Scuba Diving Site

The Basics On Purchasing Diving Equipment

January 31, 2009 | scuba news

dive shop

Purchasing diving equipment can easily be a lifelong hobby that can add up to thousands of dollars. The budget-conscious may choose to rent scuba diving gear for classes or vacations too. But either way, the many different parts to a scuba diving ensemble can leave people feeling puzzled. What are the essentials? How much can it cost? What is the maintenance like?

Masks can run anywhere from $20 to $150. You’ll have to consider construction, size and lens. Low-volume masks provide divers with less distortion, as well as more light transmission and peripheral vision. A double-flanged face seal is a nice variation that ensures your mask remains watertight. Other options for this diving equipment include: anti-fogging, purge valves (to keep water out), nose pockets and adjustable straps.

Fins can be as little as $30 or as much as $200. Length, material and design will all need to be taken into consideration. Different design variations include split fins, force fins, self-adjusting pivotal blades and vents. This piece of diving equipment is crucial because choosing the proper scuba fins can save energy, air and unnecessary hassle.

Regulators are among the most expensive diving equipment, running from $150 to $500. The main reason we buy this piece of diving equipment is to ensure proper air flow in any condition with the least amount of effort on our part. As you descend deeper, remember that the air will get heavier and more difficult to move from the tank to you, so a good regulator will deal with this physics problem effectively. Experienced divers recommend regulators with swivels and adjustable airflow stages, such as the Aqualung Legend LX or Oceanic Delta 3. Warranties are important, so consider brands with lifetime warranties.

Another big diving equipment expense is a good dry suit (generally $600 – $3,000). While you may feel comfortable renting a lighting package or regulator, a body suit is something you’ll probably want to own, as rentals usually see a lot of wear and tear. Dry suits can be made out of several different kinds of material: neoprene, membrane or a hybrid of the two.

Buoyancy Compensators can also run $150 to $500. The most important factor here is the fit. You can choose back-mounted, flow-through or wrap-around diving equipment. Female divers will be happy to know that the Oceanic Isla, Seaquest Diva and Scubapro Ladyhawk are all BCs made exclusively for women, with shorter waists and more comfortable chest straps. Most divers won’t need to worry about purchasing extra lift capacity, unless they’re diving in rough waters.

Hefty tanks will set you back $100 to $400. Aluminum tanks are widely used for their light weight; however, some people still prefer steel. Neutrally buoyant tanks are widely recommended by professionals.

Lighting systems range from $30 for the most basic incandescent hand light to $800 for a professional HID torch system. Cave and wreck divers or night divers will especially need to look into this piece of diving equipment. Safety recommendations require that every cave diver have three separate light sources present — one main and two backups. A wide-beamed primary light will illuminate a large area and is ideal for overcoming total darkness, while a brighter, smaller secondary light will reveal coral crevices and nooks.

Responsible scuba gear owners go to great lengths to make sure their diving equipment is in top notch condition. They will rinse everything with fresh water after each use, allow them to dry separately in the sun and will store them in a cool, dry place. They are also careful that neoprene materials do not stick together. It’s a good idea to bring your regulators and BCs to the dive shop annually to have them routinely checked for safety.

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The Trusty Wetsuit

January 29, 2009 | Uncategorized

The wetsuit is the accessory that symbolizes today’s scuba diving, along with fins and a tank. They have come a long way since their earlier days of suit pioneers like the O’Neill brothers and their Santa Cruz surf suits to being made from a combination of neoprene rubber and synthetic fabrics. Wet suits today contain a combination of a wide variety of fabric weaves, designs, colors, and different types of material densities. There are loads of brands to choose from, each offering their own unique properties on one of the most important parts of the scuba diver’s outfit, especially if diving in temperate or moderately deep waters is planned.

History

The first wetsuits were essentially rubber skins that were worn to keep in heat and protect the skin. These primitive suits gave way to more advanced suits made of neoprene, whose cellular construction allowed air and water to be trapped and heated better than mere rubber. Even though neoprene was more flexible, these early wet suits were easy to tear and very hard to put on; often dressing required applying talcum powder to the inside of the suit. Several generations passed, with breakthrough lines such as the Sharkskin and Turtleskin brands adding a layer of nylon sheeting to the inner suit and a textured surface to increase strength and durability.

Modern westsuits use combinations of Lycra or other synthetic materials to replace nylon sheeting. Some brands, such as the Pinnacle Aquatics lines, feature combinations of titanium weaves and natural Merino wool to increased durability, warmth and to reduce odors. These modern suits also use layers of thicker materials to protect sensitive spine and neck areas, and have reinforced knee and elbow pads to protect the diver against chafing against rocks and coral heads.

How They Work

Water flows into the small pores of the neoprene foam of the suit where it is trapped and warmed by the body heat and exertions of the diver. The layer of warm water keeps the cold water from reaching the divers body by acting as a thermos bottle. The wetsuits are designed to let water come in contact with the skin. This is in contrast to the dry suit which keeps all water out. Wetsuits are usually used in waters whose temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees. Dry suits are used in waters whose temperatures are much lower.

Types of Wetsuits

Besides the well-known full suit, there are many other different types of wetsuits. One particular wetsuit, “Shorty” suits, have full torsos but don’t cover the entire arm and leg areas. These are good for warm water conditions because its main purpose is for maintaining body heat at great depths. Another suit, the “Farmer John” style, which has a thickened pants layer that goes up around the shoulder but does not cover the arms. This is a good type for surfing purposes where knee protection is important. Another addition to these suits is the now specialized “thin suits” for competitive swimming and light dive purposes. These suits do more than just temperature control as they offer streamlining and abrasion protection.

Hoods

Since over 25% of body heat is lost through the head, hoods are a very important accessory to a full west suit. Hoods are often made of similar materials to a wetsuit, but are somewhat thicker to prevent loss of heat around such a sensitive area. Most hoods have long “bibs” that tuck within the neck of the wetsuit to protect against a gush of cold water down the neck.

Booties

While some wetsuits have integrated “feet”, most use separate “booties” that are drawn up over the legs of the westsuit. Booties are usually corrugated and reinforced to allow divers to stand or push off against the bottom or rough surfaces.

Gloves

Gloves are the last important accessory and are not only meant to protect against cold water but they must also stop sharp coral and rocks from injuring the skin. In order to help in handling other gears and objects underwater, gloves often have textured fingertips.

Since the early primitive rubber casings of the early 1950’s, wet suits have come a long way. With the rise in technology and new materials and special computer-aided designs, wetsuits will continue to improve and offer divers of the 21st century new options for their diving experience.

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The Citizen Dive Watch

January 24, 2009 | scuba news

In diving, safety is extremely important and that is why you should always be aware of the time. In order for this to be possible, your watch should have special features like increased resistance to pressure, easy read dials and added protection from salt water to avoid deterioration. A standard waterproof watch would not have most of these features but dive watches like the Citizen Dive watch would definitely have them.

To ensure that you can safely return to the surface when diving, a diver’s watch will be needed to keep track of diving activity. A diving watch that is stylish enough to wear when diving isn’t the main priority or if you intend on having a good swimming competition against others is also wonderful to have. The recommended watch for all occasions is the Citizen Divers Watch which has an attractive lineup of watches with all sorts of styles and uses.

Preferable Features

You are definitely headed in the right direction if you are looking at acquiring a citizen diving watch as they are unmatched in terms of style and quality. But there are crucial aspects that you need to look at before choosing your next Citizen Dive watch.

First and foremost, you need to look at the maximum depth that you intend on diving up to. Most Citizen diving watches are capable of reaching a depth of 200 meters with the exception that no helium gas is used. There are also many other Citizen Dive models available for a dive up to 300 meters where helium enriched environment is evident.

While each Citizen diving watch has its own style, they all have that common easy to read bevel, which is crucial for clear readability underwater when the diver’s time underwater needs accurate tracking. Some watches like the Citizen Promaster SST have a non-reflective crystal face that can be seen clearly when being glanced on.

To avoid being underwater for more than the intended time, it is crucial to take a glance at the time every now and then. The Citizen Promaster SST is the ideal choice as it has 24 hour timing with its chronograph accurate up to 1/1000th of a second which makes it ideal for racing purposes as well. There are also advanced Citizen Dive watches available for more serious divers who want to keep track of the number of dives that they have done.

Preferable Styles

There is a wide variety of watches available with the Citizen Dive watch range. They range from the luxury looking ones to the more sporty looking ones. If you are looking for a watch that is suitable for both diving and standard wearing then the lower end Citizen Dive watches will be able to meet those criteria. But if you want a watch that has a professional look to it, then you can try the Citizen Promaster SST with its digital and analog elements along with a nice stainless steel bracelet. Even though this model does not have the same ruggedness as other models, it will save you a whole deal in terms of having to change watches for special events. 

Overall, the Citizen Dive Promaster SST has a great balance of features and excellent accuracy in tracking time. The other Citizen Dive watches are just as good and will definitely compliment divers in life threatening situations. No diver should go without wearing one and only Citizen Dive watches have all the elements of accuracy, durability, style, and versatility.

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Underwater Camera

January 20, 2009 | scuba news

For an activity that will give you an exciting and memorable moment look no further than scuba diving. When scuba diving there are many instances where you will come across magical scenery that will blow your mind away. These are moments that people need underwater digital cameras. Alot of divers dont take underwater cameras on vacations because of its expensive nature.

Instead of spending high on overly priced cameras solely dedicated for underwater action, consider the Canon g10. The Canon Powershot g10 with the Canon WP-DC28 Waterproof case Now, even though this may seem like two seprate items they actually work hand in hand. The Powershot g10 is a rich feature camera which has surface to sea functions if bought with the appropriate housing.Below are a few things one could learn when purchasing an underwater camera plus a brief review of the Canon g10 and its waterproof casings.

Megapixels are Important

Since youll be taking your camera underwater, it is best to get highly detailed shots so you can print them in large sizes or view on big screens. The Canon G10 can take shots up to 15 megapixels which is more than enough. Of course, not all may like the excess size, but the point is that you have many megapixel settings to choose from depending on the occasion.

No Need to Worry Underwater

Several brands of underwater casing fail miserably when divers see their cameras no longer functioning. But a properly set up Canon WP-DC28 can turn the G10 into a Canon underwater camera. The G10 already comes with special settings for underwater use. All you need to do is perform the basic maintenance procedures and youll have no worries when you take it underwater.

Taking Video Underwater

The g10 has smooths 30ftps VGA movie support function if you are ever wanted to to video record some sea life footage.

Technological Features

Digital underwater cameras have no match when it comes to the different technologies that the Canon G10 has.  It has the powerful DIGIC 4 (Digital Imaging Core) image processor, which handles all the algorithms in producing the richest detail and most accurate colors. The i-Contrast feature is perfect for your Canon underwater camera because it can produce finer detail in dark regions without causing too much noise. Underwater environments can vary in lighting and the Canon G10 can adjust to that.

Ideal for Both Water and Sea

Any keen photographer could pick the Canon g10 and master its rich features. Already built on quality the g10 can make any amateur photographer seem like a professional. With 26 stunning modes accompanied by with the proper underwater casings the g10 is ready  now to undertake any photographic occasion whether on land or sea.

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Discover Scuba Diving in Sydney

January 7, 2009 | Uncategorized

Thinking of diving Sydney? You’ll see why scuba diving Sydney is top of the line when you join Pro Dive.

Many people would not think of scuba diving Sydney, the fact that Pro Dive have been Scuba diving Sydney for over 30 years and have made diving Sydney the fun sport as it can be seen by the number of people who recommend and scuba dive Sydney with Pro Dive. With lots of diving Sydney sideres in the Pro Dive club it is a testament to the many people diving Sydney vast number of dive sites.

With Pro Dive you can dive a number of dive sites on the Sydney coast, giving you some of the best diving Sydney has to offer. From Camp cove with the harbour skyline to world famous Bondi beach, Pro Dive will take you under the water to see why scuba diving Sydney is a must do and a great sport. The walk that you need to take to get to Sydney scuba diving sites is worth it when you count the sea life view that awaits you. Like the Blue grouper, Weedy sea dragon, giant Cuttle fish just to name a few of the great sea life diving Sydney has to offer.

There are many areas to choose from if you scuba dive in Sydney with Pro Dive. Not to mention diving Sydney from boat as well as diving Sydney from shore. You can get the best of both worlds and making your trip with Pro Dive the Sydney diving experts you will be assured scuba diving Sydney was well worth the effort. Scuba Diving Sydney will be prepared you for the rest of the Australian coast be it north or south all the Pro Dive centres will respect your for taking the plunge and diving Sydney and seeing what scuba diving Sydney has to offer.

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Scuba Dive and Socialise by Enrolling in a Scuba Diving Club

January 6, 2009 | scuba news

It has become very clear that one of the main reason people learn to scuba dive is that they want to meet new people; perhaps this is your reason too. Whether you are looking for a partner or just some new friends, once you have completed your scuba diving lessons your social world will open up. What are you waiting for; why don’t you learn scuba diving this weekend?

If you are an ex-pat, there is no better way to meet people than to learn to scuba dive. Join in a trip away to see some of the country side of your current abode. And remember that you’ll have more fun travelling and diving with a group that doing it on your own. As scuba divers are social beings, they like to go on weekends away for overseas trips as well as short day trips around the country. The day usually ends with a shared hearty meal or a drink near the ocean shore, and just having fun with good people. Some even say that scuba diving is 20% diving and 80% socialising!

If you have recently had a relationship breakup, enrolling in to learn to scuba dive is an ideal way to take your mind off the breakup, not to mention lots of single guys and girls dive for fun and to shop around for new partners. Many people find there life partner in the same sport or hobbie and lets face it, at least you have something in common.

Once you have completed your scuba diving lessons you would want to keep up the skill. So you better find a dive club with lots of dive activities as well as one that has lots of scuba diving courses running. As many new students coming, the chances of meeting interesting new people that have something in common with you also increases.

For the workaholics, going and completing your scuba diving lessons might seem like a big chunk out of your week and time, however, you can complete a course in as little as 1 weekend or over just two days. If you are pressed with time, then planning a time to learn scuba diving might need you to take some advanced scheduling. But, the satisfaction you get is invaluable. As the majority of the scuba diving lessons these days can be done at your own pace in your own time, it might be worth getting the diary out today to plan your first scuba diving course.

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Scuba Diving in Hawaii- A Scuba Divers Dream

December 29, 2008 | scuba news

Scuba Diving In Hawaii

Scuba diving is one of the foremost fun things one could do in Hawaii.  Believe it or not, there are various diving companies, diving sites in and around Hawaii.  All you have to do is open yourself up to the possibilities of fun and diving adventure.   

What does it mean to be one of the best dive spots? This means the place has a diverse collection of plant and animal life. The person can also see some species of fish that aren’t found anywhere else in the world. This all begins by booking a flight to this tiny little island and then making arrangements with the resorts to go diving. Those who are licensed can hire a boat while those who aren’t yet certified can enroll in a basic course.   

It has been shown that more than twenty five percent of marine life is attributed to Hawaii. Of the islands mentioned, the four islands that tourists most flock to are Maui, Oahu, Kauai as well as Hawaii. These islands all have their own unique traits as well as diving locations.   

The islands of Molokai, Lanai, Ni’ihau are actually less frequently dived yet they offer unique marine life.  These islands are recommended generally for divers that are advanced as well as intermediate levels.  If interested in going to Kahoolawe for diving, a charter diving boat is needed.  However, there are other fun options one could do when you’re not under the waves.  Skydiving is one, visiting a luau is another.  You could also try going to one of the active volcano’s in the world.  Or if you prefer, relaxing in a secluded and peaceful beach is also a good option.    

The rates for diving vary at each resort. The customer can check online or have the travel agent make the inquiry when planning the details for the trip. When everything is set, the only thing to do is pick the equipment from the dive shop and then go down into the ocean to take a glimpse of the beauty from the deep.

Diving enthusiasts should check out the various dive spots on the islands of Hawaii to experience the beauty of the surroundings instead of relying of photographs or reviews found in a magazine.

Find more information on scuba diving go to Snorkeling Gear and also visit Scuba Diving Package

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Tips for Scuba Diving Vacations

December 27, 2008 | scuba news

Scuba Diving In Hawaii Video

So, you finally got your scuba diving certification and the next step for you is to go on a scuba diving vacation. The trip can definitely be an exciting one, however, you shouldn’t forget about the importance of proper planning for this excursion. Scuba diving vacations are very much different from your normal trips. Thus it is important to be prepared for this kind of trip. 

The primary decision you should make is probably the destination. Wherever you are going, it should fit your scuba diving level, your finances, time, and preferences. Those things are hard to balance, but with the help of a travel agent who is knowledgeable about diving, you can find an adventure spot that will be compatible to you. You can also benefit from asking a diving center as they would be glad to point out to you the great diving sites where you can start your scuba diving adventure. 

While the main objective of your vacation is to go scuba diving, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you will spend the entire trip underwater. Majority of your vacation will still be spent on land and thus it is important to carefully arrange such matters. You would also not want to miss out on the breathtaking sights on the way to the waters. Thus you need to carefully plan the land-based details of your vacation. 

Now before you forget, be sure to make a checklist of everything you need, from your scuba gear to your scuba diving certification. If you plan to dive out of the country, be sure to do your homework about travel requirements, local currencies, disease hazards, travel advisories. It is easy to get such information these days, thanks to the internet and you need to have these in check to make sure that your scuba diving adventure won’t have problems.

Here are some important reminders for your scuba diving travel adventure:

1. Set your travel dates, but be flexible with them.
2. Shop for scuba diving travel packages that can save you money and effort.
3. Write your name and contact information on your scuba diving gear and mark it well for easy identification.
4. Get diving and travel insurance.
5. Have your important documents copied, keep one for yourself and another for somebody you trust at home.
6. Don’t forget your medicines and their prescriptions.
7. Bring with you the essential scuba gear as carry on luggage.
8. Check with your airline about restrictions regarding scuba diving equipment.

A scuba diving travel adventure can be quite an exciting experience if you plan well.

More info on  scuba diving can be found here Scuba Diving Vacations as well as here Scuba Diving Holiday

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Finding The Right Scuba Diving Resorts

December 25, 2008 | scuba news

There are wonders in the world that can only be explored underwater. As such, one has to take extra lengths to be able to see these magnificent creations. Scuba diving is the most effective means for an individual to enjoy these wonders.

This is one way of getting closer to nature like you have never done before. However, some people never end up doing the scuba diving activity despite the number of times dedicated on planning. Most of them never go beyond the starting point. Most people don’t know where the first place to go to ensure an unforgettable experience.    

Here are some tips to find the right package.

1.Ask friends and relatives for any suggestions and recommendations. They may have received a good package and want to share it with you.

2.Check online for resources. There are more than a thousand web sites online dedicated to providing scuba diving packages. They can give good choices of locations and prices.

3.Inquire on the terms for every package that will be offered. Ask if there are additional fees or payments. The price may sound good at first but there might be too many added-ons eventually.

4.Schedule ahead of time whenever you get a package. There are offers that can get lower when you do it ahead of time. However, it can also get higher when it is peak season.

5.Be sure you are available on the date that you choose. This is to avoid any cancellations or forfeitures. The money can go to waste if you won’t be able to go on your scheduled trip.

The various offers that resorts may give you must be evaluated with your necessities as a beginner and your expectations as a nature lover. One resort can have wonderful sceneries but they may lack the detailed assistance a beginner will need. So just factor in your needs with your expectations and you will end up fine.

Finally and the most important note of all, the experience must be enjoyed well. Nothing compares to the wonders of the underwater so just enjoy it.

Find additional information on scuba diving visit Scuba Diver Training as well as Scuba Diving Certification

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Costa Rica Scuba Diving

November 19, 2008 | scuba news

scuba diving costa rica

Costa Rica SCUBA diving can be world class with plenty of thrills for the diving enthusiast and beginner. It can be a great place to get your scuba diving certification. There are plenty of dive operators that offer the Padi course at very reasonable rates .

Costa Rica is a small country in Central America with a huge range of wildlife to see. On land there are colorful birds and rare mammals inside the beautiful rainforest. The country is divided by a serious of the volcanic mountains that run the length of the country these give the Caribbean and Pacific sides markedly different climates.

The Pacific coastline is more interesting for scuba divers and surfers. It has a much more varied terrain than the Caribbean side with gulfs and peninsulas to explore. Some of the best places to scuba dive in Costa Rica are…

playa ocotal

player hermosa

playas del coco

Cano island

scuba diving in these places you can expect to see many species of fish in large numbers, sharks, turtles, stingrays and whales are all very common. One thing you have to take into account is the often poor visibility this is due to the abundance of plankton. It is this plankton that brings in the huge numbers of fish and other marine animals. The visibility can sometimes change from 20 to 80 ft on the same day especially during the rainy season.

There are many dive shops in these areas which will provide gear and guides for you. One of the best ways to enjoy scuba diving in Costa Rica for the first time is to take a organized tour. These can be day trips or overnight to some of the islands .The Cocos Islands are reached by a 10 day liveaboard trip.

Scuba diving is all the rage in Costa Rica at the moment, with many tour groups and travel agencies now offering underwater trips and excursions.There are many dive shops in these areas which will provide gear and guides for you.

The water temperature ranges from 21 to 29 C so a 2-3 mm (1/8″) wetsuit should be okay. The dry season is from November to May it can be windy during this time but the water visibility is a lot better. June to November is the rainy season where some marine animals like the hammerhead shark become more frequent during this time.

Costa Rica is a wonderful place for a SCUBA diving vacation that you will remember for a long time .Here, you can still find uncrowded and unspoiled beaches that stretch on for miles.

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