My venture into Sidemount.

[irishsquid]

Waiting to see video, Squid!! :cool3:

VIDEO? I'm lucky to get a photo. If it wasn't for Gary, I would've been SOL this time around. Thanks Gary!!!!!

 

[Jax]

*ahem*

nd with its QuickTime? Movie Mode, the Stylus 710 can record movies with audio of any length, limited only by the size of the internal memory or xD-Picture CardTM in the camera.

Tell that boy to give up some xd space and take a video!

 

[irishsquid]

Gary? I'll let you respond.

 

[Insta-Gator]

Not being a SM diver I just read and learn.


However, Jimi any time you want to dive, let me know. I'll try to figure out how to make the "Jax special" capture video.

Wow, I can't believe I actually posted on the SM thread.

... sitting down and shutting up now.

 

[Jax]

Bwwwaaahahahahahha . . . the first dose has been administered . . . .

Not being a SM diver I just read and learn.


However, Jimi any time you want to dive, let me know. I'll try to figure out how to make the "Jax special" capture video.

Wow, I can't believe I actually posted on the SM thread.

... sitting down and shutting up now.

On that funky little dial, where the SCN setting is? -- there is a itty-bitty tiny movie camera. It records the .mov format, AFAIR. Uses quick time.

 

[Dive-aholic]

By the way, I posted some photos of our recent trip to Aruba on this page - Aruba Dive Trip. There are a couple of photos where the bottom of the cylinder was a little high, but keep in mind this is an AL80 with only 3lbs of trim weight and those particular shots were taken toward the end of the dives. I'm not a reclipper. We did 4 dives, all of them single cylinder sidemount. The rigs are homemade with wings and harnesses I had sitting around at home and converted. This trip was our first opportunity to dive the rigs and they worked out pretty well.

 

[BKP]

Barry, the Dive Rite hoses stretch quite easily. The Hollis hoses are a little different. If there's a significant shortage of hose you might want to consider a longer hose. The Hollis hose won't stretch very much.

Thank you, Rob. I'm going to try to get comfortable with the SM rig first, before switching the inflator to the bottom -- but I can absolutely see the benefits. I'll keep in mind re: the Dive Rite hose, when I do.

If I can trim out balanced, some time this year, as well as you do in those Aruba shots with a single bottle, I'll consider the year accomplished...

 

[Jax]

By the way, I posted some photos of our recent trip to Aruba on this page - Aruba Dive Trip. There are a couple of photos where the bottom of the cylinder was a little high, but keep in mind this is an AL80 with only 3lbs of trim weight and those particular shots were taken toward the end of the dives. I'm not a reclipper. We did 4 dives, all of them single cylinder sidemount. The rigs are homemade with wings and harnesses I had sitting around at home and converted. This trip was our first opportunity to dive the rigs and they worked out pretty well.

Why sidemount with one cylinder? Docc dived sidemount the whole time - he just didn't swap tanks. I'm thinking of doing the same for recreational diving, because sidemount is so comfortable.

 

[ucfdiver]

By the way, I posted some photos of our recent trip to Aruba on this page - Aruba Dive Trip. There are a couple of photos where the bottom of the cylinder was a little high, but keep in mind this is an AL80 with only 3lbs of trim weight and those particular shots were taken toward the end of the dives. I'm not a reclipper. We did 4 dives, all of them single cylinder sidemount. The rigs are homemade with wings and harnesses I had sitting around at home and converted. This trip was our first opportunity to dive the rigs and they worked out pretty well.

How were the diving/hotel/car rental logistics of Aruba? Airfare is free there, but I heard things get expensive once you're on the island?

 

[Dive-aholic]

Why sidemount with one cylinder? Docc dived sidemount the whole time - he just didn't swap tanks. I'm thinking of doing the same for recreational diving, because sidemount is so comfortable.

Why not?

This wasn't a dive trip. It was a beach vacation with a couple days of diving and we didn't want to bring Nomads, sidemount rigs, etc. It was easier on luggage and quite fun. Plus, the dive boat we went on was a 6-pack set up for recreational divers and, while we could have hung our cylinders off the side, it was just easier this way. I just didn't see the point in 2 cylinders on these dives and prefer to carry my cylinder on my side even on recreational dives.

How were the diving/hotel/car rental logistics of Aruba? Airfare is free there, but I heard things get expensive once you're on the island?

We dove with Clive/DiveAruba. He runs a small operation that's just him and his son. He's easy going and lets you do your dives. Just keep them to no longer than an hour for the sake of the other divers. $75 for 2 dives. Make sure you dive Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday will have you on the only real wreck off the island. You'll also get the most wreck dives on those 2 days. The reefs are okay, but I wasn't very impressed.

We have a time share so can't say much about hotel expenses. We stayed in the low rise area which is quieter and more peaceful. The high rise area is definitely more expensive. However, smaller beach and very crowded. But if you're into casinos and clubbing, that's the area to go. I definitely recommend a place with a kitchen or kitchenette. The restaurants are ridiculously expensive. Everyone goes to Ling and Sons, the local IGA, the 1st night to stock up for the week. And they have free wine tasting!!! Wish they had that in the US!

You won't need a rental car in Aruba. They have the best bus system in the world! Buses run every 1/2 hour during the day and every hour at night. Only $1.30 one way or $2.20 round trip. You can always rent a car for the day for about $35, but there's not much to see. If you do a jeep tour you'll see the entire island in about 4.5 hours.

PM or e-mail me if you want more specifics, James.