How much line?

[Johanan]

I got a primary reel with 500 feet of line on it. It seems too full and the line tends to slip over the edge. Those of you who have been in many caves - how much line do you keep on your reels? How far usually is the permanent line from open water in most caves?

 

[PfcAJ]

Take some off. Most lines are real close to ow.

 

[tbone1004]

what he said. Gone are the days of needing massive primary reels for most caves, take enough off to where it is comfortable to use and call it a day. Primaries in Florida these days are usually 250-400ft. Same size reel, but 250ft with #36 line for wreck diving or #24 for cave diving at 400ft.

 

[Johanan]

Many thanks!

 

[Jack Hammer]

Typically I'll pull around 10 meters (30 feet) of line off a new reel. As to the size of the reel needed, it depends where you are diving. I have no idea how far back the main lines are in Latvia. Most the caves here (USA) are accessible with a 60 meter (200 feet) reel. I also keep a 120 meter (400 foot) primary.

 

[Subcooled]

Your dive team could have two or three reels (or even two per person), so what's the problem?