DIY Float

[s14slide]

To start off I'm pretty new to the spearo scene. Am on a bit of a budget and would like to save dough on equipment where I can without comprimising safety and if possible, comfort in the water.

On to the float idea. I have a 9'6" cookie cutter long board that I haven't rode in about 5 years since I broke the fin box on a sandbar in Japan. I'm thinking of shrinking it down for a float. Good idea or should I just fork for a float/flag. I don't plan on riding it again, as the box area has sponged.

What would be some good dimensions length wise that would make it big enough to drag my gear out on a long swim, hold fish, flag and spear. Any attachments I should look at incorporating? I'm a total newb to the gear, but crafty and familiar with composites. I need to pick up resin and some glass, but have almost unlimited access to 550 cord and enjoy working with wood. Any helpful suggestions and insight would be greatly appreciated. Ill be sure to continue this into a build thread once I get all the ideas/plans put together.

Doug

Sent from my craptacular not-so-smart phone.

 

[s14slide]

No bites, huh?

 

[Jonny250]

the most basic float would just have your dive flag and towline incorporated. after that its a bit of personal preference. I have a body board float with a waterproof box screwed onto it. plus a load of bungees for attaching my stuff to.
take a look at John Banks's boards - they are extremely popular.

 

[Mr. X]

I have several floats but it really is hard to beat the very basic cheap inflatable ones (torpedo-shaped, with built-in diver-down flag): cheap, surprisingly robust but also easily repairable, stream-line, very easy to carry, inflate quickly by mouth, deflate quickly when done. Mine is medium sized - I'd go for medium or large size, easier for boats to see. .

I don't see why you couldn't use a long surf board - some folk kayak out and then dive around and/or drag the kayak (often Sit-on-top/SOT models) as a humungous float or buoy. I guess you'd paddle out, then dive around it. Some folk like those mini-RIB like floats that you can haul your torso onto and fin. Boogie-boards are fairly popular too. Try it and see how you get on - cut it down if it is too long. I prefer to carry very little gear these days though, less hassle & distraction - there is much to be said for simplicity

Foxfish had a neat little torpedo float that he made out of solid wall insulation foam board I think (which I think is probably what the huge Tommy Botha Tuna float is made out of too).