Descent on spearfishing

[Joao Pedro]

Hi guys!

Here's the thing. I've read thft is optimal to descend without looking to the bottom, keeping chins close to the chest. I tried some times but it just feels wierd, and when I reach the bottom it feels like im moving my head a lot to put it in a different position.

Any of you actually dont look at the bottom? If so, how do you do it without a line?

And allow me one more question, any of you move before duck dive, or just go from breathing relaxed to duckdive without moving forward before the duckdive?

Thanks! Have a great week!

 

[mariusshobo]

First question:
When I start the season (during the first and second day, or more) I do look at the bottom when dive; not constantly, but from time to time, to get a sense of horientation. But as the season goes on, I feel that I develop a sense and I know where I am in the water and I do not need to look down anymore (except when diving in unknown places and where I can not see the bottom from the surface).
(Note that I dive form April to October, so it's a big pause during winter).

Second question:
I don't. Idealy is to move as little as possible before dive.
If there is a spot on the bottom where I want to dive, then I position myself in such way that when I finished the breathing period I am on the top of it.

 

[Bill McIntyre]

It depends. In California, we are often diving down through thick kelp. We need to look where we are going in order to avoid being tangled. And of course this applies even more when ascending. Also, the fish are usually in mid-water rather than on the bottom. We went to see then before we head-butt them. And since we are not going to the bottom anyway, we also break the rule about diving vertically. I probably dive 10 or 20 degrees less then vertical so I can see fish under me.

Even though I may be perfectly still before the dive, I kick forward a bit to get my legs up on the surface and make it easier to stick one up in the air.

 

[cdavis]

Keeping your chin close to your chest reduces drag when descending, a lot. Obviously good, other things being equal. However, there are any number of good reasons to look where you are going. Depends on the situation and what is more important. You will likely find that a little practice provides ways to minimize or eliminate lifting your head up.

There are more than a few surface diving techniques. I used to move forward to surface dive, as Bill says, but found a way that uses less O2, don't forward at all any more.

 

[Mr. X]

I generally keep my head in a relaxed neutral position if descending vertically for some depth in clear water (clear water - hah!) - i.e. neither tucked into my chest nor bent back looking ahead - to avoid straining my neck, which is less tolerant these days. However I check around me and periodically look ahead, esp. when approaching the bottom. I usually have my hands extended in as an additional precaution.

However, often times the water is not clear here, the dive not so deep, the bottom is often strewn with rocks/boulders and the descent not completely vertical. In such conditions you often must look where you are going.

BTW it is also a good idea to keep your wits about you when ascending, lest there be boats, swells, or weed-covered obstacles (e.g. chains/pipes) above you. Also, keep an eye out for snorkelers, SCUBA divers & boats/kayaks, stay well away, especially if you have a loaded speargun