Weight Belts

Spearfishing Weights Tips

Balancing natural buoyancy underwater is essential.  It can be difficult to descend if you do not have weights to offset the buoyancy of your body, wetsuit, air tank and other equipment.  When you take your beginners diving course you will learn more about adjusting weights so that you can achieve safe ascent and descents underwater.  Here are some top tips to help you get started.

-If you find weight belts uncomfortable you should consider wearing BCDs or harnesses.  These spread the weight you need across your shoulders and back so you don’t have to wear heavy belts. You can also wear weights on your air tanks and ankle straps.  It is much more comfortable to spread your dive weight out rather than wear it just on your belt when you are spearfishing.

-You need to work out your dive weight carefully when you are spearfishing.  You need just the right amount of weight to offset your buoyancy so you can travel quickly through the water.  Too much weight will be tiring and can reduce your time in the water.  When you are calculating dive weight you need to take into consideration your own weight, wetsuit thickness and tank composition.

-Dive weight is different for freshwater and saltwater.  As a general rule you can adjust the weight easily by simply subtracting four pounds from your saltwater weight for your freshwater weight. 

-One easy way to check quickly if you have the right dive weight is to get in the water wearing your full spearfishing gear.  Now find a quiet spot and deflate your BCD. Stay upright in the water and hold your breath for a few moments.  If you sink down to around face level in the water then your weight is about right, if you sink lower then the weight is a bit too heavy and if you don’t sink at all it is a bit light.  Adjust your weights and then try out the test again until you get it about right.  Make a note of the right weight arrangement for future use.

-Weight belts should be securely fitted.  If they are too loose the weights will move around and you could lose them in the water.  It weight belts are too tight they will rub and feel very uncomfortable.  Make sure your weights belt has a quick release system.  This is very important for safety reasons.