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Nice pics, TSandM. I believe the fish that resembled a Sunfish (Mola Mola) was a Gray Triggerfish (found only in the Atlantic and Mediterranean). I had thought it was a mola mola when I saw it on my first trip to Cozumel too. On the topic of diving after a long flight, I found the following...

Hi. Are you certain it used to read imperial and now reads metric? I used to own the Prodigy and it definitely did not allow switching between metric/imperial setting. I recall back in the late 90's/early 2000's, Oceanic computers were either metric or imperial. Oceanic has a trade-in program...

I'm guessing you're fine too. I, too, use the Transpac + Venture wing in new england, for mostly shore dives in fairly calm waters (it is great for warm water like FL too). I use 25 pounds of weight in 2-piece 7mm wetsuit and AL80 tank. The Venture has 30# of lift, which gives just adequate lift...

Without passports I would recommend Hawaii (Big Island) or FL Keys for warm water dives. The Keys are probably cheaper - you can fly into Miami, rent a car and drive 1 hour to Key Largo. 3 to 4 star motel room rates can be as low as $80/night in summer. In KL, my favorite dive ops are Ocean...

Hi, I'm male but have had some back problems as well, particulary after dives. I've found that some yoga warm-up exercises such as downward dog (3 to 6 times), sit-ups (2-3 sets of 20) and push-ups (2 sets of 15-20) have helped strengthen my lower back muscles. I also try this (the name escapes...

I think it might be because of the encounter with animals - I recall Anthony's Key has a swim/dive with dolphin program, and there's a chance of getting one's mask bumped by dolphins. I had to do the same thing for a sharkfeeding dive (at the now defunct Nassau Scuba Centre) in New Providence a...

Interesting insight. Thanks for sharing. I would never have known. I use transpac with Venture wings and crotch strap with brass ring (which I clip to my camera, not scooter). I understand why you stopped using the crotch strap - it's a pain for me, all geared-up, having to reach down and slide...

Berdman, take it from someone who used to own a spare air (for 3 years) and recently switched to a 19 cu ft sling pony: a pony is way better, especially if diving solo. I have a couple of issues with the spare air (not in order of importance): 1. I tested it at depth - It breathes very wet and...

Thanks for the detailed report, Bob. I didn't know the diving is so good (better than Caribbean) on that side of Malaysia (I know Sabah has great dive sites). I'll definitely check out White or Black Manta next time I'm home in Singapore. Dive safely.

I've been diving BCs with 5-6# of lift over my max weight in cold sw (although I wouldn't use a BC with less than 4# of lift over my max weight). In fact too much buoyancy is bad for reasons of bulk, less streamlining, improper diver positioning (on the surface and UW) etc. Are you a very big...

I own 2 Cressi-Sub Big Eye (there are several models in this series), one I use, the other as back-up. It is tear-drop shaped (downward). Before, I was in similar situation as you. This mask allows me to see what I have clipped on my BCD from chest down (it was amazing). Now, I won't use any...

I got certified all the way to DM in grad school (5 year PhD). I think a few dives a month (in summer, on weekends) should be do-able, if one manages time and money well. By the way, lots of universities have marine programs (for degrees in marine biology, oceanography, environmental...

Bad habits of mine I should eliminate: 1. Not planning the dive in sufficient detail (e.g. how long can I stay at one depth before ascending). I rely too much on my computer and DM. 2. Not doing buddy check (I should at least know where their octo is in case I need to share air during dive). 3...

I've spent most of my life in academia (undergrad in U of IL, grad school in U of WI, postdoc work in northern Cal and now Cambridge, MA) so it helped. Confession: I had to rely on Gombessa's post for the location of Cornell, though. A single 7mm fullsuit is OK for Monterrey usually, but if you...

Once you start working for your dive shop, as their salesperson, these questions will become apparent: The "coolest" or best equipment is often the one that sells the most or makes the shop the most $$. Most hoses, BCD, wetsuits are black, so black has been in vogue for a while, but pink, blue...

The FL Keys are easiest to get to and the diving keeps getting better, but for a bit more I'd recommend the Caribbean: I second Cozumel, particularly in August/September (low season, hardly any tourists) and don't forget to include a day trip or 2 to dive/snorkel the cenotes in the Yucatan...

I think I know the places you mentioned. I've lived in (or near) some of them. They're mostly cold water diving, though: Palo Alto, CA - if you have a car, drive 1.5 hours to Monterrey for great California diving (45-55F, kelp forests, 40-50ft vis on good days). Check out Point Lobos State Park...

I bought my gear after my 20th dive, after I know for sure I would be diving frequently (>30 times a year). I second the advice above - after mask & fins, buy a good reg first. It can be used, provided it has been well-looked after and a good performer (such as those listed as 'best buys' by...

Good suggestion about the food. It would come in useful if the flight arrives really late at a remote airport and you can't find food. I might add something like a pop tart/granola or trail mix, definitely candies which don't melt (if traveling to the warm tropics) or goes bad quickly. ;)

I second using the diffusor. I've had the strobe wash out the shot even from 4-5 ft at minimum strobe setting, so I now tie the diffusor to the strobe and use it when shooting upclose. If you're not upgrading to a significantly better set-up, I'd go with the $115 camera replacement. just my...