The Great 'Ankle-weights Debate'.

[Mark Davies]

I think you're quite right, Mike. You often see ankle weights on new divers, used as a quick fix solution, and so they get associated with inexperience - but wrongly so.

It is true that most trim problems can be sorted by getting the rest of your kit straight, so in time it is common for people to eventually lose ankle weights - I did. But even so, they are a perfectly legitimate tool. I know plenty of divers using heavy jet fins and in part because that extra weight assists their trim. As you say, what's the difference between that or having a lighter fin that suits you better combined with ankle weights? None whatsoever.

It all comes down to what works for you. I've always done my own thing with kit - borrowing ideas that I found to be best from those I've dived with - and don't have much time for the kit fascists who insist that their way is the only way.

[frosty the snowman]

Originally Posted by Mark Davies

I think you're quite right, Mike. You often see ankle weights on new divers, used as a quick fix solution, and so they get associated with inexperience - but wrongly so.

It is true that most trim problems can be sorted by getting the rest of your kit straight, so in time it is common for people to eventually lose ankle weights - I did. But even so, they are a perfectly legitimate tool. I know plenty of divers using heavy jet fins and in part because that extra weight assists their trim. As you say, what's the difference between that or having a lighter fin that suits you better combined with ankle weights? None whatsoever.

It all comes down to what works for you. I've always done my own thing with kit - borrowing ideas that I found to be best from those I've dived with - and don't have much time for the kit fascists who insist that their way is the only way.

I couldn't agree more! I started using ankle weights when I got my first drysuit and have used them for 20 years but have always tended to go for lighter fins. If I buy some heavy fins I'll ditch them! Down with kit fascism! Dogma Is Wrong...!

[Great Lakes Diver]

Ankle weights - I started using them with my drysuit 3 years ago. I tried a few dives without then went and got a fillable set to give me more freedom to get what I wanted. Not sure where to get in UK - but this is what I have (http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/Categ...B96.html?Hit=1 )
These as basically a neo pouch with clips. We (my buddy and I) had an old soft weight (5lbs) and split it into equal amounts (4) zip lock bags. Trial and adjustment - I now have 0.7 lbs in each (took wife's kitchen scales to dive site - but she didnt know ).
Trim is great - advantage for me is I drop them if diving wet (7mm or 3mm) but clip on for all my dry suit dives. Not sure how you would do that if go for heavy fins - but this works for me, so I am happy with the set up
Simon.

[mattler]

I get a bit irritated by the misconception that someone wearing ankle weights is inexperienced. This is the case with a large percentage of "new to drysuit" divers but on the other hand I know a handfull of 10year plus tech divers who wear them! It really is each to their own out there.
Earlier this year I was experimenting with a few different drysuits and one of them caused the floaty legs scenario due to its allowance of air migration plus the added help of having quite rigid boots. I solved the problem by layering, so instead of wearing my normal all in one undersuit I used layering to ensure their was adequately more bouyancy at my top half. With fairly thin trousers as my legs never really get that cold anyway!
It worked!

[Garf]

Originally Posted by mattler

I get a bit irritated by the misconception that someone wearing ankle weights is inexperienced. This is the case with a large percentage of "new to drysuit" divers but on the other hand I know a handfull of 10year plus tech divers who wear them! It really is each to their own out there.
Earlier this year I was experimenting with a few different drysuits and one of them caused the floaty legs scenario due to its allowance of air migration plus the added help of having quite rigid boots. I solved the problem by layering, so instead of wearing my normal all in one undersuit I used layering to ensure their was adequately more bouyancy at my top half. With fairly thin trousers as my legs never really get that cold anyway!
It worked!

I don't wear arm bands when I'm swimming any more. They gave me a lot of comfort when I was first learning to swim as a child, but once had had confidence and a little experience I realised that I didn't need them. For a while I wore them anyway as i was used to wearing them, and after all they didn't do me any harm. However, eventually I realised that they didn't actually add anything to the equation, and I just looked silly taking extra kit into the water I didn't neeed, so I binned them. I know kids that wore them for years just becuase they got into the habit and couldnt be bothered going through the changes to technique required to take them off, but each to their own.

Personally, I think they result in more energy being required to fin, are yet more kit to have to lug around, and run the risk of coming off in the water. finally, and most crucially, they don't do anything for me so why bother? However, there is no right and wrong in diving. If someone wants to wear weights, let 'em.

[Lou]

Originally Posted by that Garf chap

Personally, I think they result in more energy being required to fin

Christ - better bin my heavy jetfins then

[Garf]

Originally Posted by Lou

Christ - better bin my heavy jetfins then

will you sod off woman. Are you stalking me?

[Lou]

Originally Posted by Garf

will you sod off woman. Are you stalking me?

Loooo-oo ok behind you ...

Slow night

[Janos]

Originally Posted by Lou

Christ - better bin my heavy jetfins then

Damn. Beat me to it. But yes. Bin them, as you are simply using equipment to compensate for poor technique.

In fact, true dive gods don't use fins at all. I know because I saw Howard "Foxturd" Payne jumping into Vobster today without any.

Janos

[Miss Roxy Chablis]

Have you been putting on weight again Janos?