Dial in Your Weighting for the Perfect Dive
Freediving is about balance between buoyancy and control, depth and comfort, strength and relaxation. Getting your weight belt just right is key to achieving a smooth descent, effortless neutral buoyancy, and an easy return to the surface. But how much weight do you actually need?
At Bright Buoy Diving, we offer 1 lb, 2 lb, and 3 lb coated freediving weights, giving you the flexibility to fine-tune your setup based on your body, gear, and dive style. Here’s how to find your perfect weighting.
Step 1: Understand the Factors That Affect Your Buoyancy
Your weighting setup depends on a few key factors:
Body Composition - Higher body fat percentage = more buoyant. Leaner divers tend to require more weight.
Wetsuit Thickness-The thicker your wetsuit, the more buoyant you are. A 3mm wetsuit requires less weight than a 5mm or 7mm.
Water Type-Saltwater is more buoyant than freshwater. If you train in both, you may need to adjust accordingly.
Depth Goals-Shallow dives require more weight to stay down, while deeper dives allow for a more minimal setup since compression naturally reduces buoyancy at depth.
Step 2: General Weighting Guidelines
A starting point for weighting based on wetsuit thickness:
· No wetsuit (just a swimsuit or dive skin) ~ 1-2% of body weight
· 3mm wetsuit ~ 4-6% of body weight
· 5mm wetsuit ~ 6-8% of body weight
· 7mm wetsuit ~8-10% of body weight
Example Calculation:
If you weigh 150 lbs and are wearing a 3mm wetsuit, you’ll likely need 6-9 lbs of weight to achieve proper buoyancy.
Step 3: Fine-Tuning with Bright Buoy Diving Weights
Now that you have a rough idea of your weight range, use our 1 lb, 2 lb, and 3 lb coated weights to build the perfect setup:
Start Light & Adjust-it’s always better to start with less weight and add more if needed.
Evenly Distribute Weight-Spacing out your weight ensures a balanced, comfortable fit on your belt.
Test Neutral Buoyancy at 10m (33ft) -The best way to check if your weighting is correct is to see if you naturally hover at 10m without sinking or floating up.
Example Setup:
A 150 lb diver in a 3mm wetsuit needing 6 lbs could wear:
· Six 1 lb weights spaced evenly
· Three 2 lb weights spaced evenly
· Two 3 lb weights for a more streamlined fit
Step 4: Adjust for Performance & Safety
Spearfishing or Shallow Diving? Add a little extra weight to stay down easier.
Deep Diving? Go lighter to avoid excess effort returning to the surface.
New to Freediving? Always err on the side of caution and start with less weight. Proper buoyancy = safety.
Find Your Balance
Every diver is different, which is why having adjustable, durable weights is essential for customizing your dive. With Bright Buoy Diving’s 1 lb, 2 lb, and 3 lb coated weights, you can fine-tune your setup for maximum comfort, control, and performance.
Ready to dial in your perfect weighting? Shop the collection now!
