Posts by kps

    couple of thoughts from an ER doc on marine skin surface stings


    Although hot water immersion HWI (104-110f) mechanism of action is contraversial the efficacy for pain control is not and should be utilized in conjunction with decontamination for any marine surface stings. Decontamination with shaving cream or baking soda will stop further release of nematocysts. removal of cream / soda with razor or edge of blade will then complete process. This process can be repeated during initial first aid. Rubbing effected area with hand or towel is not recommended for it can facilitate further nematocysts release. Using salt water for HWI is preferred over fresh for same reason. water discharge from motor combined with ocean water works well and is easily adjusted for appropriate temp. If pain persists beyond a few hours likely a secondary inflammatory response is responsible and the use of NSAIDs, steroids, oral or topical will be helpful. Oral are much better but not over the counter so go with what you have. A secondary bacterial infection is not likely to show itself for a couple of days with surface stings and in general will not be considered a cause of pain during first 24-48hrs. But if pain and or rash escalates over 2-3 days you may have an infection as well.


    1) decontaminate with HWI, shaving cream/soda
    2) continue HWI for pain relief as needed
    3) ibuprofen, and steroid cream, +- on benadryl go with oral if you are going to use it.
    4) once back on land consider being seen by MD if pain not controlled , oral steroids and pain meds may help
    5) pain escalating beyond 24-48 hours is a red flag
    5) anaphylaxis although not common can happen, epipen on boat not a bad idea.


    adding a few thing to first aid kit may help next time
    Ken


    fyi, urine not hot enough to work but always entertaining to watch crying friend pee on himself

    planning to be around the St Simons / Amelia Island area 2nd week of August 8-15th looking to dive a couple of days. Looking for charter or open spot on boat. Im an ER doc that has been free diving my whole life , very safe and experienced. When solo I keep my depths/times no more then 60 ft and 90 seconds. when buddied up will push 90ft and 2m. I would ideally like hook up with other experienced divers. I often combine family beach trips with my diving exploits so the exact location where I will be is flexible. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Ken

    Hi All


    What are you using to cut Dyneema? There seems no better way to turn a good pair of scissors into trash then spend a couple of hours rigging. Ceramic? Clauss carbon steel? What works for you?


    Thanks

    Dude G,
    Thanks for expanding w your experience.


    Really enjoy your past posts picks. Ive been thinking of picking your brain and others re extended sailing spearo / family trip down your way. I will start a separate thread once I get all my ideas together.

    Great resources for diy float line, hard floats and reel line


    I have spent a bit of time researching the forums, keeping a log of where I found and bought materials. I have purchased something from all of the below sites wo issue and pricing seemed competitive. I have also included some how to links that where very helpful to me. Thought this info may be helpful for others. Oh, and I have no financial interest in any of these companies. Please add any additions or comments


    Craig Float Lines - Kits
    These DIY kits are about as low cost as you can get wo buying bulk components. I have one and very pleased. If you have never made one and dont have lots of supplies collecting dust this is the place to start IMO


    Blue Water Pro Spearfishing Float Lines | Abrasion Resistant
    solid stuff, not always the cheapest



    Core line and shink tubing
    spectra line ⅛” #1800 $180/600'
    Continental Western - Spectra 12 Strand Single Braid Rope, 600' or 120


    spectra line 7/64” #1600 .29/ft
    AmSteel-Blue Dyneema® AS-78 Single Braid | West Marine



    Reel line
    q powerline (wong and others uses this) $135/500' #600
    Q Power Line - Bulk


    jetset and zing-it throw line (many use as cheaper alternative)1.75 #450 or 2.2mm #650 $.13-.16/ft 1000'roll
    Arborist Throw Lines: Fling-It, Zing-It, DynaGlide & Slick Line


    Same price here for 1.75mm
    Spectra Reel Line 1000 FT Spool



    Float tubing
    ¼” inside ⅜” outside dia $23/100’
    1/4" ID x 3/8" OD x 1/16" Wall Yellow PVC Tubing | U.S. Plastic Corp.



    Hard floats
    spongex bouys Cheap, many sizes
    Spongex BN-3 Marker Buoy, 7" x 15" x 1", White | Redden Marine Supply


    one idea
    null-65.jpg Photo by sbsyncro | Photobucket


    another beefy setup
    http://spearfishing.world/floa…rge-pelagic-fish-diy.html



    How to info


    diy floatline how to. the concept here is good but I used different materials...spectra core w long bury splice , better end plugs from craigfloatlines or neptonics, constrictor knots x 3 at each end then shrink tubing cover, no silicone. dont forget to polish end plugs when splicing to spectra.
    DIY FLOATLINE Step-by-Step!!! - Spearboard.com - The World's Largest Spearfishing Diving Boating Social Media Forum


    knots Fantastic resource!
    Long Bury Splice | How to Splice a hollow braid Rope | Splicing Knots


    coil your floatline line w butterfly coil. No more knots
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfvioMwTVUo


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFW51YwoLZ8


    Bonus
    spear tuning
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I97Vcweicug


    good luck
    ken

    Hi all


    My name is Ken and live in the mountains of North Carolina.... not a lot of spearfishing here but Ive been freediving and spearfishing since a young boy. My grandfather was a Cayman citizen and I spent much of my early life in the Caribbean learning from the locals (when you could spear in Cayman). Got my first gun at 11 and was hooked, got scuba certified at 12 but lost interest, my heart is in freediving. Had a bit of a hiatus from diving but when my family started to grow I wished to give my kids a taste of what I grew up with. I travel a bit and try to arrange family trips to incorporate spearfishing when possible. My wifes family lives in SoCal so fish there yearly. Was just south of Playa de Carmen a few weeks ago and had a great couple days in the blue water. Family headed to St George Island in June and can't wait!
    I have been an avid spear forum reader for years and value the learning experience greatly. The information I have gained through you all is vast, gear, technique, DIY projects, just great stuff!
    Thanks for what you do!
    Ken