Question Managing weight belts

[berta_c]

Quick question re: trimming my rubber weight belt. Right now the peg is in the 6th hole from the end (=15" of extra belt flapping around; it doesn't stay tucked, and it's making me crazy). How much can I get rid of and still have enough to accomodate an extra weight, give my safety something to grab if needed, etc?

 

[dcvf]

Quick question re: trimming my rubber weight belt. Right now the peg is in the 6th hole from the end (=15" of extra belt flapping around; it doesn't stay tucked, and it's making me crazy). How much can I get rid of and still have enough to accomodate an extra weight, give my safety something to grab if needed, etc?

Hi " berta_c "
Please look at the 3 pictures.
For the last (OK in green) the free length of the rubber belt must be easy to grab … under the water.

 

[berta_c]

@dcvf, thank you kindly. My problem is, my #3 ("OK") arrangement becomes a #1 with my first dive - the extra just slips right out and then flaps around. Is it safe for me to cut off 6-9" (so I only have 6-9" extra beyond the peg, instead of 15"), do you think? Or is it that I really just need a crotch strap (I'm getting one asap), and then once my belt stays put, the flap will stay put too? Thanks for your help -

 

[Mr. X]

Can't say how safe it is but I have fitted 3 or 4 thinnish rubber bands near the buckle of my RA Marseille-style weight-belt. Had them on there for several years. If I find the opposite belt-end flapping around excessively, I tuck it under 1 or 2 or 3 bands, rather like a traditional belt end retainer loop. I figure I could easily pull it free or break the thin bands in an emergency.

My reason for doing this, beyond those already mentioned, was because I lost my weight- belt when I first started diving, I think probably lost it when I was washed over a shore reef as I came into shore. I say "probably" because I did not feel or hear it release, only noticed when I was standing on shore, packing up.

(Happened at Newton's Cove, Weymouth years ago now. RA dive belt, mixed weights including one or more yellow SCUBA-style weights. Likely very close to low rocky shore in the adjacent park, just below a park bench ).

 

[berta_c]

Can't say how safe it is but I have fitted 3 or 4 thinnish rubber bands near the buckle of my RA Marseille-style weight-belt. Had them on there for several years. If I find the opposite belt-end flapping around excessively, I tuck it under 1 or 2 or 3 bands, rather like a traditional belt end retainer loop. I figure I could easily pull it free or break the thin bands in an emergency.

My reason for doing this, beyond those already mentioned, was because I lost my weight- belt when I first started diving, I think probably lost it when I was washed over a shore reef as I came into shore. I say "probably" because I did not feel or hear it release, only noticed when I was standing on shore, packing up.

(Happened at Newton's Cove, Weymouth years ago now. RA dive belt, mixed weights including one or more yellow SCUBA-style weights. Likely very close to low rocky shore in the adjacent park, just below a park bench ).

@Mr.X thanks! (I like simple

 

[dcvf]

Hi " berta_c "
You wrote :
« My problem is, my #3 ("OK") arrangement becomes a #1 with my first dive - the extra just slips right out and then flaps around. »

I think your weight belt isn't tight enough on your hips.
That can be achieved with the buckle here below (more accurate). Plastic is ok for me.
Amazon product ASIN B004U8CPY2

 

[berta_c]

Hi " berta_c "
You wrote :
« My problem is, my #3 ("OK") arrangement becomes a #1 with my first dive - the extra just slips right out and then flaps around. »

I think your weight belt isn't tight enough on your hips.
That can be achieved with the buckle here below (more accurate). Plastic is ok for me.
Amazon product ASIN B004U8CPY2

@dcvf thanks - your pic won't display, but I take your point - with the preset holes in my rubber belt, it could be (even though it *feels* like I'm jamming it down securely around my hips), that as soon as I do one back-kick upside down, that scoots it up again. My teacher says most women will need a crotch strap to avoid that, simply because of the way our hips are built (and she's lean).

But how much of the tail *can I cut off, any thoughts on that? Thanks a million...

 

[dcvf]

Hi " berta_c "
You must be able to grab easily under the water without looking at the free end of your weight belt PLUS 5 cm (2 inch).
But what says your teacher about the length?
The buckle I prefer is at 5:45 on the video

 

[berta_c]

Hi @dcvf - now I can see the video, thx! And I think you're spot on w/the buckle idea - I have the pin-and-hole type, and think the width I need is somewhere inbetween the preset holes - so in order to not have it up around my waist, I've been using the next wider setting, and then just jamming it further down on my hips (which lasts about 3 sec underwater...) That wouldn't be an issue with your buckle choice, it's infinitely adaptable.

My teacher (I just now asked her thx for the nudge) says for now - before I buy a new belt - maybe try the tighter setting, cuz I might compress underwater just enough for it to work.

She also said she's actually got different belts for pool and for open-water - she's just cut a bunch of extra tail off her pool belt, so it's short for training - but she does leave 10-12" extra on her open-water one, and uses the thin rubberband trick - (mentioned by @Mr. X - as a keeper. She has it just past her first weight in front.

Thanks so much to everyone for advice and suggestions - what a supportive community!
Berta