Wearing Weights When Freediving
Wearing weights when freediving is necessary for many people to perform the most efficient dive possible. Whether it be achieving streamlined buoyancy and trim during dynamic dives or finding the perfect balance of weight for surface relaxation, diving, and ascending, weights are a priceless piece of equipment for freedivers. But there is a fine line between correct weighting and overweighting. If freedivers wear too much weight, it can not only be uncomfortable, but it is extremely dangerous.
The steps to achieve proper weighting vary depending on the discipline, but they are straightforward. Fine-tuning our weighting not only improves comfort but also improves performance. When divers are correctly weighted, they move through the water more effortlessly, conserving as much oxygen as possible, increasing breath hold time and enjoyment of the experience. As freedivers, we have different types of weighting systems we can choose from to achieve this optimal comfort and performance.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about weights and freediving and how you can improve your dives with a few simple pieces of equipment and minimal adjustments.
History of Weights and Freediving
The History of weights and freediving date back long before what we know as freediving today. Weights have been used in freediving since breath-hold techniques were first employed for hunting and harvesting. For example, the Japanese spearfishermen and pearl farmers known as the “Ama” date back over 2000 years and used a counter ballast system of stones tied to a rope for descent on deep dives. This allowed them to extend their bottom times in search of prey and pearls.
This is true for many ancient tribes and civilizations that used freediving for hunting and gathering. This type of weighting is more comparable to what we call “variable weight” in modern freediving. Still, the concept is the same, to overcome the initial positive buoyancy and improve breath-hold time.
It's worth mentioning that Ama divers would use the same counter ballast system to be pulled back to the surface to decrease their oxygen consumption on the ascent and remain safe. This is not the case for us in modern freediving. During freedives, we must consider the ease at which we descend and the amount of energy it takes to get back to the surface. Therefore we can't strap on a bunch of weight and sink just to make our descent easier.
Using weights in modern freediving for training sessions, recreational dives, and competitive settings in open water is about finding the right balance. We should be able to relax on the surface without sinking and have enough weight to assist in overcoming the initial positive buoyancy. Yet, not wear too much weight to make our ascent difficult.
Safety is a top priority and concern when it comes to wearing weights. Should divers wear too much weight, fighting the negative buoyancy on ascent may contribute to hypoxia. Another problem is that they risk sinking if they suffer from LMC or blackout.
Freediving With Weights: What you Need to Know
When freediving with weights, you need to know how much weight you need, what system to use, and the safety features of each. Being overweighted is dangerous, yet being underweighted can be annoying and a waste of energy. Finding the best weight system for your dive will further increase comfort and efficiency. Lastly, safety is a top priority, so you need to be familiar with the weight system to release it in an emergency.
How Much Weight to Wear When Freediving
Calculating how much weight to wear when freediving is quick and easy. It is essential to differentiate the methods for correct weighting during open water dives as opposed to dynamic as the weighting procedures for each discipline are different.
It's also worth mentioning that some divers may not need any weight at all. Some people are naturally negatively buoyant due to body composition. In this case, people should wear an appropriate wetsuit to add positive buoyancy and compensate for being naturally overweighted.
In the Ocean
There are two methods for checking proper weighting in the ocean. The first is a weight check at the surface, and the second is a neutral buoyancy check underwater. You should always begin with a surface weight check, also known as an exhale test, and then perform a neutral buoyancy test when performing deeper dives.
To do a surface weight check:
Don all the equipment you will use, such as fins and exposure suit.
Estimate the amount of weight you need and put them on before entering the water.
Once in the water, do a passive exhale, hold your breath, and stop moving.
You should float at approximately eye level if you have the right amount of lead.
If you begin to sink and your head goes below water, return to the surface, remove a small amount of weight, and try again. Alternatively, if the water level is only around your chest or neck, you must add small weight increments. Continue to adjust until you float at or around eye level.
If you plan to dive to thirty meters or deeper, you should perform a neutral buoyancy check. Neutral buoyancy means that the diver is neither sinking nor floating at a given depth. They remain at the same depth without assistance. Neutral buoyancy should be set to either one-third of the target depth or 10 meters, whichever is deeper.
To check neutral buoyancy:
Perform a dive to one-third of your maximum target depth for the day. It’s common to do this on the first dives of the day, as you can do a shallow dive to warm up and check buoyancy simultaneously.
When you reach the depth, perform a turn and hang on to the line.
Release the line and see whether you stay at the same depth, sink, or float.
If necessary, adjust the depth slightly until you find neutral buoyancy and make a mental note of the specific depth.
Return to the surface.
Adjust the weight accordingly at the surface, adding more if you began to rise or removing weight if sinking. Repeat the process until you remain neutrally buoyant when releasing the line. Now you’re all ready for your deep dives.
Different Types of Freediving Weights
The different types of freediving weights are weight belts, neck weights, and weight vests. Each system has its advantages and purpose within various disciplines. Understanding the difference between each can help you choose the equipment that is best suited to you.
Freediving Weight Belt
Freediving weight belts are rubber belts that wrap around your waist and secure in the front with a buckle. The lead slips onto the belt and is evenly displaced to help with body position. They are the most common type of system and are a great all-around piece of equipment that can be used for either ocean dives or dynamic.
Freediving weight belts should be made from a slightly elastic rubber material that provides sufficient stretch. This allows the diver to secure the belt snuggly on or just below their hips to avoid interference with diaphragm breathing. The rubber material ensures that the belt can be tight enough to not shift during inversion but remain comfortable throughout the session.
Freediving Neck Weights
Freediving neck weights are small weight systems that clip around the diver's neck or rest on the back of the neck and upper back when the diver is in a horizontal position. Neck weights can be made as a set weight, or some systems allow for adding and removing weight as needed. They are most commonly used in dynamic to assist in attaining ideal trim when swimming horizontally. Some freedivers may also use neck weights in open water to distribute the weight across their body.
Maintaining a horizontal position and reducing drag as much as possible is critical for the most efficient and comfortable dynamic dives. This allows freedivers to minimize oxygen consumption and utilize gliding as much as possible. Depending on body composition and weight distribution, freedivers can distribute their weights between the neck and waist, so they maintain perfect neutral buoyancy and body position effortlessly during dynamic dives.
Freediving Weight Vest
Freediving weight vests are harnesses or vests that fit around the diver's torso. Weights can be added and distributed throughout various pockets on the vest. Weight vests are not as standard as other weighting systems, but they can be beneficial when excess amounts of weight are needed for exceptionally buoyant individuals due to body composition or thick exposure suits. The vest helps to avoid loading too much weight onto a belt alone which may become cumbersome and uncomfortable. Some freedivers claim to prefer them for comfort and the resulting body position during dives.
Divers must wear thick exposure suits to maintain body temperature in cold temperatures. This can result in excessive buoyancy, which needs to be overcome by adding extra weights. Too much weight added to a belt can cause it to slip or potentially stress the lower back region. In this case, it may be beneficial to transfer some of the weight to a vest so the excess weight is distributed more evenly.
Some divers feel that vests are more comfortable than belts because the weight isn't near their hips, kidneys, and lower back. This is especially true for divers with lower back injuries or pain. Other divers claim they are less likely to slip and move to your chest when inverted, but this issue is easily fixed with the proper use of a quality freediving belt.
One issue with weight vests is that they are not easily removable. Weight belts and neck weights can be released quickly in an emergency. Weight vests are more time-consuming to remove from yourself or a buddy should it be necessary. For this reason, they should not be used for all the weight needed. Weight vests should be used as a supplemental tool in addition to weight belts. The majority of the weight should be placed on the belt and only excess weight transferred to the vest to improve comfort.
Freediving Weight Safety
Freediving weight safety should always be a top priority for all freedivers. Aside from avoiding overweighting, the essential feature of a weight system is its ability to be removed or released in the event of an emergency. This is referred to as a quick-release system.
Weight belts are easily released by simply pulling on the loose end of the belt. This action should disengage the buckle and allow the belt to be removed quickly. When wearing a weight belt, it should always be oriented to be “right-hand release.” This means that to release the belt, the diver or their buddy pulls on the loose end with their right hand, and the belt will come off.
Neck weights have varying systems that you and your buddy should be familiar with. Some neck weights simply rest on the back of the neck and upper torso so they can be pulled off or will simply fall away if the diver turns face up. Other neck weights use a clip or fastener similar to the ones found on a backpack or dry bag. These neck weights should be worn with the clip resting on the back of the neck so a buddy can easily access it when diving down to assist in an emergency.
Weight vests are controversial in this category as they do not generally have an efficient quick-release system. They can be more awkward and time-consuming to remove from yourself or a buddy in an emergency. Therefore weight vests should be used in addition to weight belts and only hold a fraction of the total weight. This way, it is easy to establish sufficient positive buoyancy by dropping the weight belt alone in case the vest cannot be removed easily.
Final Thoughts
Wearing weights when freediving is the norm for many divers, and it's an easy method of improving efficiency and comfort during dives. Divers should always avoid wearing too much weight due to safety concerns, but correct weighting is critical for maximizing our experience in the water.
Choose the system that suits you best, whether it be a weight belt, a neck weight, or a weight vest for those unique situations. Following that, it's as simple as checking your buoyancy with an exhale test or neutral buoyancy check, and you’re all set to explore the depths in comfort while maximizing dive time.
References:
Rahn, Herman; Yokoyama, Tetsuro. “Physiology of Breath-hold Diving and the Ama of Japan.” 1965. National Academy of Sciences National Research Council. Web. Accessed 1 Aug 2022. <http://hebforum.apnea.co.il/news/Physiology_of_breath_hold_diving_and_the_ama_of_japan.pdf#page=42>