Search results

I noticed that the both charter airlines and scheduled carriers that go between major hubs and known diving areas are generally good (good with weight allowances and staff who are flexible about things such as carry-on bags). So the airlines that do the London - Red Sea route have been a...

Hi Howard, Will send you a PM. Also, if you haven't done so already, you might want to look at the "Going Pro"section Going Pro - ScubaBoard

Are the fins so tight that it is causing you pain or discomfort during your dives? If that is the case then, the fins are too small (you have to get bigger fins or smaller-fitting boots). If the fins are comfortable and provide good finning action, then the setup is probably fine. You don't...

Andrew, I forgot to mention, a water-resistant sport watch is not always suitable (or durable enough) for diving. For diving, a watch should be 200 metres water resistant and it should be a DIVE WATCH - not a watch for watersports, active lifestyle watch, etc.

I've had a couple of Momentum watches (my current one just had a battery change after three years) - available in many dive stores and they're your basic dive watches. I've found them very durable and good value for money. Here is a men's black rubber strap version. I believe for a bit more...

You can try a dab of baking soda and water or use Softscrub. It's just abrasive enough to get rid of the buildup without damaging the lens.

The first place/region I thought of is Southeast Asia. I know it's a bit long for you but there are many flights and trips available from London to the hubs in the region. I believe you can fly from some of the Indian cities direct to Bangkok so Thailand is one possibility. It's probably the...

Hi Mike, For low(er) cost dive locations from the UK, I can think of a few places. The Red Sea is a good one as there are many charter flights and cheap trips. Have a good look for Sharm, Dahab or Hurghada and see what's available. Alternatively, there are many specialist travel operators...

In my experience, shops and resorts recommend a refresher course if a person hasn't dived in over six months. Alternatively, they may require or strongly recommend that a long-time absentee does a checkout dive with a DM or Instructor prior to a course or dive trip.

Amazon.com: McNett Aqua MiraZyme Odor Eliminator for Scuba & Sporting Gear, Mildew, Pets… I used a similar product to this for boots that smelled undescribable and it did an impressive job. And according to the product description, it's "water and carbon dioxide-safe for the environment".

IN my pockets for all dives: SMB Torch/light Whistle Spare mask Knife Sometimes: Slate and pencil/Aquapack Wondering what I'll do if I switch to BP/wings...

8mm at 21 C sounds a bit much. I have a tendency to get cold very fast so 21C is full suit and hood temperature. Where it was OK to wear gloves (not forbidden or discouraged for environmental reasons as in a lot of marine parks), I've gone with 3mm tropical ones. You lose a lot of...

I think tajkd touched on something important. Even if a place is known as a "tourist trap", there may be options that fall outside the popular choices. I was warned about Fiji by a lot of people (because of the cruise ship traffic) prior to my trip but by doing a bit of research and not...

That' really brilliant! I hope more divers - not just brand new newbies but those who've done a bit of diving already - read your post and not just overlook the importance practice. I can't stress the importance of doing skills in a pool or similar safe environment. When I was new, the...

If you have a tendency to get cold but you don't want the inconvenience of having to lug around an entire wetsuit, a thin hood or beanie is a good idea. A lot of heat escapes from your head so it's the sensible thing. I got a beanie made of some type of latex material (the brand name escapes...

Fiji has great dives and in such variety. I spent a bit of time there several years back and enjoyed myself immensely. My highlight must be Beqa Lagoon and sharks. If you are diving out of the Nadi area, try to pick an outfit with fast boats (Crystal Divers was recommended to me but I...

I've always dived in metric - it seems to be the more common system in the various parts of the world I've dived in. The first time PSI-divers outnumber Bars was when I went to Cozumel last year. Signals I normally use Out of air - Cut across the throat 50 bar - pounding on the chest...

The thought of vomiting into your regulator may sound unpleasant and a bit daunting but it is something that can be done safely. Just remember to: Hold the reg in place in your mouth with your hand Clear the reg afterwards by pressing the purge button (this may not be necessary depending...

Hi Felipe, I always say there's nothing like experience and practice to improve your air consumption. It is quite normal for people in the beginning to be heavy air users and then improve rapidly once things click. Few things that make the difference: Confidence - yes, nervous...

Dive accident in S Australia - One death, two rescuers injured Diver dies, three others injured I imagine more details will come out in the days to come. The incident raises important questions about emergencies and protocols for rescue - an issue that always comes up in rescue classes.