Chat with an old timer about helmet weights changed my mind

I was on a job last month in Port Arthur, Texas, and this guy who's been diving since the 80s started talking about helmet weight. He said he used to rock a heavy Kirby Morgan 17 for 12 hour shifts, and now guys complain about a 10 pound difference. It hit me different cause I realized I've been slacking on my conditioning. I just assumed lighter gear was always better, but he pointed out that extra weight builds stamina and keeps you stable in current. Anyone else cut weight on their setup and notice a drop in endurance?

2 comments

2 Comments

reese_lane2920d ago

Man that old timer nailed it. I switched from a heavier hat to a light carbon fiber one a couple seasons back and I definitely noticed I got tired faster when the current picked up. That extra weight acts like a counterbalance and keeps you planted without fighting it. I started adding some ankle weights on my drysuit during training dives to build that stamina back up. Feels harder in the moment but pays off when you're hanging upside down in a pipe. Your conditioning isn't just about strength, it's about how long you can stay steady without burning out.

matthew_baker19d ago

Hate to hear that you struggled with the switch too. I did something similar a few years back with my fins and it took a whole season before I felt right again. The weight thing is real I swear it helps with body positioning more than people give it credit for. Ankle weights on a drysuit sounds brutal but smart. I might have to try that myself since I've been getting lazy with my leg strength lately. Keep at it though that pipe work will thank you later.