Reef hooks work best under two conditions. First, there needs to be a significant enough current that “hooking in” will result in stability. If there isn’t enough current, or the current is inconsistent, your line won’t be taught and you won’t have the advantage. Second, it needs to be a situation where you want to remain in the same spot for an extended period of time. Here a single line is reeved as shown in the drawing below. This is a simple and inexpensive arrangement, making it a predictable favourite among boat manufacturers and sailmakers looking for an easy option. Unfortunately, the cumulative friction can make for heavy going – firstly in taking in the reef and later when it comes to shaking it out again. It looks like an attractive arrangement and might serve acceptably on the smallest boats or those which only expect to take a very occasional reef; Strong currents are the life-force of vibrant reefs systems and they are at their strongest around the edges and at their most manageable in the center. Reef hooks are safe, but you need to think about what you're doing. It's a change to your normal dive setup so you have to make adjustments.

Once hooked in, inflate your BCD until you are in a perfect position. Do not forget to deflate your BCD before unhooking, though, because otherwise, you will launch yourself to the surface. But as the current goes around the sides the velocity increases dramatically and where it goes over the top of the bonnie or pinnacle, particularly if it is shallow, the velocity is at its maximum. Product lines, materials, and characteristics of rope vary to cater for specific needs When it comes to sailing, the choice of ropes can make all the difference in your performance on the water. Whether you're a cruiser or a competitive racer, having the right running rigging lines can greatly enhance your sailing experience. Posted on 28 Sep What's new in Velocitek's Prism 2 compass?You will likely have to lower your main a little to get these fastenings loose, but once the sail attachments have been returned to their full normal positioning, you can haul away on the main and feel the boat wake up once again, with a full throated breath of breeze. The first time you shake out your reef, you will notice the advantage of a full sail and it will feel like you stepped out of a car after a long road trip, ready to stretch your legs and run. Use Short Strobe Arms: If the current is significant enough where hooking in makes the most sense, then you probably want to consider using shorter-than-normal strobe arms. Longer arms may flail about in the current and will be difficult to maneuver. Plus, as discussed below, you won’t always be able to get super close to your subjects, so using more natural light and less strobe light comes into play. If you typically use 12-inch arms, consider switching to 8-inch arms. When you lower your main and reef your sail, you are changing the application of force on the mast.

task and are, at best, a marginal solution used only where no better off-the-shelf item is available. So as someone who has benefitted so many times from using reef hooks in Palau, I say to those who invented them, Thank you, and I think those of you who will use a reef hook for the first time you will agree with me. By learning the system you have on the hook with lots of light and little stress, you will have the skills you need to have when the need arises. It is said the reef hook is invented in Palau, but this 100 % sure. Other places in the world, where reef hook diving is common, are The Maldives, Komodo, Raja Ampat and French PolynesiaNo line stretch - Textiles stretch under load. In a pennant system, line stretch is unavoidable and contributes to a loss of performance. A reefing hook avoids this, ensuring mainsail shape is stable and maintained. But what if the knife goes away, or you can't get to it, or whatever? Then it comes down to being able to release the connection to your BC, or that of another incapacitated diver. I personally think any type of typical bolt snap that has a "hook" of sorts in it can be dangerous in this situation. I prefer an attachment of this type: There is a lot of bad information there about what a reef hook is and how they're used. The purpose of this thread is to discuss the proper use of a reef hook. If you want to add on yet another "My condolences to the family" post, please do that here: Reef hooks are particularly useful when diving in strong currents, as they allow divers to stay in one place without using excess energy or potentially damaging the surrounding ecosystem. They are also useful for photographers or videographers who want to capture images or footage of the local marine life without disturbing it. By using a reef hook, divers can remain stationary and observe the surrounding environment without impacting the reef or the wildlife that lives there. How does one use a reef hook?