Archive for September, 2009

What does it take to get certified to Scuba dive?

Hundreds of thousands of people get certified to Scuba dive every year.  Some of them are doing it for a one-time thrill on their honeymoon.  Others are getting certified as a first step, in many, to a (underwater) world of adventure.  In either case, taking a beginner lesson and getting your Open Water Scuba Diver or Scuba Diver certification is the first step.

All beginner classes are  structured in a similar fashion.  The class has two parts, knowledge development and in-water work.  Regardless of the agency (whether PADI, NAUI, SSI or SDI), there is little variance in this first step.  The most important factor is choosing an instructor in which you feel comfortable.  To get certified as a beginner Scuba diver, you must complete all the knowledge development and pass a final exam and you must "master" your in-water skills. While this may seem daunting, it is generally pretty easy for most people.  And, it can be done in as little as a long weekend.

Your Beginner Scuba Diver Course

Most Scuba shops offer mid-week and weekend courses.  Beginner classes are broken up into three components. The first component is the knowledge development.  This is done using three different strategies (1) self study, (2) classroom lecture and (3) online learning.  Most instructors employ more than one of these strategies to develop a student's knowledge base.

The second component is confined water sessions. Generally, there are five parts to a confined water session.  However, more than one part can be done in a single day or evening.  Confined water sessions are done at a pace determined by the student's performance.  Some students excel in confined water, some take more time.  Confined water sessions can be done in shallow lakes or oceans, but, most commonly, confined water sessions are done in ten foot deep, heated pools to maximize comfort and relaxation during the early stages of skill development.

The third component is open water sessions.  These are a minimum of four dives done in a lake or ocean environment.  No more than three training dives are done in one day.  During the training dives, students will show mastery of the skills learned during the confined water sessions.  Divers can reach up to 60 feet (which is the maximum depth for an Open Water Diver), discover marine life and live the adventure that is a Scuba diver!

Learn to Scuba dive online

It is the 21st century and the world has taken to educating itself online.  Scuba is no different.  As mentioned above in the first component of a Scuba class, self study is an integral part of learning to dive.  Traditionally, self study has been accomplished through manuals and text books.  And, while many folks, still enjoy this method, the trend has brought us to embracing online learning for the self study component.  As of this date, in-water sessions cannot be done online ... yet.

The Online Learning program needs an Internet connection.  It can be done 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.  You do it at your pace.  Some divers do it all in one session, some divers break it up into several sessions.

Your first class session

O.K., you have finished your self study, and tonight is the first night of class.  What should you do? Relax, it's going to be a lot of fun.  First off, you should bring all your forms.  Your instructor would have given these to you when you signed up. Additionally, you should have all of your self study complete.  If you are using the online learning service, print off your completion document.  If you are using a textbook, bring copies of your completed knowledge reviews.  Eat something light before class --- no carbs.  If you are in the classroom, bring a notebook, paper and some water (in a non-spill bottle).  There will be breaks.  If you are in the pool, you will need to bring your personal gear.  This includes, your mask, snorkel, fins, booties, bathing suit, towel, and dry clothes to change into.  You may want to bring some ear drying formula for after the pool session.  Within a few hours, you will be looking and acting like a new Scuba diver.

Gear for a new Scuba diver

Scuba diving is a gear intensive sport.  From the first day of inquiring about Scuba, you have probably been discussing and researching gear.  As a new diver, in class, you must own a mask, snorkel, fins with boots, and an underwater timing device.  Your gear must be Scuba quality.  If you don't know what that means, you should talk with your instructor.  However, as a general rule, if it came in a $20 package at the local pool store, it probably isn't Scuba quality.  Once you have jumped in the pool once or twice, it is definitely beneficial to talk about purchasing the rest of your gear with your instructor.  Owning Scuba equipment increases your comfort, fun and safety.  Additionally, once you own your gear, Scuba diving is far more economically sensible than most other adventure oriented sports.  Of course, like any equipment purchase, you want to buy right and buy once.  If you can't afford or are unsure of purchasing additional equipment, renting is a viable and acceptable second option. 

Once you complete your classroom, confined water and open water sessions, you will be certified to go Scuba diving with a buddy.  This is where the fun and adventure start.  However, this is not where the learning stops.  A great diver is always learning.  Advanced classes will increase your fun and safety.  Sign up for your Scuba certification class today. Your adventure of a lifetime is waiting for you.

Have fun and dive safe!

Information for this article was contributed from LearnScubaToday.com

John C. Flanders, Jr., a seasoned and well traveled diver for over 20 years, is a recognized leader in both the dive and business communities.

Mr. Flanders is an SDI/TDI Instructor Trainer, NAUI Instructor Trainer and a PADI Master Instructor. Mr. Flanders is a SeaSigns Instructor Examiner and the Director of International Training. Mr. Flanders is also trains divers in over 50 different specialties, technical diving and public safety diving. As an Instructor Trainer for both Emergency First Response and Divers Alert Network Courses, he assists in training instructors to teach these valuable safety courses.

John has published numerous articles and manuals for the dive industry and is a frequent contributor to Diverwire, an industry leading portal for Scuba Divers.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/what-does-it-take-to-get-certified-to-scuba-dive-1283917.html


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Scuba Divers: 10 tips to better buoyancy

On the first day of Scuba class, a student learns how important buoyancy is in diving. Once certified, a diver will spend a better portion of his/her training perfecting their buoyancy. Simple fact, buoyancy is more art than science. With good technique, the right training, ongoing practice and the right equipment, you can perfect your buoyancy. The goal of any diver is to hover effortlessly through the water. When you “dial in” your buoyancy, you will reap the benefits such as, better air consumption, dive with less exertion, protect the environment and safely control your ascents and descents, Great buoyancy means you are diving safer and having more fun.

Following are ten tips to assist you in developing better buoyancy:

1. Get more training: Most divers often use bad habits to compensate for poor technique. Without the right training, these bad habits become memorized and hard to break. Stumbling through the water becomes the status quo for many divers. Get enrolled in a class. Learn the right techniques to proper buoyancy. Perfect the ultimate skill for being a Scuba diver, without the crutch of bad habits. With more training, you will achieve the goal of spending as much time as possible, during your dive, neutrally buoyant.

2. Weight yourself correctly: One of the first skills you will learn in any buoyancy class is how to weight yourself correctly. if you are overweighted (one of the bad habits discussed above), you will need more air in your BCD to keep you off the bottom. More air in your BCD means more management as you ascend and descend. If you are weighted incorrectly you will spend little time neutrally buoyant. In fact, you will be struggling back and forth between being positively or negatively buoyant.

3. Spread your weight out: Many divers stack their weight in a single area on their body. Usually in a weight pocket or all on a weight belt. This misaligned weight placement usually causes the head to be in a downward or upward position. Seldom does it lead to perfectly horizontal position in the water. The rule of where the head leads, the body will follow applies when this happens. Thus, if the head is in an upward position, the diver will have a tendency to rise up, causing the air in his or her BCD to increase and making the diver positively buoyant. When this happens a diver must compensate by dumping air. When a diver has his or her head in a downward position, they often find themselves crashing into the bottom. Becoming a negatively buoyant diver. When a diver’s weight is “trimmed” correctly, they tend to be completely horizontal in the water and takes little or no effort to maintain a depth.

4. Own, don’t rent your gear: Every time a diver changes their gear configuration and exposure protection, their buoyancy changes. If you are constantly renting gear, you never have the same configuration thus your buoyancy characteristics become a wild card on every dive. The amount of weight needed, where weight can be placed, the buoyancy characteristics of the gear itself all change when you continuously rent gear. If you own your own gear, the configuration and the dive characteristics will be a constant on every dive. Buy right, buy once. Gear choice is an integral ingredient to mastering buoyancy and becoming an advanced diver.

5. Streamline your gear: Once you have purchased your own gear, you should take some time in the accessories section of your local dive shop. Find the right clips and snaps to “tighten” up your configuration. In order to protect the environment and your gear, it is important that loose gear is attached closely to the body. This practice is called streamlining. When you gear is streamlined, you will find that it does not create drag which can upset your relaxed neutral buoyancy.

6. Breathe control: Divers should always have control over their breathing. I have met some divers that have had great success learning yoga as a way to control their breathing. A good steady, continuous breathing pattern is a great way to maintain a constant depth and neutral buoyancy. As divers become more adept with diving, breath control is the way they make minor depth changes.

7. Stay in shape: This almost seems like an obvious tip and has benefits far outweighing just Scuba diving. Divers who are in shape require less weight, handle gear easily, breathe easier and have better buoyancy. A good, regular cardio-vascular workout is essential for mastering buoyancy technique.

8. Slow down: Most divers swim too fast. Not only do they miss things as they motor past them in the ocean, but swimming fast over-exerts divers. This could lead to abnormal air consumption and minimal bottom time. Further, if a diver becomes too over-exerted, it could lead to hyperventilation or a dangerous underwater scenario. In many instances, divers swim fast because it is a bad habit that they have picked up to overcompensate for poor buoyancy technique. Momentum is a bad habit that can keep a diver at a single depth, regardless if they are mildly negative or positive buoyant. Slow down, if a diver can’t maintain a constant depth while hovering, more training is probably required.

9. Observe other divers: Watching other divers and how they manage their buoyancy is a great way to learn great technique and observe bad habits. With the right mentor, observation can be a powerful training tool. Be mindful of what you are observing and take advice only from those folks who are qualified to give it.

10. Practice often: Skills rust when they are out of water. If divers do not practice your buoyancy skills and dive often, they will lose their perfected buoyancy. Divers should be in the water on a regular basis. It is recommended, divers practice their skills at least once per month. If a body of open water is not available, a pool is still a good option to practice skills.

Once you have your buoyancy perfected, drifting through the reefs of Cozumel, gliding down the steep walls of the Blue Hole in Belize and floating along side sea turtles in Hawaii become far more enjoyable.

Giant stride into a buoyancy clinic or specialty class and master neutral buoyancy.
Dive Safe and Have Fun

For more information on Scuba training and buoyancy, go to the Academy of Scuba

(ArticlesBase ID #1276769)

John C. Flanders, Jr., a seasoned and well traveled diver for over 20 years, is a recognized leader in both the dive and business communities. Mr. Flanders is an SDI/TDI Instructor Trainer, NAUI Instructor Trainer and a PADI Master Instructor. Mr. Flanders is a SeaSigns Instructor Examiner and the Director of International Training. Mr. Flanders is also trains divers in over 50 different specialties, technical diving and public safety diving. As an Instructor Trainer for both Emergency First Response and Divers Alert Network Courses, he assists in training instructors to teach these valuable safety courses. John has published numerous articles and manuals for the dive industry and is a frequent contributor to Diverwire, an industry leading portal for Scuba Divers. In over 20 years of diving John has explored almost every ocean and/or sea in the world off the coasts of 6 continents.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/scuba-divers-10-tips-to-better-buoyancy-1276769.html


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Curacao Review

Curacao is a small southern Caribbean island slightly north of Venezuela. It is found in close proximity to Aruba and Bonaire. The trio of islands are often referred to as the ABC islands where A=Aruba, B=Bonaire, and C= Curacao. Because the islands are so far south, they are generally considered to be out of the hurricane belt. As such they are frequented even during the fall months. This is in contrast to other Caribbean vacation destinations which are sometimes avoided due to hurricane season. Late summer to early winter is generally considered the time in which most hurricanes occur.

Lion's Dive Resort is a well known destination in Curacao. It is a moderate hotel, both in size and price, with decent accommodations, and a generally very friendly and helpful staff. The two main restaurants are Nemo's and Hemingway's. Hemingway's is open for all 3 meals, and is known for their wonderful cheeseburgers, pizzas, and sandwiches for lunch. Nemo's frequently serves dinner with a wide variety of island cuisine. The food here is quite a bit more expensive than Hemingway's, but every morsel was excellent. The food here was well worth the price if you have the money to spend. The Resort is Beachfront, and adjacent to many other shops and eateries. A beach side bar, and several other food shops are easily within walking distance for those who wish to wander away from the resort and experience other local cuisine. Also, if you're traveling on a budget, consider the local grocery store which is just a couple miles away. Store prices were more reasonable than expected on a small island. Each resort room has a small refrigerator to store your purchased items.

Lion's Dive is attached to the island's marine park. Although not large, you will see a wide variety of sea life here. You can experience up close and personal interactions with both dolphins and sea lions. Nurse sharks are another popular attraction. At certain times visitors may touch and even feed the animals with the assist of the park's staff. Upon entry the visitors are given a schedule of the park's daily events, and you can plan your day accordingly. One of the advantages to staying at Lion's dive is that admission to the marine park is free throughout your whole stay. All one needs is their key card to their hotel room, and unlimited access is allowed.

Lion's Dive has a reputable dive shop on site. The dive shop, Ocean Encounters, is a well equipped facility with spacious dive boats. The entire staff was very accommodating to the changing needs of our group. The divemasters were quite personable, and did a nice job of keeping all divers safe and with the group. The office staff were there to answer questions readily and politely. Be prepared to ask lots of questions upon your arrival, however, as there is no formal meeting or introduction to the facilities. This was in stark contrast to multiple previous experiences on the island of Bonaire. For seasoned divers, this may not be an issue. Novice divers, however, may find the lack of orientation a bit more disconcerting.Two dives highly recommended are the open ocean Dolphin Dive, and the Mushroom Forest dive. On the Dolphin Dive, divers are taken out to open ocean along the coastline to begin a dive. Ten minutes or so into the dive a dolphin or two from the marine park arrive with their trainer. There are only 8 divers allowed per experience and all are extensively briefed as to what to expect and how to behave during the dive. On the dive, you observe the dolphins in their natural habitat doing the things dolphins normally do. Also, the trainer frequently brings them in for a close and personal encounter with the divers. Each diver was able to touch or interact with the dolphin on four or five occasions. It was a fantastic experience, and no one seemed to complain about the $200 fee for the dive. The dive was captured by a videographer from the marine park, and the videos could be purchased as a trip souvenir.

The second dive no one should miss is the 'Mushroom Forest'. The beauty of that site cannot be underscored enough. It was pristine. The dive site was mushroom after mushroom of healthy coral reef with an abundance of marine life therein. This dive costs $40 extra to cover fuel and food costs. The site is about an hour's boat ride each way, with lunch being provided. The trip is worth every extra penny, and the extra travel time. It also had one of the most fun surface intervals one can have on a boat dive. During the interval, divers snorkeled to the edge of the rocky shore, dove down, and came up in a cave with an air pocket where they could see and breathe above the water. It is great for those who love to explore underwater caverns.

For those who prefer a land based trip, there were many fun things to do on the island, itself. One can rent a car right there at the resort. Walk outside the front desk, and there's your vehicle. The front desk provides island maps which are of some assistance. Beware, however. One of the most difficult things about navigating the island is that even though the map is full of street names, the actual street signs are often poorly marked or absent, making getting around somewhat challenging at first. With a little help from the front desk staff, however, the difficulties can be easily overcome. Give yourself a little extra time to explore and you will be rewarded.

Particular areas of interest include the Hato Caves. Although small in comparison to others, the Hato Caves are significant to the history of the island. The tour guides give a very thorough and entertaining rendition of this history. As with most facilities on the island, staff are multilingual, and English is frequently spoken. Language is never a barrier. One important thing to note regarding the caves are that there are many flights of stone steps up to the entrance. One must be physically able to ascend and descend sometimes uneven stairs without much difficulty. The price for entry is nominal, $6.50 for adults and $5 for children. Gratuity is appreciated. It's a nice way to spend an afternoon. For the avid hikers, not far from the caves are trails which allow you to enjoy a walk seaside where you can observe natural bridges and ocean views.

The Aloe Vera Farm also provides a brief but interesting visit. There you'll see row after row of Aloe Vera plant. Inside the facility is a store where Aloe Vera items are for purchase. Items here are 90% pure aloe Vera. Aloe Vera is known for its healing properties. A wide variety of products from palatable juice, to gels to soaps can be purchased here.

The Ostrich Farm is directly next door to the Aloe Vera Farm. Here for $10 you can take the tour, and learn everything you ever wanted to know about an ostrich! A large World War II vehicle has been refitted with benches for the guests. The vehicle takes you around the farm where you learn facts about the ostrich. There are a couple stops on the tour. On the first one, the visitors actually can feed the ostrich. With a big bowl of ostrich food in hand, everyone takes turns backing up to the fence, and multiple long ostrich necks stretch around and peck everything they can from the food bowl. It's quite entertaining (for the adventurous sort!). Later you exit the vehicle one more time where you learn about baby ostrich and the eggs from which they come. The tourists get to hold a 3 day old chick, and stand on an ostrich egg which can hold up to 400 pounds! There is also a souvenir shop and a restaurant on site. The restaurant serves ostrich meat, if one so desires.

Finally, the quaint little downtown provides much opportunity for shopping. The brightly colored buildings and architecture are reflective of the Dutch heritage. Even small alley ways exhibit artists' rendition of flowers, butterflies etc, to spruce up the environment. There is a beautiful church here that has only sand floors which is a site you shouldn't miss. There is a floating market where you can observe vendors selling their wares after they traverse the ocean from Venezuela. There is a bridge which allows you to cross the big downtown waterway by foot, or a ferry which will shuttle you across when the bridge is opened to allow large passenger ships to cruise through. Here you can find the uniqueness of Curacao, but some of the comforts of home, as well. Pizza Hut and Subway are easily accessible if you're missing a taste of home. An old fort is a point of interest, as well as the beautiful carvings which can be found in the trees along the city streets. The island also has good night life for those who enjoy a good party in the evenings. This is in stark contrast to Bonaire, where the evening activities are quite limited.

All in all, Curacao is a reasonably priced vacation with something for everyone. It's a beautiful island with much to see and do. Whether you choose to lay on the beach and read a book, explore the island, or spend your time under the water, the island will not disappoint. So grab your swimsuit, your sunscreen and your passport. Your island paradise awaits.

Are you a new or seasoned Scuba Diver looking for dive information or great deals on Scuba Equipment? If so check out the Scuba blog and Scuba store at http://www.FinForYourself.com to find Scuba information and the lowest prices on Scuba Equipment.

(ArticlesBase ID #1267034)

Michael is a Network Engineer by day and a SSI Dive Control Specialist by desire. He enjoys both warm and cold water diving. He and his wife maintains a scuba blog and store. He hopes to share his passion for scuba with others. In his spare time he can be found helping students learn scuba.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/curacao-review-1267034.html


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SEIKO TOUGH 4X4 AUTO SCUBA DIVER WATCH 200M HUGH SKZ251
US $110.27
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200705507451 0 Curacao Review
XS Scuba Wheeled Roller Mesh Dive Gear Equipment Bag Backpack
US $52.00
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US $27.00
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Whites Drysuit neoprene soft socks 3mm underwater scuba diving booties size 8 9
US $7.99
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Mares X Large Mens Black and Silver SCUBA Fins DIN 7876B
US $26.50
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Padi ERDP dive planner for scuba diving New in package
US $5.99
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MMs Scuba Radio w earphones
US $5.00
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PADI DIVERS ALERT NETWORK DVDS CDS LOT SCUBA DIVING GREAT CONDITION
US $10.54
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US $11.73
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US $150.71
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Deep See Size XL Black Nylon and Rubber SCUBA Gloves with Grips
US $9.99
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Discount Travel Deal Tips For International Travel


Should you keeptraveling;whenthings get toughfinancially aroundthe world? Everyone is affected... and everyone needs to finddiscounttraveldeals.But even wheneconomic downturns;occur, a majority of trave&#108e;rs;intendto travelanyway...they justbecome morecost conscious.

The travelindustry is "self-correcting" whenit comes to economic downturns;. It may be THE besttimeto traveland get travelbargains.Discount TravelDealsare being offered by Airlines,hotelsand tour operators, who are slashing prices and offering extraslike they haven;'t in a longtime.

We thinkit's important to keeptraveling;unless it willcompletely ruin yourhome budget.Clearly during global financial slowdowns;, we are all goingto haveto worka littleharderfor less.We willhaveto planour spendinga littlemorecarefully,but we shouldn'tgive up traveling.

You mightwantto dine out less often at home, takeyourlunchto work, startmowing yourown lawn... then put the moneyyou savetoward yourtravelbudget.

Travelplays a vitalrolein our lives. It is rejuvenating.It'sone thing to takeyourvacationtimeand juststay home... it's a whole lot better for you to go somewhere;and try something;new.Thereis pleasurein the discoverythattravelgives you.You mighteven cherish yourtravelexperiencesmoreduring toughtimes;. If you haveto focus on value,do that, but stilltravel.

We justneed to findways to pad our travelbudget.You knowyou stillwantto go.... You justwantto trim aroundthe edges and travelfor less.Stopand makea list of things you can cut downon at home and not miss too much. We're sureyou can add to our list....Don't part with yourvacation. Even in the U.S. where wor&#107e;rs;normallyonlyget two weeks of vacationa year,the majority of people say thatvacations;are important.

Trave&#108e;rs;may simplytravelcloserto home in rough times;. With our web pages and blogs,we'll try to help by givingyou ideason how to finddiscounttraveldeals... how to travelmorefrugally. Don't give up on yourwildesttraveldreams. Travelfrugallynow, but hang onto thosetraveldreams for future tripswhenthe economy recovers a bit.

Trave&#108e;rs;may look to prepackaged tours to savemoneybut stillbe able to travel. Volunteer vacations;may be a way to saveon a trip and contribute to helping somesegmentof societyat the same time.

Some people may talk about cutting back, but we're a world full of wanderers... collectively,we loveto travel.... and since we do thinkof thatold saying... Where thereis a will, thereis a way.

Go out and enjoythe world,but instead of eating at 5 star Michelin restaurants, enjoya littlelocal place,or picnic. Spend leisurely;days in free museums. Hikein the mountains. Take the travelpace a littleslower... walk, takepublic transportation...justsit in a sidewalk cafeand enjoythe ambience.

Travelnot onlyhelpsyou, it helpskeepeconomies flowing. Duringeconomic downturns;, and whenterrorism strikes, it's easy to startfeeling depressed. Taking a breakfrom the dailygrind... someplace exciting and new liftsyourspirits. It justmakes;you feel good.

And isn't therea saying thatgoes something;like... if it feels good... do it? So we hope everyone willkeeptraveling... you'lljustlearnto travelsmarter and finddiscounttraveldealswith ease.

(ArticlesBase ID #1266848)

Discover this Cheap Travel Guide Full of Travel Discount Strategies and important last minute Discount Travel Deals

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/discount-travel-deal-tips-for-international-travel-1266848.html


300658190929 0 Discount Travel Deal Tips For International Travel
Deep Sea Mens Black Size 13 Scuba Snorkling Boots
US $9.99
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VINTAGE BARBIE COVER UP TO 1970 SCUBA DOS 1788 EXC
US $5.99
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scuba regulators and dive console octopus set with dive computer
US $227.50
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Cressi suB S Totem SCUBA Dive Knife Stainless
US $9.99
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Aeris Atmos Sport BCD Scuba Diving Gear Buoyancy Compensation Device
US $69.95
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UWATEC Scuba Pro BCD Scuba Diving Gear Buoyancy Compensation Device
US $69.95
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Coach Authentic Scuba Diver Snorkel With Crystal Key Chain
US $25.00
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Vintage scuba Water Talkies Underwater communication
US $25.00
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200705502548 0 Discount Travel Deal Tips For International Travel
Seaquest Pro QD BCD Scuba Diving Gear Buoyancy Compensation Device
US $189.50
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SEIKO TOUGH 4X4 AUTO SCUBA DIVER WATCH 200M HUGH SKZ251
US $110.27
ebaygif Discount Travel Deal Tips For International Travel
200705507451 0 Discount Travel Deal Tips For International Travel
XS Scuba Wheeled Roller Mesh Dive Gear Equipment Bag Backpack
US $52.00
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XS Scuba Mesh Dive Gear Equipment Bag Backpack Model BG320
US $27.00
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150747510013 0 Discount Travel Deal Tips For International Travel
Whites Drysuit neoprene soft socks 3mm underwater scuba diving booties size 8 9
US $7.99
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Mares X Large Mens Black and Silver SCUBA Fins DIN 7876B
US $26.50
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Padi ERDP dive planner for scuba diving New in package
US $5.99
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MMs Scuba Radio w earphones
US $5.00
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PADI DIVERS ALERT NETWORK DVDS CDS LOT SCUBA DIVING GREAT CONDITION
US $10.54
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Lego Minifigures hockey player skier and scuba diver
US $11.73
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lululemon lot of 6 DEEP V tankSHAPE jacket HOODIES Scuba capris 8 10 M
US $150.71
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Deep See Size XL Black Nylon and Rubber SCUBA Gloves with Grips
US $9.99
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Rocio del Mar Liveaboard makes the Sea of Cortez its home

The Sea of Cortez, one of the most unique bodies of water on the planet, is the closest "salt water" for Scuba divers in Arizona.  This amazing place has lured folks like John Steinbeck, Jacques Cousteau and millions of others for its romance, sea life and quaint oceanside hamlets. 

Legendary diver Jacques Cousteau described the Sea of Cortez as the "world's aquarium" and the "Galapagos of North America". Cousteau was referencing the plethora of sea life that travels up and down the Baja and Sonora coasts throughout the year. It is an amazing and impressive collection that could entertain even the most seasoned diver with new and exciting finds dive after dive.

Now there is a new species traveling up and down the coast of the Baja Peninsula and the Sonoran Coast.  This species however is known as the "Liveaboard Dive Adventurer". The Rocio del Mar is a new luxury liveaboard that, after three years of construction and ocean testing, launched this summer.  After the first few moments on the boat, you will see that "no corners were cut".  This 110 foot luxury liveaboard screams attention to detail and demonstrates from the spacious dive deck that it was designed by a "diver".  The Rocio del Mar has 10 private cabins, each with its own full and private bathroom, and sleeps 23 guests.  rocio Rocio del Mar Liveaboard makes the Sea of Cortez its home

Much like the accommodations, the menu is second to none.  The Rocio del Mar serves up local Sonoran and Baja Mexican cuisine as well as some American fare for those who may get homesick.  Whatever a passenger may desire, the galley staff is there to take care of its guests, all day long. 

The Rocio del Mar has full week (7-day) and weekend (3 or 4 day) itineraries.  These itineraries are available out of Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) and Kino Bay.  Rocky Point is a quick 3 1/2 hour drive from Phoenix.  Kino Bay (about 1 hour west of Hermosillo) is about an 8 hour drive from Phoenix.  Once on board, the objective is to take you to some of the most incredible and infrequently visited dive spots. 

For the week long itinerary, the Rocio Del Mar departs each Saturday afternoon from Puerto Penasco.  The week-long trips offer a unique itinerary that begins at the Midriff Islands and continues to many remote sites where divers can encounter a wide range of marine life including whales, manta rays, whale sharks and more than 800 different species (depending on the time of year).

During the summer of 2009, Ned and Anna Deloach of New World Publications ventured to the Midriff Islands on the Rocio del Mar.  During the Deloach's week long expedition, they took over 4000 awe-inspiring pictures.  While they spent much of their time visiting with the unparallel quantity of fish species, Anna Deloach noted, one of her most favorite times on board the Rocio del Mar was "watching the whales swimming alonside the boat".

Cruising along the cactus lined coasts of Baja and Sonora, the Rocio del Mar is taking divers to the remote Midriff Islands and other isolated dive spots in the Sea of Cortez.  In the footsteps of Cousteau and Steinbeck, Scuba divers are Giant Striding into the world's aquarium; living the adventure and realizing the dream!

If you have questions about the Rocio del Mar, talk to your favorite dive professional or contact us at the Academy of Scuba.

Dive safe and have fun!

 ###

(ArticlesBase ID #1241997)

John C. Flanders, Jr., a seasoned and well traveled diver for over 20 years, is a recognized leader in both the dive and business communities.

Mr. Flanders is an SDI/TDI Instructor Trainer, NAUI Instructor Trainer and a PADI Master Instructor. Mr. Flanders is a SeaSigns Instructor Examiner and the Director of International Training. Mr. Flanders is also trains divers in over 50 different specialties, technical diving and public safety diving. As an Instructor Trainer for both Emergency First Response and Divers Alert Network Courses, he assists in training instructors to teach these valuable safety courses.

John has published numerous articles and manuals for the dive industry and is a frequent contributor to Diverwire, an industry leading portal for Scuba Divers.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/rocio-del-mar-liveaboard-makes-the-sea-of-cortez-its-home-1241997.html


300658190929 0 Rocio del Mar Liveaboard makes the Sea of Cortez its home
Deep Sea Mens Black Size 13 Scuba Snorkling Boots
US $9.99
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VINTAGE BARBIE COVER UP TO 1970 SCUBA DOS 1788 EXC
US $5.99
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scuba regulators and dive console octopus set with dive computer
US $227.50
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Cressi suB S Totem SCUBA Dive Knife Stainless
US $9.99
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200705495445 0 Rocio del Mar Liveaboard makes the Sea of Cortez its home
Aeris Atmos Sport BCD Scuba Diving Gear Buoyancy Compensation Device
US $69.95
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UWATEC Scuba Pro BCD Scuba Diving Gear Buoyancy Compensation Device
US $69.95
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Coach Authentic Scuba Diver Snorkel With Crystal Key Chain
US $25.00
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Vintage scuba Water Talkies Underwater communication
US $25.00
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Seaquest Pro QD BCD Scuba Diving Gear Buoyancy Compensation Device
US $189.50
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SEIKO TOUGH 4X4 AUTO SCUBA DIVER WATCH 200M HUGH SKZ251
US $110.27
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XS Scuba Wheeled Roller Mesh Dive Gear Equipment Bag Backpack
US $52.00
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XS Scuba Mesh Dive Gear Equipment Bag Backpack Model BG320
US $27.00
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Whites Drysuit neoprene soft socks 3mm underwater scuba diving booties size 8 9
US $7.99
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Mares X Large Mens Black and Silver SCUBA Fins DIN 7876B
US $26.50
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Padi ERDP dive planner for scuba diving New in package
US $5.99
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MMs Scuba Radio w earphones
US $5.00
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PADI DIVERS ALERT NETWORK DVDS CDS LOT SCUBA DIVING GREAT CONDITION
US $10.54
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US $11.73
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lululemon lot of 6 DEEP V tankSHAPE jacket HOODIES Scuba capris 8 10 M
US $150.71
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Deep See Size XL Black Nylon and Rubber SCUBA Gloves with Grips
US $9.99
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How To Ride Bicycle Underwater: Behind The Scenes of E.T- Underwater Remake

Recreating E.T underwater was a long time dream of mine. On a hot, sunny Caribbean summer day back on August 2003 I've assembled with a few good friends and co-workers at Utila Dive Centre, Bay Islands, Honduras to give it a go.

Our goal was to recreate the famous E.T bicycle scene, riding a bicycle towards the surface. Sound easy isn’t it? Well, here's the story behind the making of Underwater E.T.

How To Ride Bicycle Underwater: Behind The Scenes of E.T Underwater Remake

Dive Location

We've started by planning our dive. We wanted to find an area shallow enough to be safe and be able to dive as long as we can until we get everything right, yet deep enough to be able to ascend towards the surface for a long time, and to avoid water movement as little as possible. Bottom had to be sandy to avoid any disturbances and damage to the environment. We've figured loosing track of our ascent rate would be a very possible scenario, adding the fact we had to share air source between "Eliot" and E.T, we've asked a fellow Dive Instructor to be present and act as a handyman and a safety diver.

Setting the Costumes for the Dock Scene

We wanted to film one dock scene where E.T is taken away by Elliot and an F.B.I agent, just before Elliot and E.T make the run for it. We used a few Scuba Masks worn on different positions around E.T's head to shape E.T's head and make it look a bit more alien like.

Experiencing Buoyancy Problems Underwater

Once we've figured out where to dive, and the logistics around it, we started setting up our bicycle and customs: Bicycles had to be flat tired as air would lift them upside-down. We places a little weight on the rear tire to tilt the bike upwards, I was inhaling as long as I could to gain some positive buoyancy while "Elliot" inflated his BCD, and held the heavy bicycle. We also struggled hard with stabilizing the bicycle and elevating at the same time

Setting the Costumes Underwater

E.T (I) was wearing an old white blanket that had to be clipped to the wet suit and bicycle. As I couldn’t fit to the bicycles basket I had to share air with "Elliot" (Neil) that made it a bit awkward and harder to ascend to the surface head up.

A few tries made us realize we needed to allow air to vent out through our customs as E.T's blanket and Elliot's cape kept floating up. We had o clip the blanket and cape around the head so the Regulators second stages will be left out and air will bubble out without accumulating under the costumes and elevate them.

After about 35 minutes, and suffering foot and legs cramps from sitting on the bike for so long we finally managed to pull it off.

Followed by a Safety Diver and Dan our videographer we took of into the sun making a long time dream come true.

Years later, 2007, a group of us recreated the scene again, adding more scenes to the plot.

The Movie wouldn’t have been made without the generous help of Utila Dive Centers owners and stuff.

!

(ArticlesBase ID #1238048)

PADI, SSI Staff Instructor, a biologist and an Underwater Photographer

Visit http://knows-dive.com
Find more valuable, money saving tips that can help you through picking the right scuba equipment, dive courses, dive destinations and snorkeling .
Find more usefull tips that can help you improve your diving skills and knowledge.

Enjoy our Underwater Videos and Photos Gallery.
Dive into Scuba Diving Now

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/how-to-ride-bicycle-underwater-behind-the-scenes-of-et-underwater-remake-1238048.html


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Deep Sea Mens Black Size 13 Scuba Snorkling Boots
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US $5.99
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US $227.50
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Cressi suB S Totem SCUBA Dive Knife Stainless
US $9.99
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Aeris Atmos Sport BCD Scuba Diving Gear Buoyancy Compensation Device
US $69.95
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UWATEC Scuba Pro BCD Scuba Diving Gear Buoyancy Compensation Device
US $69.95
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Coach Authentic Scuba Diver Snorkel With Crystal Key Chain
US $25.00
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Vintage scuba Water Talkies Underwater communication
US $25.00
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Seaquest Pro QD BCD Scuba Diving Gear Buoyancy Compensation Device
US $189.50
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US $110.27
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XS Scuba Wheeled Roller Mesh Dive Gear Equipment Bag Backpack
US $52.00
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US $27.00
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Whites Drysuit neoprene soft socks 3mm underwater scuba diving booties size 8 9
US $7.99
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Mares X Large Mens Black and Silver SCUBA Fins DIN 7876B
US $26.50
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US $5.99
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MMs Scuba Radio w earphones
US $5.00
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US $10.54
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US $11.73
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lululemon lot of 6 DEEP V tankSHAPE jacket HOODIES Scuba capris 8 10 M
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US $9.99
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Desert dwelling Scuba divers have many options!

by John Flanders, Academy of Scuba

There are many folks who ask, “how do you Scuba dive in Phoenix”? Arizona is, after all, the “all beach, no ocean state”. However, those of us who dive … that crave blowing bubbles, no matter what the temperature is outside or how far away the nearest ‘mega resort’ may be, will find a place to strap on a tank and make a dive. Fortunately, Arizona is ripe with options for local Scuba divers of all levels. You don’t have to spend $3000 and take a week’s vacation to go make a dive or two.

Arizona has a well developed dive community. Phoenix is home to a tight local contingency that dive together, travel together and socialize together. This community dives, actively and locally, on a year round basis. Supporting this network of Scuba divers is over 20 dive shop locations that represent several major dive agencies including PADI, NAUI, SDI/TDI, SSI and others.

Diving Phoenix Arizona

In these economic times, not everyone has the time or money to escape the desert to go Scuba diving. Rest assured, there is still plenty of opportunities for these bubble blowing desert dwellers to head out spend some time underwater. Phoenix is home to several lakes that divers can Scuba dive. The best, and most popular location, is Lake Pleasant Arizona. Just 30 minutes North of downtown Phoenix, Lake Pleasant has multiple shore diving locations. Additionally, there are several charter boats that offer two tank boat diving for less than $60. Another fun option for experienced divers is diving the Salt River. While the Salt River may be famous for its weekend tubing events, Monday mornings make for great “treasure hunting dives”. Of course, diving rivers requires additional training and can only be done when the river currents are at their lowest.

Overnight Drive Scuba Trips

Phoenix is located close to several world class dive destinations. San Diego California, Catalina Island (just West of Los Angeles) offer hundreds of opportunities for a diver to experience the Kelp Forests, Wreck Diving, Shark Diving and more. California is a quick 5 to 7 hour drive trip and can be a nice inexpensive getaway for those who need salt water and a great dive experience. San Diego is home to Wreck Alley which is a world class wreck diving destination that attracts divers from all over the world to train and dive.Catalina boasts a spectacular marine park for shore divers staying overnight or visiting Catalina for the day. Southern California also offers “overnight live-aboards” which offer trips throughout the Channel Islands, Catalina and San Clemente. These live-aboards boast fantastic menus and austere sleeping/bunk arrangements. While accommodations may be “tight”. you are well fed and these live-aboards offer more diving for your dollar than most other weekend dive vacations.

Another option for overnight driving trips is the Sea of Cortez. Puerto Penasco and San Carlos are two popular dive destinations that are within driving distance. In the summertime, water temperatures can reach over 80 degrees in the Sea of Cortez. Dive shops around Phoenix offer trips to both locations and generally package a hotel stay with it. Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) is about a 4 hour drive trip and San Carlos is about an 8 hour drive trip. You will need a passport for both destinations. If it is your first time driving to either destination, it is recommended that you go with a local dive shop to get the lay of the land.

If you are looking for an overnight dive trip, with a little spice to it. Laughlin Nevada makes a great little excursion. Only 15 minutes away from the Lake Mohave Scuba Diving Park (at Cabinsite Point), divers can spend the day diving the sunken school bus, van and 2 sailboats in the dive park and spend the evening playing in Laughlin. Laughlin is a 4 hour driving destination from Phoenix and diving in Lake Mohave has some altitude considerations. Make sure you are trained in Altitude diving prior to diving Lake Mohave.

Exotic Dive Trips

In Phoenix, we are pretty lucky to have several major airlines servicing many popular exotic dive destinations. Many of these destinations can be reached, non-stop, out of Phoenix Sky Harbor airport. Others, in the South Pacific or Caribbean require an easy connection through LAX or Houston. While you can search many of these great trips online, almost every dive shop in Phoenix has 2 or 3 exotic trips per year to places like Cozumel, Turks and Caicos and Fiji. These same dive shops spend many hours research the destination, doing all the logistical preparation and ultimately escort divers on these trips.

While we may live in the desert, we are not confined to diving only 2 or 3 times per year. As a “desert diver”, we can spend as much time underwater as our personal lives allow. Continue your training, go on some dive trips, attend the many local socials sponsored by dive shops and stay active in the Phoenix Scuba Diving community.

###

(ArticlesBase ID #1141654)

PADI Master Instructor, NAUI Instructor Trainer, SDI Instructor Trainer, Technical Dive Instructor, DAN Instructor Trainer, SeaSigns Instructor Examniner

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/desert-dwelling-scuba-divers-have-many-options-1141654.html


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Scuba divers in Phoenix ‘buddy up’ online

The dive community in Phoenix is a small but tight family. Around town, there are several socials every month in which divers gather together. However, many of the divers in the community are searching for more interaction than just a crowded restaurant gathering full of strangers. These divers are looking to share ideas, experiences, tips, techniques and advice. These divers want to meet like minded folks who want to blow bubbles, locally. In many cases, Arizona divers are just looking friendly conversation with other local divers. To find this interaction, they are looking on-line.

While there are a couple of national on-line communities like Scubaboard, Divebuddy and Diver to Diver (by Scuba Diving Magazine), there is one community that is quickly growing and very specific to Arizona divers. ArizonaScuba.com is an on-line community that is growing fast by attracting and gathering Arizona divers with information that is specific to them. Every day new members are signing up and sharing their experience with the local band of divers that frequent the board. Board members discuss dive related topics like travel, equipment, training, dive health and medicine, and much more. The moderators and board administrators “Granny” and “Chuckie” patrol the board to stimulate conversation and keep everyone in line.

ArizonaScuba.com is not just a forum for banter back and forth. Members can share pictures, update the “shout box” with event information and get current data on local dive spots like Lake Pleasant and the Salt River. ArizonaScuba.com is not just an on line forum. These members actually dive. In many cases, ArizonaScuba.com is a place where dive buddies meet and arrange dives together. In fact, ArizonaScuba.com does not just talk the talk, they host a local ‘night’ dive on Thursday nights. It’s very popular and seems to be growing every week.

Membership for ArizonaScuba.com is free. Non-members can browse the community without registering. Sign up today and start reaping the benefits at ArizonaScuba.com.

For more information about the author and where he teaches, please go to the Academy of Scuba.

(ArticlesBase ID #1156631)

John C. Flanders, Jr., a seasoned and well traveled diver for over 20 years, is a recognized leader in both the dive and business communities. Mr. Flanders is an SDI/TDI Instructor Trainer, NAUI Instructor Trainer and a PADI Master Instructor. Mr. Flanders is a SeaSigns Instructor Examiner and the Director of International Training. Mr. Flanders is also trains divers in over 50 different specialties, technical diving and public safety diving. As an Instructor Trainer for both Emergency First Response and Divers Alert Network Courses, he assists in training instructors to teach these valuable safety courses.

John has published numerous articles and manuals for the dive industry and is a frequent contributor to Diverwire, an industry leading portal for Scuba Divers.

In over 20 years of diving John has explored almost every ocean and/or sea in the world off the coasts of 6 continents. He is an avid cave and wreck diver. He also enjoys hiking, kayaking, rock climbing,camping, golfing, sky diving, reading and writing.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/scuba-divers-in-phoenix-buddy-up-online-1156631.html


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Scuba diving equipment

There are a few key pieces of equipment that required for any dive, and some other equipment that is used for more challenging diving conditions.  Beginners and novice divers, however, will definitely need the following:

Mask
The human eye cannot see clearly through water so a pocket of air is    required to maintain vision when diving.  A diving mask is like a large pair of swimming goggles with a silicone seal all the way round.  It also includes a silicone pocket/seal for the nose, to prevent the wearer inadvertently trying to breathe through their nose and sucking in water instead.  Diving masks are built to withstand the greater pressures found underwater, so a snorkelling mask is not suitable for diving.

Fins

Divers get quite shirty if you refer to fins as “flippers”, so be sure to get your terminology right!  Physical effort, such as swimming, uses energy and to fuel that energy oxygen is required, which is why people breathe more heavily when doing exercise.  Underwater, the diver wishes to conserve energy to make the air in his cylinder last longer.  Fins, therefore, are used to make swimming underwater as effortless as possible.  Fins are large, flexible blades attached to the feet, which provide maximum propulsion through the water for minimum physical effort.  There are two basic types of fins: shoe fins fit onto the bare foot like a slipper, strap fins have a foot pocket with a strap that fits around the heel and are worn with boots.

Protective Clothing
Even in warm water, some form of protective clothing is required.  There are four main types:-
•    A skin suit is a thin layer that just protects the body from abrasion, either from the equipment worn or from brushing against rocks, corals etc.  A skin suit is only worn in the warmest water.
•    A wet suit provides some thermal protection as well as protecting against abrasion.  Wet suits are available with long or short arms and legs and in a range of thicknesses.  Made of neoprene, a wet suit allows water to flush through it, holding a thin layer next to the skin, which the body warms, providing some defence against slightly cooler water temperatures.
•    A semi-dry suit is rather like a wet suit but has seals around the neck, wrists and ankles.  Water ingresses into the suit and is then trapped there to be warmed by the body.  A semi dry suit offers greater thermal protection than a wet suit.
•    A dry suit is used for cold water diving and allows no water to ingress at all.  A dry suit has built in boots and seals around the wrists and neck; inside the suit the body stays dry.  Additional thermal protection is worn underneath a dry suit, in the form of warm under layers.  Dry suits are made either from neoprene or a trilaminate membrane; neoprene suits tend to be slightly warmer than membrane, although membrane suits allow greater freedom of movement.  When diving in cold water, neoprene hoods and gloves are usually also worn for warmth.  Special training is required before diving in a dry suit.

Buoyancy Compensation Device
There are several types of buoyancy compensation device (BCD), variously known as BCDs, BCs (buoyancy compensators), stab (stabilizer) jackets and wings.  All work in the same way.  The BCD is worn like a jacket and consists of internal air bladders, a hose for adding or extracting air from the bladders, a loop system for holding an air cylinder and usually some pockets and D-rings for holding other pieces of equipment.  The air that is added to or taken out of the internal bladders controls buoyancy underwater and the rate of descent and ascent to and from the surface.

Weights
A human being is naturally buoyant, and even when carrying a heavy dive cylinder will not automatically sink under the water.  To counteract this natural buoyancy, therefore, divers wear lead weights, either on a belt, in a harness or in the pockets of their BCD.  Whilst underwater a small amount of air is added to the BCD to keep the diver off the bottom, or at the depth they have chosen, and whilst on the surface the BCD is filled with air to counteract the negative effect of the weights.

Cylinders
Contrary to popular belief, diving cylinders to do NOT contain oxygen, they contain air.  The air is compressed and held in the cylinder under pressure (measured in either pounds per square inch (psi) or bar) by a valve on the top.  Cylinders are usually made of steel or aluminium and come in a range of sizes, measured in cubic feet or litres.  The advantage of a larger cylinder is that it contains more air, and therefore the diver can stay underwater longer; the disadvantage is the heavier weight.  All diving cylinders must be periodically inspected and tested by independently accredited testing facilities to ensure they are safe.

Regulators
Regulators, often referred to simply as “regs”, are more properly called “a set of regulators”, since there are several component parts.  The air in the cylinder is held at very high pressure, which a human being cannot breathe, so the “first stage”, which includes a clamp that attaches to the cylinder, reduces the pressure of the air to around 140psi/10 bar above ambient pressure (ambient pressure increases with depth).  Attached to the first stage are a series of high pressure hoses.  In a typical set up for a novice diver, one of the hoses will be the “feed” for the BCD, one will accommodate the mouthpiece (or “demand valve”), one an alternative air source (also known as an “octopus”) and one a contents gauge.
•    The Demand Valve (DV) delivers breathable air to the diver via a mouthpiece.  The DV reduces the air pressure further to match the ambient pressure. The diver breaths in and out through the DV, the exhaled air being expelled through an exhaust on the DV, producing the characteristic bubbles associated with breathing underwater.
•    The octopus is a second DV to be used by a diving buddy in the case of emergency.  It is usually bright yellow in colour for easy identification underwater.
•    The contents gauge shows the diver how much air is left in the cylinder and is usually a round dial with a needle to point to the appropriate level.  Sometimes content gauges can be combined with other instruments in a console, which might include a depth gauge and/or a compass.

Computer
Nearly all modern divers use a computer.  The computer is worn on the wrist like an oversized watch and has many functions.  The computer will tell the diver his depth, how long he has been diving and how long he can remain underwater without the need for decompression stops on ascent.  It also measures the rate of ascent back to the surface (it is very important to control this as ascending too quickly can cause decompression sickness, also known as “the bends”).  The computer has other functions such as calculating decompression stops and some can also be used for accelerated decompression using a mixture of breathing gases, but these are advanced techniques and therefore need not concern the beginner.

IMPORTANT NOTE
It is IMPERRATIVE that anyone considering scuba diving undertakes proper training with a recognised training body.  None of the equipment mentioned in this article should be used without instruction.  With proper training, scuba diving is a fun, exciting, pleasurable hobby; without, it can be very dangerous indeed.

(ArticlesBase ID #1190343)

For more detail visiting my blog created for you!

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/scuba-diving-equipment-1190343.html


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Scuba diving dry in Arizona – It’s a dry heat

As the summer rolls to an end around the country, the Phoenix area is still scoring 100 degree days.  Unlike most cities around the United States, summer doesn’t come to an end on Labor Day weekend.   In fact, it is common to have 100 degree days well into the month of October.  And, when those cool days come, it is a welcome relief to most residents in the valley of the sun.

However, for us Scuba divers, Labor Day is a signal to start thinking about the cooler water that will soon follow.  Diving in the Phoenix area is a year round activity.  In fact, most divers prefer the winter months as the water is clearer, more dive sites are available (due to lake conditions) and there are less boaters on the water.  The trade-off: water temperatures get significantly cooler in the winter months.

While the west coast water temperatures may be pushing low 50s and even high 40s in the winter time, the lakes around Phoenix Arizona range in the mid 50s to low 60s.  This leaves a lot of Phoenix divers shivering for warmer waters.  However, for many hearty divers, they are suiting up in a heavy 7mm wet suit with hood and gloves or, some divers, desiring to stay longer and head to deeper colder realms of the local lakes may be in a dry suit. 

Jeff Varner, owner of AZ Divers on 40th Street and Bell, says “many of his divers have switched over to diving dry, because it’s simply more comfortable in cold water“.  Varner continued to say, “that this is the time of year, before the water gets cold, when divers come in and start asking about dry suit classes and purchases“.

Dry suits work on the premise of sealing off your body from the cold water, using an air tight suit.  Neoprene or latex seals on a diver’s neck and wrist, keep water out of the suit.  Underneath the suit, a diver wears thermal protection to keep him or her warm.  Of course, this air space must be managed.  When a diver gets in the water, pressure is applied to the outside of the suit and starts to collapse on the diver.  At some depth, this can be a crippling squeeze.  Divers have a valve on their suit, usually mounted on the chest, which has a low pressure inflator hose attached to it from his or her Scuba tank.  To keep the squeeze to a minimum, a diver can add air to (1) reduce the suit’s squeeze, and (2) the air acts as an insulating source. 

Air is a much better insulator than water.  A body in a wetsuit conducts heat 20 times faster that a body in a dry suit.  This type of heat loss can cause diver discomfort causing a premature end to a dive or, worse, can be a cause of hypothermia.  Of course, like your lungs, mask, ears and BCD, a dry suit becomes an additional air space to manage.

As a diver, managing air spaces is vitally important.  Managing your ear and mask air space is as easy as blowing into your mask or equalizing your ears.  Managing the air space in your lungs is done by following the number one rule of scuba diving -- never hold your breath. Managing your BCD and a dry suit is key to proper buoyancy.  Proper buoyancy means that you are in complete control of yourself underwater.  You, generally, remain neutrally buoyant preventing uncontrolled ascents and bouncing off the bottom which can cause impaired visibility or damage aquatic life.

“Simply put, the biggest benefit for dry suit divers is staying warmer longer underwater“, says Tim Moore, a local Phoenix instructor.  “While the benefits are significant and obvious, you have to weigh those advantages with the cost and training issues“, Moore continued.  

There are two types of  dry suits.  The most common dry suit is a tri-laminate shell with latex seals.  Known as “tri lam”, this type of dry suit has incredible flexibility and uses ranging from tropical caves to ice diving.  The tri laminate shell has little insulation to it.  However, it comfortably allows you to put an insulating barrier underneath it.  The thicknesses vary depending on water temperature.  The other dry suit type is neoprene dry suits.  The sizes range from 1mm to 7mm.  These tend to be less flexible.  However,  neoprene acts as the insulator.  Thus, multiple barriers are not necessary.  In some cases, such as with a 7mm dry suit, a bathing suit and tee-shirt is all that is needed underneath. Costs can vary wildly on a dry suit.  A low end neoprene dry suit can cost as little as a high end wet suit.  However, a high end tri laminate dry suit can run a couple of thousand of dollars.

While materials are the predominant factor in determining price, dry suit options can certainly spike the cost of new suit.  Options for dry suits include a variety of accessories include zip seals, zipper location, valve location, thigh pockets, built in shoes, suspenders, and of course, the suit’s colors.  Options, at the time of ordering, seem expensive.  However, dry suits tend to last a lot longer than wet suits.  So, you options aren’t the place to skimp.  Buy what you want, as you should only have to buy a dry suit once. 

Off the Rack or Custom Fit?

While many shops around town have “off the rack” dry suits available for sale.  Fit is the absolutely most important factor to buying a dry suit.  A poorly fitting dry suit can cause a loss of flexibility, air management issues, and discomfort.  Not many of us are a perfect off the rack fit.  A little to tight in one area and a little too loose in another is very significant while diving. 

I strongly advise to choose a custom fit option for your dry suit.  Your local dive shop can measure you and determine exactly what you need to order your dry suit. 

Training Considerations

Unlike a wet suit, you can’t just jump in the lake and dive a dry suit.  Even a seasoned diver will find his or her first several dives clumsy and uncomfortable.  It is imperative at this early stage that new dry suit divers get properly trained.  Most dive shops, in Phoenix, offer dry suit classes.  Prices range from $100 to $150 including a certification card upon successful completion.  A dry suit class usually has a little self study and classroom work.  This is where you will learn the characteristics of a dry suit.  Classroom lecture is followed by a 1 to 2 hour pool session or shallow water session so you can ‘dial in’ in the mechanics and special skills necessary to dive a dry suit.  After a pool session, dry suit divers are taken out into the open water and complete two training dives with an a qualified specialty instructor.

Once you are certified as a dry suit specialty diver, practice is essential.  It is generally recommended that new dry suit divers spend a significant time, with a qualified buddy, practicing the skills learned in their dry suit course.  Special attention should be placed on slow ascents and safety stops.  After a couple of dozen dives, it is common for to hear divers say they prefer diving dry.  It’s also common to hear new dry suit divers question why they did this in the first place.  When you find yourself in that position, keep practicing.

Diving dry is a financial, time consuming, and educational commitment.  This commitment offer numerous rewards and allows divers to maximize their dive season.  No longer is a diver restricted to warm waters or being cold and uncomfortable in cold water.  Whether it’s a deep wreck, a long cave penetration or that mid winter need for blowing bubbles, dry suit diving is a safe way to keep warm.

Visit the author at http:///www.academyofscuba.com 

(ArticlesBase ID #1207770)

John C. Flanders, Jr., a seasoned and well traveled diver for over 20 years, is a recognized leader in both the dive and business communities.

Mr. Flanders is an SDI/TDI Instructor Trainer, NAUI Instructor Trainer and a PADI Master Instructor. Mr. Flanders is a SeaSigns Instructor Examiner and the Director of International Training. Mr. Flanders is also trains divers in over 50 different specialties, technical diving and public safety diving. As an Instructor Trainer for both Emergency First Response and Divers Alert Network Courses, he assists in training instructors to teach these valuable safety courses.

John has published numerous articles and manuals for the dive industry and is a frequent contributor to Diverwire, an industry leading portal for Scuba Divers.

In over 20 years of diving John has explored almost every ocean and/or sea in the world off the coasts of 6 continents. He is an avid cave and wreck diver. He also enjoys hiking, kayaking, rock climbing,camping, golfing, sky diving, reading and writing.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/scuba-diving-dry-in-arizona-its-a-dry-heat-1207770.html


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