Ankle weights

[RJP]

You got snookered if you bought the weights.

Wonder if it's the same shop/instructor that sold him the split fins?

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I am wearing Atomic Splitfins and I think they are quite buoyant especially when combined with the neoprene booties.
I have another issue...sometimes I find myself rolling a bit to one side? Any ideas why that happens?

BTW, what is "trim"?

Just saw this question. If you didn;t know what trim is before it was explained here, your instructor really dropped the ball. So you got taken for the ankle weights and an incomplete education.

 

[David_57]

Not sure what happened

 

[David_57]

Ankle weights bad idea just another thing to have to remember, options are heavier fins, re-position your tank in the band so the tank sits lower on your back, also make sure your weight pockets are not riding to high above your waist, I had this problem many moons ago and found a combination of the above and practice helped,

 

[ivobj]

try...

1 - Moving the tank lower

2 - Don't know how you distribute your ballast, but if possible, try to distribute it lower (closer to your waist line)

3 - Try heavier fins (I use Scubapro Jet fins and like them very much)

 

[k374]

Just saw this question. If you didn;t know what trim is before it was explained here, your instructor really dropped the ball. So you got taken for the ankle weights and an incomplete education.

I can't find "trim" anywhere in the PADI open water manual

 

[keyshunter]

ok for the short term (i.e. to get through training). however, that's a lot to pay ...

i suggest you ditch the ankle weights and move weight around further up into your body. you can move your tank up, or move weight up into pouches on your tank straps. you can also get negative fins to help.

ultimately, ankle weights are just a short-term solution. you don't want to rely on them to nail your trim.

Andy,
I'm sure you meant to say "move your tank and weight DOWN," not up. Moving it up (toward the head) will increase the floaty leg problem.

 

[Kingpatzer]

The only time I think ankle weights are appropriate is when using a dry suit. If you have a dry suit where the boots are a little big, you'll get an air bubble there, and you won't be able to do much about it.

 

[David_57]

The only time I think ankle weights are appropriate is when using a dry suit. If you have a dry suit where the boots are a little big, you'll get an air bubble there, and you won't be able to do much about it.

Better to use garters or gaiters!

 

[BonaireDan]

The best use I have found for ankle weights is for adding to the first stage to force head down. When moving the tank up does not work well enough (and/or the BC has no trim pockets high up on the back side) the added 1.5-3 pounds at the top of the tank has worked wonders for students.

But for ankles - not useful IMHO.