Saturday, December 31, 2011
Beginning to Spear Fish While Diving
What do Scuba Divers do in the winter?!
A gentleman asked me the other day what I did in the wintertime. Here in Utah there are not many places you can dive because of the frozen lakes, So here comes the question: What do scuba divers do in the winter? For most people here in Utah there are always options. For one, you can dive in a pool.
Many this doesn't take care of their drive for diving. I might suggest to others that you take a road trip somewhere warmer. You will find there are many places in South America that you can dive for cheap, its just a matter of getting there. So skip the big presents during Christmas and save up for a warm February Dive! Or do what some people here in Utah do, Check out the hot springs. There are so many ways to get around the cold, just search and find what is best for you.
Many this doesn't take care of their drive for diving. I might suggest to others that you take a road trip somewhere warmer. You will find there are many places in South America that you can dive for cheap, its just a matter of getting there. So skip the big presents during Christmas and save up for a warm February Dive! Or do what some people here in Utah do, Check out the hot springs. There are so many ways to get around the cold, just search and find what is best for you.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Cleaning Your Gear
Any time that you dive there are a few things that you want to be able to clean afterwards. One of the main things you should always have is fresh water. You can Purchase a large 30/40 gallon bucket/tub from Home Depot or Target. Fill it with fresh water and use this to soak and rinse all of your gear in. If you want to just complete this in a tub you can, but you will find that its usually not the best smell or gunk to leave in your tub. Nothing shortens the life of your scuba equipment more than salt water, where the majority of scuba diving is done. Also don’t dry your scuba equipment in direct sunlight; the sun’s rays also shorten the life of scuba gear.
When cleaning regulators: The number one rule when washing your regulator is ensuring that your dust cap is securely in place. This ensures that no water enters the first stage regulator which has internal components that are sensitive to moisture. Before attaching the dust cap it is best to dry the inside of it and of the opening in the first stage regulator. The most common method is to blow it out with air from the dive tank, although this may sometimes be discouraged on boats due to the noise it makes. Once the regulator is rinsed you can hang it up to dry.
After completely rinsing off the outside of BCD the bladder must washed out. This is very important and probably the most overlooked step in the preventive maintenance of your scuba gear. First drain out any salt water trapped in bladder. Then put some fresh water in bladder and shake vigorously letting water run out of deflate valve. Repeat this process or 3 times. Be sure all water is out of bladder.
Masks & Fins: After rinsing and letting your mask and fins dry, store them in a cool dry place out of direct sun light. Excess heat can warp fins and distort the silicone around the mask and mask strap. Storing fins on their tips can also warp them. Avoid contact with oil, aerosol, chemical solvents, etc. as coming in contact with any of these materials can cause these items to begin to erode or degrade
When cleaning your wetsuits use a disinfectant detergent, available at most dive supply stores. Wash the suit, booties, and gloves by submerging them in water and dunking them up and down, turning them inside out as well to ensure that both inside and outside are completely clean.
Dive Lights & Cameras: Lights and cameras are extremely sensitive to water, sand and salt. Work all moving parts while soaking to loosen any salt and sand deposits. Allow the unit to dry completely after soaking and before opening any compartments. Once dry, loosen all connectors so they do not freeze in place. Then remove batteries, film or storage disks. Clean and lubricate all o?rings thoroughly before next use. Store the components in a protective case to prevent any seals from exposure to dust and dirt.
Make sure to rinse tanks, rescue sausages, whistles, dive propulsion vehicles, weights, catch bags, and anything else that may have been in the water at some point or another. Remove any batteries or other items that may corrode overtime from your gear. Tanks should be stored with at least 100 psi of air in them to keep out any moisture. You may also want to lubricate any zippers to make them easier to open and close the next time you need them.
Make this process a habit. Once you have made this routine a habit, you will see how quickly and easy preventive maintenance on scuba gear really is. Save yourself money and aggravation when on your next vacation trying to relax and enjoy.
When cleaning regulators: The number one rule when washing your regulator is ensuring that your dust cap is securely in place. This ensures that no water enters the first stage regulator which has internal components that are sensitive to moisture. Before attaching the dust cap it is best to dry the inside of it and of the opening in the first stage regulator. The most common method is to blow it out with air from the dive tank, although this may sometimes be discouraged on boats due to the noise it makes. Once the regulator is rinsed you can hang it up to dry.
After completely rinsing off the outside of BCD the bladder must washed out. This is very important and probably the most overlooked step in the preventive maintenance of your scuba gear. First drain out any salt water trapped in bladder. Then put some fresh water in bladder and shake vigorously letting water run out of deflate valve. Repeat this process or 3 times. Be sure all water is out of bladder.
Masks & Fins: After rinsing and letting your mask and fins dry, store them in a cool dry place out of direct sun light. Excess heat can warp fins and distort the silicone around the mask and mask strap. Storing fins on their tips can also warp them. Avoid contact with oil, aerosol, chemical solvents, etc. as coming in contact with any of these materials can cause these items to begin to erode or degrade
When cleaning your wetsuits use a disinfectant detergent, available at most dive supply stores. Wash the suit, booties, and gloves by submerging them in water and dunking them up and down, turning them inside out as well to ensure that both inside and outside are completely clean.
Dive Lights & Cameras: Lights and cameras are extremely sensitive to water, sand and salt. Work all moving parts while soaking to loosen any salt and sand deposits. Allow the unit to dry completely after soaking and before opening any compartments. Once dry, loosen all connectors so they do not freeze in place. Then remove batteries, film or storage disks. Clean and lubricate all o?rings thoroughly before next use. Store the components in a protective case to prevent any seals from exposure to dust and dirt.
Make sure to rinse tanks, rescue sausages, whistles, dive propulsion vehicles, weights, catch bags, and anything else that may have been in the water at some point or another. Remove any batteries or other items that may corrode overtime from your gear. Tanks should be stored with at least 100 psi of air in them to keep out any moisture. You may also want to lubricate any zippers to make them easier to open and close the next time you need them.
Make this process a habit. Once you have made this routine a habit, you will see how quickly and easy preventive maintenance on scuba gear really is. Save yourself money and aggravation when on your next vacation trying to relax and enjoy.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Top 5 Places To Dive
1- Hawaii
As we all know Hawaii has a year round warm weather. Most people prefer warm water diving. Also there is Hawaii’s geographical isolation and an abundance of endemic marine life some of them are just ideal for the test. Oahu offers an excellent blend of diving sites ranging from offshore lava formations and grottoes to plane and shipwrecks, many with large schools of colorful fish and green sea turtles. Most of Maui’s dive sites are located around the west coast and are just excellent diving spots for all levels of divers.
Kauai is known for its rugged and pristine diving. The best time to visit here will be summer as during the winter months large swells make the north shore generally inaccessible for diving but rather for a visit , but during summer months the north shore has some excellent locations. Ni’ihau – located 17-miles off the southwestern coast of Kauai, is the home for sea arches, monk seals, large pelagic fish and other rare species of fish. Ni’ihau has some amazing dive locations but is generally recommended for intermediate to advanced divers.
As we all know Hawaii has a year round warm weather. Most people prefer warm water diving. Also there is Hawaii’s geographical isolation and an abundance of endemic marine life some of them are just ideal for the test. Oahu offers an excellent blend of diving sites ranging from offshore lava formations and grottoes to plane and shipwrecks, many with large schools of colorful fish and green sea turtles. Most of Maui’s dive sites are located around the west coast and are just excellent diving spots for all levels of divers.
Kauai is known for its rugged and pristine diving. The best time to visit here will be summer as during the winter months large swells make the north shore generally inaccessible for diving but rather for a visit , but during summer months the north shore has some excellent locations. Ni’ihau – located 17-miles off the southwestern coast of Kauai, is the home for sea arches, monk seals, large pelagic fish and other rare species of fish. Ni’ihau has some amazing dive locations but is generally recommended for intermediate to advanced divers.
2- The Carribean
Diving in the Carribean, you will be able to see such rare creatures as sea horses, clown fish and sharks nesting on the reefs. Unique combinations of the majestic coral formations will also stun you with their beauty. The emphasize of the wonderland is not only made for the experienced divers, the Carribean offers plenty of opportunities to divers of all abilities.One of the best things about scuba diving in the Carribean is that the water here is very clear and warm, so swimming is not tiring at all, and you can clearly see the things that you want. With good visibility, you may see more animals beneath the waves than almost anywhere else in the world.
3-The Philippines
Philippines has more or less everything, and it’s all in warm waters. There are over 7,100 islands surrounded by clear seas and they have hundreds of coral species and even more species of fish. Not to mention that it is set in a tropical bliss with warm seas, sandy beaches, green palm trees, fantastic food and drink and friendly people. One of the number one chosen by those who have traveled the distance to dive there.
4- Bali
The best thing about scuba diving in Bali is the feature of rich and varied sites: deep drop-offs and steep banks, coral ridges and bommies, one of the most famous wrecks in the world, volcanic outcrops and seagrass beds. The colorful and diverse marine life are worth of your repeated visits as most of the time there’s not enough time to keep you come back. Another feature will be considered to be the strong currents which clean the water and create fantastic visibility.
5- Catalina Island- California
This is one of my favorites not only for the different marine life but the experience of being on a dive boat for a few days. The summer months see the most activity for Catalina Island diving, but the winter months can actually provide the clearest waters. During the summer, diving temperatures can get as high as 76 degrees during August and September. Because of these warm temps, the crowds tend to be larger. For many divers, this is preferred as many people feel more comfortable in numbers. For the divers that don't mind the colder temps, the winter months can see water temps as low as 52 degrees. The benefit of this colder water is that visibility is increased quite substantially. During summer, visibility is typically between 30 - 60 feet. Winter water visibility can be as good as 30 - 80 feet. With favorable water temps, Catalina Island diving has become a very attractive local location for divers up and down the California coast
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Flat Head Lake Montana
A customer of mine suggested I tell you about the amazing lake located in Montana Called Flat Head Lake. Its known for its size and the amount of activities located there.
Just a little about the lake:
The Flathead and Swan rivers supply clean, fresh water to Flathead Lake year-round. Created by Ice Age glaciers, almost thirty miles long and fifteen miles across at it's widest point, Flathead Lake is the largest natural lake in western U.S. The lake has a 160 mile shoreline and its waters cover nearly two-hundred square miles of Montana! Its large and chilly. The lake is populated by native Bull and Cutthroat trout, and huge Lake trout (Mackinaw), along with perch and whitefish.
This lake reaches depths of 369 feet. Flathead Lake is the land locked divers escape. Though the clarity of Flathead Lake is sometimes a bit suspect, this glacier carved lake has impressive underwater cliffs and rock formations. In addition to the natural wonders, there are plenty of ship wrecks to explore. For snorkeling, you should be checking out the southern tip of Cedar Island, where just off-shore you'll find great snorkeling and Yellow Bay for a bit of scuba diving.
If any of you have been there and would like to add pictures or stories feel free to comment! :)
Just a little about the lake:
The Flathead and Swan rivers supply clean, fresh water to Flathead Lake year-round. Created by Ice Age glaciers, almost thirty miles long and fifteen miles across at it's widest point, Flathead Lake is the largest natural lake in western U.S. The lake has a 160 mile shoreline and its waters cover nearly two-hundred square miles of Montana! Its large and chilly. The lake is populated by native Bull and Cutthroat trout, and huge Lake trout (Mackinaw), along with perch and whitefish.
This lake reaches depths of 369 feet. Flathead Lake is the land locked divers escape. Though the clarity of Flathead Lake is sometimes a bit suspect, this glacier carved lake has impressive underwater cliffs and rock formations. In addition to the natural wonders, there are plenty of ship wrecks to explore. For snorkeling, you should be checking out the southern tip of Cedar Island, where just off-shore you'll find great snorkeling and Yellow Bay for a bit of scuba diving.
If any of you have been there and would like to add pictures or stories feel free to comment! :)
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