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Thread Status: Hello
, There was no answer in this thread for more than 90 days.
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I am going to give you my unvarnished opinion...and it's based on 32 years of diving...but there are many opinions 
Belts can be ditched in an emergency much more quickly than harnesses. Harnesses tend to encourage people to attach stuff...and all of that goes away with the harness if you ditch it. You want to be able to get that weight off as quickly as possible if there is an emergency. So, you are doing your second Open Water SCUBA class and you are wondering about freediving...so, let's not mix the two and you can successfully use a weight belt in both disciplines...and save money. I would urge you to get fully competent and comfortable with your SCUBA class and focus on those skills right now...because they are important. Are you using a weight-integrated BCD with a weight belt, or a harness for your weights? I ask, because a weighted vest is used by some spearos, and commercial divers use a weight harness almost exclusively...but I have never seen a certification course that teaches anything other than a belt in conjunction with a weight-integrated BCD or just a weight belt. I look forward to hearing back. Be safe and have fun and take it one step at a time!
Belts can be ditched in an emergency much more quickly than harnesses. Harnesses tend to encourage people to attach stuff...and all of that goes away with the harness if you ditch it. You want to be able to get that weight off as quickly as possible if there is an emergency. So, you are doing your second Open Water SCUBA class and you are wondering about freediving...so, let's not mix the two and you can successfully use a weight belt in both disciplines...and save money. I would urge you to get fully competent and comfortable with your SCUBA class and focus on those skills right now...because they are important. Are you using a weight-integrated BCD with a weight belt, or a harness for your weights? I ask, because a weighted vest is used by some spearos, and commercial divers use a weight harness almost exclusively...but I have never seen a certification course that teaches anything other than a belt in conjunction with a weight-integrated BCD or just a weight belt. I look forward to hearing back. Be safe and have fun and take it one step at a time!
S
Saloooh91
Guest
I use a weight harness only. The BCD which I rented didn't have integrated weights. Also, the harness I used had pockets which I feel like I can take off the weights quicker than a belt in case of an emergency. I got really comfortable with the harness because again my waist is a little big so using a belt won't be comfortable underwater.
In case of emergencies wanting to take off the weight off the belt, do you throw the entire belt or just a couple of weights ?
If a couple of weights, then I'm guessing a pocket harness is better imo.
In case of emergencies wanting to take off the weight off the belt, do you throw the entire belt or just a couple of weights ?
If a couple of weights, then I'm guessing a pocket harness is better imo.
I have always taught, and been taught, to ditch the entire belt. You should practice a controlled emergency ascent and, at the surface, ditch the weight...not at the bottom...the point is to be able to effect a rescue, or to keep head out of water, easier. if you can't find a belt that works, and the harness has "ditchable" weight pockets...well, if your instructor says it's ok, I'm not going to argue. But for freediving (not spearfishing), I would ask you to consult with your instructors and maybe post a pic of this harness...like to see if maybe you and I are thinking two different things.
I'm with John. Many freedivers are found dead on the bottom with their belts still on. If we decide to ditch a belt, its a last second decision. A belt can be ditched with one jerk by one hand. Its much slower to get your arms out of a harness.
And don't confuse scuba diving and its gear with free diving. With scuba, almost no emergency requires immediate action. With scuba you can inflate a BC. When free diving, every second counts.
And don't confuse scuba diving and its gear with free diving. With scuba, almost no emergency requires immediate action. With scuba you can inflate a BC. When free diving, every second counts.