Tow line for dive flag

[yak]

Hi all,

I picked up one of these, and (being a newbie and never having towed a flag before) found it was a lot bulkier than I expected .

http://s1059kxm.leisurepro.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=1398&prmenbr=946

Was wondering what y'all use to tow your flag. I'll also have a lobster bag and tickle stick to deal with. I plan to use a double bolt snap to attach the bag to a D ring on my BCD.

Cheers

 

[Wendy]

I just use a reel.

 

[yak]

What kind? How big is it, and what kind of line do you use on it?
thx

 

[Former FLL Now MSP Diver]

yak once bubbled...
Was wondering what y'all use to tow your flag.

Usually a buddy.

Marc

 

[Wendy]

yak once bubbled...
What kind? How big is it, and what kind of line do you use on it?
thx

I use one like this:

http://www.diverite.com/products/reels/safety.htm

 

[yak]

Wendy,

What size line do you use on it?

 

[Wendy]

yak once bubbled...
Wendy,

What size line do you use on it?

I think its 24 line, but I'm not completely sure.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I use a Reef Scuba saftey reel with 150 ft of line. But you really need to be careful as you need to know how to run a reel and how to clear a jammed reel underwater. You also have to be very careful not to get slack in the line or you will find the stuff gravitating to you tank valve and fin buckles. 1/8, #24, #36 or #48 braided nylon line is very flexible and will tie you in knots very quickly if you get careless with it.

If you are new to dragging a flag or just a new diver I would just opt for one of the plastic hand thingies that you wrap 1/4 poly rope around. Most of the slack will then float over you and the rope is thicker, less flexible and less likely to snag on anything.

Also if you use a wreck reel or saftey reel, use a float with enough floatation to allow you to keep the line taunt. There are some dive floats that use a regular car sized inner tube but they are a little large in wind, waves or current. We have a guy locally who sews a variant of that using a 12 lawn tractor/trailer inner tube. Works great, offers enough support to hang off of and is still well mannered in wind waves and current.