Float/Flag setup, what to get?

[ChrisA]

Here is a very basic question.

I want to buy my own float with a dive flag on it.
What kind to get? I've seen floats made with inner tubes
inside and some that look like vinyl pool toys.
Inner tubes require a pump to fill, one more thing to
buy/carry. Also what do peole use to anchor the float/flags
A brick on a string or something more sophisticated?
My indented use is beach diving but it may find use around
my boat too. Need something durable but easy to use
setup and store.

 

[seabat]

I use a purchased dive flag. It is an inflatable float that is red/white with a dive flag sticking out the top. It would probable fit into your "vinyl pool toys" category.

To anchor we either carry a small bag of weights (6 or 8 pounds) with us and drop it off in the area we are diving or we use the flag line holder with a brass snap hook. The line holder is a purchased plastic thing that looks like a weird coat hanger. Depending on how far we are going to move around underwater we sometimes carry the line holder with us.

 

[garyfotodiver]

I carry a red/white "Diver Down" flag on a simple styrofoam ball with a weight and a leader line. Get it at any decent dive shop. I never anchor the flag, but stick my right arm through the line holder.

If you dive from your boat, get a properly sized Alpha flag and use it according to the appropriate waterway laws.

 

[Don Burke]

Here is a very basic question.

I want to buy my own float with a dive flag on it.
What kind to get? I've seen floats made with inner tubes
inside and some that look like vinyl pool toys.
Inner tubes require a pump to fill, one more thing to
buy/carry. Also what do peole use to anchor the float/flags
A brick on a string or something more sophisticated?
My indented use is beach diving but it may find use around
my boat too. Need something durable but easy to use
setup and store.

I have one I bought in Florida that has a two piece rod on a styrofoam ball. There is a weight on the bottom and a wire that holds the flag out even with no wind.

I usually hold the line, but a brick can hold it.

The advice about using an alfa flag is good. I like both since federal law and state law aren't the same.

 

[RICHinNC]

Rather then looping your arm through anything, I would recommend just holding it with one hand. If a boat comes screaming by and does not see the float ...or doesnt care....and runs over it entangling with the float....you may find yourself getting a nasty rope burn at best....severe cut....or be water skiing when you wanted to go diving. Just holding it allows it to be jerked our of your hand no problem.

 

[Firediver]

I suggest anchoring the float don't tow it with you as you could find yourself as mentioned above being towed by a boat, have your arm severed, your other equipment torn off or entangled...

Here is a quick and easy way to make your own float: 12" styro-foam ball, 0.5" peice of dowel ruffly 3-4' long, and buy a vinal or nylon flag< not a Huge one but big enough to be seen> and you'll need aboutl 1lb of lead for a counter weight. Attached is a rough diagram, also there is in another thread the same posting, but also about the float I use. I think it's the same type of subject too.

 

[Firediver]

PS. use a spare 10lbs weight to anchor your float. You can use a 50' piece of nylon rope< the thin white stuff> with no problems. AS for attaching the counter weight.. use a small screw eye in the bottom of the dowel, and you can attach one with a clip to the weight, or use a 2lbs pre fabricated weight and tie it into the screw eye.

 

[Firediver]

oh yeah and one more thing, u can buy a flag with wire in it to keep the flag stiff when no wind is blowing so the flag can be seen, or you can attach your own wire.

 

[Hemlon]

Thanks for the suggestions!