Even if you tend to sink naturally, you will usually be wearing a weight belt when spearfishing or freediving.
Most wetsuits are made from extremely buoyant material which makes it hard to descend without any extra weight to balance the suit. Many spearos actually choose to wear a lot of weight to stay down easily in shallow water.
Consider learning advanced freediving techniques to avoid this and be able to dive with less weight. This ensures that you can rest comfortably on the surface in between dives instead of having to constantly kick to keep yourself afloat.
What all weight belts have in common, is the quick release. There are 2 styles, the clasp or clip, and the buckle or marseillaise. Both can be opened single handedly in case you need to increase your or your buddy’s buoyancy.
The belt’s material can be either rubber, silicone or webbed fabric.
Both Rubber weight belts and silicone weight belts are the most practical for spearfishing and freediving as these belts will stay in place better than fabric ones. Therefore, any attached weights will also stay where you want them to be. Most spearos and freedivers would therefore also wear their elastic belt if they ever went scuba diving.
Weight vests are another option. These harnesses are designed to carry your weights mounted onto your back. This allows a more relaxed swimming and diving position while being more streamlined as well.
