Basic gear from mid-twentieth-century Greece

[David Wilson]

Thanks for the likes, John, and for the observation. I have a pair and they certainly do the job as well as provide wearing comfort.

Today we take a look at the former Nereus (ΝΕΡΕΥΣ) diving equipment brand from Greece. So far as I am aware, the Nereus range was confined to swimming fins. So far I have been unable to find out anything about the manufacturer or their product line.

In Greek mythology, Nereus was the eldest son of Pontus (the Sea) and Gaia (the Earth), with Pontus himself being a son of Gaia. Nereus and Doris became the parents of 50 daughters (the Nereids) and a son (Nerites), with whom Nereus lived in the Aegean Sea. As for Nereus fins:

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These fins certainly get my vote for the dolphin and sailing ship artwork! A closed-heel open-toe design. Smooth blades reinforced with side rails. Non-slip heel tread.

 

[David Wilson]

Little or no online information is forthcoming either about the Greek manufacturer of Triton brand swimming and diving products. We start with the Triton Hydra diving mask:

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The mask box is captioned "Your eyes to another world". The mask itself has a rounded rectangular lens with a plastic rim. The item was fitted with a split headstrap.

More Triton basic gear midweek.

 

[David Wilson]

Thanks for the likes, John.

Triton J-shaped breathing tube:

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Open top with lugged mouthpiece at the demand end.

 

[David Wilson]

Triton L-shaped breathing tube:

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Orange band at the air supply end to alert other water users of the snorkeller's presence. Lugged mouthpiece at the demand end. L-shaped snorkels were designed to reduce the amount of residual water when submerged and to make it easier to blow it clear.

A further Triton breathing tube at the weekend.

 

[David Wilson]

Another Triton breathing tube.

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Open-topped flexible-hose snorkel. A lugged mouthpiece at the demand end. A drain valve fitted in the middle of the hose section. Flexible-hose breathing tubes claim to be scuba-friendly as the mouthpiece drops out of the way when out of use.

 

[David Wilson]

Triton Aquatic Junior fins.

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Closed-heel closed-toe fins with the fooot pocket integrated with the blade. An unusual design but not a unique one. Back in 1960, France's Kent Rubber Company patented the following open-heel fin design:

The finished product:

More Triton fins midweek.

 

[David Wilson]

Triton Professional fins:

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Jet Fin style open-heel fins with adjustable straps and metal buckles.

 

[David Wilson]

Triton Safari fins.

Full-foot fins with four ribs on top and three underneath to reinforce the blade. These fins bear a close resemblance to Florida closed-heel fins:

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The remaining two Triton fin models to be reviewed at the weekend.

 

[David Wilson]

Triton Standard fins.

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Closed-heel open-toe fins, four ribs for reinforcement on the top, three on the bottom. Straight blade tip.

 

[David Wilson]

Triton UDT Master fins.

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Another pair of closed-heel open-toe fins but with a more robust profile, reflecting the name "UDT" (Underwater Demolition Team). More pronounced ribs for reinforcement on either side of the blade.

Xiphias sub basic underwater equipment some time midweek.