I have to wonder if one reason so many scuba divers fail to tow a float is because they are not using the optimal gear. For example, a round float ball is hard to pull and generates tremendous drag in a current. An innertube with a flag, provides good hand holds to rest on, but it also challenging to tow through the surf and provides a lot of drag.
The typical “dive flag with float” configuration is inexpensive, but will be pulled underwater in anything less than a mild current and it has no reserve buoyancy to provide diver support on the surface.
What’s a better way? We recommend that diver consider a combination of:
The hard float is essentially a life guard “rescue can”. It has several hand holds, is indestructible, can be towed through the surf because it is so hydrodynamic – yet still provides considerable buoyancy - which may be necessary in an emergency. (This is why life guards use these floats). The dive flag mount is very securely attached with a strong elastic belt that is fitted with a lead counter weight that works to keep the flag upright.
I’ve put a lot of thought into this. We have an optional “Florida legal” dive flag which meets the size requirement AND includes the mandatory flag stiffener which is mandated when diving within the State of Florida. The small, white, plastic ball on top of the fiberglass rod is added strictly for your safety. Should someone accidentally fall onto the float while on a boat or shore, the ball may provide some degree of protection.
We've added a strong, inexpensive reel which has 150-ft of nylon line. This reel will not free spool which can result in a bird’s nest of line. The reel has an automatic ratcheting lever that is easily controlled by the diver. You press the level with your thumb and line will be released. When you want to stop the release of line, you release the lever and the reel will instantly stop releasing line. There is no knob to tighten or loosen. Release of line is accomplished completely with just one hand.
We’ve had customers use this reel to anchor a kayak, so it can definitely take the tension generated from a dive float in strong currents.
We also offer a small grappling hook which can allow the diver to anchor the float on appropriate bottom structure. The hook can be attached to the frame (handle) of the reel.
Once of the big benefits of using a good reel on your float is that you can easily and precisely control the amount of line deployed. If you are diving near tall shipwrecks or reefs, then you may want to keep the line shorter, so it is less likely to get tangled on the superstructure of a wreck. If the current is strong and there are no similar hazards, then paying out additional line (scope) will make the float easier to tow, because the angle will be more gentle between the float and the diver.
Of course, using a reel to tow a float is best when ascending as well. The diver can easily wind up the line, which helps to control the ascent rate. Once a safety stop depth is reached, the ratcheting function is very nice because you can hang below the float or even drop the reel without fear of it falling back down (thanks to the ratcheting lock function) . You also have the security of ascending DIRECTLY under the float as you slowly wind in the last 15 feet or so of line.
We assembled everything into one package and threw in a 10% discount.
SCUBA Divers Surface Float Package | Mako Spearguns
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Thanks
Dano
The typical “dive flag with float” configuration is inexpensive, but will be pulled underwater in anything less than a mild current and it has no reserve buoyancy to provide diver support on the surface.
What’s a better way? We recommend that diver consider a combination of:
- a hard float, Hawaiian Hard Float | MAKO Spearguns
- a dive flag mount,
- a ratcheting reel Utility Reel | MAKO Spearguns
- and a dive hook. Reef Hook | MAKO Spearguns
The hard float is essentially a life guard “rescue can”. It has several hand holds, is indestructible, can be towed through the surf because it is so hydrodynamic – yet still provides considerable buoyancy - which may be necessary in an emergency. (This is why life guards use these floats). The dive flag mount is very securely attached with a strong elastic belt that is fitted with a lead counter weight that works to keep the flag upright.
I’ve put a lot of thought into this. We have an optional “Florida legal” dive flag which meets the size requirement AND includes the mandatory flag stiffener which is mandated when diving within the State of Florida. The small, white, plastic ball on top of the fiberglass rod is added strictly for your safety. Should someone accidentally fall onto the float while on a boat or shore, the ball may provide some degree of protection.
We've added a strong, inexpensive reel which has 150-ft of nylon line. This reel will not free spool which can result in a bird’s nest of line. The reel has an automatic ratcheting lever that is easily controlled by the diver. You press the level with your thumb and line will be released. When you want to stop the release of line, you release the lever and the reel will instantly stop releasing line. There is no knob to tighten or loosen. Release of line is accomplished completely with just one hand.
We’ve had customers use this reel to anchor a kayak, so it can definitely take the tension generated from a dive float in strong currents.
We also offer a small grappling hook which can allow the diver to anchor the float on appropriate bottom structure. The hook can be attached to the frame (handle) of the reel.
Once of the big benefits of using a good reel on your float is that you can easily and precisely control the amount of line deployed. If you are diving near tall shipwrecks or reefs, then you may want to keep the line shorter, so it is less likely to get tangled on the superstructure of a wreck. If the current is strong and there are no similar hazards, then paying out additional line (scope) will make the float easier to tow, because the angle will be more gentle between the float and the diver.
Of course, using a reel to tow a float is best when ascending as well. The diver can easily wind up the line, which helps to control the ascent rate. Once a safety stop depth is reached, the ratcheting function is very nice because you can hang below the float or even drop the reel without fear of it falling back down (thanks to the ratcheting lock function) . You also have the security of ascending DIRECTLY under the float as you slowly wind in the last 15 feet or so of line.
We assembled everything into one package and threw in a 10% discount.
SCUBA Divers Surface Float Package | Mako Spearguns
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Thanks
Dano
