All About My Scuba Diving Experience
December 19, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
By Mattie Ven
Scuba diving is a great way to experience the underwater kingdom. It gives you the chance to unveil the mysteries and the wonders of the environment which covers the majority of our planet. It is believed that once you learn all about scuba diving, it will become a lifelong obsession. After I had a private lesson, it is time to take an exam for an open water dive certificate. My exam took place in Boracay Island. Boracay is a famous tourist destination. With its white sandy beaches and blue clear water, it is considered a paradise island. Many wonderful and interesting marine lives can also be found in the dive sites. The marine life is very diversified that a diver will definitely enjoy and love diving in.
During my first dive experience I was really excited but a bit nervous. I really tried hard not panic as I and my instructor went deeper and deeper underwater. This is my chance to overcome my fear. It was not long I felt comfortable. It was really a great experience, seeing the beauty of sea wildlife because of the presence of many varieties of reef fish, with Lagoon Rays and moray eels. It was totally a different world. It is so quite. For me, it is a total relaxation.
Another diving experience that was unforgettable in my lifetime was when I scuba dive in Tulum, Mexico. Tulum offers some of the best reef diving and snorkeling in the Mayan Riviera, together with exciting and cave diving. Around Tulum you will have access to many freshwater caverns known as cenotes, part of an ancient underwater river system running from the deep jungle to the sea throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. A combination of various geological events and climate changes created an incredible and unique ecosystem in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. I am positive that you will not be disappointed with your scuba diving experience in Tulum.
Several things I appreciate about my visit in Tulum are the not so crowded beaches, its white, sugar-like sand and turquoise blue water, and their rustic cabanas. These cabanas are quite unique Tulum accommodations. This place is not for you if you're looking for luxuries. But since we visited as a group we opted to rent a Tulum beach house.
I am really eager to experience more in scuba diving, to widen my knowledge and explore more.
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Artificial Reefs - Fish Love ‘em and Scuba Divers Love ‘em
December 16, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
As long as humans have been building rafts, boats, ships or any kind of water craft, we been sinking them (the vast majority unintentionally). For most of our history on the oceans, our technology has been no match for the power and force that can be mustered against it by the seven seas. Even our biggest ventures - like the Titanic - are not invulnerable to ice bergs or missiles.
And as long as humans have ventured under the oceans, we've been trying to get down to these sunken ships to take a look.
In recent history, we've been intentionally sinking unused and outdated vessels and calling them "artificial reefs". There is a measured benefit to both marine life and local economies when "artificial reef societies" intentionally put a ship on the bottom of the ocean. In Nanaimo, BC, Canada, the local Chamber of Commerce reports that the two artificial reefs, the HMCS Saskatchwan and HMCS Cape Breton, located in the Nanaimo harbour, have produced a four million dollar a year increase in tourism since 2001.
The HMCS Yukon contributes more than five million dollars annually to the San Diego, CA region.
Scuba diving on artificial reefs require special care, training and sometimes equipment. Local dive shops provide training and certification for "wreck diving" and provide the special equipment required to safely dive around artificial reefs.
On May 17, 2006, the retired aircraft carrier Oriskany became the largest vessel ever to be "reefed". At 910 feet in length and with visibility averaging between 60 and 100+ feet, the "Mighty O" is an impressive site to divers. Her flight deck is sitting at 145 feet - considered a technical dive - but her island can be approached at 78 feet.
Overtime, an artificial reef will re-create its own biomass underwater becoming a home to countless species of fish and plants and an attraction and destination to scuba divers.
Rocky Boschman is a marine biologist and founder of Scuble.com. http://scuble.com/
He has been actively promoting conservation for many years. Scuble.com is an online community and a great resource for information about the oceans. Join now, its free.
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Scuba Wet Suits and How They Help a Diver Beat the Chill While Diving
December 15, 2008 by mj · Leave a Comment
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.
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
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SK-201 Reflect-Dry Pro II Snorkel - Why It’s the Right One For You
November 22, 2008 by mj · Leave a Comment
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.
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How to Become a Dive Instructor
October 25, 2008 by mj · Leave a Comment
How to Become a Dive Instructor
By Chris Campbell
What diver wouldn't want to spend their days diving in a tropical paradise? Teaching others about your passion for diving, can be a very rewarding career. While, it may not be the highest paying job, there something to be said for an office with a view. I spent one glorious getting my Padi certification a few years ago, down in Aruba. The dive instructor I had actually came from Venezuela every day, as it was only 50 miles across the water. They weren't the toughest bunch of instructors I've seen. The day the water temperature dropped below 80 degrees they all started complaining. Water temperature aside, they all seemed to really love their jobs. So if your thinking about becoming an instructor, here are some tips.
Here are a few basic requirements you will need to meet. Don't worry, if your already a diver, chances are you've already done some of them.
1. An education is a must for just about anything these days, and dive instructor is no exception. A high school diploma should be considered a minimum, but a college degree would be even better. Marine biology, or outdoor and recreational leadership would be a couple of applicable degrees.
2. If your not already a diver, you should take some courses, and at least get your PADI or NAUI certification. It's a sure way to tell if your going to like the job.
3. Get your dive master certification, and complete at least a hundred dives. If you haven't got tired of diving at this point, then instructing could be the gig for you.
4. Keep yourself in good physical shape. Swimming is an excellent way to do this, and pretty handy for a diver to know how to do.
5. Your ready to start browsing the job ads.
Of course that's the simplified version of how to become a scuba instructor, but I think you get the gist of it. For more info about scuba diving jobs, or how to become an instructor on my blog, just click the previous links.
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Diver Panic
October 25, 2008 by mj · Leave a Comment
What is the most serious condition a diver can experience underwater?
DCS (bends), narcosis...?
It's probably panic, for the simply reason that once a diver starts to panic he/she looses all rational thought processes. In most cases the irrational thinking renders the diver giving self-help almost impossible. The diver is not able to 'think there way out of a problem'; below is an example:
You are diving a famous wreck in local waters, the depth of the wreck is at 40m and the visibility is around 10m. The pre-dive excitement and anticipation are high as you enter the water, once you and your buddy reach the wreck you are overwhelmed by its size... You both spend the next few minutes swimming around the wreck until suddenly you look around and can't see your buddy. Then your dive computer starts to beep as you run out of bottom time, you realize your some distance from the ascent line; so you make a made swim for it. In your haste to get to the ascent line, you don't see the mass of fishing line and it gets entangled around one of your feet/fins. The more you struggle the more you get entangled, with no one to help, you start to panic. No bottom time, limited air supply (at that depth on a single tank)...
It's easy to say, but not so easy to practice; BUT if you stop for just a few seconds try to calm yourself before you hit the panic stage. You can think about your predicament more logically... Relax and slow your breathing (to conserve your air and reduce CO2 build-up), which will make you feel more relaxed and less stressed. Look down identify the problem, maybe removing your fin will make it easier to untangle! If you have a knife or EMT shear (which are highly recommended), take them out and start cutting.
Even if you exceed your bottom time by a minute or two, your diving computer will still prompt you as to what to do (safety stop, ceiling etc); and obviously in this kind of situation it would be advisable to stop diving for a 24hr period if your no decompression limits are been exceeded.
A simple trip to break the circle of panic in a diver is to get them to perform a very simple task for themselves. This shows them that they are in control, and help clam and reduce the level of panic.
By James Costello, SDI Intructor Trainer #13056; visit my website Dolphin Dive Adventures & Services for more information about scuba diving.
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Diving in Strong Currents
October 25, 2008 by mj · Leave a Comment
Fins - This may seem an odd thing to bring up, but it does have an affect. Soft/flexible fins may be comfortable to use where there is little or no current; however in strong current they aren't going to 'cut the mustard'! You need fins that can move a lot of water without bending... (Jet fins are great for this if you have powerful legs!)
Technique - About the best technique for fining in current, is the flutter kick. But there are also a few things you should take care of; firstly when you use a steady powerful kick, but make sure you don't open your legs too wide. As doing this will cause drag and reduce the effectiveness of your fining! Secondly, remember fining in current is a marathon not a sprint; pace yourself so that you can maintain the speed, and take advantage of the changes in current (currents will always vary as you swim through water) i.e. when the current reduces slightly take advantage and use it to relax your leg muscles a little.
Depth - the current will always be less close to the seabed, so where possible always descend to the bottom.
Cover - use the underwater landscape to shelter yourself from the current, such as large rocks/coral heads, etc. This allows you to rest, and relaxes for a few minutes before continuing on; or you may use it to decide on your plan...abort the dive being one option!
Hands - don't forget you can use your hands to pull yourself along, or a pointer/knife if you have one. The obviously isn't the most ideal situation, but if you really have to get to a point it maybe the only way!
Plan - last of all don`t forget to plan! If you don't like strong current, don't dive! Or plan a drift dive, so the boat will pick you up as you surface!
By James Costello, SDI Intructor Trainer #13056; visit my website Dolphin Dive Adventures & Services for more information about scuba diving.
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Cold Water Diving in Alaska
October 25, 2008 by mj · Leave a Comment
In the Alaskan winter the glacial runoff and plankton bloom is diminished along the shoreline. For this reason, our winter diving transitions from Resurrection Bay boat diving, to shore-based diving in Whittier at Smitty's cove. Winter conditions include water temps get as low as 38 degrees, but the visibility can improve up to nearly 100 feet. Smitty's cove has debris which was dumped into the water during WWII. This debris includes pipes, railroad tracks, pilings, an aircraft fusalage, a railcar tanker, and the parts of a crane which lie in water ranging from 30 to 100 feet.
The bottom composition is primarily gravel in the shallows, yielding to a deep "silt" arond 70 feet, There are sea pens and whips in the deep, and ling cod, octopus, rockfish and a whole variety of invertabrates and smaller fish. In the winter you'll find divers concentrated at Smitty's cove due to the lack of accessibility to other water front areas. Industrial developement such as a marine ferry terminal, railroad terminal, and marina occupy the majority of coastline. Smitty's cove has recently been designated by the city of Whittier as a marine sanctuary, but this status seems to remain somewhat tentative in nature and subject to political influences.
To dive Smitty's cove, there is a small fee, but the proprietor of the parking lot has provided a warm up shack for the divers to use before and after the dives. To get to Whittier, you'll drive south on the Seward Highway from Anchorage for about an hour to the Anton Memorial Tunnel. This is a unique one-way tunnel through the base of a mountain and allows traffic in and out of Whittier on an alternating schedule. Be prepared to pay about $12 for a round-trip ticket. Rental tanks and equipment is available in Anchorage, with no support and very little in the way of amenities in Whittier. The cove is protected against prevailing winds and waves most of the time, and represents a convenient dive site for winter time diving.
President of Dive Alaska, Scott has been a cold-water diver for 20 years. With extensive experience diving in south central Alaska, and operating the regions only full time professional dive charter boat, Scott has a vast knowledge of Alaskan waters. Scott is a scuba instructor for PADI, GUE, SDI, TDI, ERDI, and is experienced in cave and technical diving. For more information about cold water diving in Alaska, visit http://www.divealaska.net
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Bull Shark - Appearing Out of Nowhere
October 16, 2008 by mj · Leave a Comment
By Tommy Hayes
One day, while free diving with a friend, the largest Bull shark I have ever seen swam under us. The problem was that we were a half-mile from the beach and Bull sharks are the most aggressive type of shark in the world. Luckily, for us, he wasn't hungry at the time and slowly swam away after a few tense moments of observation.
The Bull, Tiger, and Great White are considered the top three sharks most likely to attack humans. Growing up to 11.5 feet in length and weighing up to 500 pounds coupled with the Bull shark's very aggressive behavior means it can be extremely dangerous if a person happens to unknowingly enter into its territory or cross its path.
Although sharks are commonly known to hunt individually, I have two friends who have been SCUBA diving and seen three Bull sharks hunting as a pack in both instances (in Galveston, Texas and Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands). When the first two sharks passed my friend, diving off of Jost Van Dyke, the third one, bringing up the rear of their formation, took a bite at one of his fins. Luckily, the shark continued after its companions who were chasing a large school of fish.
The Bull shark is unique in that it is commonly seen throughout the world swimming in fresh water. Sightings and attacks have occurred in the most improbable locations such as Lake Nicaragua, 2,200 miles up the Amazon River in Peru, near St. Louis in the Mississippi River, and in Lake Michigan off the coast of Chicago. After Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, there were numerous sightings of Bull sharks in Lake Ponchartrain. If a river or inland body of water connects with the open ocean, there is always a possibility that Bulls could investigate and appear where it is least expected.
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Bonaire Diving Review
July 17, 2008 by mj · Leave a Comment
Bonaire Diving Review
By Michael James Smith
Bonaire is a small island located about 120 miles off the coast of Venezuela in the southern Caribbean. It is renowned for great diving. Everyone from novice to advanced divers will find something to their liking here. Although it has endured an occasional hurricane in its history, it is generally considered to be out of the hurricane belt, which allows for great diving year round.
Bonaire is considered by many, including myself, to be one of the best diving destinations in the world. I actually visited three times within a period of eighteen months because I enjoy it so much. There's something to be said for returning to places you are familiar and comfortable with. The people are warm. The system for accessing your tanks for shore diving is very user friendly. Nitrox was not an additional charge, as the dive shops felt it was important to encourage its use to protect its divers. It's also an island that's very easy to get around. Rent a truck at the airport, and off you go.
To date, I've gone diving with 'Buddy Dive' and 'Toucan Diving' dive shops. Both dive shops were very accommodating as far as staff goes. Toucan Diving had a 'one-up', however, as their dive boats are stored in a protected area. You're able to load your things and get your gear organized prior to leaving the dock in calm waters. The Buddy Dive boats were on a dock adjacent to open ocean, which was a nice view, but the boats were constantly slamming into the dock as divers were trying to board with heavy equipment. You have to get your gear ready on the way to, or at the dive site, because you just need to sit down and hang on as the boat bangs away while everyone else is loading. Another reason I favor Toucan Diving is one dive master in particular. His name is Jackson. He is ever enthusiastic about the sport despite doing it for years, and is always making a point to show divers the cool things, like frog fish, and the air pocket at the 99' deep Hilma Hooker wreck. Of the two dive shops, Toucan diving has always been my preference.
Bonaire's marine creatures are plentiful. I started my first dive with a beautiful floating spotted eagle ray, and saw several more as the week progressed. There were also turtles on several dives. These will always be some of my favorites. Bonaire also has several dive sites where the seahorses tend to gather. These are definitely a creature you don't see often, but I've seen them on every trip to Bonaire. There were also several chances to see the frog fish, as well as many smaller creatures allowing for great macro photography. There were many more marine animals which deserve honorable mention, but too many to include them all here! Let's just say the diving here gets a definite thumbs up!!
Bonaire is well known for its shore diving, and I have tried that many times. Although the freedom of the shore diving is wonderful, the entries at many sites are still quite challenging as they are often rocky and slippery. Be sure to watch your fingers because there are little eels everywhere (and no gloves allowed as Bonaire is considered a marine sanctuary)! There are several shore diving sites I do favor such as "Oil Slick" because you can enter via platform ladder. We also like "Angel City" because that site has never disappointed me. The old coral is a bit of a tricky entrance, but it's definitely worth it when you jump in and see all the squid that like to hang out here. I will always like the boat diving best because I like jumping right in to the water without the hazards of spraining an ankle on the way in (which happened to a friend of mine even before she made it into the water)! Also, if shore diving, make sure not to leave anything valuable in the car as I've heard of theft issues, but have never experienced them.
So, whether it's boat diving or shore diving that suits you, you'll find it in Bonaire. This quaint little island allows for both a relaxed and rewarding dive experience. Call your travel agent, and pack your gear. Great diving in a tropical paradise awaits you. There's no better formula for a great dive vacation.
Are you a new or seasoned SCUBA Diver looking for great deals on SCUBA Equipment? Check out our SCUBA Auction Store to find the lowest prices on Scuba Equipment.
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