Weight for freshwater diving: what to know
Seawater is about 2.5 percent denser than freshwater, so you float higher in the sea. For a typical diver and kit that is roughly 2 to 3 kg less lead in a lake or quarry.
Worked example
For an 80 kg diver with an average build, wearing a 5 mm wetsuit and using an aluminum 80 tank in freshwater, the calculator estimates 4.5 kg (10 lb). Your number will differ with your body and gear, so enter your own values above and then do a buoyancy check.
Common questions
How much less weight in freshwater?
About 2.5 percent of your total body plus gear weight, often 2 to 3 kg.
Do I add weight when going from lake to ocean?
Yes, by about the same amount.
How much more weight do I need in the sea?
About 2.5 percent of body plus gear weight, often 2 to 3 kg more.
Is brackish water the same as fresh?
No. It sits between fresh and salt, so start between the two results and check.
Why do I sit lower in a lake?
Freshwater is less dense and lifts less, so the same body and gear float lower.
Related calculators
Weight for saltwater divingWeight with an aluminum 80 tankWeight with a steel tankHow much weight do I need?
