Scuba wetsuits are worn by scuba divers to keep themselves warm when they are in cold water. They also protect the diver from sun exposure, jellyfish attacks and coral. They can also be worn by snorkelers and windsurfers.

Wetsuits trap a thin layer of water between the skin and the rubber of the wetsuit. Your body heats this water which insulates you against the cold and helps your body retain its heat.

To work efficiently and provide good thermal protection a wetsuit must hug the body forming an all over seal, particularly on the torso. It should be a comfortable and snug fit and not sag when worn. Water will escape from between the suit and the body if the wetsuit is too loose a fit, taking the bodys heat with it. Water retention is aided by the flexible seals at the suit cuffs.

Modern wetsuits are mainly made from thin neoprene, a stretchy synthetic rubber that is extremely durable, or a combination of neoprene and lycra. These are measured for the conditions by their thickness, basically the colder the water the thicker the neoprene required. Scuba wetsuits made of dense neoprene offer great warmth and protection. Neoprene comes in different thicknesses, from 2 mm to 6 mm.

A thicker cold water wetsuit will be required if you are diving in particularly cold diving spots, or if you are descending to a depth of 30 feet at least. The trade-off in terms of restricted mobility and better insulation was in the past a major consideration to the wearing of thick wetsuits. However, thanks to modern technology, wetsuits designed with a higher torso thickness are now just as flexible as wetsuits designed with lower torso thicknesses.

The choice of wetsuit you make can affect not only your recreation, but also your life. A diver has to be very discriminating as to the quality and material that goes into the manufacture of a wetsuit. You just can’t afford to take any chances with poor quality ill fitting scuba wetsuits.

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One of the most popular diving sites around St Lucia is Anse Chastanet. This dive can be accessed directly from the beach, and has a sudden steep coral wall unlike any other in the world. The coral is a bright, vivid red and the wall continues around much of the island. Also on this dive, locals will insistently tell you of St Lucia’s equivalent of the Loch Ness Monster; a mysterious creature known only as the Thing. Although it is reputed to only be seen at night by all of the dive guides that refer to it, whether or not this local legend is true, there are frequent reports of sightings of this creature from locals and tourists alike.

Along the Anse Chastanet route there is another well known scuba diving area named Fairy Land. Its name is due to the strong current that flows through it, washing the coral and removing debris that decreases visibility in the water such as dirt and algae. If you have an interest in underwater photography, this is a georgeous spot and this gives a bright open appearance with clear water.

For those who would like to try wreck diving in St Lucia, there are the sunken remains of the Lesleen M. The Lesleen M is a freighter that was sunk in 1986 by the Department of Fisheries to form an artificial reef. It is 165 feet long and is in superb condition, allowing it to be discovered in its entirety. It is home for much of the exotic marine life that lives around the island and it is highly recommended if you want to view marine biology at its best.

There are a great number of St Lucia resorts to choose from, for those who wish to go to St Lucia for its diving adventure, and many of these are aimed specifically at divers, making it very easy to gain access to good quality diving facilities. Its great Caribbean setting and wonderful variety of different scuba diving sites available make St Lucia a place highly recommended as one of the best Caribbean diving locations there is.

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Some people won’t even have a clue where they need to go to learn, or who to contact? In actual fact, there is only one group that is best to dive with and that is PADI. The Professional Association of Diving Instructors offer some of the best possible instructors to teach you how to dive. But you don’t have to go to a PADI centre to learn with them. The majority of all tour operators offer a PADI course with the holiday you book.

The most important thing to remember is that when booking diving holidays, you check that the Instructor is PADI qualified, otherwise you could be falling into a dive holiday that could not necessarily work out the way you want it. However it isn’t just PADI that can be trusted. The BSAC, also called the British Sub Aqua Club are a very well known diving organisation. They are happy to teach new divers and to help more experienced ones to reach higher diving qualifications.

If you want to try something a little more adventurous than just diving in the ocean, then I would recommend booking a holiday with a tour operator that has a PADI instructor, shark diving requires an instructor with some high profile skills.

If you are going on a Liveaboard diving holiday, then you need to make sure you have a qualified diving instructor with you, although it’s not as dangerous as wreck diving, it does have risks!

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Travel Agents

If you want to find a scuba diving vacation that includes a little bit of everything, then you should talk to a travel agent. Such experts or professionals know the travel industry very well and will be surely able to hook you up with an amazing deal. Not only this, but they will be able to find you everything from scuba diving rental information and lessons to accommodations for everything from boats to hotels. If you really want to pack as much as possible into your scuba diving vacation, it is imperative that you talk to a travel agent. They will definitely have the information you need to make your next scuba diving vacation amazing and cost-effective.

Scuba Diving Magazines

There are a number of scuba diving magazines out and about. If you want to book a scuba diving vacation, then you should definitely take a look at such magazines. These publications can tell you which places are best for which kind of scuba diver, and they will probably have advertisements for trips, rentals, and lessons. Thus, such magazines are a stellar way to look into your scuba diving vacation options.

Internet

The Internet is a great place to look for a scuba diving vacation because it will enable you to search and find a wide range of information. This way, you can research the best places in the world for scuba diving, can look into all-inclusive vacation packages, and can compare prices. The Internet makes finding the perfect scuba diving vacation that much easier.

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how to scuba

August has been an exciting month for scubadiving enthusiasts. With the finding of Blackbeard’s flagship off the coast of North Carolina, the USS Grunion off the coast of Alaska and an underwater city near Japan, now is a better time than ever to learn to scuba dive.

With a PADI certification course, you’ll spread your time across classroom, pool and open water settings. You’ll learn about the various equipment, maintenance, first aid rescue, in addition to breathing and swimming techniques. Sometimes you can learn to scuba dive in just a few hours, while other times it can take up to four weeks. You can spend $69 at a small resort or $5,000 on an elaborate cruise. It all depends on your personal preferences.

Your imagination’s the limit when it comes to deciding where to take your lessons. For example, Sunrise Divers in Thailand offers a three-day, beginner, PADI-certified course plus two beach dives, two boat dives and a group lesson for $295. Intermediates can take a three-day rescue diver course in Egypt for $332. More advanced divers may want to spend four weeks in Honduras taking the PADI-certified divemaster course, where they’ll learn to become instructors and underwater tour guides. Five days all-inclusive at Australia’s Barrier Reef could set you back $562, but any seasoned diver will tell you it’s well worth it. Once you learn to scuba dive, you will never really forget. Once certified, you may want to add an $80, three-hour refresher course onto your Mexico vacation. You can check out www.adventuresportholidays.com to find a diving vacation that suits you.

When you learn to scuba dive, a whole new world opens up. Whether you’re in search of wildlife and plants or shipwrecks and treasure, this lifetime hobby is bound to be a rewarding one. Some even consider giving a scuba package to a loved one for a holiday or birthday. Everyone — from fifteen to fifty — can enjoy this opportunity.

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The earliest concept of the scuba fin was basically a flat plank of wood that was tied around the foot to give extra push while swimming and this was known as a swimfin. When military warfare started advancing during the World Wars, the technology and manufacturing of scuba fins started getting serious. Since then, scuba fins have not only improved with time but have also become a big part of any type of diving.

But like every other piece of diving equipment and general product in this world, people want better things out of it so manufacturers have to keep designing and making new concepts of the scuba fin. U.S. Divers’ new Hydrosplit fin is definitely the forerunner and the golden standard for future scuba fins. Here are a few of its amazing features:

Enhanced Underwater Movement

The main purpose for the creation of the scuba fin was to increase propulsion in the kick when swimming, enabling the diver to go farther at a much quicker pace. The Hydrosplit’s split blade technology is specifically designed to give you a more efficient kick and offers excellent power. Compared to other scuba fins, the brilliantly designed dual-composite split blade offers excellent power with a bit of contemporary styling and flare for that modern day look.

The feature that sets the Hydrosplit apart from other scuba fins is its Nature’s Wing split blade technology that increases lift and propulsion while reducing the drag and this enables a more efficient kick. An additional feature that adds to the enhanced movement of the Hydrosplit underwater is that it has co-molded flex zones which enable the fin to cup ad channel water fairly easily.

Amazing Comfort

Many divers suffer from blistering and chafing by wearing scuba fins and they need booties or socks for protection at times. This can be extremely annoying and painful at times as you cannot enjoy your dive to the fullest because there will always be some other painful feeling at the back of your mind. The Hydrosplit fin is known to be one of the most comfortable pieces of diving equipment to be worn even though it is a scuba fin.

The great thing about this pair of scuba fins is that it does not require socks or booties and the U.S. Divers Hydrosplit fin even has a comfortable foot pocket with an adjustable strap. That means that it does not cause blistering and chafing, thus allowing the diver to get the maximum enjoyment out of their dive. Adding the U.S. Divers Hydrosplit fin to your collection of diving equipment will ensure that you will experience the best comfort while on your underwater diving exploration.

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Great reef dives can be found in most areas of the coastline. The dive operators tend to stick to the south-east coast, the location of the wrecks of the USS President Coolidge and the USS Tucker and an area known as Million Dollar Point.

Wreck and reef diving is suitable for divers of any ability, provided they have completed basic training.

There are two quality wreck dives just meters from the Vanuatu coastline, both highly accessible to those diving on the island of Santo. The wrecks are both American ships that sunk during World War II.

The SS President Coolidge is a American luxury liner that was converted to a US troop ship during the second world war. It sank just meters from the shore and is now the premium dive in Santo, Vanuatu, and generally considered the largest accessible wreck dive in the world. Novices can dive the main bulk of the ship, whereas more experienced divers can go deeper into the wreck to look at life on the inside.

The second wreck is the SS Tucker, an American destroyer that was stationed in Vanuatu during the second world war. Sadly it was accidently sunk by one of the USA’s own mines, and now lies just offshore, close enough to be accessible to those diving in Santo.

Santo diving includes the relatively shallow Million Dollar Point, where divers can see huge areas of military war surplus that was simply dumped into the ocean when the Americans left Vanuatu at the end of the second world war. This Santo dive includes ammunition boxes, military vehicles and even the odd bulldozer – items which understandably make this one the most popular sites when diving in Santo.

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When you are diving in a place that you are totally unfamiliar with, then features of the Suunto D9 diving computer such as the depth, time and decompression data, along with air integration and compass will prove more than useful. You will be able to know exactly how much time you can spend underwater, when you have to surface and how fast you can ascend, and you will also be able to know how deep you are when underwater. These features in dive computers alone will cover your diving safety while maximizing your performance at the same time.

The Features

The features of the Suunto D9 diving computer will not only amaze the most professional divers but it will also amaze novice divers and people who have never been diving or seen dive computers before. Its well known features are:

Digital Compass

Suunto D9 was the first dive computer to integrate a digital compass. This digital compass contains a graphical compass rose which shows the general direction. It also shows the exact bearing in a numerical display and the headings can be stored in the Suunto D9’s memory for later use. Most people assume this compass to be superior to the traditional compass as it can be used on land as well.

Air Integration (Optional Wireless Transmitter)

This feature allows the diver to monitor vital information like air consumption data and tank pressure from the dive computer. The remaining tank pressure is displayed both numerically and graphically, and an estimation of the remaining air supply throughout the entire dive is given by this dive computer which is useful as it gives divers a good idea of how much time they have left to stay underwater. It is a very handy feature, particularly for technical divers and dive instructors. The real time for air supply can be stored in the memory as well.

Gas Mixes and the Deep Stop Option

This feature enables the Suunto D9 diving computer to use up to three different gas mixes containing 21-100% oxygen and allows the diver to switch gases during the dive. The Suunto Deep Stop RGBM (Reduced Gradient Bubble Model) is where the decompression calculations are based on and it provides iterative deep stops as an alternative to safety stops which can be used as well which adds extra safety. Deep and technical divers may suit this feature well as it also has a maximum depth display set to about 660 ft. (200m).

Dive Logbook

The built-in dive logbook provides a graphical data profile where real time water temperature and tank pressure data can be analyzed on the dive computer. Since the Suunto D9 comes with PC software and is USB compatible, this dive log also enables you to store extra information about the dive site, conditions, equipments, notes, and photos from the dive.

A Few Weaknesses:

The air integration wireless transmitter can be a problem only if you forget to activate it before the dive, according to some reviews on Suunto D9 dive computers. If you forget to take a spare SPG when this happens then you will have to resurface in order activate it. Something else to take note of is that the PC software for the Suunto D9 is not available for Mac.

To Conclude

The Suunto D9 diving computer is undoubtedly the golden standard for all dive computers and is the forerunner for future dive computers. It has everything that is needed in a dive computer from its stylish appearance to its digital compass that can be used anywhere. It has a complete package with air, nitrox, and gauge modes, along with its black elomaster and luxury titanium straps and Suunto Dive 2.0 software. You will not be disappointed with this range of dive computers.

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Types of Tanks

Diving tanks are made in two types: Aluminum tanks and Steel tanks. There’s not much difference between the two other than the obvious fact that they are made out of different metals. Aluminum dive tanks are the most common in the world and since they are more cost efficient, especially compared to steel dive tanks, they can be found at almost any dive resort or scuba rental shops. They are much lighter than steel tanks which make it easier to carry around.

The steel tanks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They have better buoyancy characteristics compared to aluminum tanks as they do not float at the end of the dive. You do not have to spend more effort in counter-weighting them as you would with the aluminum tanks since they are already naturally heavy. If well maintained, the steel tanks last way longer than aluminum and is said to keep working for decades.

Pros About Scuba Tanks

Scuba tanks have amazing durability which is means you can save a lot of money through the years as you do not have to replace your diving tank that often. If well maintained you can keep putting extra cash aside for other dive equipment or other personal expenses. Both types of dive tanks, steel and aluminum, last up to ten years and over if they are properly maintained.

It is easy for you to determine which tank you should use for the type of diving you are planning to do, and these dive tanks come in different sizes with different volume capacities and pressure designed for people with different breathing capabilities.

Cons

One main problem when owning a scuba tank is the chances of rust corroding it. Since the only material strong enough to resist the pressure of the air compressed in the tank is metal, scuba tanks are all made out of this. Rust forms when this metal is in the presence of sea water. But rust can be prevented by frequent and proper maintenance.

Due to its sizing and weight, dive tanks aren’t very easy to travel around with and they can get quite annoying and this is another important factor to take into account. The best advice offered is that you should own a tank only if you are a frequent diver, other than that it would be easier for you to rent scuba tanks unless you are sure you are going to dive more often.

To Conclude

Every scuba diver needs a scuba tank in any dive that involves staying underwater for a long period of time. If you are a frequent diver then it would be cheaper for you to actually own a diving tank rather than renting one several times. Proper maintenance is all that is required to keep your tank lasting for years and years. It is easy to pick out which scuba diving tank will suit you and your bodily limits. The cost is very reasonable as the life periods for dive tanks are very lengthy. There are many deals you can find online for discounts on tanks.

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What is a Regulator?

Before you go out and buy a diving regulator it is important to understand just what one is.  It is actually a pressure regulator that helps to provide the diver with just the right amount of breathing gases so that they can breathe under water. The regulator is attached to the cylinder that holds the breathing gas so that it will be given in the right dose, at the right time, to the diver.

This is needed to lower the air pressure at all stages during the dive. Terms like demand valve and diving regulator may have been used in similar ways. In reality, the demand valve is responsible for allowing the gas to go the diver and is actually attached to the regulator. You can easily get to know all the parts of a regulator when purchasing one and you can always ask for a diagram that will help break it down further.

Features to Check Out

When making your choice in a diving regulator, there are some important features that will want to have in mind. It may not be wise to go with the first one you come across. Piston and Diaphragm regulators are the recommended ones you should look into. Between these two types of regulators, the only difference is that some people who dive in cold waters prefer the diaphragm as it works better for temperatures less than 40 degrees. By using a kit known as an environmental kit, the diaphragm regulator would be much similar to freeze proof.

It is a good idea to check out the part of the scuba regulator which goes in your mouth. Recognized as the second stage, it should contain an adjustment to help you custom fit it. Taking a look at the swivel will help you lessen the pull of the hose line with the regulator.

The Cost

The cost is the final factor in making your choice for your perfect diving regulator as it will enable you to see what your budget will allow you to buy. Nobody would want to go with a regulator which is expensive yet has cheap qualities.

Do a bit of homework before making your choice. You want to go with a place that is up to date on the regulations that need to be met. When it comes to your diving equipment, you want to get a quality product. Your scuba equipment will be what keeps you alive when you are underwater and you want to be as comfortable as possible so you can enjoy the experience more.

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