How do you anchor your float?

[TheBob]

First off, I'm not a spearo (not yet, anyway... never say never!). I'm a beginning freediver, and I'm interested in bottom-anchoring a training float. I'll likely be diving in Monterey as far as local dives go (I'm in San Jose, CA), so any locals who know of preset bottom anchors for buoys, please chime in.

Apart from that, I'd appreciate recommendations for line (float lines have been suggested), as well as manageable lengths for stowing on an inner-tube-based float cover. (Mine is the FII model.) My instructor said a 25-pound weight would work, and would easily be carried in the float.

Any info welcome... and any Monterey Tritons on the board, send me a PM.

Thanks-

Bob

 

[Apneaddict]

25 lbs is good if there is a current and / or if you want to do free immersion with a 5mm wetsuit on.

You can use a lot less weight if you don't want to pull yourself DOWN. Of course you can always pull yourself up.

I never formally anchor, but often my bottom weight will rest on the bottom. In a current, sometime it will drag.

When free-floating, I've drifted over 2 Kms in fairly heavy (for fresh water) current and had to walk back to my car along a SHARP and HOT gravel road... Now I bring my Crocs on the float with me.


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[TheBob]

Thanks, apneaaddict.

One reason I want to bottom-anchor is to simply have a dive line. Fresh from my FII Level One course, I want to basically repeat the training exercises, including line diving. Though I did purchase an Aeris F10 V3 (great deal from Mako ), having the 10-15-20-meter marks would be a plus.

I also figure that having an anchored float setup will be useful in general for beach diving with buddies. Good point on the sandals, BTW.

Bob

 

[Apneaddict]

Ideally, you want a non-stretch, strong line that's at least 10mm thick, if not 12mm to aid in being able to grab it for free immersion or ascent for safety.

I have never really liked markings on my lines, as I often close my eyes and if / when I open them I get confused as to what the marking means.

I just dive by feel and relax with my eyes closed (on descent) and if I need to know... That's what the watch is for.

Just personal preference.




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