buoyancy it takes quite an effort to swim at the surface (after you are in for a while). Also it is a weird sensation when underwater to be sinking. Anyone have any buoyancy tips for me? I have found I need a full lung of air to be able to stay down long enough for the fish to begin their approach.
~Brian

 

[Pinggene]

Brian,

It is a matter of testing (adding & subtracting weight) and can be adjusted depending on the depth you wish to spear at. Some bring extra weights & keep them on their float to add/subtract.

One must be careful to remain positive when above the fishing area, or if a blackout occurs, one will sink in lieu of rising to the surface. :naughty

Safety first!

You coming to Freedive-A-Palooza 7/13-7/14?

Gene

 

[Old Man Dave]

Most obvious method is to weight yourself up to be slightly bouyant and then have an extra weight (say 4lb) tied to the end of a bouy line. You hold the weight when down on the bottom and let go to surface. You haul up the line every time you move which is a bit of a pain but is the only real solution.

Dave

 

[bglaeser]

Thanks Dave. Yes, I have done that; and yes it is a bit of a pain... I guess I was hoping someone else had a 'magic' solution for me.
~Brian