Equipment | Dive Into It

Something for Everyone at Nike

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Nike is well-known for producing sportswear for both male and female athletes. This is due in large part to the multitude of styles, colors, fabrics and sportswear designs that are available. Athletes value comfort because it allows them to focus on the physical activity itself. The plethora of choices for men and women, boys and girls also makes this sports brand a popular one for athletic couples and large families.

Choices for Female Athletes

Athletic women can feel comfortable and protected in their sports attire while looking stylish at the same time. Just about everyone has owned a pair of shoes with the famous Nike logo. When buying shoes, women have options ranging from the practical Air Force Nike to the stylish Gladiator sandals. The shoes come in solid colors or a mixture of every color imaginable.

In addition to shoes, female choices in Nike clothing include everything from running Capris to women’s golf shorts to tennis skirts and more. A Nike Pro Women’s Bra is an excellent choice for the active woman. The Dri-FIT women’s tank tops help keep women comfortable and dry.

Men and Nike Sportswear

Men can enjoy Nike shoes for just about every sport imaginable. Basketball, golf, soccer and football are just a few of the shoe options available for men. The Nike K.O. Fleece training hoodie is a popular choice for men because of its lightweight fabric and thin seams. Options ranging from track pants, polo shirts, t-shirts and athletic jackets make this sports brand a popular one-stop shop.

Filed Under: Equipment

Using a Scuba Diving Mask

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One of the most important parts of a scuba diving gear is the diving mask. This essential part is what lets you breath oxygen instead of drowning in water. The mask creates a small environment in front of your face that creates the feeling of breathing is air instead of holding your breath under water. But like all types of gear, a scuba diving mask requires some amount of maintenance.

A scuba diving masks constantly get fogged up. There is nothing you can do under water to un-fog the screen and you will not be able to see what you came to see under water. Another problem faced with scuba diving masks is that these masks develop an oily surface film. The oily film makes it harder to see under water. To remove this oily film, you can use fluoride filled toothpaste that will remove the oily covering. The toothpaste needs to be thoroughly rubbed on the surface of the mask to clean away the film, followed by fresh water. As soon as you come out of the water (sea water specifically), you will have to clean the mask with fresh water to remove the sand and other minerals out of the mask which will ruin the mask. This salty residue will corrode the mask. Sunlight is never good for drying your wet mask, since it spoils the silicon. Hence dry the mask under shade and never keep it under the sun for long. Before storing it for the next vacation, nicely dry the mask. Even when the mask is stored, take it out occasionally to give it a rinse. Avoid scratches to the front of the mask by keeping it well stored.

Filed Under: Equipment, Scuba Diving Tagged With: Recreation, Retail, Scuba diving

Dive into the Arts in Cancun

Cancun, Mexico, famous for its beautiful weather and clear waters, now has a new attraction for divers, an underwater sculpture garden.

The Cancun Underwater Museum is situated with the National Marine Park. The sculptures are located from depths of 9 to 20 feet, making these works of art accessible to swimmers, snorkelers and scuba divers. The figures include life-sized people and objects, though being underwater, they appear 25% larger.

The 400-plus sculptures are the work of English artist Jason de Caires Taylor. A swim through this sculpture garden will allow you to explore his vision for art that evolves along with nature. The statues are made of materials that work harmoniously with the environment. The shifting of the sea floor surface is taken into account. Algae is not only expected but encouraged to grow on these statues. Other forms of marine life are welcome to swim among the statues and find habitat in their midst.

Although the sculpture garden is new, it’s already changing as marine life flourishes in this welcoming environment. It’s a museum that changes day by day, tide by tide. Eventually, it is hoped a natural reef will form around the statues.

Jason de Caires Taylor is no stranger to underwater sculpture and has works of art in other parts of the world. Moilinere Bay, Grenada, has 65 sculptures, including “Vicissitudes,” a circle of 26 figures holding hands. The river Stour in Canterbury, United Kingdom, has “Alluvia,” sculptures of two female figures anchored to the river bed, seemingly swimming toward the Westgate Bridge.

Works of art in Cancun include “The Silent Evolution”, clusters of statues standing in various poses, and “The Garden of Hope,” portraying a girl lying on a patio floor, surrounded by planters. Holes were drilled in these planters to encourage growth and her garden is now flourishing.

Filed Under: Certification, Equipment Tagged With: Cancún, Cancun Underwater Museum, Sculpture

Have Wetsuit, Will Dive… into the Cold Waters of Monterey Bay

If you’re planning a diving trip Monterey Bay, bring or rent a wetsuit because the water is mighty cold. The bay, situated on the coast of central California, has waters that rarely go above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and usually hover closer to 50 degrees.

Once you put on your wetsuit and dive in, you’ll be delighted by terrain that can include barrier reef, canyons and giant kelp forests. A wide variety of aquatic creatures live or migrate through these waters, including sea otters, sea lions, abalone, jellyfish, crabs and whales. Depending on the water, visibility can be from 10 to 30 feet.

Monterey, along with nearby Carmel, Big Sur and Pacific Grove, has a number of recommended diving spots, including Point Lobos, Lovers Point and Jade Cove. There are plenty of dive shops in the area for you to pick up equipment and information. First timers might want to consider going on a guided dive. Monterey Bay Dive Charters and Aquarius Dive Shop offer lessons, equipment rental, area recommendations and guided tours.

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, there’s plenty to see in Monterey. Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row are famous tourist attractions that offer shopping and dining. The area has a variety of hotels with a range of prices. The Lone Oak Lodge is a diver-friendly hotel with rinse facilities, drying hooks and air tank refill service. You can find more information about attractions, dining and hotels at See Monterey.

A major attraction for those who dive or just love the ocean would be the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Exhibits such the Monterey Bay Habitats will teach you more about wildlife and ecosystem of the waters you explore. The aquarium is also a place for research and conservation, including rehabilitation and release of injured animals. Tickets cost $29.95 for adults, $19.95 for children and $27.95 for students and seniors.

Filed Under: Equipment Tagged With: Monterey Bay, Monterey California

Basic Diving Equipment

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Diving is an underwater activity that is performed for any number of reasons: from recreation to professional occupation to sports and competition. Though each reason requires its own set of rules and practices, diving has a general set of equipment that most participants use.

To view an underwater environment, a mask is a useful piece of equipment to have when diving. There are two parts to a mask: a glass plate and a “cuff,” a rubber material that fits the contours of the face and keeps water from coming into the mask.
Fins, also known as flippers or swimfins, help divers navigate through water easily. Depending on the type of fin used, a diver can swim faster, gain better control his/her water surroundings, or conserve energy. Fins are made of various materials ranging from rubber to plastic to composite. Some fins can be worn over water booties, socks or shoes and fastened by straps or springs. Other fins are worn completely over the human foot.

A snorkel is a breathing apparatus that a diver uses when he or she is near the surface. This piece of equipment is essentially plastic tube and rubber mouthpiece. The tube extends upwards while the mouthpiece curves in, giving the equipment a hook-like shape. A proper snorkel should have a brightly colored upper end that pops out above the water; this helps identify a diver’s location to fellow snorkelers or passing boats. A snorkel’s tube diameter should be big enough to allow easy breathing, but narrow enough to help divers blow away water once s/he is submerged. Lastly, a snorkel should be able to attach to a mask.

SCUBA, or self-contained breathing apparatus, allows individuals to bring breathing equipment underwater without any assistance from the surface. Scuba comes in three main types: open-circuit, closed-circuit, and semi-closed-circuit mixed gas scuba.

Filed Under: Equipment, Scuba Diving Tagged With: Rebreather, Scuba diving, Scuba set, Water

Introduction to Underwater Photography

Underwater photography is the popular activity taking photographs while submerged in water. Underwater photography can be performed while scuba diving, snorkeling or swimming. Though the activity requires special equipment and techniques, the rewards of great underwater photography include unique images of marine plant and animal life, shipwrecks, networks or underwater caves, and other subjects.

Most underwater photographers find that the submerged environment has a loss of color and contrast at a significant measure of depth. Water quickly absorbs long wavelengths of sunlight, making most everything underwater appear blue or green in color. Additionally, loss of color is seen both vertically and horizontally through the water column (water from the surface to bottom sediments). Even in clear water, underwater environments may appear blurry and colorless regardless of how close a photographer is taking a picture of his/her subject(s).

Underwater photographers address this issue using a combination of two methods: 1.) by getting the camera as close as possible to the subject; and 2.) by using a flash setting during the shoot. The first method usually works best when a photographer is using a wide-angled lens or a macro lens. By getting as close to the subject (no further than 3 feet apart), the horizontal loss of color is decreased. The second underwater photography technique, fill-flash, amends vertical color loss in a water by offering full-spectrum visible light to photograph’s exposure.

Because underwater photography is usually performed while scuba diving, the individual participating in the activity should be well versed in both diving technique and photography skills. Proper scuba technique can be seen in underwater photography, as well-trained divers may know how to move through water easily and without upsetting marine plant life or animals. Trained scuba divers should be able to use all equipment correctly on the dive and adhere to any general rules of safety and precautions.

Filed Under: Equipment, Scuba Diving Tagged With: Photography, Scuba diving, Underwater photography

Underwater Photography Equipment

Taking pictures underwater is a fun and challenging activity that requires both skills in diving and in photography. In addition to paraphernalia needed for diving, underwater photography requires use of basic photography equipment. From camera types and underwater housings to lenses and flash devices, underwater photographers may experiment with different options to achieve any number of desired effects.

People use many kinds of cameras to photography underwater. Popular devices include analog cameras such as single lens reflex (SLRs) and digital cameras such “point and shoot” and compact devices with advanced exposure controls. Some photographers may also use a camera—waterproof (or weatherproof) digital camera—specifically designed to be used underwater. The advantage of using any type of digital camera underwater is that photographers may look at their shots instantly and retake photos as needed. Additionally, photographers may take a higher number of photos as opposed to its roll-film counterpart (which typcially hold about 24-36 frames).

For those that do not use waterproof or amphibious cameras, housing units are required to keep cameras safe from water damage. Housings range in material from plastic to aluminum cases and are designed with control knobs. These knobs allow the photographer to control settings that are on the camera inside the case.

The most popular lenses used by underwater photographers are wide-angled lenses and macro lenses. Both lenses allow for photographers to focus closely on the subject, eliminating excess water (and potential blurring) in front of the camera. To avoid refraction when using a wide-angled lens, photographers may use a dome-shaped or fish-eye port to reverse image distortion. For cameras that may not have sufficient wide lens abilities, underwater photographers may use housings that have built-in optics as well as the standard dome port. With the use of macro lenses, image distortion is usually not an issue; a simple flat glass port is used. Refraction actually increases the macro lens’s magnification, giving underwater photographers an advantage when taking pictures of small subjects.

Filed Under: Equipment, Scuba Diving Tagged With: Camera, Digital camera, Photography, Underwater photography

An Introduction to Snorkeling Equipment

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Snorkeling is a swimming activity that requires participants to wear a diving mask, a snorkel and flippers. The equipment used in snorkeling is essential to the activity since snorkelers are intended to view underwater surroundings without any major breathing efforts. Snorkeling is popular at tropical locations or scuba diving sites. It is a great recreational activity that doesn’t require complicated equipment or training.

Snorkelers use a diving mask similar to those worn by scuba divers. The mask is worn over the face, allowing airspace between the snorkeler’s eyes and the surrounding watermaking for relatively clear underwater vision. Diving masks consist of a face plate, a rubber or silicone skirt that fits the contours of the face (including the nose), and a head strap.

A snorkel is a tube and attached mouthpiece as the base; the whole apparatus is formed in a hook-like shape. The upper end of the tube should be bright in color as a safety precaution; this lets water traffic (vessels and people) know that a snorkeler is at a particular location. Traditionally, a snorkel attaches to the diving mask. Ideally, a snorkel should be wide enough for the snorkeler to receive air, but narrow enough to control the amount of water that the tube captures.

Flippers or swimfins are another common piece of equipment for snorkelers. Swimfins are worn to help swim through water environments freely and with ease. Depending on the type of flipper used, snorkelers may navigate through waters quickly, with better control of the surroundings, or by conserving energy.

Additionally, a snorkeler may choose to wear a wet suit or dive skin while enjoying his/her underwater adventure. A proper wet suit will help regulate the thermal temperature of a diver in cold environments. A dive skin may not protect a snorkeler from colder water areas, but it will prevent sunburn, abrasion or stings from jellyfish.

Filed Under: Equipment, Scuba Diving Tagged With: Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Water

Snorkeling Techniques and Safety Tips

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Snorkeling is a recreational activity that allows individuals to swim through water while viewing underwater activity using snorkeling equipment. Though it can be done in any body of water, snorkeling is most popular at tropical locations or sites that also welcome scuba diving. Specific places that snorkelers may enjoy include a reef or a wreck site. Specific things that snorkelers may enjoy viewing include submerged objects and marine plant and animal life. It is a leisure sport that is non-competitive and may be done alone (though it is encouraged to snorkel with a companion, guide or group).

Unlike various types of diving such as cave diving or altitude diving, snorkeling does not any special training. However, it is important that the snorkeler be confident in their ability to swim and in using the breathing apparatus. It is recommended that snorkelers receive some kind of basic training to cover equipment configuration, safety precautions, and conservation techniques. Depending on the snorkeling location, some snorkelers may be required to wear an inflatable vest. This not only helps with visibility across the open waters, but it will help a snorkeler with their buoyancy.

Safety issues with snorkeling may involve watercrafts sharing the water environment, sunburn, dehydration, hyperventilation and abrasions. Smaller watercrafts such as jet skis may speed past a snorkeler that submerged in water or surfacing. A snorkeler should wear vibrant and reflective clothing in addition to using a brightly colored snorkel tube. A snorkeler should consider wearing protective clothing such as a wetsuit or board shorts and at-shirt to prevent burns from excessive sun exposure. Booties or water shoes may also be useful when snorkelers are swimming on or near coral reef locations. Such water mass may be sharp and abrasive to the skin. Drinking water during snorkeling sessions is highly advisable (as with any other sport). Having a buddy around when snorkeling is helpful in the event of an emergency.

Filed Under: Equipment, Safety, Scuba Diving Tagged With: Cave diving, Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Water