How do you carry your dive flag?

[2airishuman]

I don't tie off my flag to myself.

Sometimes I tie it off to an underwater object, or bring something to anchor it with (in freshwater lakes where damage to the bottom is not a concern).

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

A lot of good suggestions. Attaching a surface float to the divers body can be dangerous and anywhere there is boat traffic this choice could be a real problem.

If you are towing a flag in shallow water with little current, than just about any configuration will work,

However, if you are diving over 30 or 40 feet and in a current, you want a float and flag that will not be too hard to pull, will not submerge due to the drag of the current, will not be too bulky to tow and a reel and reef hook provide a lot of advantages.

A reel is very beneficial because the diver can easily adjust the length of the line : allowing more line out makes it easier to tow or pull in a current and if the current is mild then you want to keep the line taunt and this is easy with a reel. You don't want slack line wrapping around you and your mask etc.

Also, you almost certainly will want to set the reel down from time to time to free up your hands. This is where a reef hook attached dirtectly to the reel becomes very handy. Obviously you don't want to anchor the float on live coral, but you can often find a rock or dead portion of a wreck to temporarily hook off the float/reel.

As was mentioned in this thread, a racheting reel which can not back spin is extremely beneficial in the prevention of tangles and a fouled reel.

We offer a racheting reel that deploys with a thumb lever.

If anyone is interested in the "ultimate" dive flag/float, please take a look at our package deal. This hard plastic float provides considerable buoyancy and can support a tired diver with the hand holds.

SCUBA Divers Surface Float Package | Mako Spearguns

 

[BoltSnap]

A lot of good suggestions. Attaching a surface float to the divers body can be dangerous and anywhere there is boat traffic this choice could be a real problem.

If you are towing a flag in shallow water with little current, than just about any configuration will work,

However, if you are diving over 30 or 40 feet and in a current, you want a float and flag that will not be too hard to pull, will not submerge due to the drag of the current, will not be too bulky to tow and a reel and reef hook provide a lot of advantages.

A reel is very beneficial because the diver can easily adjust the length of the line : allowing more line out makes it easier to tow or pull in a current and if the current is mild then you want to keep the line taunt and this is easy with a reel. You don't want slack line wrapping around you and your mask etc.

Also, you almost certainly will want to set the reel down from time to time to free up your hands. This is where a reef hook attached dirtectly to the reel becomes very handy. Obviously you don't want to anchor the float on live coral, but you can often find a rock or dead portion of a wreck to temporarily hook off the float/reel.

As was mentioned in this thread, a racheting reel which can not back spin is extremely beneficial in the prevention of tangles and a fouled reel.

We offer a racheting reel that deploys with a thumb lever.

If anyone is interested in the "ultimate" dive flag/float, please take a look at our package deal. This hard plastic float provides considerable buoyancy and can support a tired diver with the hand holds.

SCUBA Divers Surface Float Package | Mako Spearguns

Can your float tip over if one pulls on the line and not let line out when going deeper?

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

The float, when equipped with the optional flag and keel weight is self righting in most any type of conditions.

 

[Compressor]

The +s and -s of the Mako system above is discussed here in a diff thread.

 

[2airishuman]

If anyone is interested in the "ultimate" dive flag/float, please take a look at our package deal. This hard plastic float provides considerable buoyancy and can support a tired diver with the hand holds.

Unfortunately, it does not meet the legal requirements for a dive flag in Minnesota or in the several other jurisdictions that require the top of the flag to be at least 30" above the surface of the water.