Bouyancy Problem

[bdahunter]

I went to the southshore beaches here in Bermuda yesterday and discovered that my bouyancy has increased over the winter. These beaches have a sharp drop off and large waves and heavy undertow which bounced my overly bouyant body all over the place making it near impossible to dig targets. The same conditions make these beaches extremely popular with the tourists so I want to find a way to hunt them. I am thinking about a diver's weight belt to counter my bouyancy as water quickly reaches chest level where the mine would be. Of course this may be a problem with the surf, if a large wave comes in over my head or the undertow wants to take me out over my head.
Has anybody dealt with this situation and what worked for you?

BDA

 

[Gulf Hunter]

Hey bda, I don't use a weight belt, but my stainless scoop weighs 30 lbs or so. There are times that I wish I had 1 on though, for instance when I dive down to fan out a hole, I have a hard time staying anchored to the bottom. My scoop acts like an anchor for me in heavy surf and tidal currents. If you can get your hands on 1 or have something manufactured it would help you to anchor yourself. Huntress has a weight belt that I bought her because she was complaining of similar issues and her scoop is lightweight aluminum. She hardly ever wears it because it interferes with her wade belt/surf pouch accessories. Hope this info helps you anchor yourself better. Keep us posted. GH

 

[kaptainkosmic]

if you decide to use a wt. belt make sure that you get a quick release buckle and become very familiar with its operation. you've already stated the reasons. hh kapt.

 

[Bottomfeeder]

If we're wearing snorkels and masks that is. You don't notice the weight while in the water, and its needed when you drop down to fan your target out. No scoops needed if the water is clear.
Even if you're walking around using a scoop, a quick release weight belt should be perfectly safe for you. A little practice dropping it in shallow water would be a good idea. Happy hunting.

 

[bdahunter]

Quick release weight beltwhy didn't I think of that. What a great idea! GH, 30lbs. wow!! That must be one monster scoop. My homemade scoop weighs about 6 lbs. which is plenty, you sure must be eating your wheeties.
I'm trying to have a scoop made out of SS but it is taking time to get the materials together. Such is life on an island in the middle of the Atlantic.
Thanks All BDA

 

[Gary in Daytona]

Reason I ask is by the time you swim or even "walk" to shore, you could be pushed a hundred feet down the beach before you reach a point where you can get a landmark to look for them.

 

[bdahunter]

I'd use a metal detector myself Of course if you lost the weights and were fighting against a rip tide you probably would have dropped the metal detector too. Hmmm ----- Good Point.

 

[Bottomfeeder]

If the hookah quit on me, I would drop my weight belt, spit out the regulator, and surface.
The weight belt would anchor the hookah unit, it would stay where I left it. then I could regain my weight belt by simply pulling the air line up hand over hand to me.
With regular scuba, I dunno. I'd be more concerned with my own well being. But, you should be able to find the belt fairly easily.
Most metal detecting diving is no more than say eight to ten feet in depth.
If you're wading, it should be simple to drop down and pick the belt back up.