Neck weights

Hi there!

One thing that I think a LOT of mers would benefit from is a proper neck weight - usually between 4 and 7 lbs, depending on your size, body composition and lung capacity.

Makes a WORLD of difference to me.

There is some technique in figuring out how much you should use, but once setup, is incredible.

The conventional Freedive neck weight is lead shot in an inner tube with some plastic clips to hold it secure. I personally use small .5lb lead "chicklets" strung through nylon webbing with the same clips to secure it.

Another option is attaching 2 scuba ankle weights together.

I even have an idea for mermaids of using large lead fishing weights (round or oval) and coating / painting them white to look like pearls.

If you haven't tried a neck weight... You really are missing out!!

Give it a go!

Jeff
UltimateSwimFin.com




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No. We need our necks and heads to swim up for air easily. If some freak accident were to happen, then we are unable to surface quickly and will drown.

And the way we swim, we need our necks and heads to be able to move freely with the up and down motion. Can't do that if there are weights restricting that movement.

Neck weights just sounds like a bad idea to me. I can get on board with ankle weights or weight belts, but neck weights? You say "One thing that I think a LOT of mers would benefit from is a proper neck weight - usually between 4 and 7 lbs, depending on your size, body composition and lung capacity," but you don't actually mention what any of these supposed benefits are.

^^^^^^^^^^^ not being terrible to UltimateSwimFin, but I kinda agree with both of you. Just sounds a bit dangerous

I'm starting to think he's a troll... Or a sales rep trying to get more business with incorrect facts.

As he sent me a message through the "quote request" system on GigSalad, trying to get me to buy a monofin using the same wording used in his monofin posts... I'm going with sales rep.


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Not a troll.

Every Freediver wears a neck weight. Your lungs are the most buoyant part of your body and the neck is an ideal location to put ballast to neutralize this effect.

Proper monofin technique does not entail your neck undulating and it will not stop you from getting air.

The benefits are that you are neutrally buoyant and therefore all of your energy is spent to propel you forward, instead of fighting buoyancy.

Being neutrally buoyant is the most peaceful and freeing feeling in the world.

If you want to feel like a mermaid... Sort out your buoyancy. Trust me on this one. Just look at every single DYN swim by competitive freedivers.


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If you want true underwater freedom, work on neutralizing your buoyancy and also work on reducing drag.

It's night and day.


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Show us a pro using neck weights underwater.

This is me a few years ago before I found the Lunocet with an 11lb neck weight:

http://youtu.be/uP712NO8Y5o


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http://youtu.be/-cQOz9ePDN8


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Neck weights are even more important in pool and the typically shallow depths that Mers play in (less than 5m deep).


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Hang on guys, a quick search does show that free divers use these. I can't remember anyone complaining here about buoyancy problems that could be solved with these kinds of weights, but these could actually be more useful than the weight belts people have been using so far, based on the theory.

To be honest though, Jeff, I would have liked to see more information here about neck weight benefits. I've never heard about them before, so I was confused a bit.
I did like the idea for modifying the design to make it appropriate for mermaids though. The designs I'm seeing are rather unattractive to me...

Benefit: you go further, with less effort on a single breath.

Benefit: you glide perfectly horizontally and induce less drag and travel further.

Benefit: you feel completely weightless, neither floating, nor sinking and it's the most incredible feeling in the world.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by UltimateSwimFin.com

Not a troll.

Every Freediver wears a neck weight. Your lungs are the most buoyant part of your body and the neck is an ideal location to put ballast to neutralize this effect.

Proper monofin technique does not entail your neck undulating and it will not stop you from getting air.

The benefits are that you are neutrally buoyant and therefore all of your energy is spent to propel you forward, instead of fighting buoyancy.

Being neutrally buoyant is the most peaceful and freeing feeling in the world.

If you want to feel like a mermaid... Sort out your buoyancy. Trust me on this one. Just look at every single DYN swim by competitive freedivers.


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Sorry, I know you are being friendly and you think you have found a new marketing opportunity here, but aside from maybe two mers who are thinking of using a Lunocet for an extended tail, we are NOT freediving merfolk. Aside from the rare underwater photoshoot, for the most part, I think I can speak for most when I say we pretty much stay in the top few feet of water. Surfacing often. Hanging out with children. I, for one, don't even like to wear heavy necklaces with my mermaid tail, much less 4 to 7 pounds of weights around my neck. As for drag, if you look at our flukes, our accoutrments like hair clips, shell tops, netted waist decorations...we don't really care about reducing drag much, either.

Neck weights and mermaids? No.

You are trying to combine two entirely different activities, they both happen to take place in a swimming environment. Be prepared for pushback from the community on this one.

I don't want to sound mean to you, I'm not trying to be, but I think you need to better acquaint yourself with this community before trying to sell us on things we aren't even going to consider.

In freediving, men can typically get away with JUST a neck weight and women TYPICALLY will split their weight more evenly between waist and neck, due to typical body fat distribution differences between the sexes.


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Did you even read and take in what Pearlie Mae just wrote?

We aren't freediving.

While I can see the appeal of being neutrally buoyant, looking at current designs of neck weights they seem like they would get in the way of arm position for dolphin kicking? It's less the weight than the placement I'd object to.

Also, while freediving and mermaiding share some techniques and gear, freedivers, like scuba divers, use the buddy system for safety. Most mermaids do not have the luxury of a friend or mertender for every swim and not every swim spot has lifegaurds. We are already constricting our legs, anything that could make it potentially more difficult to swim or surface has to be carefully considered.

Neckweights might be better for professional mermaids who perform tricks underwater or swim in deeper water with mertenders on hand.

I see the benefit of having a neck weight completely, in the situation that buoyancy is a concern for people. I think the average person though is weary of weights in general (I know that the current population of MerNetwork who do use weights regularly are kind of low? Those who do modeling or have issues with buoyancy, Raina and Iona are the only ones who come to mind for me) because swimming in a tail already puts you in a tough situation should there be an issue with surfacing. Adding neck weights just sounds a little more threatening; I know it probably doesn't feel that way but immediately I imagine something constricting around my neck.

I think Pearlie is right in that we're probably not the market for it to be honest.

That being said, your monofin swimming videos are quite relaxing to watch. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mermaid Jaffa

Did you even read and take in what Pearlie Mae just wrote?

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Jaffa, I was typing mine while Perlie Mae was typing hers.

To the rest:

If you hold your breath underwater... You are freediving - if even for :30 seconds.

If you are staying in shallower depths (say 3-8 ft below the surface), adding weight is the most important in this zone, as your lungs are nearly fully inflated (not compressed with depth) and you will float like a cork.

I'm not peddling neck weights. I'm seeing things in the Mer community that I have knowledge in and want to help it out.

The 3 biggest areas where I can provide knowledge and help is in weighting, technique and breath-hold.

Now maybe some ppl want to splash in the shallows and that's great, but for those that want to dip below the surface - believe me that paying attention / focus to these areas will pay massive dividends in your enjoyment and Mer fun.

I know there are some here that are interested in these areas, based on some searches and posts I've read.

I also know that someone that isn't using any weighting will try a neck weight and it will become their 2nd most important / cherished piece of gear, next to their tail.

It's funny - I really expected more open-mindedness and acceptance from this community.

Yes I sell one brand of monofin... But want to give back to the community in terms of weighting, technique and breathhold.

I also am very creative and have come up with the "pearl" idea for this community. I'm sure that in a year or two, several will have adopted it.


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As both a mermaid and recreational freediver, I can say I moved away from weights when in a tail, and I would never use a neck weight simply because having a load of lead there is a bad idea.

I use weight belts to achieve neutral buoyancy in a suit (2 to 8 pounds, depending on thickness), and carrying the lead around my hips is hard enough when surfacing or getting in and out of the water.

The neck is fragile, any weight on it can lead to dislocations and maladies you probably aren't even aware of if you use neck weights.
If you have a neck made of steel and find it useful, go for it.

But for someone surfacing often, like tailswimmers, or even someone doing flips and turns and barrel rolls and such instead of slowly swimming forward as freedivers usually do, neck weights are not only not useful, but dangerous.

I don't have a problem with you sharing this info here, as I do acknowledge that this info could be helpful to someone. I think it's just not our primary demographic, though. I do think that should someone need it, the pearl necklace idea would be a great way to hide the weights and add to the outfit instead of taking away from it. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by UltimateSwimFin.com

If you hold your breath underwater... You are freediving - if even for :30 seconds.

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We are not 'freediving' in the named activity sense that you are saying we are. Just like falling can also be called 'skydiving'.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by UltimateSwimFin.com

It's funny - I really expected more open-mindedness and acceptance from this community.

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Statements like that are a guaranteed way to get this community up in arms.

BELIEVE ME, I am NOT trying to start drama, and you may be right in that some of the mercommunity may start using neck weights, eventually. But please, don't be surprised at initial pushback on the subject.

I've never swam with weights. I sink pretty readily anyway. Have you ever swum in a tail?

^^
People have varying degrees of buoyancy.
Sinkers definitely don't need weights unless you are wearing a thick wetsuit, and mermaids don't generally do that :p
Also, I've noticed that the floatiest part of my body when in a tail is usually the fluke, probably due to trapped air.
Mers who have neoprene tails might opt for weights, but never a neck weight.

Tail weights and ankle weights are probably best, but I wouldn't use those unless for a still photoshoot, because they'd be in the way of practically anything I'm used to do underwater (synchro tricks, spins, leaps and breaches, turns, rolls...)

Wow guys, obviously Jeff is a sales rep. Though he's not talking about his products here or his company. Just an idea, being personable.
For those that aren't familiar with scuba diving or wetsuit wearing in cold water “Salt water especially” where discussion of weights are common. Here ya go-
Some people float easier than others, maybe way to easy. For swimming on the top that's great. Now if you want that same person to just glide and gently with just one kick-slowly and in a straight line move to the top they'd need help.
We have Mer-models in the Pod and they need to hold a position underwater while the photographer frames the shot or direct them to move the hair out of their face, being able to not wave your arms around like someone trying to get the attention of a passing ship weights would help.
Ya know swimming along the bottom of the pool, well you can't swim flat "Parallel to the bottom without swimming hard." You are "Like" always swimming down because the minute you stop you are like a balloon underwater and rocket to the top. Now that's a great thing if you can't swim well, not so good if your posing for pictures or trying to conserve air for an easier swim underwater. Some people put weight in their tails because there tail floats, if your torso pulls you head first more that you’d like his necklace has merit.


Couple quick notes-
1. Any weight’s need a quick release for Mer-swimming or scuba diving.


2. Jeff loose the company name as your name, granted it makes you honest. Maybe a tagline or something. And if you have no intention of donning a tail or hanging out poolside speculating the color of this years scales this may be the wrong club for you.
P.S. I like your Monofin

I want to be as open and honest as possible. Hence why my very first post I disclosed my business and interests.

I am new here and finding my way around. Not 100% sure I'll wear a "conventional" merman tail (full silicone, tassels, etc), but I may just build a better mousetrap for my needs.

Besides, regardless of if I don a silicone or spandex tail (I dislike drag), aren't fellow apneists needed for buddies / safety and as photographers?

Aren't there also some who wish to improve their efficiency / time under water?


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As one of the leading mers in Canada if you sent me a sample I'd be willing to review it and if I find it helpful promote to the community. I have two published books as a pro mermaid with a third on the way, popular vlogs, and a big following on fb. Happy to be a guinea pig ;)

Hey Jeff, AniaR is the real deal as a key reference here. As you poke around you'll see.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by UltimateSwimFin.com

I want to be as open and honest as possible. Hence why my very first post I disclosed my business and interests.

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I would love to see if someone could make a mermaid tail from the Lunacet fin. I love the way it looks in the water.

I have helped engineer the Lunocet with the inventor to work as a hybrid between a "fin" and a "foil" and more of a "fluke".

They work by very different mechanisms.

A traditional mermaid tail is a low-aspect ratio and a glider is high-aspect ratio.

The Lunocet's flukes are in between and like a dolphin / whale (CETacean).

I COULD offer a Lunocet WITHOUT the rubber flukes moulded on the cores and some tail maker could make a low aspect ratio fin (silicone?) that looks like Darryl Hanna or similar...

I'm sure it would make a very solid foundation... With the comfort of cycling shoes:

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06...340c01f96d.jpg


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With some engineering around the foot area to hide heels and whatnot, it could be pretty interesting.

Darryl Hannah's feet were right onto the fluke, which was made of butyrate.

When I first read about the Lunocet and its principle (gliding rather than kicking, aka dolphin, not manatee), I wanted to buy one.
However, the cycling shoes sort of killed it for me.

Most pools here don't even allow a tail, they sure as heck won't let someone take shoes into the water (and I'm actually glad that they don't).
For those who live near temperate waters, I'm sure it must be a great monofin.

If someone plans to make a tail for it, they will need quite a bit of ingenuity though, as it will be tough to hide the outline of cycling shoes.

*still totally willing to try*

I think it would really take someone in the community (Raina sounds willing, and a great candidate :P) to review the fin, tell us everything, someone with a lot of swimming/monofin experience who was unbiased to tell us the pros and cons of it before it will really become something everyone can get behind. I think that a lot of us have been attracted to extended tails for a while now, but there are drawbacks to having such a long tail. It's hard to justify such a high price when so many spend that much on an entire tail, not just the monofin.

All that said, I do look forward to when we finally have someone who owns the fin to tell us all about it.

Plus, I still have trouble imagining how to cover up such a thin pole inside of a tail without making it too heavy or too floaty. :P

I was suggesting reviewing the neck weights actually :3 As someone performing a lot and always struggling with buoyancy I think I'd be a good mer to test it. My experience with a weight belt wasn't great and I currently put weights in my tail which is uncomfortable.

I nominate Raina

Neck weights might of helped me out yesterday performing in the salty aquarium

Jeff you can check out my website here and my facebook here for reference
https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...40&oe=560052C5

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AniaR

I was suggesting reviewing the neck weights actually :3 As someone performing a lot and always struggling with buoyancy I think I'd be a good mer to test it. My experience with a weight belt wasn't great and I currently put weights in my tail which is uncomfortable.

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Just as good! I'm more focused on the Lunocet since I don't usually have an issue sinking (may change when I get a tail) but I definitely think they could benefit you.

Neck weights are not practical for my kind of mermaid swimming. I do a lot of turns, flips and half turns (for changing directions), and don't swim in a straight line. I don't think a neck weight would be good for me. As I don't use the arms in front style, unless I want to go fast, nor do I swim at a snail's pace like the lady in your video. Plus my health isn't that great so I have to come up for air very often. Putting weights around my neck isn't going to work for me.