Whether you’re a surfer, a scuba diver or a triathlete, we all know how frustrating it is struggling in and out of a wetsuit, yanking the neoprene, and forcing your limbs through the neoprene fabric. Any scuba diver who has tried to don his/her wetsuit on a rocking boat knows the frustration. A triathlete will tell you that a few seconds shaved by being able to  quickly put on a wetsuit can mean a world of difference in competition.

Suit Juice 8Oz. Available at LeisurePro.com

This is where this handy product known as Suit Juice comes in handy. North Shore Industries new Suit Juice lubricant is designed to make those tight wetsuits much easier to put on while having no odor or greasy residue. Just spray it inside your suit right before putting it on and save all of that effort for the race, dive or surfing.

Suit Juice is a multifunctional wet suit and body lubricant designed to get you in and out of your neoprene fast. It’s a multifunctional product as it also eliminates odors by removing damaging body oils and acids from the inside of your suit, thus prolonging the usable life of neoprene, latex and rubber. Suit Juice also eliminates chafing, abrasion areas, and uncomfortable rashes to your skin. Using Suit Juice regularly will also  help condition your suit as the easier it is to get your suit on, the less tugging, pulling and yanking needs to take place which causes stretching wear and tear on a neoprene suit.

Suit Juice is available in 8oz spray bottles. Designed for an even and convenient application, the 8oz bottle comes with a nasal spray-like easy to apply nozzle. Suit Juice is also available in 32 ounces, designed for more frequent applications.

The product is extremely easy to use, just spray the sleeves, necks, legs and cuffs of your wetsuit for the easiest entry and exit for optimal results. For additional rash or skin protection, the product may be applied directly to the body or suit to prevent chafing. The body odor eliminating properties make this product great for water sports wetsuit users that perspire a lot, and want to keep their suits smelling fresh.

Also, Suit Juice has been tested and proven to have no negative impact on the environment.

Whether it’s a time constraint or need for convenience, Suit Juice is an all in one great addition to your wetsuit kit bag.

© Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog, 2011. | Suit Juice: Now Slip Into Your Neoprene With Ease is an original article from Aquaviews.net | Be the first to comment!

Whether a Snorkel is really necessary for Scuba Diving is a question that has often been debated about in the diving community. While many  are used to wearing a snorkel while diving simply because we were taught to do so early on in our Open Water courses, many find the plastic tube attached to the mask a hindrance.

However, having a snorkel more than a comfort issue – it is a safety issue. A snorkel is considered a piece of safety gear in recreational diving. It makes it easier to breathe on the surface without lifting your head out of the water and to conserve energy when at the surface. This is important because in rough conditions, with your weight belt on and exhausted after a long dive, a diver can breathe using the snorkel and avoid getting lungfuls of water in at every breath. The snorkel can allow you to rest instead of fighting again swells and swim using the snorkel while exiting or while waiting to be picked up by the dive boat, without using the limited air in your scuba tank.

At the same time, once underwater,  a snorkel creates drag, causes masks to leak and is an extra piece of scuba gear, which many divers could live without. There is also the possibility of getting the snorkel entangled especially while diving wrecks or in confined spaces, where it could be considered an entanglement hazard.

Taking into consideration both factors and arguments, a simple solution would be a pocket snorkel. A Pocket Snorkel as the name suggests, is a snorkel compact enough to fit in a BC jacket pocket. It liberates the diver from having an unnecessary object attached to their mask underwater. Yet, at the same time when needed the snorkel is easily accessible and just a zipper away. Here’s a look at some cool pocket snorkels available at LeisurePro.com-

Sherwood Mask Pocket Snorkel Kit Blue

List Price: $55.00 LeisurePro Price: $39.95

Oceanic Pocket Snorkel

List Price: $39.95 LeisurePro Price: $19.95

© Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog, 2011. | Pocket Snorkels- A Solution To The Snorkel Debate is an original article from Aquaviews.net | Be the first to comment!

Some of the most common questions we get from Scuba Divers are: “What kind of weight configuration do I need?” and “ How to I wear my weights while diving to get the best trim?”  Weights can be worn in a number of places when diving; they can be even placed on the ankles and air tank to help adjust buoyancy.  Today we will take a look at how to use the basic lead block weight belt which is worn around your waist, and how to get the most out of this configuration.

When you are first learning to dive, you will probably want to stick to just weight belts or even BCD pocket weights at first.  Once you get a bit more confident you may find ankle weights helpful for achieving better trim and balance in the water.  Ankle weights help to prevent your legs from floating upwards as you dive and also have easy release buckles in case of emergencies. Tank weights and trim weights are the next step forward once you’re comfortable with the basic scuba weights.

Durward Ankle Weights

Trim weights are weights that are placed in positions other than a diver’s weight belt or integrated waist weight pockets. As trim weights cannot be removed in an emergency, it is important that the majority of a diver’s weight is still worn on a ditchable weight belt or in removable weight pockets integrated into the BCD that can be taken off in case of an emergency ascent. Most experienced divers have their own favorite configurations for wearing weights while Scuba Diving.

Most rental scuba equipment use a lead block weight belt. The weight belt is fastened around the waist on the outside of the wetsuit and comes with a quick release buckle which can be easily removed in emergencies The Lead Block Belt or the standard weight belt is also the cheapest and most common.  It consists of a tough nylon belt with or without pockets along the length.  Solid lead blocks are then placed in these pockets or are looped through the weights groove according to what weight the diver needs.

Sea Pearls Uncoated Lace Thru Style Weights

Typically lead block weights are available in 1 to 5 pound sizes. A good way to set-up your lead weight blocks on a standard nylon weight belt is to carry more weights of lesser weight blocks but redistributed evenly across your belt. For example if you needed to carry 8 lbs of weight, try using four 2lb weights instead of two 4 pounders, and have these evenly spaced with two at you kidneys in front of you, and two on either side of the tank on your lower back/hips. The reason for carrying more blocks instead of fewer heavier weights is dual-fold; firstly it helps the diver achieve an easier horizontal trim my redistributing the weights, you won’t be rolling and pitching underwater, additionally the even distribution doesn’t put too much weight on your back or hips which can cause discomfort. The second reason for redistribution of weights is to allow for minor corrections or easy removal of weights to correct your buoyancy should you need to shed a few pound by handing them to your dive master/instructor.

XS Scuba Weight Belt

Once you get comfortable with the waist worn weight belt, try fine tuning your buoyancy and trim by trialing some of the other kinds of scuba weights available.

© Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog, 2011. | Scuba Weight Belts is an original article from Aquaviews.net | Be the first to comment!

There are several different kinds of underwater writing devices ranging from slates to notebooks for divers. Whether you are a new diver or a Dive Instructor, or anywhere in between, you may have the need to write something down underwater. Whether it’s asking questions underwater or recording them for later back on the boat or simply noting down what kind of marine life you encountered to help you remember when filling out your log book later on. For an Underwater Photographer it may be the camera settings used on specific shots you took for review later, or the Instructor for writing evaluations of student’s skills; whatever the need underwater writing devices are a real boon to scuba divers. Here is a compilation of various responses we got while asking fellow scuba divers who use dive slate what they use their slates for?

“Well I’m a Dive Instructor, so my dive slate is an invaluable tool to communicate underwater with my trainees. I also note down all of the skills and important activities I need to cover on my slate, like a lesson plan and check them off as we progress.”

– Hassan A. PADI Scuba Instructor

Aqua Glow Slate Large 6″ X 8″

“I use my Slate to record all kinds of marine life and coral we encounter on my dive, and when I’m back on the surface, I refer to the slate while filling out my log book. Helps me remember what I saw on each dive”

– Kate H. Advanced Open Water Diver

“My husband and I always calculate our dive plan referring to our dive tables and note them down on our slates. While we both wear dive computers we like to have to have something to fall back on in case it fails. We note down our maximum NDL time at the depth we intend to dive at as well as make note of the two zones immediately following that depth. The slate is extremely helpful to a diver as he has to remember so many things during a dive, and one less thing by using a slate makes a big difference”

– Gillian C. Rescue Diver

“My dive slate is my logbook in carry with me underwater. I have one of those that have preformatted details such as buddy, depth, PSI/BAR start, time up time down etc. This is really helpful as I hate filing up my logbook after a tiring days diving, and now I don’t have to until I get a free day.”

– Brendon S. Open Water diver

Innovative Divers Slate with Split Ring

“As an underwater photographer I use my dive slate to note down my camera settings for a macro, wide angle shots as well as strobe power settings  that worked really well on my last dive, so that I can try similar settings  which give me the best combination. More often than not this gets me breathtaking photographs underwater”

-  Neville S. AOW Underwater Photographer

“I dive Nitrox (EAN) and so it is one of the requirements that I carry a slate with the content of my breathing gas that will allow medical personnel know the best and most proper treatment to assure a fast and permanent recovery if DCS occurs. I note down my mix, pressure and oxygen analysis on the slate before each dive.”

- John H. Nitrox Diver

Nitrox Gas Content Slate

“I always draw out the dive site map on mine during the dive briefings as well as make note of key features on the site in the margin of the slate, so that I know exactly where I am at all times during the dive.”

– Alex F. Advanced Open Water Diver

“I just cannot dive without my slate. I use it primarily to communicate with my buddy details I cannot get across using hand signals…I mean how are you going to sign to your buddy that the creature you were pointing at, that he could quite make out was a  Tubercular nudibranch? The slate is simply invaluable underwater as a communication tool”

– Lee C. Advanced Open Water Diver

“As an underwater photographer I use a smaller white slate as my camera’s white balance card. I set my camera white balance every fifteen feet or so in depth using my slate as a grey card.”

– Joanna D. Underwater Photographer

Multi-Page Wrist Slate

As you can see the humble dive slate or underwater writing pad has so many diverse uses, making it yet another multi-purpose scuba diving accessory one must have in their scuba gear kit.

photos from flickr by Froschmann : かえるおとこ, Saspotato

© Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog, 2011. | The Multipurpose Dive Slate is an original article from Aquaviews.net | One comment

Dive computers rocked the world of scuba diving with their entry, replacing dive tables and the need for manual calculations. They have since became an indispensable piece of dive gear for scuba divers the world over. Referred to as a diver’s best friend, dive computers are a tool for dive navigation, telling depth, decompression stop calculation, logging information and safe ascent rate indication and they make diving much safer and more comfortable. But, gone are the days where dive computers did only that. Today, dive computers come with even more bells and whistles and technology has taken them to an all new level.

The influx of new dive computers in the market today, displays a startling new trend. Larger displays, color screens (even HD screens), advanced features, versatility for all types of diving including technical diving, far more detailed calculation of decompression, hoseless air integration, digital compasses, GPS features are some of the advances we’re seeing taking over the traditional dive computers that looked more like inconspicuous wrist watches.

Here’s a look at some of the new and improved dive computers in the market today, to see what I’m talking about:

VR Technology VRx with a single cell Open & Closed Circuit Trimix/Nitrox Dive Computer

A top of the line technical dive computer through and through, the VRx an advanced and complete decompression planning aid. With features like a large screen high resolution color display, open or close circuit compatible, reprogrammable and can be used for up to 10 gases including Nitrox, Trimix or heliox gas mixes this dive computer is truly a 21st century interactive tool.

Mares Icon HD Wrist Dive Computer
The Rolls-Royce of dive computers, the bright colored, high-def display screen of this computer itself is simply amazing. There are just four buttons used for navigation which makes it like any other dive computer and simple to use. groundbreaking feature of the Icon is the ability to download to the computer via USB dive site image maps and view dive maps on the display during a dive. Other features include- Nitrox and Air diving, a fully functional free diving mode, more than a 100 hours of log-book recording capacity, 4 manually selectable altitude programs, gas switching during the dive for up to three different mixtures, and audible alerts and alarms. the only downside is it’s not air integrated, but Mares plan to upgrade that this spring.

UWATEC Galileo SOL Hoseless Wrist Dive Computer Complete with Transmitter

Although, unlike the other dive computers in this list, this one doesn’t come with a colored screen; the Galileo Sol is the only dive computer with the ability to track the diver’s heart rate and calculate how it will affect the dive namely air consumption and decompression requirements. It also offers an integrated digital compass that is completely unaffected by tilt, easy-to-read charts and graphs , 100 log-able hours, air integration and PC compatibility.

VR Tecnology VR3-HD Open and closed Circuit Trimix/Nitrox Diving Computer
The VR3-HD can be used for all types of diving: open circuit, mixed gas, or closed circuit. You can use it for air, nitrox, Trimix, or heliox.The VR3-HD gives outstanding screen visibility with a backlit white screen. The computer is reprogrammable and can use up to 10 gases.Using a micro bubble algorithm for increased safety, with 99 levels of decompression and no lockouts makes this one unique dive computer. This computer has all the bells and whistles you have been dreaming about in a computer. Programmable safety factors, auto on off with no wet contacts, adjustable backlight with contrast control, and a whopping 60 hours of dive logging capabilities. Download logged dives with the Infrared PC Interface, you will get tissue loading graphs, dive graphing that is replay-able during and after the dive, fixed or variable ceiling decompression , total time to surface calculations, and re-breather interface for on line decompression. A personal security screen and a user replaceable AA battery make this one truly cool computer.

*All products featured above are available at LeisurePro.com. Please click on the links for more details and prices.

© Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog, 2011. | Is Technology Changing The Face Of Dive Computers? is an original article from Aquaviews.net | Be the first to comment!

The Humble Scuba Pointer known to divers by several names, such as a Muck Stick, The Tank Ticklin’ Stick”, Shark Stick, or reef stick. By whatever name it goes by the scuba pointer is a fantastic tool that offers so much versatility as an underwater tool or accessory. For those that don’t know what a Scuba Pointer is, it is a short stick usually made of an anti-corrosive metal, with a hole at one end through which a lanyard can be attached, and sometimes a rattle on the other end. Since there are several possible uses of this tool, we decided to dub it the Swiss-army knife of scuba diving equipment.

Xs Scuba Rattle Pointer available at Leisurepro.com

As a Pointer
The Scuba Pointer as its name suggests is primarily used by divers, instructors or dive masters to point out marine life or interesting coral to their group without having to get too close or touch the creature. Works well when pointing out a hungry moray to the group and looking to save your fingers, or to point out the tiny nudibranch on the rocks that no one seems to spot.

As a Muck Stick
When diving in sandy or silty sites, such as the ocean bed or a lake bed, the Scuba Pointer is a great way to stay off the surface and cause silt or sand to rise, reducing visibility. While this is no crutch or substitute for learning proper buoyancy, if conditions warrant the use of one, its better than disturbing the sand.

Tank Banger
A Pointer stick even without a rattle attached can be used as an effective tank banger, or noise maker to get the attention of your fellow divers in case of an emergency or a stunning sighting. If you purchase one that has a rattle attached, then this would work even better, without scaring all the fish away!

To prevent touching anything
While its best practice not to touch anything while scuba diving, sometimes it may be unavoidable, especially when diving in stronger current, or inside a wreck, cavern etc. In such cases its better to use your Scuba Pointer to touch the surface to prevent collision, especially if there are nasties like stone fish or urchins around. Also this practice minimizes the area of contact with the reef or environment protecting damage to reefs, or creatures you cannot see. Always ensure you look where you use your scuba pointer to avoid contact with any coral or creatures.

Anchor in strong current
If you get a sturdy Scuba Pointer or Muck Stick, this can be used to anchor yourself in strong current to the seabed, to give yourself a breather as you fight the current.

Monopod for Photography
A muck stick is a fantastic tool to act as a monopod while taking pictures.  It keeps the photographer, and his/her camera, from making contact with the reef, and can help support the weight of a heavy DSLR and keep the photographer in place, especially during macro shooting.

Self Defense
While not intended to be used for this purpose, the pointer stick can always help out in a pinch. If a fish, suppose a Titan Trigger starts getting aggressive and territorial and attempts at attacking a diver, apart from kicking it with your rubber fins, a sharp poke might make it turn away. Some experts recommend that a pointer stick may be useful to scare away a curious shark. When a shark gets a little too close for comfort, you can give a few quick jabs to the gills to scare the shark off.

© Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog, 2011. | The Must-Have Versatile Scuba Pointer Stick is an original article from Aquaviews.net | Be the first to comment!

It’s been a good year here at Aquaviews and together with the entire LeisurePro team, we’d like to wish our readers a Very Happy & Prosperous New Years!!

As the first Internet-based divers supply company, LeisurePro has had the privilege of serving thousands and thousands of satisfied customers (divers), making us the number one store for scuba diving and snorkeling equipment. So there’s no one better to ask for information, knowledge or advice on the best gear out there. Drop us an e-mail (info@leisurepro.com), give us a call (1-800-637-6880) or if you happen to be in the Big Apple, drop by our showroom located just off 5th Avenue in NYC @ 42 West 18th Street.

Here’s a look at the Best Selling Scuba & Water Sports Products for 2010:

Best Selling Buoyancy Compensator of 2010:

Mares Pegasus BCD with MRS Plus Weight Pockets

Features:

• Great buoyancy lift.
• Lightest weight and sturdy materials.
• Secure placement with crotch straps.
• High lift back mounted construction with pre-shaped shoulder straps and dual position adjustable chest strap for best fit.
• Heavy-duty techno-polymer D-rings.
• Removable double crotch strap.
• Roll up zippered pocket.

(List Price:$425.00 LeisurePro Price: $228.95 (Sale))

Best Selling Dive Computer of 2010:
Oceanic “Veo 100″ Wrist Dive Computer

The Veo 100 is an economical and easy to use wrist mounted computer with state of the art features. Compact and lightweight, the Veo 100 is a breeze to pack and carry anywhere. It features a large, easy to read alphanumeric display and color coded graphs where green means “go”, yellow means “caution” and red means “stop”. The computer can be turned on before your dive, but if you forget to do this, it turns itself on underwater. The batteries have a lifetime of 300 hours and are user replaceable at any time without the loss of data.

(List Price:$299.95 LeisurePro Price: $149.95 (Sale))

Best Selling Regulator of 2010:
Scubapro MK25/S600 Regulator
Features:

• Solid Chrome Plated Marine Brass 1st-Stage Body and Components
• High Performance in Warm and Cold Water (to 4300psi)
• Air-Balanced Piston
• HP Ports: 2
• LP (high flow) Ports: 5
• Super High-Flow Exhaust Valve
• Orthodontic Mouthpiece

(List Price:$682.00 LeisurePro Price: $514.95 (Sale))

Best Selling Octopus:
Scubapro R395 Octopus

Why is the R395 a great offer for your octopus? With its classic downstream valve for safe, reliable performance due to its robust design and low maintenance, 39-inch hose for convenient alternate air source function with yellow hose protector and yellow regulator cover for easy identification, left & right hose attachments for extra flexibility and comfortable positioning, so you can keep it on whatever side feels is best. The R395′s compact size and lightweight materials is designed for comfort and reduced drag during the dive.

(List Price:$178.00 LeisurePro Price: $134.95)

Best Selling Gauge of 2010:
Mares Mission 1 Compact Pressure Gauge (PSI)

Mares pays special attention and devotee’s its self to ergonomic design. The material used, is highly shock resistant to protect thegauges accuracy, and affords a secure grip in every situation with any type of glove. The Compact Pressure Gauge has a florescent dial for easy reading in day or night diving situations. Face of Pressure gauge is color coded for safe air reserve in a glance.

(List Price:$130.00 LeisurePro Price: $64.95 (Sale))

Best Selling Underwater Camera of 2010:
Sealife SL708 DC1200 12.0 Megapixel Elite Set Digital Camera kit with Digital Pro Flash
The NEW SeaLife DC1200: Radical new design features along with dive specific programming make it the easiest dive camera you will ever use! Vibrant colorful reef scenes, a shot of elusive sea life that mystifies or pictures of wrecks from a bygone era, the DC1200 is the camera to catch them all; easy, fun and a joy to use. The DC1200 housing uses only 5 large “piano key” buttons to access key elements in the cameras program. Navigating through the menus has never been easier than now with the introduction of the Zoom Control system, which acts as both the 5X optical zoom adjustment as well as the fingertip control to toggle through the menus.

(List Price:$899.95 LeisurePro Price: $799.95 (Sale))
Best Selling Scuba Package:
Mares Scuba Package #3

The Mares Package #3 consists of the following: Blue Reef Regulator Bag, keep your regulators and expensive equipment separate from the rest of the gear. Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, designed with safety,comfort and style. The Dragon BCD has excellent buoyancy, even when using a dry suit or very thick wetsuit, yet hydrodynamic, and covered in plush for use with light wetsuits. Mares Mission Puck 2 Computer Console consisting of the Puck computer capsule and a compact easy-to-read pressure gauge with chrome-plated brass body and shock resistant case. Mares MV octopus light weight, minimum dimensions, and characteristically compact shape with integrated VAD (Vortex Assisted Design) system offers a very natural breathing experience. Mares Abyss 22 Regulator is a diaphragm first stage featuring the DFC (Dynamic Flow Control) system and a replaceable HP seat connector, it features a high pressure poppet designed for a “2 year or 200 dives” service interval; double the high pressure seat life standard!

(List Price:$1,349.70 LeisurePro Price: $999.96)

* Refer to LeisurePro.com for the correct current prices and more information.

© Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog, 2010. | SCUBA Gear & Equipment: The Best Sellers of 2010 is an original article from Aquaviews.net | Be the first to comment!

It’s that time of year where many stores are trying to clear the inventory out before the end of the year to welcome in fresh stocks for 2011, which makes it the best time to be a shopper and grab these once in a year bargains while you can. LeisurePro.com is offering some killer bargains with its end-of-year clearance sale with up to 70% off on scuba diving equipment and watersports products. Here are some of our top picks from this year’s equipment on sale:

Aeris Europa 2 Mask – 73% OFF!!

The Europa 2 low-profile mask offers a comfortable and reliable fit for just about every diver possible. The easily-adjusted straps and swivel buckles offer you the ability to find the perfect fit for your face. Rest assured that the 100% silicone skirt will retain its durability and comfort for years to come. If you need corrective lenses for your mask the Europa 2 may be easily fitted with optical lenses from -1.5 to -8.0 diopters in .5 increments

Aeris Europa Mask

Aeris Manta Scuba and Free Diving Wrist Computer “Old Style” - 45% OFF!!!

Full-featured nitrox capable Dive Computer perfect as a low-profile primary instrument or a back-up. The MANTA is a powerful and versatile new sports watch, ideal for divers, free divers and those that just want to look like one. A unique combination of quality, function and style, the MANTA is perfect on its own or as a backup to any of our other Dive Computer models.

Aeris Manta Dive Computer

Genesis “Atlas” Regulator GR440 – 41% OFF

The Genesis Atlas combines Superior Simplicity, and High Performance in one Regulator. The first stage regulator incorporates Genesis Dry Air Demand (DAD) This simple yet unique design has a flow-through piston that mechanically balance the air of the first stage ensuring excellent breathing characteristics at full or low cylinder pressures. The DAD’s function allows the regulator is increase the intermediate pressure of the regulator without messy oils or grease as with more sophisticated designs. This added benefit makes the regulator virtually uncontaminated from the environment of salt, sand or chlorine internally, which makes it the choice of most repair technicians. The second-stage has a Pre-dive/dive switch to eliminate sensitivity when swimming through surf, jumping off the side of the boat, or fining in a current, yet allows high performance breathing when needed.

Genesis “Atlas” Regulator GR440

Pinnacle Elastiprene 5 5MM Men’s Jumpsuit - 60% OFF!!

The Elastiprene 5 bridges the gap between warm and cold water suits. Perfect for temperate waters and repeated warm water diving, the Elastiprene 5 is an attractive, durable, extremely high-stretch wetsuit that is warmer and more robust than most suits in this category. Warmth is important to a comfortable long dive and this suit does just that keep you warm, with its improved rolled neck collar system, o-ring wrist seals, 5mm spine pad, and soft brushed interior. The proprietary Pinnacle Elastiprene rubber allows the suit to fit an incredibly wide range of body shapes and sizes and also to slide on and off like your favorite pair of old blue jeans.

Pinnacle Elastiprene 5 5MM Men’s Jumpsuit

Blue Reef Deluxe 5″ Titanium Knife, Blunt – 50% OFF!!

Blue Reef titanium knives are extremely resistant to corrosion and their blades have a remarkable fine hollow ground cutting edge. The thermoplastic rubber molded handle fits comfortably in gloved and bare hands. The quick-adjust rubberstrap on the sheath eliminates the inconvenience of older style manual buckles.  The 5″ blade is manufactured from Ti6AL-4V Titanium which is completely corrosion resistant has a serrated edge on the top and a straight edge with linecutter on the bottom. The butt cap can be used as a hammer is also made of durable, corrosion free titanium. The sheath has a push-down lock system to secure the knife safely.

Blue Reef Deluxe 5″ Titanium Knife, Blunt

© Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog, 2010. | Dive Cheaper Next Year with LeisurePro’s Year End Clearance Sale is an original article from Aquaviews.net | Be the first to comment!

The liveaboard diving experience is a must do for anyone passionate about Scuba Diving, as it really tests the skills of a diver and exposes one to several different dive sites and conditions, and some of the more exotic dive sites in the world. We have compiled a list of a few “liveaboard musts” which features skills, or equipment one must have before setting off on a liveaboard scuba vacation. This second part takes a closer look at some more essential and nice to have items of dive equipment a diver should have before setting off a liveaboard trip.

Batteries
If you are planning to do any underwater photography on your next liveaboard trip, make sure you stock up on plenty of extra batteries! Remember there’s no corner store in the middle of the ocean where you can run out and buy some, so try using rechargeables, or are carrying enough disposable batteries for your camera, external strobe, your dive lights, as well as spare batteries for your dive computer should you have a user replaceable battery  capability. Make enquiries regarding the availability of plug points and the type of adapter, pin-type and voltage on the boat beforehand, otherwise you may just be stuck with your recharger and no way to charge your equipment.

Have your own equipment that is comfortable and fits
It’s always advisable to bring your own scuba gear when diving on a liveaboard wherever possible, as your own gear is tried and tested.  Rental gear may have fitting issues which are very difficult to resolve once you’ve set sail, unless the dive boat is stocked with plenty of its own spare gear. If you are renting dive equipment, make sure you have done a fitting of the equipment before you depart, ensuring that you won’t have problems later. If you are planning on using your own scuba diving equipment, then make sure any newly purchased items are tested in either a swimming pool or on a practice dive before setting sail.

Carry a noise-maker or a tank banger
While we all hate the annoying underwater horns that scare away fish and annoy the heck out of our fellow divers, it is always a good idea to carry some sort of device to attract the attention of your buddy or Dive Master should you be diving in a larger group. If you are running out of air, or need to surface, or simply get your DM’s attention, then a noise-maker such as a underwater shaker, rattle or a tank banger is great to catch his/her attention.  Try not to overuse the noise-maker for every fish you see, as it gets annoying if over utilized and other divers start ignoring you …remember the story about the boy who cried wolf?

Dive Alert Signaling Device

Get yourself a Dive Light
Whether you plan or not on doing a night dive, its always handy to have your own Primary or Secondary dive light handy. Not only is a dive light a great way to grab your buddy’s attention in lower visibility, but its also extremely handy in daylight as well to inspect the colors of marine creatures as you dive deeper, or peer into crevices and cracks looking for lobsters, shrimp or other interesting creatures hiding. Most Liveaboard’s that do not conduct night dives, will still have their last dive late in the afternoon or just before sunset when light is just as poor.

Big Blue CF250 Lumens Aluminum LED Light

photos from flickr by CAUT

© Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog, 2010. | More Scuba Gear to have before you go Diving on a Liveaboard is an original article from Aquaviews.net | Be the first to comment!

The liveaboard diving experience is a must do for anyone passionate about Scuba Diving, as it really tests the skills of a diver and exposes one to several different dive sites and conditions, and some of the more exotic dive sites in the world. We have compiled a list of a few “liveaboard musts” which features skills, or equipment one must have before setting off on a liveaboard scuba vacation. This second part takes a closer look at essential and nice to have items of dive equipment a diver should have before setting off a liveaboard trip.

Have your own Dive computer

Most liveaboards mandate that each diver carry his/her own dive computer on all dives, and do not allow sharing, or computer-less diving. This isn’t without good reason. Since you will be doing up to 4 multi-level dives a day, it is critical that one has a computer that can compute and keep track of nitrogen loading, and provide each individual with no-decompression limits for each dive. Ordinarily day trips or shore diving comprises of a maximum of two dives a day, and the body has loads of time before the next day’s dives to off gas, however on a liveaboard performing repetitive dives a dive computer can keep you within safe limits through your trip and prevent you from getting bent.  Renting a dive computer often turns out expensive in the long run, and learning how to use a new computer every trip is challenging so we recommend you purchase your own computer and familiarize yourself with using it before you set off.

Oceanic OC1 Air Integrated Hoseless Dive Computer

Carry equipment Spares or a Save A Dive Kit
While most liveaboards carry dive equipment spares, you just might find yourself in the middle of the ocean with no dive shops to replace your broken mask strap, fin strap or busted o-ring. It is highly advisable to carry some basic spares or one those handy save-a-dive kits that contains a commonly needed spare parts that will enable you to continue your dive and enjoy your trip in the event that you face a simple equipment failure. Mask Strap, Fin Strap, Snorkel Keeper, Silicone Mouthpiece, Tie Wrap, and O Rings are some commonly needed items in a spares kit.

Purchase an SMB and learn how to use it
Having your own SMB (Surface Marker Buoy or Safety Sausage) and more importantly knowing how to deploy one is a very important on a liveaboard trip. Often surface conditions may be rough or choppy, or there may be strong surface currents that drag you away from your surfacing zone, then a diver needs to signal the boat, or grab the captains attention to come pick him/her up; and without a high visibility SMB, spotting a diver on the surface is very challenging. An SMB may be the difference between getting spotted or being left behind, and so it is essential that each diver carry some form of signaling device. SMB’s are also useful where there are several liveaboards, and a diver needs to signal the right boat for pickup, as well as avoid boat collision by providing a marker to surface boats that there are divers surfacing.

“Get Noticed in the Water” Combo, Orange

photos from Leisurepro and flickr by CAUT

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