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I mean, it doesn't look super glamorous, but it gets great reviews, costs about $350 per week, and it is in Roatan... I'd have to look into airfare, but it seems like $700 per person per week is pretty close to what it would be
If, by that guy, you mean the guy make makes erroneous corrections then you are indeed that guy.
Octopuses is the normal plural, but Octopodes is also acceptable. Octopoda is just plane wrong.
My girlfriend and I actually just got back from Costa Rica. We stayed up in Playa Flamingo (Guanacaste) and really enjoyed diving the Catalina Islands. We went with the Aquacenter Diving shop with DM Risky and had an absolute blast. White tipped reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, a few morays, and even a sea turtle. Highly recommend it.
I use a neck gaiter and make a cap from it when underwater and wear it like a balaclava between dives. I don't like most sunscreens and many (most) contain chemicals that are highly toxic to corals so I solve two problems at once.
+1 for EMT/surgical sheers. They’re stainless and can cut through a penny. More importantly, they can cut through line or other snags with one hand, something a single blade has trouble with.
Something like this would work great. I attach mine to my BCD inflater so it’s out of the way and easy to reach.
And best of all; Once you've learned the theory, you can forget about all of it and just use your dive computer to monitor your bottom times and oxygen exposure, plus and a chart to mark your tank with the max operating depth. Easy!
I'm currently getting openwater certified right now but I bought a Casio MDV-106. It's water resistant to 200m and its a nice watch just to wear anyway and it's like $50 on amazon. I've only been on 3 not very long or deep dives but so far it has worked for me.
Fun fact, the Chesapeake Bay is home to over 1000 shipwrecks.
Donald G Shomette wrote a book about them called Shipwreck on the Chesapeake, it documents all the shipwrecks from 1608 til 1978 and is a good read.
Edit: He also writes about Pirates on the Chesapeake Bay. There are a lot of legends regarding pirates there and even a day celebrated to pirates.
Edit 2: Apparently another author wrote a dive guide to these shipwrecks as well. Which can be found on amazon.
There was a turtle in Cozumel that would approach divers during their safety stops looking for lion fish. I starting filming this one diver when the turtle became aggressive going after his one speared fish that was going to be lunch. The diver let the fish go to avoid conflict. During every safety stop in that area the turtle would approach each diver- he bit my Gopro on one occasion. I don't know if it true but I heard it was eventually hit by a prop. https://rumble.com/vd883v-turtle-eating-lionfish.html
Well, if one wants April Fool's Day scuba jokes, this one is IMO a better choice:
I did it in 2013 ~ August.
It was absolutely amazing, a must do.
There were dozens and dozens of adult whale sharks. We saw a single Manta ray. I've seen videos with huge groups of mantas as well.
There were a lot of boats in the area, but the sharks were EVERYWHERE. Once in the water we only saw our group (2 people at a time) and our boat guide in the water. Everyone else was spread out because the sharks were everywhere, no reason to all crowd up.
If you want more than just sharks I recommend Captain Tony. he is incredibly friendly, but has a less legit boat. BUT, after the sharks you go to isla contoy (amazing little island) and have a full on BBQ after you lounge around on a perfect beach. Then we hit up a reef snorkel with not a single boat in sight.
here is a surface video i took https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLdR5zEHhRM
I personally like this one it stays on the pony bottle and slides in between the tank and the BC straps. That way you don't need to buy a new piece for each tank that you might want to put the pony on.
Edit: The reason I post an Ebay link is because the guy that makes them refuses to sell to big online retailers and I don't know of any shops that have a website with a picture of it.
This. Listening to music is just not something that interests me on a dive ... but when you have a 40 minute hang, an audiobook is a great way to kill time - just avoid books like The Last Dive. Great book, but probably bad for deco. On the other hand, it is an awesome listen when you have a truck full of divers and a long drive to your dive weekend.
You have to be cleared by a medical professional before starting a Scuba course and that would be the best place to get your answer
However, I know several dive professionals who either had tubes in their ears or had to dive with a broken eardrum. There is a risk of water entering your middle ear, which can cause infections or even lead to deafness. They used a mask with ear cups and air tubes for equalization.
This is something similar: https://www.amazon.com/IST-Pressure-Equalization-Tempered-Silicone/dp/B008OJDRQI
TLDR: Talk to a medical professional, but it is feasible
I got a 40.00 watch watch on Amazon and it's worked great. I've been on over 200 dives with it with no issues.
But if it's a dive computer your needing, that's different.
Personally, I don't think beginners should train with a computer. You need to know how to use tables and plan a dive without one. If you're only being taught to use a computer I would worry about what other essential aspects of diving aren't being taught in the class.
I was a dive master and scientific diver before I got a computer. A watch and wet notes/slate should be enough to get you started.
You should have a console with a depth gauge. There will be a red needle that moves with your depth gauge that stays at the maximum depth reached. Make sure to log your time in, time out, and maximum depth each dive. That's all you need to run your tables.
Night dives?
Well, it looks like I misplaced this webpage which relates my experience on my first one. I'll have to revive/rewrite it and add it to my current website.
-hh
I did my first cenotes in Tulum.
Scuba Tulum is a great outfit, ask to dive with Rubi. He's funny, warm-hearted, and most of all, a very knowledgable DM. Some reviews to read for yourself.
I would recommend The Pit and Dos Ojos, minimally.
You could start from North of Adriatic for a relatively shallow wreck dives to 40 meters of depth. Plenty of wrecks in that area and dive centres around the town of Rovinj, Pula and Medulin. You may also check for islands of Krk and Cres, nice spots over there. Island of Krk has an airport so it's handy for direct trips.
Here's a wreck map i did years ago while I was involved in diving business.
<strong>https://tinyurl.com/yc9m6cjh</strong>
Then you can progress to middle and south Adriatic (Dalmatian region). Plenty of wrecks there, mostly bellow 40 meters of depth. South Adriatic is also fine for regular non technical dives because of good visibility. The North is usually limited to 15-20 meters tops and often muddy while the South is 40+ meters.
There are plenty of islands in Dalmatia, each one offers nice dive spots. Wrecks around the island of Vis and "Dugi otok" are great.
​
Just got back from Bonaire a week ago...amazing place, will be back later this year.
Sublime diving and kiteboarding. Can strongly recommend freediving with world champion Carlos Coste at DeepseaBonaire (http://deepseabonaire.com/).
Can also recommend Marley's Place since the flats are modern (wifi, HBO, BBQ area, etc.) at a great price...and best of all, the flat comes with a super sweet dog and somewhat grumpier cat: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/18022048
I know it's off the beaten path, but the north of the island has some of the most amazing dive and snorkel sites and I saw more fish there than further south.
Go diving around the salt pier at sunset and you'll see a tooooooooooon of turtles.
I was down there 2 years ago. We were scheduled to dive keywest, but we got blown out. We then took the ferry to Fort Jefferson, and camped/snorkeled for about 5 days. It's a schlep though, because you need to pack all your food AND water to camp there. Sea planes also come to island daily but are more expensive. Plenty to see just with snorkelling around the fort and the water is never really deeper than 20 feet or so, except in the channel.
Fort Jefferson is basically a desert island, with only a small park ranger station. To dive the Tortugas, your only choice is a liveaboard.
Here are some pics from the trip
We went in January, and water temps were about 66 or so. We needed 5 mm suits with hoods and gloves. November with probably be a good bit warmer.
its not scraped up that picture somehow came out really bad... here is an updated picture:
A great listen is The Last Dive by Bernie Chowdury ... it details the life and death of the father and son team that died in Shadow Divers ... this is a REALLY good book if you want to learn how one error in judgement leads to another and another ... and then none.
​
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Last-Dive-Audiobook/B01F7PB1CI
Hey Blah. Yeah. It was a no go on the liveaboards. I am staying here:
It has some negatives but looks OK. PM me the details of your trip and maybe we can compare notes!
Hey, if someone bought a piece of dried glue that kinda sorta resembled Homer Simpson for thousands of dollars, I'm sure that someone will bid on this.
I do have two cameras I'd like to take underwater (I'm not sure which one would be better), but I'm trying to find something like this which fits almost all cameras.
I have a Kodak Zx3 and a Panasonic Lumix (not sure of the model, but it's a compact).
Max depth with nitrox depends on oxygen percentage. 32% max operating depth is 112ft, 36% MOD if 95ft. These are based on the recreational guidelines for max PPO2 of 1.4. Someone posted a nice chart of oxygen partial pressures and nitrox blends vs. depth a few days ago. You can find it here. 32% is by far the most commonly available, and 40% is the limit for recreational nitrox certifications.
Pro tip, you can pick up standard-threaded macro diopters for topside photography for mere dollars, see e.g. here for the standard 67 mm thread: http://www.dx.com/p/premium-10x-macro-effect-camera-lens-filter-67mm-29022
They will perform exactly like a dedicated UW lens underwater, no need to spend hundreds on what is a very simple lens. If the materials eventually degrade just throw it away and get another one.
Roatan is great. I agree w/ what /u/shondypie said about the reefs being a bit dead, but I think it would be a great place to learn.
As far as PADI online coursework, I would say it depends on how much you value your time vs. money. It will certainly be cheaper to do your coursework through a LDS in central america, but it will also cut into your dive time because you will have to spend (2) 1/2 days in the classroom (roughly).
I cannot recommend diving w/ West End Divers enough. I was there a couple weeks ago and did my wreck specialty and it was a really well done course. My girlfriend did her Advanced Open Water and really enjoyed her course as well. I recommend staying at the Splash Inn. I stayed at the Mariposa Lodge, but the Splash Inn was a similar price but seemed nicer.
All the people at west end divers are super friendly and they have a good vibe at the shop. People are frequently hanging out in front of the shop and after work a lot of the instructors can be found at local bars.
West end of roatan is a really cool place to hang out and is only a $3 (60 lempira) ride to west bay which is a little nicer and more resorty. I have never been to Utila, but some of my friends have been there and they recommended Roatan over Utila.
If you do go to Roatan, you should also go zip lining if you are interested, I really enjoyed that.
EDIT: West End Divers Trip Advisor, for reference
EDIT2: Just general diving advice: consider getting DAN before you go diving, especially in a foreign country where your normal insurance won't cover you. Hopefully you never need it, but if you do you will be glad you had it.
Google chrome or google translate will translate the page for those of us that aren't native dutch speakers.
While searching on the Internet about this amazing story. A Google Search on Michael Prickett shows a different story than the one told in the above article.
Many articles say that he tried to save Peter Falk who was descending in the deep.
> “I saw another diver sinking and panicking. I dove down to 220 feet to save him, but he used up all my air. I’m glad I was able to rescue him and he could walk away from the incident. I want to thank my family and friends for their prayers.”
Do we have any other references to the story?
I got one of these ones. Have used it on about 20 dives and no problems so far.
I didn't want to spend the time hooking everything up, so here's a few pics with one arm, and both lenses. The BIG WWL-1 will be even bigger underwater, as I have a foam float around it.. It also has a tether/lanyard that attaches to the rig via a D-ring.
True on this. The State of Quintanna Roo and the Country, Mexico, actually promote this. Lion Fish are extremely bad to the environment there. They aren't supposed to be there. So 99% of the time, it's Lion Fish hunting season.
Here is usually what they use down there. When I went with Del Mar, they had some that they just let us use.
Never tried this, but they would get the big ones, cut off the spines, and eat them raw like sushi in slices.
About $25 per tank, per person.
They'll do package deals too, and they'll discount 5% if you pay in cash, and another 5% if you book (but not prepay) over a month in advance.
I'll be there the last week of may, and they've got me for: 2 tanks in the shallows off Isla Mujeres - (I just love that MUSA sculpture garden), 2 tanks on the Cozumel Wall, 2 tanks in the cenotes, and 2 tanks off of Puerto Moreles (wreck dive).. for about $430..
They're also taking my mom, girlfriend and I to the pyramids, and snorkeling - probably at the Xel Ha lagoon. (kind of cheesey, but it's the only protected area where they (non-divers) won't be sucked out to sea by the current)
They also do a trip where you can snorkel, and dive with friggin' whale sharks. It's a bit pricey, and I've never done it, but damn I'm tempted.
Meanwhile, they do their own tours of Chichen Itza, and some of the other big tourist traps.. So if you want to hit the pyramids, and don't want to be gutted for $100 a person, they'll take you out there for $35..
What I really love about them is you can pop in and say, "Show me something new!" and they've always got it.
They really get out and learn what they're dealing with.. They did an incredible bull shark dive for a couple of years (outside the marine refuge).. Until some asshole fishermen keyed in on what they were doing, and would follow them out to the site, and fin all the sharks.. So they don't do that one anymore.
All in all, I can't recommend them more highly.
Here's their prices: http://www.scorpiodivers.com/divemenu.pdf
>You just need practice, a strobe and some know how.
Very true. These (whilst not as good as yours) were taken with an Olympus 5050 back in the day (and strobe / macro lens). That's a 5 Mpixel point and shoot released in 2002.
Also learning how to post process is also a massive thing. The number of photos on here that need white balancing.....
Easiest way I found:
- Install darktable
- open your image
- go to the darkroom tab and pick the colour group
- play with the settings until it looks better
- go back to the lighttable tab and export your image to jpg
There are a number of free software programs you can use.
DaVinci Resolve and HitFilm Express are two that I've used before. HitFilm Express is the easier to jump into and get going, but Resolve has much more powerful feature set. It's colour grading tools can't be beat (It was created originally for this specifically)
That seems like a lot of weight, I'm closer to 16lbs in a 7mm + 5mm hooded vest, and I'm 6ft and 190lbs, I only go up to 30lbs in a drysuit with thick undergarments.
But to hike gear to and from the water/boat it's worth investing in one of those small folding handcarts they sell at costco. Mine folds up and slips in the trunk of the car, but can easily carry a couple of tanks bungeed on there
Absolutely you can mix and match 1st / 2nd stages as long as you set the intermediate pressure to what the 2nd stage wants.
That said if you already have a set you can just get it swapped over from yoke > DIN.
https://www.amazon.com/Scubapro-Din-Conversion-Kit-Universal/dp/B0000DYVG3
Hard sole diving shoes. There are spiky plants that lay in the sand, with hard dry 1" spikes. Unless you have a very hard sole, the spike will go through.
I had one go through a pair of these. Fortunately it went right between two fingers, but it was a scary spike that one.
I have used this light for the past year without an issue, its only $50 and takes 18650 batteries, I did have to attach a bolt snap to it as mine didn't come with anything to secure the light to me (no leash or wrist strap in the box). I have taken it down to 125ft. I have several friends that also use this light.
It's definitely not easy, and the first time I did have a "oh man I could actually suffocate myself in this, huh?" moment when trying to get my head and shoulders out. As I've used it, I've kind of gotten a feel for how hard I can tug or pull on it without it feeling like I'm risking ripping something.
You could also try using some kind of wetsuit friendly lubricant. A lot of people do baby shampoo, but I've ready some mixed things on how it can harm the neoprene.
There used to be a product called SuitSlip that was popular, but eventually people figured out it was rebottled Cure Care conditioner that could be bought at beauty supply stores for far cheaper. Unfortunately that conditioner brand has gone out of business, but there is an alternative with a similar formula called Unicare
This is what I started with after I found I did not like shooting video with a GoPro Hero 3 Black as much as shooting stills:
Canon S110 Powershot and Canon underwater housing:
Under $300 together right now from Amazon, but the camera is used. You can probably find a new S110 on Ebay or elsewhere for under $250. I bought mine a few years back for about $500 total.
I have had mine for over three years now and I have taken thousands of photographs. I upgrade the housing to the Ikelite housing, strobe and macro wet lens but it is still the same camera.
My girlfriend has the G16 and Canon housing and paid about $600 by catching both on sale.
Both these cameras are older models but have all the features you would look for in a first underwater camera. They are not overly complicated and I found plenty of resources online for help with settings, technique, etc.
FWIW, I just go to my local office supply store and buy spiral-bound 3" x 5" index cards.
Here's a listing of them on Amazon: six fifty page books for $10.
Because they're index cards ... cardboard stock ... the pages are pretty { wind - spray - wet/damp hands } resistant.
For format, you can pretty much just make up your own (I'll try to grab a copy off of one of mine to provide an illustration). And because its dirt cheap (~3 cents per page), you're free to take an extra page for something special (like a dive site map/illustration, extra notes, etc) - or even tear a page out to give your email address to a newly made dive buddy, etc.
FWIW, I've also made up a JPG file that contains reduced sized images of some of my C-Cards, DAN#, etc ... I'll print this out and trim it to the size of the index card & tape it onto the cover. I use the 2" wide clear packing tape to cover this entire cover, which makes it more water/spray resistant.
From here, I stick a pen into the spiral binding, put that into a quart sized ziplock bag and then toss it into my drybox or "dry-ish" carry bag.
I'll check out Sea Drops. The one I bought says it's tempered glass - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GN9ZC76/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00
Problem when buying in Amazon especially for us is we rely on the number of stars and customer reviews. Sometimes the reviews are coming from someone who knows the seller. I'll just hope this mask I bought will work great.
I use this Blue Reef one from Amazon. It was $70 in the States. The quality seems fine (it's hard to screw up a piece of steel with some holes).
In my opinion, the only reason to spend more is if you want something with thicker steel (more weight), or if you need something for an odd torso length (shorter or longer).
I use a gopro, and edit with resolve.
This is down to where you dive and conditions on the day. But I've found the below to be a bit of a base for working.
- For my old 4, the filters were a requirement for any colour past 5 metres.
- For my 7 black... You can get to 9 - 10 metres without a filter and recover colour.
I have a set like these, cheap and do a good job (make sure you get the right ones for your camera/case): https://www.amazon.co.uk/CamKix-Diving-Filter-compatible-GoPro/dp/B06X6GQR9Z
The less filter strength you use, the more light the camera gets, so better picture. The more filter strength you use, the better colour you will get at depth.
I tend to use no filter for down to 5 - 6 metres, the extra blue can be graded out in post.
Past 6 metres, you are going to get more and more blue, by 10 metres the auto white balance (I can't be bothered trying to rework it for multi depth profiles on tourist dive trips) can cause you to be left with so little of anything else you will struggle to get it back.
The filter set I use has a guide depth printed on each of the red filters. Using colour correction in resolve you can go a bit deeper than marked on the filter and get the colours back. This gives the benefit of a little more light getting to the lense.
I'd recommend buying a set, it's not that expensive. Take some time to experiment (I'm always experimenting).
Just came back from Bonaire. AB Dive is a great dive shop. They have a dive and drive package that gets you a truck rental as well.
They also do have nitrox 32, and it's so cheap that it's basically a no brainer. If you don't have a nitrox certification, I highly recommend you get it either before or during your trip. Bonaire is absolutely perfect for nitrox, with most dives being in the 20-30m range.
Get the Reef Smart guide for Bonaire: https://www.amazon.com/Reef-Smart-Guides-Bonaire-Snorkel/dp/1633539806/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=bonaire&qid=1553276621&s=gateway&sr=8-1 Thank me later.
What is your budget and where do you want to be? You can get a cheap underwater video light < $100 (here is one - https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0722QQPVM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). A simple tray from Alibaba (aliexpress) will cost you about $50.. and then it is all up to you.. Shoot with UW auto-white balance, get dive+ app and color correct.. Or learn DaVinci Resolve.. For most dives in Bali and Komodo, you can color correct after shots.
I have shot with Gopro, TG4 and Sony RX100 VA.. I prefer the Sony to almost all others because of larger sensor size and much better video quality.. but it is expensive. My friend has got some amazing videos with a cheap Chinese knock-off action video because he was in the right place. If you also want to take pictures, action cameras are out.
If you are looking for one-off for this trip alone, figure out who else is carrying camera in your group and borrow the videos.. It is not worth spending $$$ unless you plan to shoot regularly.
Enjoy the dives!!
I usually just use a big hockey duffle bag to carry my gear in. I'm able to fit fins, mask, snorkel, two BCs (depending on what we're doing underwater and conditions, I switch styles), reg case, a 7mm farmer john, hood, boots, and gloves, and a pelican box for my dry stuff.
It gets a bit heavy and the bag gets wet. I just hang everything up to dry when I'm done.
I also have a snorkeling bag like this: http://www.amazon.com/U-S-Divers-Explorer-Snorkeling-Bag/dp/B000EM2S5Y
It should be big enough to hold everything you mentioned.
My local shop sells these. They have also taken them along on dives many times and never had a problem. They use an old phone just in case (5 or 4S), but said it has never leaked in over a year of regular use.
I live in Seattle and use this strapped to my gear for day dives. I bought two and after 2 years both are going strong. Only con is the batteries are a proprietary size.
You can use the online calculator http://www.garykessler.net/tutorial/DiveTableCalculator/PADI_table.html or I recommend to get the PADI eRDPML for $30 http://www.amazon.com/Electronic-Recreational-Planner-Training-Materials/dp/B001R2N9TO and learn to use it. Best option is to invest in a SPG with dive computer and you can ask the rental place to mount it for you. That's what my dive buddy did on our cert dives in Cozumel. This way you have the most precise calculations.
Personally, I use this bag. It's big and expensive, but I use it for my clothes as well. I've got Scubapro Seawing Nova fins, which are huge. And I wear a size 13, and the fins JUST fit in the side pockets. I totally get wanting to bring the basics. I can use any BC and be nice and trim, and while I do love my higher performance regs, no travel dive I've ever been on made a huge difference between high and lower. That said, the things I cannot dive without are my essentials. I love my fins (those or Jetfins) and I need my boots, since I HATE full foot, like most rental places use, and I've worked hard to get a mask that fits me well, so hell yeah I'll bring it. Snorkel? I hate snorkels. I never use mine.
Any way, I think that bag is a great system. It's got areas for fins, and it's pretty huge. Fully, FULLY loaded, it was almost over the size limit, but they didn't get me on that or the weight. I use it to pack my clothes and whatnot, and it folds down pretty small if you're on a boat the whole time. I know people who get nervous and say that the essentials are what you should keep with you in your carry on to make sure you have them even if your other gear gets lost. Mesh bags within your checked bag are great, but I wouldn't say you shouldn't bring your mask in your carry on.
Lots of mildly useful information, sorry. Hope it helps, and hope you have a great trip!
Agreed, the clips included on the snorkels are crap. Silicone snorkel keepers are the way to go. https://www.amazon.com/COOLOOdirect-Snorkeling-Silicone-Attachment-Accessories/dp/B07DQK5PW4/ref=sr_1_40?keywords=SIXQJZML&qid=1670795142&sr=8-40
These Waterproof brand 5mil gloves are what I wore in dive school before switching to dry gloves. They are SUPER easy to don/doff, they pretty much slip right on/off thanks to the zipper cuff. They're obviously not super dextrous but I did a blackout knot tying test wearing them and could feel the rope well enough to tie various knots so they're not terrible.
If any of you are interested, here is a link to the video of the whitefin shark sucker from the 1st pic and then the second half is of the smooth trunkfish (pic #11?) that my gf took and is proud of. I made the video so she could show her family.
> edit: I heard from one instructor that he doesn't teach solo courses to anyone who wants to take it because of 'bad buddies'. It's something to think about.
I think you made a fair point about sticking close to your buddy. Here is an additional side to the story. What happens when your buddy is both unreliable and engaging in risky behavior? e.g. I was insta-buddied with someone who didn't have a dive computer or didn't have good control over their buoyancy. Now, I was on Nitrox and she was going deeper than me. I tried to keep close (while being at around ~60 feet). To me, that is a situation where I may be able to save her (at the risk of potential NDL violations), but I am not confident that the reverse is true.
Doesn't that suggest that one have a way of saving yourself in the worst case scenario?
So I recently read this book. I have never taken the Solo diver course but I am/was considering it. The gist of the philosophy that book proposed was to stay super conservative, think a lot about redundancy. He also made a lot of good points with counterexamples about how often you are in practice diving alone even when buddied. It made me think about how I usually select buddies. Personally as a rec diver who does tropical diving, I am in an insta-buddy situation with a recreational diver or we are friends (in a non dive context) and hopefully we have similar experiences. These are very different from the GUE setting where I think there is more consistency to be expected from your team.
> All my regs have dedicated Akona storage bags. The bags are shaped like a rounded off triangle. For travel I have disassembled them, I suppose it depends on my needs. Flying with 7-12 sets is different than flying with 1.... typically with weight restrictions the reg bags stay at home.
This one? I just bought this. Hopefully, I will know whether it is useful when shipping. But yeah, I am still a rec diver so I dive with one (and one backup).
Also, when you disassemble them, do you close off the hoses? When I buy a new hose, I realize it comes with a tiny cap, but I have no idea what to look for when buying it separately.
> The HP spools are a real problem. Many rebreather divers, that I know, have removed the pressure gauges and transmitters from the rebreathers and bailout cylinders. Typically these guys are doing deep cave dives and the failures can be more of an issue.
So I read somewhere that a source of stress on the regulator is the removal and retightening of the hoses. Do you agree with this?
> If I was carrying only 2 oring sizes as spare it would be 010 swiveling 2nd stage hose fitting and 003 for spools as these are the most common ones I've encountered problems with.
I still don't know O ring sizes well, I bought a bunch of save a diver kits to figure that out -- I had an issue where the o-ring well out of a DIN reg, luckily someone had one on the boat. But, I feel like I should be more organized.
You should look in to a din to yoke adapter for traveling. something like this (Amazon link).
FYI that is a chinese light that lots of companies rebadge.
I have several of them and they are great and are pretty much indestructible but it sucks that you need 2 hands to twist the nose to turn them on. Also, you can get them here for $50
https://www.amazon.com/SecurityIng-Waterproof-Flashlight-UnderWater-Lighting/dp/B00CRAARMC
> you will likely want to layer that if you are doing longer than 1hr run times. i run a thermal fusion and buddy runs a santi bz400x.
Oh interesting, I thought I would run too warm with the current midlayer. I could add in a base layer of snowboarding base layers underneath. For context, I have done barely a handful of cold water dives, so I am not too sure what to expect yet. I did Iceland (36 F) in a dry suit with just the base layer, but then again that was a 40 minute dive.
I use a cheap neosport 7/5 mm suit with a 2 mm hooded vest underneath.
It works alright, but I wish I would've bought a higher quality wetsuit since I've had to glue/patch it several times in a year. To be fair though, I have done about 150 dives in it in a year.
Yeah, I think this is a good idea, I should keep an eye out for it. I am guessing you use this for local diving and home storage? Or rather you use it when you are driving to your dive location.
I was thinking of getting shelving like this for home storage. At least, it will let gear air out without humidity issues.
This is the one I stayed in. It was by no means luxury living but it got the job done on a budget, and I was definitely more comfortable than I would have been in a shared hostel. Have a great trip!
Henderson, Pinnacle, Bare, Aqualung. I've seen them all and they all make very good wetsuits. And they all do have different names for the same freakin' neoprene types.
To add to your reccomendations (add, not argue with, Henderson does make a great suit), I've fit some customers into a Bare Elastek suit VERY WELL. I find it conforms to the body of people very well - almost like a second skin. They nailed the design.
And I've had at least a a dozen customers dive their Bare Elastek suit in tempertures as cold as high 30's F.
It'll never be totally comfy at those tempertures, but I found the Bare Elastek does its job exceptionally well. If fit properly...
I feel a lot better having mine in the ocean with one of these
I have been diving with a Suunto Vyper and a regular Seiko solar dive chronograph, similar to this. Probably going to get a Garmin MK2i or a Shearwater teric in the future.
Have you considered an 'scuba' backpack? It's similar to a backplate with harness but plastic and super cheap. It's common on boat scuba rigs.
This kind: https://www.amazon.com/Backpack-Diving-Single-Assembly-Adjustable/dp/B09LCSRWJ6
As an update, I ordered the GoPro Dive Housing from the GoPro Website ($49.99). As I wait for it to come, I'm considering building a stabilizer out of PVC pipe similar to this one. If I get really creative I might try to mount a light as well.
"Green Island" off the southeast coast is the only place I've heard of that I would want to check out.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g304163-d553585-r136132794-Green_Island-Taitung.html
Bite = attack. An attack can happen for many reasons but intent only mitigates.
You aren't attempting to redefine the word to bring clarity but to obfuscate. The problem with the euphemism treadmill is that no matter how fast you run you never get anywhere. Fortunately, all you have to do to stop exercising yourself is step off.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TGZV24G?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
SAMEX dive shears. They work great, they're really versatile, they are inexpensive.
There was a special tray available for my inkjet printer. I got it years ago for a couple of bucks and bought a pack of PVC cards. Total around 50 Euros, but I can print more than 100 cards with that :)
No real reason other than most spools have white or orange line.
I actually use black-dyed Tarred Twine for tying bolt snaps. It's very abrasion resistant and holds knots very well. Buy a spool of this and it will last you forever.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EVX5OZS/ref=dp\_iou\_view\_item?ie=UTF8&th=1
I've never tried these wrist bands, but I've met a couple people who swear by them, and they're pretty cheap.
https://smile.amazon.com/Sea-Band-Wristband-Anti-Nausea-Acupressure-Sickness/dp/B001F731N0/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=3UMEPKJUX5VW3&keywords=wristbands+for+motion+sickness&qid=1663854932&rdc=1&sprefix=wristbands+for+mot%2Caps%2C164&sr...
I use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CK8WTVD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
on the second one---broke the mount point on the first, after a couple years of abuse. didn't flood the case though!
I ordered these. Thanks everyone. New to diving and everyone is awesome. 1st boat dive next week. Pool was a bit tough but ready to go!!
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Depending on your setup you could use this quick clip. My local shop has these with a key ring on one end and a metal boltsnap on the other end. I clip the boltsnap to my chest d-rings. I attach the key-ring to my strobe arm, I place the ball end through the keyring then attach the ball into the clamp. I can then connect the quick clips on each side so the camera is now hanging from my BCD harness. This allows for hands free entry and exit of the boat and other tasks that need to be performed. Once in the water I can unclip the camera rig and use the camera as needed. You could also swap out one quick clips for a leash type setup like this.
What are you guys talking about, having no problems getting out of this one: https://www.amazon.com/Henderson-Thermoprene-Front-Shorty-Wetsuit/dp/B0753L6FDD
(this is shorty version, I have full length).
I’ve considered entering the dive industry myself when I came across two interesting ebooks that helped me understand the economics and direction the professional industry is heading:
Overview of industry: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09971LJQZ How to build a career as dive instructor: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09FRFGJ2P (repeats a lot of the data from the first book, but helps to understand how the instructor side of things can look like)
As with everything take the input with a grain of salt, but the data provided and context helped me to come to a decision within two days for around 20$.
Make sure you do your homework before trying to buy a dream. Every business needs work, and you’ll want to make sure you know what you’re getting into. Especially if it’s a market you’re not familiar with.
If you look at the details on the card (available from Amazon)... https://www.amazon.com/Vandenberg-Wreck-Florida-Keys-Waterproof/dp/1988818885
Nothing is physically accessible until you hit about 80-90 ft. (25-27 meters).
You could do a 'wreck diving' or 'deep' specialty with an instructor. That's what I did.
Alot depends upon the current. We dove it 4 times over 2 days. First day was fantastic. No current and very easy dives. The next day the current wasn't quite ripping but you weren't really going to go against it very long. So we did them as drift dives. Boat dropped us off up current and we lazily made our way to the other end of the ship.
None that I can see. The mk25 evo great reg. Another option is to buy a din to yoke slug. Converts din to yoke. Its cheaper and does not require you messing with the reg. https://www.amazon.com/Trident-Valve-Insert-Convert-Standard/dp/B00AY7DWGI
You are assuming a proper ascent rate, if they shoot up too quickly getting bent is possible.
Edit: According to my handy dandy gas consumption spread sheet at 10m I can stay down for 90 minutes on an Al 80 which is something I am interested in testing, especially since I calculated my SAC from a normal approximation of the 50 dives I did last summer in a wetsuit and I am now using a drysuit.
I have a Dive-X Blacktip tech and I really like it but know that it isn't perfect but you won't find anything better under $6,000 USD.
It take a bit of fiddling around with the programing (safe start needs to be disabled for any kind of reliability) and weighting for your specific batteries and the kind of water you dive in but if you like to tinker it is a fun weekend project.
I am running the knock off Waitley 9ah batteries amazon link for around $125 a set vs $500 for the dewalt brand 9ah or $650 for a set of 12ah and depending on the kind of dive I am doing I get somewhere in the 60-90 minute of actual run time and have never run it under 25% battery remaining as read on the batteries display.
As far as speed goes it is capable of going faster than I like. It should be addressed that all the towing force goes through your crotch strap and higher speeds need padding to prevent "discomfort". As far as dragging heavy loads quick I can't say anything bad other than it hurts me and the runtime with my worst being 50 minutes at fast speeds (mostly 6 with some time at 8/max) with me, a 300lbs dude in doubles, towing my buddy, a 300lbs dude in doubles and a pony.
The only thing even close to this price point is the SubGravity Aquaprop at $2600 that has similar run times but only produces half the thrust (30lbs vs blacktip 57lbs)
It's a good question and I'm not entirely sure why that is the case. I think that scuba is such a niche sport (unlike cycling or skiing) that is a very harsh business for a dive shop. Most shops offer instruction as a loss leader to get you to walk in through the door, then rely on selling you MSRP items to eke out a profit. Rent, insurance, staff, etc, add a lot of overhead that Amazon doesn't have to compete with.
That being said, may I recommend you this other light instead? There's a video on Dr. Ben's channel where he raves about it.
I buy these (2 pack for under $8). https://www.amazon.com/Fit-System-C0400-Passenger-Adjustable/dp/B001DKT0DO/ref=sr_1_11?crid=218J894A7W06Z&keywords=mirror+car+side+wide+blindspot&qid=1661982401&sprefix=mirror+car+side%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-11
Pop the mirror out, drill two holes, run a bungee through it to fit your hand size, pop mirror back in.
I've since learned that the material is "compressed EVA". Using that search term helps.
Here's something, but the Halcyon & Shearwater zippers look better:
https://www.amazon.com/Hiturbo-Regulator-Density-Padded-Protective/dp/B08XVNXQVS
I'm not sure if you're a female, but I am in the same boat. I didn't want to spend an arm and a leg right off the bat since I am losing weight. I got a front zip off Amazon (link below) and LOVE it. I used a Henderson rental everytime we would dive and was always uncomfortable. Spend 80 on this one, it fits perfectly, had zippers on arms and legs. It's a 3mm and does great until 55 ft in a quarry. No issues with quality. Only thing I hate is the fact it's pink. I'm 5'8, 230, waist is 40 inches, and got the xxlarge. It does hit my wrists and ankles in the right spot, so it may be a touch too long on you.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092HKN344?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
but they make a good case for the rest of your junk too....my lights went into a little halcyon tool bag looking thing, and my camera got their case!
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but uh, too the original question---maybe something like this?:
Based on your responses, I'd say you don't need any weight usually, and sometimes might need a little bit of weight, so I'd just go with trim pockets and put them on your tank straps. Ditchable weights shouldn't really be needed if you're diving warmer waters with proper weighting.
Most of it you can see with the naked eye, but for really tiny stuff you can get a simple magnifying glass. They sell several that are set up for diving and come with neoprene covers you can clip to your gear.
Exactly. I have a couple of ones like this that roll up into a puck although tbh I haven’t clipped them to my wing in a long time. https://www.amazon.com/SEAC-Spearfishing-Freediving-Snorkeling-Snorkel/dp/B079J5TN3B/
Here’s one made of silicone. There are also some made of diabetic.
https://www.amazon.ca/Choice-Diving-Snorkeling-Silicone-Snorkel/dp/B004UDM3CQ
> Sony a7
fyi:
https://www.amazon.com/Underwater-Camera-Housing-Waterproof-28-70mm/dp/B07L5GYVCL
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I (and several people I know) use these seafrogs housings without trouble. at least a couple have the a7. I personally use it with a tg6, and all the issues I have had were my own fault. ;-)
Hahaha something for everyone. Borat style neon mankini… for visibility?
That’s a fair point. I DID find this belt holster set up that I like after digging a little more! Don’t want to fuss with a drawstring or any drag. If the shorts are a men’s fit they’re going to balloon up and make me have to fiddle with my buoyancy.
Heard that. I’ve been lucky enough to not accidentally get any stings etc, but I grew up around a heavy jellyfish population. Definitely getting an inexpensive skin suit at some point, but $30-70 isn’t something I’m stressing to pick up when I need it or planning out. Part of it is I also don’t own a house yet, so gear storage is tubs- no dedicated hanging space for wetsuit pieces and swimsuits besides a drying rack in my tub, haha. I have a thin neoprene jacket I throw on for comfort under BCD’s and core warmth as needed. Think a skin suit is enough protection or at that point would you just commit to a 2-3mm wetsuit? I’ve dived a reef in Cancun (Isla Mujeres) and guess I got lucky/was careful enough on no stings or scratches.
I have a diving mask with a GoPro mount something like this.
For me personally I don't need to care about it anymore after it is running.
I'm working on an app myself. It's called Zentacle. My main focus was cloud backup and easy entry. You can download it here for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zentacle&hl=en_US&gl=US
Would love to hear your feedback!