Roth Pond Regatta

For many years, dive watches have been a necessary accessory for avid divers
all over the world. They are designed for underwater diving in the instance that
the diver in question is surpassing greater than 100 meters, meaning that the vast
majority of dive watches will have a water resistance of around 200-300 meters,
or 660-990 feet. However, with advances in technology occurring every day, many
divers’ watches now have the ability to survive in much deeper waters. There is a
large am

ount of models on the market at the moment and if you do the necessary
research into what makes the most ideal divers’ watch it can be a great investment
to make. However, in order to make an educated decision when purchasing a divers’
watch, it is important that you not only understand the reasons why they are used,
but also how they work.

One of the main reasons why dive watches are so widely used is because they are
an extremely useful piece of equipment-both in and out of the water. In so

me cases,
an individual may opt to wear a divers’ watch as a fashion statement and others
may also purchase them if they are avid watch collectors. However, there are a wide
number of models on offer and if you are looking to use your watch when diving,
the type you use and your knowledge on how it works is crucial. In order to choose
the best divers’ watch for your needs, you firstly need to identify if your watch will
be your primary or secondary timing source. If you require your watch to b

e your
primary source of timing, you need to invest in a dependable, high quality watch.
Those who have the use of a dive computer and so only require their watch to be a
secondary source of timing, it is not as catastrophic if their watch fails and so they
will be able to risk purchasing a lower quality watch.

When looking for your ideal divers’ watch, there are two important factors you
should take into consideration: the watches water resistance and its type of bezel.
In regards to its water resistance, you must firstly be aware that this does not mean
that you will require a waterproof watch. Waterproof products are not usually
able to withstand the pressure which is experienced when diving and so the best
watches for you will be rated by either the pressure they can withstand, or the
depth they can be used for, either in meters or feet. Whether you are a recreational
diver or you are a competitive diver, it is always beneficial to invest in a dive
watch which is rated to at least 200 meters in order to be safe. A divers’ watch
which is rated at this level is suitable for all forms of water activity, in particular
scuba diving. If you are looking to purchase a watch to use whilst swimming and/or
snorkeling purposes, look for one which is rated at water resistant up to 100 meters.

When selecting a divers’ watch with the correct type of bezel, you should look for
one which has a one way, adjustable bezel. A bezel is a metal ring which is situated
around the face of the watch, with added point indicators and a zero mark to
identify the starting point. In order to use the bezel, you simply need to turn it until
the zero marks are lines up with the minute hands. In order to calculate your time in
the water, simply look at the indicators on the bezel that the minute hand is pointing
to. Most good quality divers’ watches will come with this type of bezel, so it is a
good indication of quality. The advantage of this form of bezel is that it will only turn
in a counter clockwise direction, meaning that should you inadvertently knock the
watch, it will only move in the opposite way to the minute hand. This in return, will
show that you have been under water for a longer period of time than you actually
have, rather than a shorter time period. A bezel should always be tight enough
that it requires some effort in order to move it around the dial.

Once you have identified the best model for you with these two factors, you can
then contemplate other aspects of the watch such as whether it has a clear face or
luminous dials for example. A dive watch is not just a great investment in terms of
great craftsmanship, but in terms of diving in deep waters, it is a beneficial necessity.

MADE BY WOMEN FOR WOMEN!!!!!!

 

GREEN IS THE WORD!!!!!

 

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Our Bioprene
All swish suits are made from our revolutionary bioprene, which is not just ecologically friendly, but also a better performance product.  Our materials are both ecologically conscience and functional!

Swish wetsuits—made by women for women

How can a wetsuit be green?
Normal wetsuits are made fromneoprene which is derived from petroleum.  Our suits are made of biopr

ene that derives from limestone and is 99.7% pure sent to us by the Yamamoto Corporation.

Okay, so we have established that the wetsuit is ecologically friendly, but can it also be functional?
YES! In fact bioprene is a better performing product then normal neoprene.  It is more stretchy, more durable, lighter, and SEXIER!

 

UNIFORM CLOSED CELL STRUCTURE
The ratio of closed cells of our neoprene is over 93%, which is 22-23% higher than our competitor’s materials, whose closed cell cont

ents is typically in the 60-70% range.

The uniform microcell structure ensures that if any part of the material surface is defaced or scarred, new independent concave microcells are exposed insuring continued functionality.

 

HIGH HEAT INSULATION & WARMTH
Yamamoto Corporation injects each closed cell with nitrogen gas, resulting in exceptional heat retention and efficiency.

 

LIGHTWEIGHT & LOW WATER ABSORPTION
The high closed cell ratio ensures ultra low water absorption (qui

ck drying), creating lightweight and specific gravity foams with good strength and cell memory. Most of the water logging in typical neoprene is a result of the neoprene compression and then breakage, which takes on mass quantities of water. Our Bioprene has a .30% absorption percent by weight, ensuring virtually no water absorption.  The weight of our material in dry or wet conditions remains almost the same and therefore wetsuits and other products made of this material do not become saturated with moisture or get heavy when submerged in water.  We are so confident about the performance of our product that each suit comes with a warranty:::::

 

 

Swish Suits Limited Warranty/Repair
All Swish Suits products shall be free from defective materials for a period of one year from the date of purchase, provided that the product is purchased from an authorized Swish Suits dealer and used in normal conditions. During this one year period Swish shall repair or replace, at its sole discretion, all materials that are found by Swish to be defective and thus subject to this limited warranty. All zippers are warranted to be free of defects for 60 days.

kirkscubagear is proud to be a distributor!!!!

 

Kathy Dowsett

www.kirkscubagear.com

Barbados diving is available on both the south and west coast of the island and most dive sites are located on the barrier reefs, which surround the island. The coral reefs around Barbados are some of the healthiest in the Caribbean and several dive sites are located in designated marine parks, where no fishing is allowed. There are also dozens of moorings set up for dive operators to ensure that anchors are not dropped on the coral reefs. This is an on-going program, which is supported

by the Government of Barbados. It is a great way to assist Barbados scuba diving operators.

Barbados Diving – Dive Sites to Beginners and Experienced Divers

Barbados diving can be fun for the beginners as well as experienced divers. Many of the shallow dives (25 – 60 feet or 8 – 20 meters) can be reached by taking a short swim from shore or a short boat ride depending on which dive operator you choose. There are several wrecks with an abundance of marine life including some rare species like

the dragon fish and the sea horse. Barbados also has a large ship wreck on the west coast, which was prepared and sunk so it could be used for scuba diving. This wreck is named the “Stavronikita and is the most popular deep dive for experienced divers. Carlisle Bay, with many known wrecks and Folkestone Marine Park, are two other very popular dive sites.

Barbados Night Diving – Now You Can Experience Fluorescence Night Diving

Recently Barbados diving was given a boost with the introduction

of fluorescence night diving. This is a new experience for scuba diving in Barbados and the Caribbean. With the advent of fluorescence night diving, scuba divers can explore the many dive sites in Barbados to see things they were missing.

Many sea creatures fluoresce but we are unable to appreciate the beauty of these creatures without the help of fluorescence special lighting and filters. Now you can take a fluorescence night dive in Barbados, the only island in the Eastern Caribbean where this night diving experience is available. Now Barbados Diving can be more exciting, when you experience fluorescence night diving on your next visit to this beautiful island.

Snorkel clearing method

Just before venturing out into open drinking water, it is needed to analyze your abilities in how to use the snorkel. Spot your mind below the h2o so that your snorkel is immersed below the work surface. You need to really feel that drinking water is entering the snorkel barrel. At this point, it is important that you hold your inhale. I know that holding your inhale with an available mouth might looks unnatural but it is effortless. Just retain this in brain ce

rtainly not inhale when you really feel that h2o has entered the snorkel.

The following stage is to clear the normal water from the snorkel. This can only be performed when you have raised the snorkel previously the surface area of the h2o. For now, until finally you grow the essential expertise in how to snorkel, in no way exhale when your snorkel is underwater as soon as you run out of air, your instinct is to inhale, and what you get is drinking water. So surface area your head without havi

ng lifting it out of the h2o and quickly exhale forcefully and sharply into the snorkel. This will blast up the water out of the snorkel barrel. This blast technique of snorkel clearing will get rid of almost all the drinking water from your snorkel. Any tiny amount of normal water left can be eliminated by a 2nd forceful blast.

You ought to also retain in thoughts that drinking water can also key in the snorkel even if you do not immerse your mind underwater. Occasionally either due to surf p

roblems or excessive splashing, some drinking water may well enter. So one particular issue to maintain in mind is to inhale cautiously. By repeating the blast method you ought to distinct any drinking water that enters into the snorkel.

Occasionally, even though you may possibly have some h2o left in the snorkel, if you inhale slowly and use airway manage, you can air the air previous the h2o until finally you have sufficient air for an additional blast. This talent capacity to air past the small volume of normal water left in your snorkel shows that you have mastered airway handle and suitable snorkel clearing process.
That is it, all you have to do is practice the above stated snorkeling strategies and snorkel clearing will grow to be automatic with knowledge.
The following are some pointers to retain into consideration when understanding on how to snorkel:

›› Swim at a steady cozy pace to conserve your energy

›› Streamline yourself as a lot as achievable. Retain your arms at your side

›› Inhaling and exhaling cautiously by means of your snorkel, to avoid choking on drinking water that might key in

Retain in head that when you are still studying on how to snorkel, the a lot more you examine and use your snorkeling equipment, the a lot more knowledge you will obtain. So be patient, the correct snorkeling approach for inhaling and exhaling via the snorkel and making use of your fins will become next nature. The aim is to chill out and have fun so that you mix with the marine surroundings.

Right after your snorkeling adventure is over, bear in mind to take care of the tools. So check out our snorkeling gear guides on information for how to sustain your snorkeling tools soon after each and every snorkeling outing.

Scuba refers to Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Air assisted underwater exploration was first born around the 1700’s when scuba pioneers used dive bells and sealed suits whilst air was pumped from the surface. However, this was a luxury available to a handful of pioneers. 

It is only with the advancement in technologies that people were able to explore the seas using self contained underwater breathing apparatus.

The break came in the 1960’s following years of resea

rch and experimental testing by the legendary Jacques-Yves Cousteau for which the aqualung was developed hence sport diving was made accessible to people like you and me.

Scuba diving gear continued to evolve later within the 1970’s and scuba systems were enhanced by the introduction of buoyancy compensation devices, improved valves and pressure gauges. Through these technological advances, scuba diving has ballooned as a recreational sport. Scuba systems have since been improving through Eng

ineering and innovation in design to provide safer, reliable and more comfortable equipment.

For this reason scuba diving is ever so gaining popularity and is today established as one of the greatest outdoor recreational activities and as a result has become a multimillion dollar industry.

Although you may have seen documentaries, movies or photos of the underwater world, you will soon find out that it is quite impossible for a non-diver to fully appreciate or understand what scuba diving is

all about. The sensations and the feelings that you get once you are immersed into a new dimension are inexplicable and there are absolutely no words to describe it.

Besides seeing beautiful and fascinating aquatic creatures first hand, the sensations you experience when you breath underwater and feeling of floating weightless are unique to diving. Once you have gained the necessary diving experience, the mystery of diving will be replaced by excitement and more adventures.

You might also want to learn some interesting facts about scuba diving. Did you know that the Deepest Open Circuit Scuba Dive (unofficial) is that of 330m set by Pascal Bernabe. It took Pascal, 10 minutes to descend down to 330 meters but it took him 8 hours and 49 minutes to resurface. 

For more facts about scuba diving check out this article at http://Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures.com/facts-about-scuba-diving.html.

This article is an excerpt from a series of scuba diving articles appearing on Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures.com under the scuba diving section of the site.

Copyright (c) 2010 Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures.com. All rights reserved.

Scuba diving is a sport that is well liked around the world by many persons. A lot of people like to practice this activity simply because they have the chance to fill the great sensation of discovery in deep waters and because they can be in touch with the marine life.

 

Clearly scuba diving is an exciting and unique sport. When you practicing it you have the chance to see a new and fascinating environment. Scuba (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) Diving is an activity

which is possible to be practiced by supplying breathing gas. In most of the cases this is air. If you want to enter into the fascinating world of scuba diving you will need some special equipment. If you wish to have a very high level of security and you want to fully enjoy this sport then you will need equipments such as scuba wetsuits, masks, fins, snorkels, regulators, cylinder, wetsuits and others.

 

Once you start to practice this sport regularly in time you will wish to explore new

and unique underwater places. Around the world there are many places like Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Fiji, Maldives, Australia where you can experience the thrill of diving. In these areas you have the chance to discover great diving locations.

 

But one of the most important things when you practice this sport is to be aware about the dangers that it involves. Beside the safety equipment you should also consider having diving insurance. There are available many types including dive acc

ident insurance, trip insurance, dive group term life insurance and scuba equipment replacement insurance.

 

When you are in an marine environment is very important to respect the marine life. A scuba diver should always avoid on stepping on or touching marine life. You have to be respectful with the see and everything that lives in it. Even if it’s not dangerous avoid to make contact with the marine life. Beside that is very important not to remove objects from the sea bed, especially corals.

 

If you like to watch closely the marine life and you enjoy deep waters you should try scuba diving. This represents an unique chance to discover fantastic and very exciting underwater locations. The sport can become dangerous if you do not take all the needed precautions. But if you have diving insurance and you have followed all the security measures and you are in the possession of the right equipment scuba diving can bring you a lot of satisfaction.

 

In planning your next SCUBA diving holiday to Thailand and you’re not sure where to go or what to do, then consider going on a Similan Liveaboard diving trip. What is a Liveaboard diving trip? Well, it doesn’t matter if you have 10 or 500 dives under your weight belt; anyone that loves to dive and relax will absolutely love to relax on board of a Dive vessel.

Liveaboard diving trips are quickly becoming the most popular ways of comfortably experiencing diving in locations around

the Similan Islands. Liveaboard vessels are exactly that, live on board and you’re eating and breathing diving. Everything is focused on diving, snorkeling or relaxing. You eat, sleep, dive three to four times a day, and you’ll travel from dive site to dive site, seeing the most beautiful places in the region. Similan Islands Liveaboards can offer dive sites usually hard to reach by daily diving boats, making it interesting to visit remote islands or reefs. Liveaboards dive vessels give you a

wider range of destinations than day trips and more dives per day. Similan Liveaboard vessels typically range from 18m/60ft to 40m/120 ft in length or larger and offer the ability to cover a wide and extended diving range as opposed to a day charter, which returns to dock each night. If you’re into large crowds or you like solitude and tranquility, you don’t have to worry. There is a vessel for everyone’s needs.

Trip lengths of Similan liveaboard vacation typically range from three to 6 or

more days. Most vessels depart the dock in the afternoon or evening, as the distances involved usually require overnight travel. When you awake in the morning, you’re on that breathtaking location and diving commences. While there are 50+ named dive sites in the Similan Islands – a trip of 3-5 days will usually visit the main sites.

Most liveaboard boats are designed to serve all of your diving needs, as well to provide you a high level of comfort while on board. Similan Diving Liveaboard vacations cater to their customers by providing excellent meals and snacks (who doesn’t love Thai food!); clean and comfortable sleeping quarters; plenty of hot water showers; many boats have photo/video stations for equipment and editing; tanks with air or Nitrox and weights for every dive; and plenty of professional crew members to guarantee your comfort. Live aboard diving trips are about diving and there is no shortage of that. Typically, depending on where you’re diving, you can get up to 5 dives a day if you’re up to it. The average is 3-4 dives per day. For safety reasons, it’s best to make 4 your maximum number of dives.

Liveaboard dive trips are about relaxing as well. Many vessels have lounging decks to work on your suntan, read, or simply catch up on your sleep if you are escaping a stressful job. Whether you want to make only two dives per day, eat heartily, and relax, or make six or more dives a day and pass out in your cabin from exhaustion and get up the next day and do it again, Liveaboard trips can accommodate. A few boats make an effort to visit the beaches and visit the local fauna.

Similan Liveaboard captains and crew are intimately knowledgeable, professional and educated in safety, diving and the area, so each diving opportunity is guaranteed to be spectacular and most of the time just about you and your fellow passengers. You don’t spend time sharing, searching and hunting for a dive spot or waste time trying to find out where you need to go for a good dive. The only thing you need to worry about is getting there as quick as you can, suiting up for the next dive and making sure your camera is ready to go.

No, Liveaboard vacations are nothing like cruise vessels, going into a different port every day or night for sightseeing. They are not meant for a casual visit. If you want to see the Similan (and Surin) Islands – then these trips are for you! As mentioned, Similan Liveaboards are about diving and relaxing on the vessel. Every person on that vessel has the same interest as you! DIVING!. If you’re interested in visiting the islands or area where your Liveaboard is taking place, schedule time either before or after to take in the sights and enjoy the local culture. Best is after so you have enough time between your dives and your flight.

If you think Similan Liveaboards are only for the rich and luxurious – you can wrong! Some boats cater to a wealthy clientele and their prices reflect that. But the Similan Islands are home

About Similan Diving Safaris

Similan Diving Safaris is a PADI 5 Star IDC Divecenter located in the heart of Khao lak, Thailand. We offer a full range of PADI dive courses and PADI specialities in the Similan Islands.

Similan Diving Safaris have 11 years experience specializing in Liveaboard and Day trip diving safaris to the amazing Similan islands and beyond. Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and the world famous Richelieu Rock where you can experience some of the best scuba diving in the world.

We own, run & service our boats ourselves. The m/v Dolphin Queen for liveaboards & our speedboat m/v Dolphin Princess for day trips to the Similan Islands. All major European languages are spoken on our boats.

Day trip Diving

Diving Day Trips to the Similan Islands with our speed boat Dolphin Princess. This day trip diving is for guests who don’t have the time to do a liveaboard safari or for those of you who wish to enjoy the comfort of your hotel in the evenings in Khao Lak. We

have daily trips to the Similan Islands with our speedboat for diving and snorkeling. Accommodation is available on some of the Similan Islands for a spectacular 2 days & 1 night overstay diving package.

We arrive in the Similan Islands in 1hr-30 min and do 2 dives per day giving plenty of time for island & beach exploring. Lunch is served on one of the Similan Island beaches. For more info see our speed boat details.

Nitrox available on both Similan Diving Safaris Liveaboard and day

trips !

Liveaboard Diving Safari

Our diving safari, aboard our luxury live-aboard M/V Dolphin Queen, gives you the chance to cruise the 13 scenic, uninhabited tropical islands & dive all the main dive sites in the Similan & Surin Marine National Park islands, Koh Bon & Koh Tachai islands & the world famous Richelieu Rock. There are 11 day dives and 3 night dives and in-between dives, snorkeling or discovering the islands is great fun with our 40hp dingy. The food we serve on our Similan dive safari (Thai & Western) is famous with our guests and will have you coming back for more as they do!

PADI Courses

We offer a full range of PADI courses In our 5 star IDC dive center: Discover Scuba, Open water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Emergency First Response, Rescue Diver and Divemaster and even Instructor now available in our IDC !

For more information, specials, groups, etc. Please contact Similan Diving Safaris by email:

info@similan-diving-safaris.com and visit our website: wwww.similan-diving-safaris.com

Hope to hear from you soon !

 

Having just taken up diving I have come to realise just how convenient it is to own your scuba diving equipment. While most dive centres do have basic scuba diving equipment that you can rent, you are never assured of quality, the correct sizes or cleanliness.

 

It is true that scuba diving equipment is a considerable investment not only because of the cost but also because you need to make sure that the diving equipment is of the highest quality and standard.  Not everyone can aff

ord to buy all the scuba diving equipment at once, so here is a list of the basics that you might want to invest in.

 

Dry Suits:

To ensure that you stay protected from hypothermia and the elements while diving it is essential that you invest in a good dry suit. The suit should fit you well and be snug enough to keep you warm but should not be too tight. It is important that you find a dry suit that fits you correctly, because a suit that is too large can increase your chances of hypother

mia, whereas a suit that is too tight will be restrictive and painful to wear.

 

Regulators:

One very important piece of scuba diving equipment is the regulator set. The regulator set consists of the first stage, second stage (both primary and alternate), hoses and sometimes the dive consoles. You can choose to buy these separately or as a set. If you are unable to invest in the whole set at one time then it might be better to purchase the primary second stage first. Having your own prima

ry second stage regulator is beneficial since you know do not have to worry about hygiene or quality. When renting you are never really certain about how hygienic the regulators are since many other people have used them.

 

Dive Computers:

Another important piece of scuba diving equipment is the dive computer. Whether you invest in a basic dive computer or one that is state of the art, having your own dive computer is essential. Dive computers are handy at telling you the depth at which you are at, calculating ascent time, dive time, and many more functions. To be an independent diver it is essential that you have a dive computer.

 

These are just three essential pieces of scuba diving equipment that you can invest in first to ensure that you have comfortable and safe dives. Whether you start with just purchasing one item or all the scuba diving equipment at once it is well worth having your own.

Scuba diving equipment – what is a regulator?

One of the key pieces of dive equipment for a scuba diver is a regulator but, just what is a regulator?

It all begins with the air in the tank and that you will be breathing underwater. To allow you to have sufficient air to stay down for an hour or more (precise depth times depend on depth and your personal air consumption) the air in the tank is pressurised to squeeze lots in.  The working pressure in steel tanks is @2400psi and alum

inium tanks @3000psi.

The first function of a regulator is to reduce this pressure down to the ambient pressure that you are underwater plus a predetermined amount so that you can breathe. This is done via a chunky, often chromed brass and termed a ‘first stage’. This is also the piece of equipment that you attach your other air related equipment to e.g. BCD air inflator and gauges.

The piece of equipment that you put into your mouth is referred to as the ‘second stage’ and this comple

tes the process of reducing the pressure to the ambient pressure. As long as you keep the regulator in your mouth and inhale it feeds you air.  The second stage works via what is termed as a ‘demand regulator’ and simply by inhaling a lever moves inside the mouthpiece and allows air down the hose from the first stage attached to the tank and into your mouth. Stopping breathing (never to be done under water) or exhaling causes the lever to close and stop the feed of air.

When you exhale the

lever closes, air is prevented from entering the mouthpiece and the exhaled air is vented out of either the side of the regulator.

Modern scuba diving recommends and most training agencies e.g. PADI insist that for safety reasons you also attach a second regulator to your tank so that a dive buddy can breathe from your tank should they run out of air or their equipment malfunction. The arrangements can be different for technical or commercial diving.

Since this equipment enables the diver to breathe safely underwater it is often the first piece of equipment that divers will be recommended to buy as your life quite literally depends on the safe working of this piece of equipment. Your dive centre will be able to recommend good quality manufacturers and set up the equipment for you.