Caribbean snorkeler wanting to go below......

[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

 

[Stephan Whelan]

Welcome to DB @Mike Bostic - lots of info in the forums and friendly freedivers around. My main suggestion is to get onto a Freediving course and learn some of the basics. What you are doing in exhaling is an advanced technique and potentially dangerous so I would not suggest doing that, and especially not alone!

I'd suggest looking at www.freedivingcourses.com to find a local Instructor. Also take a look at our Beginners Guide: https://www.deeperblue.com/beginners-guide-freediving/

 

[BatRay]

Welcome to Deeperblue! I second Stephan's recommendation. Freedive training will improve your technique and safety all at once. I cannot overemphasize the importance of a good class.