Dive suits and spearguns

Hit up Bloodbath/Pacific Nalu!  I think he posted a deal on women's wetsuits on FB the other day?  He'll get you everything you need...

Spit works just fine. On the mask too!
      Anyway, the Pathos 75 I have is awesome and has been fine for holes and open water. Spend some time when looking for a mask and get one that is right for your face shape. It sucks to have one not fit quite right and you have to clear it from time to time. I have been SCUBA diving for 30 years and over the last 3-4 getting into free diving. It is very addicting. I wish I lived closer to the coast. The list of stuff you need to acquire is long, so take your time and get decent gear that will last a while. My motto now is buy the best and cry only once, unless you lose it, then you can cry again. I switched up from my scuba fins to free dive fins and there is no substitute. Even the cheaper plastic ones are much better. Some stuff you may not have thought of are a flashlight for cracks and crevices and a float line to save your gear and mark spots.

Lots of good info! I'm going to check out wetsuits and fins from this guy tomorrow and thanks to your advice Nick and I will be buying back up ab irons and gages! 

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/spo/5185536061.html

Question about fins? The ones with the split in the middle.. Do you still get the same propulsion and just get less sore calves? And what are fin keepers?

Sounds like nick wants to go hunting in holes and I want to have the option of distance or holes... I'm glad we have a little to go off of. What about reels for guns? Is that a must have?

I want to get a good mask. That's my next purchase. Nick is having issues because of his facial hair and a little water leaks in. He wants to buy a new mask and someone recommended he get silicon grease for his stache. Any divers with facial hair have advice?

Thanks!

Are my skinny little arms going to be able to pull the bands back?? Are certain guns easier than others?

It's is addictive. 

Well I basically have three of everything.  Not all has been bought. A few items I have won in raffles or competitions so I keep them in case I loose something or something breaks.  I also loan stuff out to new divers on occasion or if someone forgets something at home. 

Like many I started with scuba gear and slowly added things as I learned more and decided I wasn't going to slow down. 

Cheap crappy gear can get the job done, but at some point you will be limited by your gear.  I got an instant extra 10 feet deeper just by going from scuba fins to plastic freedive fins.  I didn't upgrade to carbon fiber until I felt limited by the plastic ones. I started out with a cheap flashlight and moved up to a UK dive light and have since added a real expensive one that can be used for caves and underwater photography which I plan on getting into. 

The best gear in the world will not instantly make you better at diving.  I have seen people with crappy gear miss fish or get leg cramps when different gear could have changed that. 

Open cell type suits definitely are more fragile and the one I am using now has cuts and little neoprene chunks missing from it but they all have been fixed with neoprene glue.  These suits are lighter and feel better on your body.  The scuba suits typically are stronger and I still occasionally use one when entering from rocks. 

Once you find a mask that you love at fits great you should buy two.  If you lose one you can still dive while you order a replacement. 

One of the best upgrades I did was to get aerodynamic dive weights.  They cost more but don't get stuck on any kelp and they feel a lot better coasting around. 

As for guns I have a rob Allen and a couple pathos.  They each have there pluses and minuses but both are accurate and kill fish.  They are similar priced and either would serve you well out here.  The plus with these is there are a lot around so easier to find extra parts or spears. 

Good luck with your diving adventures and if you are up in Mendo area and want to try something let me know.   

Are my skinny little arms going to be able to pull the bands back?? Are certain guns easier than others?

Yes.  Especially if you get a multi band gun.  You load one and then the other.  I have nerve damage in arms, shoulder and neck along with other injuries and was not sure I was going to be able to do it.  It's easier in the water and bands can be changed to different thickness if you need it. 

Thanks for posting Annie..was thinking about the same

You said the same thing a year ago Vic.  Still haven't seen you over here diving.  [emoji3]

Sorry I missed a few questions as I was posting while you were Annie.  Don't by split fins for freediving.  Not good propulsion.  Not all fins need keepers.  If you get fins with high back in foot pocket it should be good without.  If you get low cut ones or ones that are not molded to your feet you may need them.

I have facial hair and had problems. With the right mask you won't need the silicone grease.  It's not a bad idea to try them on.  I went to a dive shop and tried on 40 masks.  Only 2 fit right and were at the $90 price range.  I took a freedive class and borrowed a mask that fit perfect and was half the price.  So it does pay to look around and or try a few to see if you can get a good seal.  I hold the mask up to my face with out the strap on and inhale through my nose.  If it holds its good.  If you hear a small leak try again or a different mask.   

On the mask check. Inhale, but then hold breath, don't keep inhaling. If it falls off there is a leak.

As been stated before' a Yazbeck compared to a scuba suit is more than just day and night difference, it's like discovering the Holy Grail!
And yea, it's rubber inside and yea, it's a bit more fragile, but what you gain in warmth and comfort is a no brainer.
Took me a good 10 years before I converted and majorly kicked myself in the ass for waiting so long.
I thought, WTF is this whole lube thing? Sounds stupid.
Boy was I wrong! You will NEVER get in and out of a wetsuit as easy as you will with lube and a freedive suit. NEVER!
Being comfortable is key. Don't make the mistake I did.
Start off with a decent freedive suit.
I mix 50/50 Cure Care ($10 a gallon at Sally beauty) and water in a spray bottle. Turn the suit inside out, spray it down, turn it back and it slips right on. No need for anyone to help me on and off with it either.

Cure care was discontinued but you could use other conditioner.  Some like scented but I like no scent and as organic as possible so you don't have some chemical eating away at your suit.  I am sure 50/50 mix will be super slippery but I only use like 10-20 percent conditioner and it works fine.  For ease of use I have a 1/2 gallon or 1 gallon (can't remember) garden sprayer I use.  It has a 1' wand that you can put in legs or sleeves and spray as you pull it out and it will evenly coat real quick.  Just an option as many still use a spray bottle. 

I heard mane and tail conditioner works well. Get it at the feed store. No scent. Have not tried yet, but i just ran out of my $1 store mix.

My sister dives if you ever need a female diver to dive with once you get going. 

And what are fin keepers?

http://www.neptonicsystems.com/Fin-Keepers.php

What about reels for guns? Is that a must have?

More trouble than is worth, not necessary at all IMO for our waters, especially on short 60cm guns.

James

so are you talking actual hair conditioner...just want to be clear ... and mix of 50/50 w/water or some other lotion ?

Yep. Regular hair conditioner...mix with water...or not and just straight for extra slipperiness.

 

 

Sincerely,

Jim