Peter Hansson asked:


If you are planning to venture into the world of scuba diving, one thing you should definitely not do is be unprepared. Contrary to popular belief, scuba diving is not just about diving deep underwater in order to see the wonders of the sea. Scuba diving is something that requires much knowledge before it is put into action. Therefore, it would be best if you endow yourself with the proper tips and guidelines in diving before venturing into the deep. As with the proper tips and guidelines in scuba diving, you should equip yourself with the basic knowledge of scuba equipment. Scuba equipment is very important in scuba diving, inasmuch as breathing is vital to your existence - a diver cannot survive without it.

Scuba Equipment for Breathing

Otherwise known as the Rebreather, the Aqualung is the most important item you must have in your scuba equipment. Without it, breathing underwater is not even possible. If there’s one thing you should know, that’s the danger of scuba diving. Without equipping yourself with the proper breathing machine for underwater, you are in great danger. Therefore, you must not take risks. Be sure that you have this most important scuba diving item in your scuba equipment. After all, scuba diving is not scuba diving without an aqualung.

Scuba Equipment for Alternative Breathing

Though right now the Aqualung is the most widely used scuba equipment in breathing, there are other scuba tools you can use for underwater breathing. The most recent innovation is the liquid breathing system. Although not completely developed yet, the liquid breathing system can prove to be an innovative integration to the experience that is scuba diving. With liquid breathing system, divers can dive to totally deeper pits of the water, hence, allowing a more unique and fun diving experience. If you are not planning to dive too deep under the sea, then you can go for the simple but effective snorkel which allows you to breathe in oxygen from above the surface of the water.

Scuba Equipment for Water Movement

Scuba diving is not scuba diving if you are constantly restraining yourself while moving underwater. If you really want a scuba diving experience that is exhilarating and fulfilling, then you ought to have the appropriate scuba equipment for underwater movement. First in the list is the scuba diving dress. Make sure that your scuba diving dress does not let water seep in and, at the same time, does not restrain your bodily movement. Make sure that, in picking your scuba diving dress, you never compromise quality with the price. If you do, you are henceforth putting your own safety and enjoyment in the line. Fins are also a simple but most important factor in your scuba equipment. This allows you to project your movements underwater. If your scuba fins are too small or too large, it will definitely show when you are already diving underwater. It can either exaggerate or hold back your feet while you are swimming. These are both instances you will want to avoid, so you better pick the best scuba fins.

Scuba Equipment for Water Navigation

What could be worse than knowing that you are lost underwater? This can be a painful situation for you, which is exactly why you better include the important tools in water navigation in your scuba equipment. Such includes the underwater compass. Definitely, it is harder to have a sense of direction underwater than in land, so you better be sure that you have an underwater compass in your scuba equipment, lest you be lost underwater. Also a must in your scuba equipment is a depth gauge, which will tell you exactly how deep from the surface level you are.

Michelle Bery asked:


In today’s world, where ordinary citizens and adrenalin-junkies alike are equally capable of chasing adventure, we turn to lessons to make sure we have the appropriate skills. We have lessons for golf, tennis, dance, and any other activity or hobby that can summoned to mind. But for those activities that come with risk, lessons become even more important. Subsequently, those who are interested in scuba diving should always begin with comprehensive scuba diving lessons.

If you are in good health, you can scuba dive. And with proper scuba diving lessons you can do so safely to ensure you get the most enjoyment out of your experience as possible. Finding scuba diving lessons is relatively easy, as scuba diving continues to rise in popularity. Luckily, the availability of lessons does not in any way depend on your proximity to the ocean. Scuba diving lessons are taught in indoor pools which gives the instructor maximum control and eliminates the variables that can easily arise in open water. For students, scuba diving lessons should be confidence building and the best way to achieve this confidence is by mastering your technique in a confined and controlled environment.

In most cases, however, scuba diving lessons actually begin with comprehensive classroom instruction where students are given the basics of the scuba diving technique. Only when the instructor is comfortable that all students completely understand scuba techniques - and the reasons behind them - will you enter the pool. In some cases, equipment can also be rented for scuba diving lessons - an enormous benefit for those who are delaying the purchase of pricey equipment until they receive scuba certification.

Pool instruction during scuba diving lessons offer students the opportunity to put those classroom lessons into use, practicing techniques over and over until they are comfortable. It is essential that these systems are mastered; scuba diving can be dangerous if not done properly and with full respect of the equipment and the water.

There are scuba diving lessons that are offered for children and adults separately. Be sure to research any instructors or instruction facilities to ensure that they are reputable and experienced in training.

Upon successful completion of your scuba diving lessons you will be certified for scuba diving; and you will be well on your way to enjoying a lifetime of adventure and exploration.

Daniel Eyre asked:


With its long, sandy beaches, warm waters and memorable towns, it’s not wonder that holidays in the Algarve prove more popular each year. It’s tempting for Brits on a cheap holiday to the Algarve to spend all their time relaxing on the beaches, enjoying the sunshine, but those that do are missing out, because the sports and activities of the Algarve are unforgettably fun.

So, what kind of activities and sports does an Algarve holiday offer? Well, here’s a list of our customer’s favourites. I’m sure their recommendations will bring out the active sportiness in everyone, despite the weather remaining perfectly suited to lounging…

Paragliding

With just you, your apparatus and miles of open sky, there can be few places in the world as perfect for paragliding as the Algarve. The sport is available throughout the region with lessons and equipment hire and, though a little daunting for beginners, few can deny that the Algarve’s stunning cliffs and beach landscapes could not look better from any other angle.

Surfing

Every part of Algarve holidays combine to make it one of the premier surfing spots of Europe, both for beginners and seasoned veterans: with pristine beaches, clean water and a handful of big wave spots, you really can pick an area to match your level. Finding lessons is no problem at all, and if you want to avoid the summer rush for your Algarve sports holiday, then you’ll be delighted to hear that the winter weather is a warm 16 degrees Celsius with hardly any wind. Learner or veteran, you’d be hard pushed to find a better spot within a few hours of England’s airports!

Skydiving

This is another one that’s not for the faint of heart, but those that do take on the sport in the Algarve will not be disappointed. The region’s clear blue skies combine with the stunning beaches, countryside and waters to burn an incredible image of the beauty of the region into your memory, which will last for years after you’re back on solid ground.

Kayaking

Sea kayaking certainly isn’t for everyone, but it’s the only Algarve activity that really allows you to explore the region’s stunning caves and inlets, provoking many unique experiences for you to recount on return to Blighty. The best way to see the secluded sights of the cliff face is with an experienced kayaking guide, but finding one happy to show you around is rarely a problem!

Microlighting

Anyone who found the other Algarve sports in this list a little too much for them should look away now! For those that aren’t aware, microlighting is like hang gliding… only with a small engine attached! Those who are intrigued by the sound of the sport should look no further than the Algarve for the activity. The clear skies make for majestic views of the Portuguese coast, with its stunning blue oceans, rocky shores and gorgeous countryside: the perfect backdrop for your adventure.

Mountain Biking

Less unusual and extreme than the other Algarve activities in this list, mountain bike holidays in the region are invigorating and enjoyable nevertheless. The beauty of a mountain biking Algarve holiday is the variety it provides, and the lack of instruction. If you feel confident enough, there’s nothing to stop you freewheeling down the side of a mountain with the wind in your hair, but alternatively a relaxed ride through the hillside trails and along the coastline is the perfect way to take in the stunning scenery with less blurry vision!

Rock Climbing

You can’t beat the isolated feel of rock climbing in the Algarve. The activity is the perfect way to take in parts of the region off the beaten track, from deserted craggy beaches to secluded sea cliffs, and if you have the mental and physical stamina to rock climb, then there’s few spots as idyllic. Unlike rock climbing on training walls, those with the energy to make it all the way to the top are rewarded with a view that is nothing short of breathtaking!

Scuba Diving

With some of the cleanest waters in Europe, some interesting marine life, fascinating shipwrecks and atmospheric caves, an Algarve holiday is the perfect place to start a lifelong obsession with the magic of scuba diving. This isn’t to say that Portugal is just for those new to the sport, and there’s certainly enough here for experienced divers to take in and enjoy, but the selection of local instructors and warm clear waters make this the perfect place to make a start… if you can draw yourself away from the beach.

All these options present a great introduction to activities in the Algarve, but for some you just won’t be able to beat the peace and tranquillity of lying on those beautiful beaches: there’s a reason they’re so closely associated with cheap holidays in the Algarve!

Daniel Eggertsen asked:


Crappie fishing is one of the most popular types of fishing in America. Crappie are found in literally all of the continental states and they can be found in most any type of weather and environment. They are typically pretty easy to catch which is another thing that makes them so popular. They can be found in small ponds, large lakes, rivers and impoundments of rivers. The good thing about crappie is that they are also found in northern areas and in colder climates. In fact, you can even fish for crappie in the ice and snow.

If you’re looking for a new and interesting way to fish for crappie, it’s time to consider ice fishing. But if you do, you need to know that there will be some different techniques and tactics to use than fishing in warmer weather for crappie. You need to set out prepared, especially if you have never been ice fishing before. Before you set out on the frozen waters, here is some ice fishing for crappie tips to help you along the journey.

Where to Fish

Now that you’ve decided you want to ice fish for crappie, you probably have a lot of questions on how to do this properly. One question you may have when ice fishing for crappie is where to fish. If you are already familiar with the body of water you are fishing in, this will be a considerable help when ice fishing for crappie. If not, then you will have more of a challenge to find the right spot and the right depths but it can still be done.

You may also find it very helpful to invest in an underwater camera. (There are even models that are shaped like crappie and won’t spook the fish). This allows you to become more familiar with the waters in the area and underneath the ice where you cannot otherwise see.

When ice fishing for crappie, you will usually need to go deeper in the water to find schools than you would at other times in the year. The oxygen levels are often depleted closer to the surface so schools must swim closer to the mid-to-low depths of the body of water. How deep you go will depend on the overall depth of the body of water you are fishing in.

How to Fish

When ice fishing for crappie, it’s important to remember to keep your bait above the fish schools. How high above them you go will really depend on the visibility of the waters you are fishing in but you need to be sure you have ample room to bring the fish to the surface. Fish from your hole in the ice, trying varying depths until you find one that seems to have good biting.

Remember that it is important to keep your bait moving. You don’t want to move too quickly for less active fish or you will be unable to get a bite so judge your quickness based on the activity levels of the fish at the time you are fishing. But holding the bait too still will not get any interest at all.

Dane Stanton asked:


By definition, Scuba Diving is the use of self contained, underwater breathing apparatus and as such was named by the uses of this equipment. When an individual going underwater for long periods of time it is essential that you have equipment to breath.

Sometimes diving takes place very deep under the sea and it wouldn’t be practical or even feasible to come up for air every half minute when you’ve run out of oxygen in your lungs. The diver wears all this equipment on his back and swims underwater with fins on the feet for easier mobility in the water much like a fish has fins.

The History of Diving

Scuba diving has been around for a long time already and was mainly designed and created to have purpose in the world wars or to be utilized in battle. The soldiers in those times used something similar to scuba diving equipment however it was called a frogman. A doctor developed this in the era of WWII by the name of Christian Lambertsen and although scuba diving is used for many reasons today, it is becoming even more popular with the advancements that it is making in the recent decades.

Risks Associated with Scuba Diving

There are many risks associated with scuba diving that may seem that they are not risks however changes in air pressure is probably the most dangerous risk facing scuba diving with the exception of getting eaten by a shark. Changes in pressure in the water can cause such extreme pressure that it can rupture an eardrum or do damage that is even less desirable.

Every part of your body is required to be equalized by the pressure surrounding you depending on the depth of water you are in and if you are changing water depths. Another common known scuba diving problem is called oxygen toxicity, which is especially dangerous, and life threatening in that it can cause seizures and has often resulted in the diver drowning.

However like any other accident, this is a completely preventable issue by following diving instructions properly and safely. Nitrogen narcosis can affect a diver when he gets to sixty-six feet and generally dissipates immediately as the diver sinks lower than this depth. There are many dangers that face a diver and it is wise to get professional guidance.

Mike Walker asked:


There are a number of important facts about scuba diving that you need to know. The first one is that you need to have a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. These high pressure tanks that are strapped to the back of the diver, provide air to the diver that is regulated through a breathing device. This lets the diver go very deep in the water without worrying about coming up for oxygen.

Next of the facts about scuba diving is that you need specific diving apparel to protect your body and allow you to swim easily. Such apparel includes wetsuits, gloves, hoods, computer watch, etc. The next fact about scuba diving is that nearly anyone can be certified for scuba diving. More than one million people get certified for scuba diving each year. As long as you can put on a heavy tank filled with compressed and dive down deep, you can become certified. The thing that scares most people away from scuba diving is that breathing through the rubber tube connected to the air tank is the only way to stay alive that deep in the water. People have a fear that something will go wrong, but it is rare that something does.

The next of the facts about scuba diving is that the diver must make a decision on what type of underwater adventure would be preferred. You could dive in warm or cold water, or explore locations of shipwrecks. If you are on a cruise or in other specific instances, you may not have to get certified before going scuba diving. In cruises to the Caribbean, Acapulco, and the Florida Keys, you can get a one day crash course on scuba diving before you go exploring.

If you want to become a serious diver, you will need to know the mental and physical facts about scuba diving before pursuing the sport. Physically, you will need to look at your swimming, breathing, and equalizing abilities. You need to be able to swim well, not only for exploring, but also in case of an emergency where you need to be rescued.

Breathing-wise, you need to be able to breath solely through your mouth. This is one of the most important facts about scuba diving, because otherwise you won’t be able to stay under water. When it comes to equalizing, you need to know how to “pop” your ears. When you go deep in the water, there is a lot of pressure that builds up in the ears, and so you must “pop” your ears in order to equalize the pressure. To do this correctly, you will need to consult your scuba instructor or a doctor.

The last of the facts about scuba diving is knowing whether you have any physical conditions that might limit your ability to scuba dive. Such conditions include being overweight, fatigued, having diabetes, heart conditions, or any other ailments, and prone to drowning. It is always a good idea to get a physical done by a doctor before scuba diving.
For information on purchasing scuba diving apparel and equipment or finding scuba diving lessons, start searching online. You are sure to find everything you need.

Michelle Bery asked:


Just as a golfer has his clubs, and a skier dons his skis, scuba divers have their own set of scuba diving gear that is required to enjoy their sport. Scuba diving gear comes in many varieties and the choices between them depend on your level of skill, logistical needs, and frequency of use. But the universal truth is that scuba diving gear is designed to ensure the safest of dives for everyone - and everything - involved.

First and foremost, the wetsuit is one of the prime pieces of scuba diving gear. Made from synthetic rubber, and lined with nylon fabric, the wetsuit offers a protective barrier between the scuba diver and the varying temperatures that can be found in the water. The primary role of the wetsuit is to keep moisture away from the skin and maintain the body’s temperature, thus protecting it from hypothermia in colder temperatures. It is most important that any wetsuit you use fits snug to your body at all times.

Obviously, the ability to breathe underwater is what makes scuba diving possible. Therefore, the most essential part of scuba diving gear, is the oxygen tank. Strapped to the diver’s back, the oxygen tank provides different amounts of oxygen depending on their size. Based upon the length of the dive you choose to make, you will carry an equivalent sized tank; most come equipped with gear that allows you to measure the amount of oxygen you have left so you can safely resurface when appropriate.

The oxygen is pumped directly into your face and eye mask - another essential piece of scuba diving gear. It is important that your mask fits snuggly over your face to ensure proper oxygen circulation and the ability to see without restriction. In addition, most divers will also don flippers as part of their scuba diving gear.

Diving safely and responsibility is the only way to scuba; so be sure to use appropriate scuba diving gear when heading underwater.

Elizabeth Miller asked:


At the southern-most tip of the USA is beautiful San Diego, California — my home town and a playground for every water sport from skiing, sailing and surfing to fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving.
As a scuba diver you’ll find an exciting variety of marine life in Wreck Alley, in various kelp forests and in La Jolla’s massive underwater park.
The park combines La Jolla Submarine Canyon and Scripps Canyon, an underwater treasure of marine life including some of the more bizarre creatures among us.
The valley of this huge canyon system is about 1600 feet down. Its steep walls rise into two branches just made for convenient scuba diving access from the beach at either the La Jolla Cove or La Jolla Shores.
At the La Jolla Shores side you can start at the foot of Valicitos Street and swim to the buoys that mark the canyon’s upper reaches. Better be pretty skilled at swimming in surf. Otherwise, take a scuba diving charter boat out of Mission Bay.
By the time you’ve descended to about 30 feet you’ll be at the Scripps Canyon rim and its precipitous, narrow walls that plunge ever deeper toward the abyss. Be very careful here because the dropoff is nearly vertical at some points, often involving overhanging walls.
Visibility is good but variable due to upwellings and occasional strong currents. Winter water temperature is in the 50s; summer water gets up to the high 60s and sometimes low 70s.
Scuba divers and scientists alike have made the La Jolla and Scripps Canyons one of the most-studied undersea environments in the world. You can see the prestigious Scripps Institution of Oceanography and pier from any point along the La Jolla coastline. La Jolla Canyon’s fan valley was the site of the world’s first deep oceanic drillings, where core samples were retrieved from thousands of feet below the sea floor in 1961.
15 minutes south of La Jolla is Wreck Alley, about a mile off Mission Beach. Here you can explore artificial reefs created by eight sunken ships and a couple of unlikely structures that got there by both accident and intent.
The latest addition is the 366-foot Canadian destroyer Yukon, which was intentionally sunk here in about 100 feet of water during the year 2000. The Yukon still has years to go before it can compete with its older companions as a showpiece of densely populated cover.
The Ruby E, a 170-foot Coast Guard cutter resting in about 70 feet of water, was covered bow to stern with brilliantly colored Corynactis Californica anemones only a few years ago. But being one of the most beautiful sights for scuba divers’ eyes brought so much scuba diving traffic that some of the life has disappeared. Yet you can still drift through the wheelhouse and be absolutely dazzled by thick growths in a stunning array of colors. Be sure to bring a light.
Then there’s the kelp cutter Del Rey and several smaller wrecks, all with much more growth than the others because of lighter scuba diving traffic.
Now if you want to feel like you’re on an underwater highway, be sure to visit the Ingraham Street Bridge at about 60 feet down. It was demolished and dumped here in the ’50s or ’60s to make way for a new bridge in Mission Bay Aquatic Park. Now with some 50 years of cover it has become more like a natural reef with abundant growths of kelp, fans and algae, great colonies of filter feeders and all the marine life that comes to nibble.
Finally, there’s NOSC Tower, thanks to a 20-foot wave that dealt a fatal blow in the dark of one 1988 winter night. For three decades the NOSC Tower had served as a research platform off Mission Beach for the Naval Electronics Lab and the Naval Ocean Systems Center. Now it’s a twisted mass of steel covered with anemones, mussels and star for fabulous scuba diving in a world of stunning color. Bring a light for the show and a sharp knife for the fishing line and rope that you’re likely to find.
Bring your camera too, of course, for a great photography dive. Visibility averages 15-25 feet and by the way, hunting is not wanted here.
You can reach this great scuba location on such Mission Bay charter boats as Blue Escape (619-223-3483), Dive Connection (619-523-9282) and DiveQuest (800-303-3483).

Scubaworld asked:


Located on the western coast of the Thailand Peninsula, with its shores on the warm waters of the Andaman Sea lies the beautiful island of Phuket. The largest island off the coast of Thailand, the island of Phuket covers an area of just over 300 square miles, and is connected to mainland Thailand via a bridge at the north of the island.

For the past 25 years, the island of Phuket has catered for a large number of tourists from all over the world, a large percentage of whom are scuba divers looking to dive on some Asia’s finest dive sites. Today, scuba diving in Phuket is big business, and the island has a large number of excellent dive centres offering a number of diving services ranging from leisure dives through to the most advanced courses.

The Racha Islands, located off the Southern tip of Thailand are one of Phuket’s best dive sites, and the two islands offer excellent diving in crystal clear waters as well as the opportunity for big animal encounters. In particular, the smaller island, Racha Noi, offers some breathtaking underwater scenery, and is renowned for both whale shark and manta ray encounters.

The dive sites off Ao Phang-Nga, including the famous Shark Point and King Cruiser Wrecks, are widely acknowledged as being the best dive sites in the Phuket region. The waters around in and around Ao Phang-Nga are notable for the profusion of marine life, offering divers access to a range of marine life and coral which is unrivalled elsewhere in Phuket.

Phuket is also home to one of the worlds most developed liveaboard industries, with a large number of liveaboards offering diving in destinations such as the Similan Islands, the Mergui Archipelago and the Burma Banks. For scuba divers wishing to dive these more remote destinations, a Phuket liveaboard is the only realistic option for access. As such, the liveaboard industry in Phuket is a thriving and competitive business, with an increasing number of liveaboards operating from Phuket.

Further east lie the islands of Ko Phi Phi Don, and Ko Phi Phi Lae, a region characterised by the stunning topography of the amazing limestone cliffs. These islands are fringed with a number of hard coral gardens, as well as some excellent examples of soft corals, orange sea fans, sea whips and black coral.

Phuket is well deserving of its title as the ‘Pearl of the Andaman,’ and undoubtedly the region boasts some of Thailand’s best dive sites. As environmental issues such as marine conservation slowly work their way up Thailand’s political agenda, the future for scuba diving in Phuket looks a healthy one.

Robert asked:


How To Choose Diving Regulators

The terminology is vast, the combinations are endless - here I will go through the basics, then give some examples of the different combinations from Scubapro.

Balanced/Unbalanced/Overbalanced Diving Regulators

These diving terms can be confusing until you know what they mean - unbalanced diving regulators perform worse as the scuba diving tank empties, and should be avoided in all but the most basic diving.

A balanced diving regulator will deliver the same amount of air at all pressures and depths - balanced diving regulators are usually mid-range and are most common.

An overbalanced diving regulator is one which makes breathing easier as you go deeper - these are usually towards the top of the range.

Yoke/A-Clamp vs DIN

These are the two different types of fitting for attaching your scuba diving regulator to your tank. Your decision will probably be based on where you are diving - in the UK the A-Clamp fitting is most popular, whereas abroad the DIN fitting is more prevalant.

Technically speaking, the DIN fitting is better as you will need this if you want to use a 300bar tank - A-Clamp is only good for 232bar, although this is by far the most common.

If you buy an A-Clamp you can buy a DIN kit (around £25-35) to convert it though, and there are also A-Clamp adapters for DIN regs for a similar price.

Coldwater safe diving regulators

When diving in the UK, especially at inland dive sites you need a regulator that can still perform. The problem is that when the air goes from high pressure in your dive tank to low pressure you need to breathe, it cools a lot - sometimes leading to freeflow when in very cold water.

There are two main ways the diving regulator companies have come up with - one is to seal the first stage completely, which some manufacturers do (Apeks for example) while others have more sophisticated systems - Scubapro’s TIS (Thermal Insulating System) for example is particularly good. If you are diving in cold waters (around 5 degree celcius or lower) then you really need to choose a good cold water regulator.

Piston vs Diaphragm Diving Regulators

A piston based regulator is very simple, and provide better performance at depth. Piston diving regulators cannot be overbalanced. Diaphragm diving regulators are more complex, but are less likely to have mechanical problems as the internal parts aren’t exposed to the water, which can be the case with piston based regulators.

When buying a new diving regulator, don’t worry about it - both provide perfectly fine performance for almost all recreational scuba diving.

Nitrox Ready Regulators

Most scuba diving regulators are suitable for up to 40% nitrox without any modification. If you require a higher o2 content then you need to go for a nitrox diving regulator - these are usually green to distinguish them and have been properly cleaned. One other consideration is that you can’t use Nitrox with titanium diving regulators.

Real World Examples - Scubapro First Stages

Scubapro MK25 - A great first stage, this is a piston based, overbalanced scuba diving regulator with Scubapro’s patented TIS system making it suitable for cold water.

Scubapro MK11 - A good mid-range reg, this one is an overbalanced diaphragm model, also with the TIS for cold water diving.

Scubapro MK2 - A very simple first stage, it is piston based and very compact. It comes with the TIS for cold water diving, but is unbalanced so only really suitable for first time or very occasional divers as a primary regulator. This is a very popular first stage for pony bottles because it is cheap, and you don’t need a balanced reg for a pony bottle.

Real World Examples - Scubapro Second Stages

Scubapro X650 - Top of the range, this Scubapro second stage gives you a dive/pre-dive switch, a VIVA control system to set air flow levels, some small tweaks to make it easier to breathe - and it looks really impressive! This is generally coupled with the MK25 first stage.

Scubapro R395 - This is the workhorse of the Scubapro range, it is great paired with any first stage, and is very (very) reliable and a popular choice for scuba diving school kits. It comes with a dive/pre-dive switch to stop free flow when you hit the water - however cold it may be!