tricks to make feet more buoyant

[rick00001967]

so i have read quite a few articles regarding buoyancy and body trim etc. but i have been searching for some good ideas on how to make my feet more buoyant i know there are ways to shift weight higher on the body etc but other than wearing thicker neoprene boots, or buying different fins, i have only found one specific product to float the feet. unfortunately they are too bulky for what i want. they were like an ankle weight style product but filled with four layers of neoprene. you can use 1, 2, 3, or 4 of the layers to adjust buoyancy effect.
i have thought of trying to make something like a gator type legging i could add on top of my suit but i am not sure i can get my hands on the material. or do the sewing for that matter. lol
anyone have any suggestions ??

please keep responses specific to making feet/lower legs more buoyant. i don't want to stir up a debate about trim etc.

ps.....the only time i have ever felt 100% relaxed with my feet in the frog kick position is when wearing a dry suit with some air in the feet. i was like......"so thats how it feels to be horizontal and not struggling". lol unfortunately i primarily dive wet suits.

thx for any input

 

[00wabbit]

Maybe modify one of those floaty camera wrist straps to fit on your ankles.

 

[Dsix36]

Something I have been thinking about also. This is what I came up with, but have not tested it out yet:

Get an old wetsuit and cut the legs off them. Pull these leggings over your wetsuit when you get suited up. Should add buoyancy to your legs and you can cut them at the point where you want for the proper amount of added lift.

 

[TMHeimer]

Something I have been thinking about also. This is what I came up with, but have not tested it out yet:

Get an old wetsuit and cut the legs off them. Pull these leggings over your wetsuit when you get suited up. Should add buoyancy to your legs and you can cut them at the point where you want for the proper amount of added lift.

Interesting idea (if I had an old wetsuit and $ for a new one). I asked this question a few years ago. My fins are very negative, but I like them. Legs also like rocks. On rare occasions at a specific water temp. I'll wear only the top to my 7 mil farmer john, and tie boat bumper floats (small) around my ankles. Cumbersome, but effective. I do, of course also have as much of my weight (including suspendered weight belt) as possible high on my body. But yeah, you'd think an easy to manage ankle wrap of some sort that is super buoyant would be a big seller in shops.

 

[rick00001967]

thats the idea i was toying with. but have no old suits i can cut up. but thats the idea.

 

[ScoobaChef]

Check around for neoprene suppliers. I've just ordered a couple sheets for a project I'm working on from a company called Linkron. Though I'm sure u can find one closer to you.

 

[rongoodman]

What kind of fins are you using? Jet fins help me trim out in a drysuit, but for wetsuit diving I use OMS Slipstreams, which are of similar shape, a little stiffer, and much lighter. Dive Rite EXPs work well too.

 

[rick00001967]

currently use apollo bio fins. just got them in the spring. not willing to buy another pair. i'll have to make these work.

i did just find someone who custom makes gators for fishermen. sent an email to check possible cost. will post the answer if i ever get one. lol

 

[redacted]

please keep responses specific to making feet/lower legs more buoyant. i don't want to stir up a debate about trim etc.

Unfortunately, what you are talking about is a trim issue. If the only solution you want to consider is making your feet more buoyant, then that will limit to options for resolving your problem.

When I had the same problem, I moved weight from my weight belt onto my tank straps. Your BCD only has the single strap but it should be no problem to mount 4 to 6 pounds on it. In fact, if you ar diving aluminum tanks, you probably will be much happier with at least 4 pounds mounted there. In water with a density of about 1, you could use masses of greater density (like lead at 11) or lesser density (like air at .08) but I bet the lead will be a whole lot easier to manage. I suspect you will find it a lot easier to place lead high on your body rather then air around your feet.

 

[mselenaous]

Maybe it's not your heavy feet so much as where the pivot point is in your trim. Try putting the BC down a couple more inches on the tank (shifting everything toward your head) or add an ankle weight to the tank valve under the regulator.

Even just a tiny weight shift can help you get more horizontal and you won't feel so feet heavy.