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Proper Scuba Gear For Your Dive

September 5, 2009 By Mike

By Sydney Garrison

Like any sport, in scuba diving, your equipment is important to your performance. However, unlike sports such as tennis or baseball, scuba diving equipment not only allows you to perform better, it also keeps you safe and sound. When you choose to go scuba diving, you are taking a risk. While it is not one of the most dangerous sports out there, any time that you strap on an air tank and head several hundred feet below the surface, you are putting yourself in a bit of danger. Obviously, while under the water you are susceptible to any of the many creatures the live below the oceans surface.

This can include dangerous fish, eels and sharks. You also have to deal with sharp objects that may be below the surface such as coral or scraps of metal left over from ship wrecks. The biggest danger however is not being able to breathe properly under water or coming up to quickly and creating air bubbles in your lungs. Having the proper equipment and knowing how to use it can protect you from almost all of these things. As for the sharks, just keep your fingers crossed.

The first piece of equipment you will need is a wet suit. Wet suits are made of synthetic rubber and are lined with nylon fabric. A wet suit covers your entire body and will serve two purposes. Firstly, it will keep you warm when you are submerged in cold water, it does this by keeping the moisture away from your body, thus helping to regulate your core temperature. The next protection it will provide is against getting scraped or cut by something. If you brush up against coral, a wet suit will provide a barrier between your skin and the sharp object. Flippers are good to have to in order to swim easier.

The next piece of equipment is the most important. As scuba diving takes you down below the oceans surface for long periods of time, you will need to be able to breathe. The oxygen tank is therefore the most indispensable part of your gear. This tank is strapped to the divers back and pumps oxygen directly into your face and eye mask (which are obviously important as well). Depending on the length of your dive, you can get oxygen tanks with varying amounts of oxygen. You should always have a bit more than you need in case of emergencies.

Having the correct equipment will keep you safe and ensure that you have a great time exploring the depths of the ocean!

Sydney Garrison is an avid cyclist and sports enthusiast. She is also a partner in an online bike rack store.

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Scuba Gear – Mask Cleaning and Maintenance

January 20, 2009 By Mike

By Anne Clarke

Scuba gear, like many other forms of sport and exploratory equipment, requires care and maintenance in order to last. Ideally, these items will not only last many years, but will also continue providing service which is as good as new.

Although not the most complex article of diving equipment, a scuba mask is no exception. It is a vital item which allows for underwater vision, whether the diving is taking place near Maui, Hawaii or Yongala, Australia.

Here are a few tips for taking optimal care of these items and retaining clear and comfortable sight for many dives to come:

  • First time cleaning - Many new articles of scuba gear will come with labels which must be carefully removed. In addition to this, new masks in particular may have an oily residue or remainders of liquid silicone on their lenses or even their straps. Some of this material may be left over from the manufacturing process. The oily film may have been applied to the silicone to protect it during shipping. If left upon the lens, this film may cause the mask to fog up during dives. It may also prevent the mask from sealing to skin correctly, allowing it to slip off at inopportune times.
    To clear away these residues, there are a few cleaning solutions available. The first is a store-bought mask scrub. Be certain to read their instructions closely, as some are harmful for plastics. Other possibilities are to use a non-abrasive liquid dishwashing detergent, or even toothpaste. When toothpaste is utilized, it is important that a gel variety is not selected.
    Follow any of these treatments by rinsing the mask fully in clear and clean water before wearing.
  • Travel care - Scuba masks commonly come in a protective case. These cases are ideal for their storage. Replacement cases are often available. For traveling convenience, a scuba gear bag may be purchased with a special pocket intended for holding the mask.
    Before leaving for a vacation which involves diving, it is wise to inspect the mask and ensure that it fits snugly. It (and all other gear) should also be inspected for any wear and tear. Ensure also that the equipment is fully dried before it is packed away.
  • General treatment - Avoid leaving the mask in direct sunlight, which can be drying and bleaching. Also, do not place it face down as this may encourage scratches on the lens surface. Always clean the mask with freshwater after use.
  • Defogging tips - Saliva and a toothpaste rinse are simple and generally readily available remedies to prevent the fogging up of diving lenses. There are also many commercially prepared defog solutions available for only a few dollars at any dive shop.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on parenting, recreation, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her useful articles on scuba diving, please visit Scuba Gear, home to useful information on Maui scuba diving and much more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Clarke
http://EzineArticles.com/?Scuba-Gear---Mask-Cleaning-and-Maintenance&id=1881328

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Scuba Wet Suits and How They Help a Diver Beat the Chill While Diving

December 15, 2008 By Mike

By Jim Bray

Because the right exposure suit is an invaluable piece of scuba gear, there are three things a diver needs to consider when choosing a scuba diving wet suit.

Types of Scuba Diving Wet Suits

A divers personal comfort requirements will vary. It is best to take various suit options, possibly layering these to get the best protection. Most divers will decide on a suit that will suffice in a variety of temperatures.

  • Skin Suits: In warm waters, a diver may not need thermal protection, but a thin suit will help prevent equipment from rubbing the skin and protect against stings and scraps. The thinnest suits are made of Lycra and are made from 0.5 mm neoprene. Lycra suits are also good to wear as a base layer under a heavier suit for added warmth.
  • Shorties Suits: A shortie wet suit provides a little more thermal protection than a skin. Because they leave the arms and legs exposed, they do not provide protection against stings and scraps.
  • Full-Length Suits: A full length wet suit is the choice of most divers. These suits give a diver more thermal protection on the arms and legs and provide better protection against scraps and stings. Full-length scuba diving wet suits are made from 2-8 mm neoprene.
  • Semi-Dry Suits: Semi-dry suits are normally worn in colder waters, but can be worn in warm waters like the Mediterranean Sea. When worn in cold waters, divers will also wear a hood and gloves with a semi-dry suit. These suits are made of 9 mm neoprene and can be worn in layers. Divers know this style as a farmer john wet suit. It consists of a coverall-style base layer with a long sleeve shortie worn over the base layer.
  • Dry-Suits: Dry-suits are designed to keep divers warm when they are diving in extremely cold conditions like under ice. Dry-suits are loose-fitting and divers will often wear a thermal under suit with a dry suit for added insulation. Dry-suits use air that can be injected by the diver to keep the water pressure from squeezing the suit against the body. Because the suit is loose-fitting, the air can move around inside the suit. This can shift buoyancy to the legs and turn the diver upside down. Because of this, it is best to take an orientation course before diving with a dry-suit.

The Importance of a Good Fitting Wet Suit

A scuba diving wet suit keeps a diver warm by trapping a thin layer of water between the diver's body and the wet suit. This water gradually becomes warm and acts as an insulator. A wet suit that fits close to the body gives a diver better insulation while diving.

A dive suit that fits properly should be easy to put on and follow the shape of a diver's body. This will keep water from flowing freely between the suit and the body. A suit that fits poorly will chill rather than warm the diver.

A good wet suit will have efficient seals at the neck, wrists and ankles. Good seals will stop water from flushing through the suit and allow the trapped water to warm up.

How to Maintain a Wet Suit

  • Properly maintaining a wet suit will help insure the comfort and thermal protection of the suit.
  • Rinse the wet suit after every dive to remove salt and debris. This will help to prevent the suit from rotting.
  • Periodically wash the suit with a special wet suit shampoo. This will keep the neoprene supple and prevent mildew.
  • Zippers should be coated regularly with wax or zip slip. This will keep them lubricated and help prevent corrosion.
  • Place the suit on a hanger to dry. Do not place the suit in direct sunlight while drying.
  • Once the suit is dry, store it in a cool, dry place on the hanger.

Following a simple maintenance regimen will help prolong the life of the wet suit.

I have been a scuba diving instructor since 1994. I have instructor ratings with PADI and NAUI. Being a dive instructor enabled me to live and work in the Caribbean for 15 years. From PADI I have received a letter of congratulations for certifying 100 or more students in 1994 and a Certificate of Recognition for Excellence.

I have taken my instructor training to the level of Master Scuba Diver Trainer.

I own and manage my own web site about scuba diving at http://www.best-scuba-diving-tips.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Bray
http://EzineArticles.com/?Scuba-Wet-Suits-and-How-They-Help-a-Diver-Beat-the-Chill-While-Diving&id=1765854

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SK-201 Reflect-Dry Pro II Snorkel – Why It's the Right One For You

November 22, 2008 By Mike

 By Felix Tero

What's key to finding that perfect snorkel? Most likely, it takes a profound understanding of the basic components at work with the device that allows for efficient breathing in the conduct of skin diving or snorkel diving. If you're mind is all set on the snorkel's mechanism, testing different snorkel types to end with the purchase of a good one can therefore be completed in a jiffy. In this article, the SK-201 Reflect-Dry Pro II snorkel is presented as a fine example of how a semi-dry snorkel works and why this may just be the right one for you; given the set of features discussed in the proceeding paragraphs.

How a Semi-Dry Snorkel Keeps Water Out. The SK-201 Reflect-Dry Snorkel is a semi-dry type of snorkel that is engineered to be water-resistant out of the box. On the top end of this snorkel is a wave deflector that simply reduces the potential seepage of seawater towards the barrel - just in case the user overlooks his depth position on the water. Meanwhile, its contoured barrel averts the flow of seawater seeping through the mouthpiece and redirects it to the purge valve for easy clearing.

Comfortable Breathing through the Semi-Dry Snorkel. What's good about this semi-dry snorkel is that it allows an optimal volume of air to permeate the barrel and flow into the mouthpiece with minimal chances of engulfing seawater while breathing through the snorkel. Along with its contoured barrel, the snorkel is outfitted with a flexible silicone tube that can easily be adjusted to suit a more comfortable position. The length and diameter of its tubing is also configured with specifications that would allow for the least inhalation effort.

Why Silicone is an Ideal Component? The suitability of silicone as a mouthpiece component is greatly emphasized with the SK-201 Reflect-Dry Snorkel. Apart from its water-resistant nature, the soft material also allows for a comfortable bite to therefore reduce instances of jaw fatigue when snorkeling. Silicone is also known to be low-maintenance which could therefore last you many years of snorkeling fun. Designed with high-quality materials and constructed for efficient performance, the SK-201 Reflect-Dry Snorkel is a great scuba gear to accompany the snorkeling fanatic or the avid scuba diver. With this semi-dry snorkel, the excellent features of both the basic snorkel and dry snorkel is truly at your disposal.

Felix Tero produces web content for Scuba Suppliers, Inc. Get the scuba equipment that's right for you at scubasuppliers.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Felix_Tero
http://EzineArticles.com/?SK-201-Reflect-Dry-Pro-II-Snorkel---Why-Its-the-Right-One-For-You&id=1682470

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DrySuits for Scuba Diving

June 22, 2008 By Mike

by Abir Roychowdhuri

Exploring the world under the sea is always fascinating. But to move freely underwater is not so easy as to move on the land. To be alive under water one has to carry a tank full of oxygen as breathing is not possible under water for human being. Beside that the tremendous pressure and different temperature of the water in deeper are much more different from the land.

For Scuba (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) diving the divers, boaters, sailors, swimmers, Water Adventurers, surface-water sports persons often use these things besides the full tank of oxygen:

1.    MASK
2.    FINS
3.    SNORKLE
4.    DRY SUIT and so many things.

Maintaining body temperature is one of the biggest problems for the divers. Dry suit is a kind of apparel, which gives the wearer protection from the water to his skin. Dry suits are used to prevent the water entering. Drysuits are used where the temperature of the water is between –20c to 150c.

There are three types of dry suits:

1.    Membrane dry suits
2.    Neoprene dry suits
3.    Hybrid dry suits

1. Membrane drysuits - are mainly built of thin materials of vulcanized rubber or a compound of nylon and butyl rubber. These types of dry suits do not give any real thermal protection in colder water. And these dry suits do not stretch, and needed to be oversized to the joints to give the wearer flexibility at the time of movements. Sailors and boaters who are likely to be out of water prefer these membrane dry suits. Membrane dry suits are easy to wear and put off. Membrane drysuits are mostly used in the spring.

2. Neoprene drysuits - offer the thermal protection in the colder water, keep the buoyancy. Neoprene is thermal insulating material, made of heavy-duty fabric and that fabric is coated with rubber or Polyvinyl chloride better known as venyl. The neoprene dry suits are considered better in comparison to membrane dry suits. Neoprene has some better properties, which make this more useful, chemical-resistant, more stretchable buoyant and waterproof. Neoprene drysuits give greater thermal protection even if there is a leak. Neoprene drysuits are mostly used for water surface sports and in the cold water.

3. Hybrid drysuits - are made by the combination of the membrane material and neoprene material. In hybrid dry suits, the upper part of the suits is made of membrane material and the lower part starting from the waist is made of Neoprene materials. So that the tight fitting lower part of the dry suits gives the comfort to the wearers to kick the water to move a distance when they are swimming. And the loose upper part of the dry suits lets the wearer to free movement of their arms. Hybrid drysuits are mostly used for water surface sports and in the cold water and where the divers are going deeper.

Modern drysuits are having a waterproof zippers & hydro gloves. The zippers are mostly located across the shoulder lines or in the front of the torso, to wear the dry suits easily. Drysuits may have the hydrogloves, permanently attached to the drysuits or with attachment rings. Modern drysuits have the air inflation valve, which empowers the diver to control the buoyancy of the suit by injecting air from the diving regulator to get rid of squeeze under deep water. A drysuit is worn over an insulating undersuit.

A modern drysuit has an air ventilation valve, which allows the diver to release the higher-pressure air from the suit when they are coming out of the water. Ventilator valves may be automatic or manual. It is used as the pressure relief valves. Most of the automatic ventilators are located at the shoulder of the dry suits and the manual ventilators are located at the wrist.

A modern version of the two-piece drysuit is manufactured at Customworks at Idaho. These two-piece drysuits give all sorts of comfort to the divers, boaters, swimmers, sailors, cave divers and the water adventurers. They are making the drysuits considering the needs of its users.

About The Author:

Abir Roychowdhury is a professional Internet Marketer & Sr. Executive SEO of KarmickSolutions.com. WWW.Hydroglove.com is the online resource for Scuba Gears, Diving Equipments and provides an expanding line of Rubber Molded DrySuits, Dive Kits, HydroSuits, HydroGloves, wetsuits, snorkles, masks fins, all are made for collectors, surfers, swimmers and vintage divers.

Article Source: http://www.articlegarden.com

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