Caribbean snorkeler wanting to go below (cross-posted in "Introductions" forum)

[Mike Bostic]

Greetings all. I am a USA novice scuba diver and long-time snorkeler (shallow, warm water reefs in the caribbean). I am a strong swimmer (ex-lifeguard) who has been very frustrated trying to enjoy my reef snorkeling. I am very buoyant (a little overweight) and I float in salt water like a cork. The omly way I have been able to enjoy "below time" in the past has been to completely exhale and fin hard. This is not only not enjoyable, it feels unsafe - the urge to breathe is almost immediate after a full exhale, and I find it risky to surface needing to take a deep breath - risk of an unexpexted wave being inhaled; I would prefer to exhale upon surfacing. I am considering weighting myself slightly to overcome these isdues, but I want to approach it safely.

I am 5'9", 212 lbs., no wetsuit, seeking to achieve neutral bouyancy over shallow reefs (12-25ft). Any thoughts on approach and method of weighting (vest vs. belt), etc.? How much weight should I purchase to experiment with?

Mike

 

[Pinniped72]

As you need only minimal weight stick to the tried and trusted rubber weight belt and start with only one 1Kg block, if that's not enough put another 1Kg block on , I would be surprised if you need more than that and take it slow, to go from very positively buoyant to anything less than that can come as a shock and takes a little bit of getting used to. Good luck and dive safe

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

You will probably need within 2 and 5 lbs of lead. The deeper you dive the LESS lead you should use. Getting your weight correct is more critical than scuba diving. Be prepared to make one lb adjustments, but once you get it dailed in, you will be much more relaxed.

Don't fall into the trap of wearing more lead than necessary, you want to be able to float and rest on the surface comfortably.

a rubber freedive belt works great because it does not slide around and you can wear it very low on the hips and across your butt, which prevents any breathing constrictions. If you buy a few 2 and 3 lb blocks of lead, you can add and subtract and make 1-lb adjustments.

A quick release freedive belt is easier to ditch than a vest and a weighted vest is usually used for divers wearing thick suits who need to carry a lot of lead and want to avoid low back pain//fatigue.

 

[Mike Bostic]

You will probably need within 2 and 5 lbs of lead. The deeper you dive the LESS lead you should use. Getting your weight correct is more critical than scuba diving. Be prepared to make one lb adjustments, but once you get it dailed in, you will be much more relaxed.

Don't fall into the trap of wearing more lead than necessary, you want to be able to float and rest on the surface comfortably.

a rubber freedive belt works great because it does not slide around and you can wear it very low on the hips and across your butt, which prevents any breathing constrictions. If you buy a few 2 and 3 lb blocks of lead, you can add and subtract and make 1-lb adjustments.

A quick release freedive belt is easier to ditch than a vest and a weighted vest is usually used for divers wearing thick suits who need to carry a lot of lead and want to avoid low back pain//fatigue.

Thanks Pinniped72 and Mako1 for your replies. Two last questions, please:

1. Is it advisable to get a neck weight for balance on these shallow dives?
2. Should I consider one of the crotch straps to keep the belt in place?

Thanks, guys!
Mike

 

[NoFair]

no and no. imho

I wear 1-2 kg with no suit. Otherwise I'm pretty buoyant above 10m

 

[Mike Bostic]

Thanks to all of you for your helpful responses - much appreciated.
Mike