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Hi Rhonda, I can't really say how big the difference in bubble interference is between the Apeks TX 100 and ATX 200, since I have only used the ATX 200. I haven't had much difficulty with bubble interference with the ATX 200. One thing that's nice about a smaller 2nd stage is that there...

...for all those divers suffering through that particle-free 200-foot vis! But I believe that much of that small particulate matter is detritus from other sources in the water column (i.e. very small fish and plankton excretions and carcasses.) These exist as a semi-constant source of...

I think I know which "really small" stuff you're talking about. Those tiny little "flakes" that comprise the ubiquitous specks in the water column. I'm not completely certain of this, but I believe that most of that "stuff" is actually slowly filtering down through the water. I don't know...

I use an Apeks ATX 200, with an ATX 50 as my alternate second stage. I like the regulator a lot. It breathes easy regardless of depth or position/orientation. The Apeks does sometimes give some bubble interference, but I haven't found a reg that doesn't. Most of the time I don't notice...

I too watch the plentiful stuff in the water column for a visual reference during ascents, descents and stops here in the PNW. I also like watching the little critters who swim around do so...but it makes me wonder sometimes about using them to gauge ascent/descent rates. If they are...

Well, I've heard of George Irvine, and Andrew Georgitis, but I don't know very much about them. I personally don't recognize the other names you just listed, but that's just me.

I went to the doctor (general practioner, not the ENT) again yesterday. She said that my eardrum was not red anymore, and that there were no longer any signs of infection, so I did not need to continue taking antibiotics. She also said that my eardrum was not moving properly, which was a...

I'll lend fins, snorkel, lights, spare hoods, gloves and so forth to almost anyone who needs it, as long as I'm around (and don't need it myself, of course). I'll lend any of the above to someone I know personally, even if I'm not around. I'd lend a BC to a friend who I knew could use it...

I think that Jacques Cousteau is still the most well-known name (in general), even for those of us under 30. Then again, I only just qualify (I'm 29.)

Although looking into US Territories was my suggestion, I don't personally know much about them. Another warm sunny US territory is Puerto Rico. There are others too, I think. I definitely don't know what the policies are in terms of professional licensing. I'm just guessing that US licensed...

Thanks to all who took the time to reply! I will make an appointment to see an ENT, although I still have to see the general practitioner that I'm scheduled to see this Friday, in order to get a referral. Otherwise my insurance might not cover it. I will mention the Biaxin to the doctor...

As time goes on, I am becoming increasingly worried. I believe that I experienced a barotrauma on one of the final dives during a 4-day trip on a liveaboard in June. Towards the end of the dive I experienced a brief, sharp pain in my right ear. I do not believe I was ascending when this...

I dive solo for the types of dives that TexasMike mentioned, i.e., setting floats for classes and such. These are short duration dives, with other competent divers (usually instructors) at the site on the surface. I have done a little bit of solo diving in sites that I am very familiar...

What training does a PADI Instructor have to go through in order to qualify to teach the MFA specialty?

Are all PADI instructors certified to teach the MFA course, or do they need additional training/certification?

Thanks to all for your input! I will probably continue to store mine open. Anyone have any thoughts on hard vs. soft wax? otter-cat

It's been a month since I was given the initial medications indicated in my original post in this thread. The infection in my ear canal has cleared up nicely. After I completed the antibiotics for the middle ear infection, which initally seemed to clear up the problem, I began to have some...

Dea, I am a not so easy size to fit, but have been able to wear a BARE off-the-rack women's wetsuit in a 7mm. There is a fairly good amount of stretch in their suits. You probably don't have to worry so much about the height if you are within a few inches of the range listed. This...

It's a great class, a lot of work, and really satisfying after it's done. You will learn self-rescue skills as well as techniques for rescuing others, and ways to prevent problems before they occur. Although most of the focus in the course is on emergency management, you will still probably...

I second Dea's suggestion of zippered hoods! They are fantastic, and only a little more expensive than regular hoods. I dive with a zippered hood with my drysuit, although I still do need to put two rubber bands in my hair to keep it under control.