Byron Kay @konafreediver
Updated: May 4, 2023
A freediving neck weight is commonly used by freedivers who dive competitively on lines or in the pool. It allows the diver to adjust weighting precisely and put the weight at a point on their body where the weight acts like a rudder pulling instead of pushing the diver. It changes the center of buoyancy behind the diver giving you easier straighter dives.
Bicycle Tube
Lead shot
Clip
Tape
Get a bike tube that is wide enough to accommodate the amount of lead you want to put in the tube. It's better if the tube is slightly too big than too small. The tube can be new or used. New ones should last a bit longer and are relatively inexpensive.
If you're going to wear the weight around your neck you'll probably need a wider tube than if you are going to wear the weight around your waist. Tubes in the 1 1/8" - 1 1/4" are a good start. You can make multiple weights from one tube. if you want to make a neck weight that can hold more than 3-4 lbs you're going to want a larger diameter tube of 1.75"+.
The best place to get lead shot is from bag weights. Ideally you can upcycle some old ones with holes in them. If not you can get some online.
Combine colors of electrical tape to make for a flashy design.
Byron Kay is a freediving instructor and the founder of Kona Freedivers and owner of Kona Honu Divers as well as Kona Snorkel Trips. They stand out as Hawaii's top rated and most reviewed businesses among their peers having a perfect 5 star rating on google. To learn more about Byron and his latest goings on visit his bio page.