Underwater river detecting.

[UKCraig]

Hi,
I am trying to find out about underwater detecting in rivers.
I am looking at a stretch of river which has a Cathedral built on the banks which is nearly a thousand years old.
Just really after general info on how to go about it, what tools I will need and what is it like diving in muddy waters??

Thanks
Craig.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Craig, I dive the rivers of SC for relics and fossils regularly. It's very challenging and can be hazardous. generally speaking tides and currents are a big factor. Also a GOOD light is very necessary. I use a Diverite HID light which I recently upgraded to the NiMH battery pack. This gives me an average 4 hour burn time compared to the 1-2 hour burn time on the 12v battery it originally came with. I use the Detectorpro diver detector.

 

[UKCraig]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for that I am a little worried about the current as there is a flood barrier which acts like a waterfall about half a mile down river. There is a lot of tree trunks in the river as well. So Hazards are a concern but I think that it will be worthwhile.
I am looking at using an Excalibur as I know the minelab range. The amount of junk is also a concern as the river is in the center of the city.
I am still looking into how viable this is and what equipment I will need. I had thought about a light but never gave any thought to battery life. It has been a long time since I done any diving and don't own any gear now. When you add the price of an Excalibur on top of this I really need to know it is gonna work before I invest that sort of money.

Craig.

 

[Anonymous]

Like I said before river diving is challenging (but VERY rewarding), especially at first, but after awhile you'll get used to what to expect. I like to dive the summer when the rains and currents are at a minimum. The rivers are low and slow in the dry season so this is the best time to dive. I know the Thames on your side of the pond, runs pretty fast (around 6 knots average) I think. Sounds slow, but 6 knots will rip your mask right off your face! When you get ready to start give me a shout and I'll give you some tips. Good hunting.....Paul

 

[Kieth-Tx]

I dive the rivers here in Texas...and trust me...they are NOT known for their clarity!!! :lol
Here are couple tricks that I use.

I removed my octopus and plugged that hole. Then I removed my BC inflator and replaced it with an Air-2 reg. This regulator acts as both an octopus AND a BC inflator. The main benefit from doing this is that it removes a VERY long hose that hangs up on everything.

Another thing that helps me is I switched to larger/longer fins. The rivers I dive are not gauged, as far as I know, on current but on Feet Per Second, and typically they range from 500-1000 FPS...and dude..if you look directly up current...it will freeflow your reg. Hope this helps...and like Paul...if I can help out...just drop me an e-mail. Good luck and have fun. Kieth-Tx

 

[UKCraig]

Thanks Paul I will give you a shout when I am ready. The river I am looking at is not tidal and the current should be less than a knot. I know a few people that do the thames but that is the mud flats at low tide. A lot of niuce finds are made there.
It has just been on the news that some divers have found a woolen Roman sock on a river about 10 miles away from me!!! I find it hard to believe that something like that could survive 1700 years!!

 

[UKCraig]

Thanks Keith I am going to start buying gear this week so will bare that in mind. as I said the river has a lot of trees in it so snags are a concern.
Here is a pic of the main area I have in mind.
Craig

 

[Kieth-Tx]

Have you thought about a CZ-20 or a Tiger Shark? Both will take abuse better than the Excaliber and have batter warranties. That is a nice pic Craig....wish I could do a dive with ya....if your ever in Texas...bring your wetsuit. Kieth-Tx