Weighty Issues

[Salty Solway]

It just struck me that this is probably the best place to ask!

I am about to go snorkelling to get my fitness up for an open water course next year and have absolutely no idea what weights to buy, or where to start. I am 6ft tall weigh 15 stone - broad build (but not all of it) and have a 7mm semi dry, any suggestions were to start, including increments... 1/5/10/50Kgs would be appreciated? as would any advise re:systems, shot/block even perhpas moulding my own?

Also... I live in Dorset but not near a dive shop, so really dont want to keep going back and forwards to find out whats right for me.

[David Walker]

Probably just worth starting with a simple belt, something that can take block weight if you're travelling. I use an Oceanic Pocket Belt (you can get them from the internet from eg GoDive (godive.net) for around £20).

As for weight, its rather difficult to predict. I'd *suggest* something in the region of 5kg, but you can probably borrow lead from wherever you are snorkelling and put it in the belt, and so not have to worry about buying your own yet. Does all depend on where you are planning on doing it though.

David

[Yak Diver]

A suitable starting weight would be 10-121bs. Weight can be gradually added to the belt until you reach neutral buoyancy at a depth of between 3m. and 5m. To do this, dive to a depth of 3m. and stop; if the weighting is correct, you should float slowly back to the surface. Add an extra 2-31b. to the belt and dive once again to 3m. Repeat the process until you can hover at 3m. You are now correctly weighted for at most depths, as it is always safer to dive under weighted.

[Scary Monster]

If you're snorkelling I'd tend to go for being neutral on the surface rather than below it, but maybe that's just me.

[Big_Nige]

...it is always safer to dive under weighted.

I can see how this would be so for snorkelling. But for diving, surely being slightly over-weighted is preferable?

I'm carrying rather more body weight than I'd like, and I find that if I do the PADI weight check at the surface (float with normal held breath, sink on exhale) I can't descend without considerable effort - if at all.

Nige