DiveLife

NEW Halcyon Infinity System with Cinch Harness

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:05:00 +0000

Halcyon Manufacturing is proud to announce our newest BC model, the Infinity ™. The Infinity’s most distinguishing feature is the novel harness adjustment known as the Cinch™. Our quick adjust Harness (patent pending) redefines what it means to dive a backplate, providing unparalleled comfort and stability in a system with infinite adjustability. Unlike other designs the Cinch™ adjustment eliminates all quick release buckles and dangling webbing. This industry-first innovation marries the stability and streamlining of a backplate with the comfort and flexibility of a recreational jacket BC.

Free Colour PIN on VR Computers

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:03:00 +0000

VR Technology is offering a fantastic promotion until the end of October. Buy any VR computer from the new NHeO to the fully specced VRX and receive a free colour PIN upgrade worth £160

NEW Waterproof W1 5mm Semidry

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:02:00 +0000

The Mens W1 Wet Suit from Waterproof is a 5mm, 3D sculpted suit with pre formed arms and legs for maximum fit and a Spine Pad which provides fantastic protection to the spine and kidney areas. Among other features the W1 also has knee pads, seat grip for a non-slip grip and abrasion resistance and reflective logo.

Features
Gender specific design
Flow Line Design
Double Thread stitch and ends all knotted together
Waterproofed seams
No restraining seams at arms or legs
WaterDam. A unique concept to prevent water pouring down neck and spine when the head is moved
3D sculpted with pre formed legs and arms to provide an anatomical fit
Double seals made from glide skin neoprene with zippers at arms and legs
Multi Optional Platform gadget that can hold Waterproof micro back-up gauges such as a compass. (Compass not included)
Computer strap anchor to prevent computer slipping from your arm when gloves are removed or suit compressed
Hex-Tex lining restricts water flow inside the suit
Outer lining of I-Span ensures stretch and durability
Spine Pad, 11cm thick to help protect spine and kidneys
Wave flex panels in hollow of arms and legs
3D moulded kneepads provides unrestricted leg movements via a hinge effect
Embossed elbow protection, 3D design and heat pressed
NeckTab is adjustable and fully moulded with micro teeth which only sticks to the assigned velcro
NeckTab holder attached to the knob holder to keep tab in place in surface mode
Polyurethane seat grip for non slip grip and abrasion protection
PU reinforced shoulder provides non slip and abrasion resistance
YKK front zipper with stop function to prevent zip getting stuck
ZipperSeal has open cell neoprene on both sides for ultimate dry seal
TPU Zipper pull provides good grip with or without gloves. A flat design disappears when not in use
High visibility reflective logo on neck.
Specification
Constructed from Hi-Dense Microcell CR Neoprene

Apeks Flight now available

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:28:00 +0000

The Flight Regulator from Apeks is the lightest regulator in the world! This revolutionary regulator has been made using advanced composite materials selected for their optimum strength to weight ratio and is extremely easy to use.

The Flight is a mid-range regulator ideal for transportation and travel, and despite its compact size its breathe performance is exceptional in all dive conditions including cold water. In fact, it can perform in temperatures ranging between -30 to 80 degrees centigrade.

The Flight has been tested through over one million breathing cycles which proves its robustness and reliability. It has undergone thorough impact and fatigue testing and has a key safety feature; a unique first stage yoke clamp handwheel which prevent accidental snagging during a dive.

The Flight Regulator was launched at LIDS2009 and will initially be available in the UK followed by a global launch.

Aqualung Slingshot

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:09:00 +0000

Aqua Lung is excited to offer Slingshot - a revolutionary fin that will take the dive world by storm. The Slingshot™ will make diving more comfortable, efficient and fun. Its innovations include Power Bands, Gear Shift and Mid-foot Flex Joint that all add up to provide a wonderful diving experience.

An Aqua Lung consumer's testimonial Slingshot video on YouTube

NEW Suunto Dive Planner Software version 3.0.0

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:02:00 +0000

This newest version of the Suunto Dive Manager software features all of Suunto's advanced diving application features, in addition to a new easy-to-use multi-gas dive planner tool, which allows you to plan and simulate both decompression and no-decompression dives. It also makes planning technical dives simpler and more flexible. With Suunto Dive Manager 3.0.0, you can monitor and record all of your dives with precision and confidence.

Dive into technology

With the improved dive planner feature, you can use up to three different cylinders to test the effects of gas switching with your compatible computer. Additionally, you can set your SAC (Surface Air Consumption) rate and monitor the gas use in each cylinder and add or remove extra cylinders, depending on your results.

To better understand the capabilities of your equipment, you can also adjust the oxygen content for each cylinder to see the effect it has on your decompression time and see the effects that extra depths and times have on a given dive. With Suunto Dive Manger 3.0.0, you can be sure all your dives are safe and rewarding as possible.

The Future of Scuba Diving

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:47:00 +0000

American inventor and futurist Ray Kurzweil says that technologies are growing at such a rapid rate that we could replace all our organs — and even our blood cells — with robotic replacements.

"I and many other scientists now believe that in around 20 years we will have the means to reprogramme our bodies' stone-age software so we can halt, then reverse, ageing," Mr Kerzweil wrote in The Sun.

"Then nanotechnology will let us live forever.

"Ultimately, nanobots will replace blood cells and do their work thousands of times more effectively."

The author, who Forbes magazine once named "the ultimate thinking machine", said humans would be able to pull off amazing physical and mental feats with the aid of mechanical upgrades.

"Within 25 years we will be able to do an Olympic sprint for 15 minutes without taking a breath, or go scuba-diving for four hours without oxygen," Mr Kurzweil said.

"Nanotechnology will extend our mental capacities to such an extent we will be able to write books within minutes."

"Heart-attack victims – who haven't taken advantage of widely available bionic hearts – will calmly drive to the doctors for a minor operation as their blood bots keep them alive."

"Within 25 years we will be able to do an Olympic sprint for 15 minutes without taking a breath, or go scuba-diving for four hours without oxygen," says futurist Ray Kurzweil.

And while Mr Kurzweil's futuristic world sounds mind-boggling in itself, he also predicts that virtual reality computers will be in-built into our brains to offer an unparalleled world of escapism.

"If we want to go into virtual-reality mode, nanobots will shut down brain signals and take us wherever we want to go," he said.

"Virtual sex will become commonplace.

And in our daily lives, hologram like figures will pop in our brain to explain what is happening."

Diver missing off Isle of Mull

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:42:00 +0000

ISLE OF MULL, Scotland — The coastguard is searching for a man who disappeared while scuba diving at Ardnamurchan Point on the Isle of Mull.

Authorities told CDNN the diver's wife reported him missing after he failed to return home.

Members of Kilchoan Coastguard Rescue Team and Fort William Coastguard Rescue Team are assisting in the search with the help of a coastguard helicopter and an RNLI lifeboat.

Search officials said the missing diver, who has been diving for 40 years, was scuba diving in the bay to the south of the lighthouse at Ardnamurchan Point.

Amazing Blue Holes

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:37:00 +0000

Have you ever swam out in the sea and not been able to see the bottom? All you can feel is the freezing cold water beneath your feet, all you see is dark blue water extending to infinity.

Imagine for one second descending into the blue, deeper and deeper with every kick and breath. The adrenaline kicks in and as the pressure builds, water compresses your chest – you’re scared, but there is something strangely inviting about the descent that makes it feel like you’re travelling to the center of the Earth. Looking ahead and all around you can see only a wall that drops for meters into the blackness below, and it is inviting, alluring. Welcome to the world of blue holes.

Effectively limestone sinkholes, or submarine caves, blue holes are given their name because of the contrasting deep blue of the hole and the lighter blue of the shallows around them. There are a number of blue holes across the globe but only a few are frequented by divers, each with its own unique biodiversity. Here we present five of the best in the world:

How do you do....?

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:32:00 +0000

A diver has captured on camera the moment he risked his life to swim alongside a 15m humpback whale in Hawaii.

Marco Queral said he was cautious when attracting the female whale's attention last week, because one flick of its tail could have meant death.

"They are usually more shy and cautious toward humans and boats ... perhaps because they are not so accustomed to seeing humans offshore," Mr Queral was quoted in the Daily Mail as saying.

The 42-year-old has been swimming with dolphins and sea creatures for 17 years.

Oahu to ban shark feeding

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:47:00 +0000

HONOLULU, Hawaii — In another setback for the dive industry and its small, but strident contingent of profit-driven shark feeders, the Honolulu City Council gave preliminary approval to a bill banning shark feeding tour operators on the island of Oahu.

CDNN previously reported on September 8 that Maui passed a similar bill that prohibits all marketing and sales of tours that solicit residents and visitors to participate in shark feeding activities on the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe.

The Maui County Council found that manipulating and provoking sharks with food has negative impacts on sharks because it changes their natural behavior and disrupts the natural balance of the ocean ecosystem.

It also found that shark feeding poses a threat to swimmers, surfers and other ocean users because it conditions sharks to associate people with food and diminishes their natural wariness of humans.

The council also found that shark feeding is disrespectful of native Hawaiians who consider sharks sacred and are offended by profit-driven dive operators who exploit them to entertain tourists.

The Oahu bill, which would effectively shut down two Oahu-based shark feeders, is sponsored by Councilman Charles Djou.

Reflecting the findings of the Maui County Council that shark feeding is bad for sharks and people, Djou explained why he and other council members have reached the conclusion that shark feeding must be banned in Oahu.

"(Shark feeding) raises public safety concerns for ocean users, is disrespectful of Hawaiian culture, alters the natural behavior and distribution of sharks, and may be disruptive of ocean ecology and the natural environment," Djou said.

Bottom line?

Shark feeding supporters, led by dive industry insiders, argue that "Hawaii politicians and native Hawaiians are liars who don't really care about sharks because they allow Hawaii's fishing industry to legally kill and process thousands of sharks every week".

They also argue that because there is a multi-million dollar market for shark feeding, people should simply ignore Hawaiian culture, public safety and all of the scientific studies that found shark feeding damages natural shark behavior and disrupts the natural balance of ocean ecosystems.

Dive industry shark feeders also dismiss reports of divers who were attacked and severely injured or killed while participating in shark feeding dives as "media sensationalism" and assert that more tourists die every year from food poisoning and sexually transmitted diseases than shark attacks.

The dive industry also argues that just because shark feeding dives are dangerous and tourists sometimes die or are severely injured during shark feeding dives, shark feeders should not be banned "because people have the right to become shark feeding accident victims provided they understand the risks and sign the liability waivers".

Shark feeding deaths and injuries

In June 2009, a woman died after she was attacked by a "provoked" shark at an illegal shark feeding site in the Red Sea. Dive industry insiders later blamed the victim for "threatening the shark".

In 2008, a tourist died after he was attacked by another "provoked" shark while diving with notorious Florida shark feeder Jim Abernethy of Jim Abernethy's Scuba Adventures. Dive industry insiders argued that Abernethy was not to blame because the victim signed a waiver stating that he understood the risks of participating in shark feeding dives.

In September, 2006, a shark that had been attracted by fish bait attacked and severely injured Dave Marcel, one of shark feeder Spencer Slate's employees. Marcel nearly lost his upper lip when he foolishly flipped a shark over and attempted to kiss it, a moronic stunt pioneered by scuba hall of famer Slate.

In 2005, a tourist nearly lost his arm after he was attacked by a fed and provoked moray eel while diving with Ocean Frontiers, owned by liquor store owner and shark feeder, Steve Broadbelt. In 2002, soon after Broadbelt attempted to cash in on the shark feeding fad, the Cayman Islands banned shark feeding and shut down Broadbelt's shark feeding dives.

In April, 2002, TV shark show daredevil Erich Ritter went into severe shock and nearly lost his left leg after he was bitten by a bull shark while feeding sharks in the Bahamas. Ritter told the media "the shark made a mistake".

On August 4, 2001, Krishna Thompson, a 34-year-old New York banker lost a leg, and very nearly his life, when he was attacked just off the beach at Our Lucaya Golf and Beach Resort near a shark feeding site in the Bahamas. Thompson successfully sued Our Lucaya Golf and Beach Resort for failing to warn guests that local dive operators sell shark feeding tours at sites located less than a mile from the hotel beach.

According to official statistics kept by the International Shark Attack File, at least 24 divers have been injured during shark feeding dives.

But renowned coral reef ecologist, Dr. William Alevizon, who worked with the Marine Safety Group to provide Florida officials with much of the research documentation that formed the scientific basis for the decision in 2001 to ban shark feeding there, believes the number of people injured during shark feeding dives, or in areas where shark feeding is common, is certainly much higher than official statistics indicate because many attacks around the world go unreported.

Education or exploitation?

The dive industry continues to spin shark feeding and other harassment of marine apex predators as "education" and "conservation" aimed not at making money, but at teaching people not to demonize sharks.

Dr. Alevizon says the dive industry is obviously intoxicated by its own hype, which has no currency among the marine conservation community.

"If there was in fact a genuine conservation value to wildlife feeding dives, one might ask why such an impressive array of leading conservation organizations, including World Wildlife Fund, Environmental Defense, Defenders of Wildlife, Caribbean Conservation Corporation, Reef Relief, Humane Society of the U.S., and the Surfrider Foundation - not to mention the U.S. National Park Service - (took) the trouble to go on record with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in support of a total ban on feeding dives."

Tusa IQ900 Computer Watch

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0000

The IQ 900 Zen from Tusa is their brand new dive computer packed with features that all fit on your wrist like a watch, making it perfect for not only diving but also to wear around the office or in town.

The Zen can be operated as a watch, air computer, Nitrox computer, digital depth gauge and timer or as a free dive depth gauge and timer. It has a large wording display making it easy to view and a backlit display further improves readability in darker waters.

The Zen features Tusa's Deep Stop function which improves safety by activating when your dive exceeds 80 feet, or 24 metres for more than one second. When ascending the Zen will display the suggested stop depth for two minutes, and although this is not mandatory and does not affect remaining No Decompression limits of the dive it is recommended.

Features
Advanced 2 gas wrist-top (watch) computer.
Air, Nitrox, Gauge, Free Dive and Watch Operating Modes.
2 Mix Switching Feature: Mix 1 (Air, 21-50%), Mix 2 (Air, 21-100%).
Manual or Water-Activation.
Audible and Flashing Icon Alarms.
Large alphanumeric and backlit display.
Advanced user safety settings.
Deep Stop Feature and Safety Stop.
1 Touch Log Access.
Automatic altitude adjustment from sea level to 14,000'.
No fly icon, residual nitrogen discharge time display.
PC download and upload settings/log data with TUSA Datalog Interface.
User-replaceable battery with hot-swap (Battery: CR2430, 3V).
TUSA Algorithm based on Buhlmann ZHL-16c.
Variable Ascent Rate Indicator.

RNLI & Shark Trust Charity Treasure Hunt

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 21:20:00 +0000

The 2009 Charity Treasure Hunt for the RNLI and Shark Trust that was a roaring success. With sponsorship from the diving industry and great prizes on offer the competition was tough.

more postings tomorrow!

Scubapro 'Come Dive with Us' Days

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:50:00 +0000

PADI, the internationally recognized diving organization, will be joining numerous SCUBAPRO Days to offer Specialty courses during the events. If you are interested in Underwater Photography or other Specialties, don’t miss the opportunity to learn more. As a PADI Instructor you will also get the chance to interact with PADI staff during the events.

Below are the dates of all events that will take place all over Europe. Book your participation at a SCUBAPRO UWATEC Authorized Dealer near you.

UK
June 6/7 - Wittering Divers (Wittering, Chichester)
July 11/12 - C&C Marine (Largs)
August 15/16 - ScubaDive West in Renvyle, Co Galway

FRANCE
March 21/22 - UCPA Aqua 92 (Villeneuve la Garenne)
April 25/26 - Les Aquanautes (Capbreton)
May 16/17 - Easy Dive (Juan Les Pins)
May 23/24 - UCPA Niolon (Le Rove)
June 8-12 - Tour de Corse
June 27/28 - Made in Blue (La Trinité sur Mer)
July 4/5 - Carantec Plongée (Carantec)

BELGIUM
May 16/17 - Lilse Bergen (Turnhout)
ITALY
April 18/19 - B&B Diving Center (Camogli)
May 9/10 - Academy Sub (Genova)
May 23/24 - Divenjoy (Noli)
June 20/21 - Cala Galera DC (Porto S. Stefano)
June 27/28 – Diving Service (Torre Vado - LE)

SPAIN
May 16/17 - Planeta Azul (Cabo de Palos, Murcia)
June 6/7 - Aquatica (L`Estartit, Girona)
July 4/5 - Dive Tarpoon (Getxo, Bizkaia)

PORTUGAL
May 16 - Academia de Mergulho do Porto (Porto)

View Larger Map

Scubapro Seawing Nova Fins

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:48:00 +0000

Suunto Download app for Mac Computers

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:10:00 +0000

Realising that his beloved Suunto D9 and Mac computer were having communication issues, Singapore-based Kiwi Nick Shore created MacDive, a free application to help the two get along.

Nick says: “There wasn’t an application that had the functionality I wanted or the look and feel of a Mac application, and I thought it would be easiest to just start from scratch and make the exact app I wanted. Plus, this way I could make it free. I worked on MacDive in my spare time after work. It’s been a real labour of love. I know there are many divers who are also Mac users and who, like me, have been frustrated with the lack of options available for Macs. I hope MacDive will help make them happy.”

While developing MacDive, a number of divers in Singapore loaned him their Suuntos for testing. As a result, the application is currently compatible with the D9, D6, D3, Cobra, Cobra 2, Vyper, Vyper 2, Gekko, Vytec and Mosquito.

Nick plans to continue developing MacDive, adding support for more dive computer brands as well as additional functionality, and he’s keen to receive user feedback on where to take the application next.

At the same time, Nick is working on a project with two programmers and divers from Belgium and Canada to make it easier to develop applications for the majority of dive computers on the market.”First things first, though. I’ve got to get in the water and do some testing of my own!”

New Miflex High Pressure Hoses

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 07:37:00 +0000

Slim-line & Lightweight design
Approximately 60% lighter than traditional HP hoses.

Burst Pressure in excess of 2,000 bar - Improving divers safety is
a key objective of Mifl ex and by increasing the burst pressure of the high pressure hose to this new level, this offers divers confidence and assurance of the best possible quality from Miflex.

Improved Flexibility, Even Under Pressure -
Trying a Miflex Xtreme-hi, is the key to seeing the difference for yourself.

High Abrasion Resistance - Manufactured with materials selected
specifically to add strength and reduce weight that react well under
diving conditions.

100% Italian Manufactured Product - All the components have been
designed and produced in Italy, aiming to achieve the best possible quality.

Xtreme quality as always from Miflex - We only wish to develop and
produce the highest quality of products for todays market and we are always looking to ensure the quality with each and every hose individually and automatically tested on the production line to ensure our high standards and consistency of manufacturing.

Miflex Xtreme-hi high pressure hoses are available from stock in six standard lengths; 15cm, 60cm, 75cm, 80cm, 90cm 100cm & 110cm all in our branded dry-bag packaging.

NEW Custom Divers Solarc HID Umbilical Torch

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 07:36:00 +0000

The 3.8AH Umbilical Lighting System from Custom Divers is part of their Next Generation Lighting System range. The 3.8AH umbilical system offers a robust lamp design and the thick arc tube provides additional strength and shock resistance. The reflector gives enhanced spot uniformity and consistency and the ballast has a high efficiency.

Features

1000 Plus Lumen output
6,900 K colour temperature
6 or 13 deg lamp beam option
Power delivery user selectable between 10 or 14 Watts
12V rechargeable NMH battery contained within the aluminium housing which incorporates an automatic pressure relief valve to guard against over pressurisation.
Charge point is situated at the base of the housing and is accessed via a threaded cap which allows for recharging without the need to remove batteries.
Three way on/off/on switch situated on the light head.
Inter-connecting power cable from fixed connectors to the battery housing
Includes 110/240V charger.

Scubapro release the new Equator BCD

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 07:33:00 +0000

Scubapro Equator BCD

As the name implies, Scubapro's new Equator BC delivers comfort and performance as you circle the world in search of the ultimate diving experience.

Its lean, clean, lightweight design is perfect for travelling, and delivers optimal performance whether worn over a lycra rashguard in the Maldivian tropics or a cold-water dry suit in the choppy Channel.

* Front-adjustable design with rotating quick-release shoulder buckles
* Quick-release intergrated weight system offers more comfort and convenience
* Soft neoprene neck trim and padded backpack for optimal comfort
* Fully adjustable cummerbund to ensure proper fit
* Zippered cargo pockets and convenient accessory D-rings
* Available with AIR2 of Balanced Power Inflator

NEW Scubapro Jet Sport Fin

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 07:30:00 +0000

The Jet Sport Fin from Scubapro is a lightweight, adjustable and comfortable fin that is perfect for all divers.

Features

Three material construction fin optimizes flex and comfort
Quick release buckles
Ergonomic foot pocket
Vented blade for an efficient use of power.

Scuba Pets?

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Tue, 26 May 2009 20:55:00 +0000

Fourth Element release NEW Proteus models

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Sun, 03 May 2009 16:09:00 +0000

LIGHTWEIGHT SUIT, SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION
This is a 3mm suit developed without compromise - it is lightweight and ideal for travelling, yet offers a surprising level of thermal protection.

PERFORMANCE
Developed using a combination of superstretch and thermocore neoprene, the Proteus offers a high level of thermal protection and comfort.

FUNCTION
The glideskin seals ensure the suit is easy to get on and off, whilst also providing an excellent, slick seal against the skin of the wrists and ankles.

INNOVATION
Incorporating the unique Hydrolock seals and long glideskin seals at the wrists and ankles, the Proteus suit eliminates almost all water ingress providing superior thermal protection with excellent ease of movement.

Cressi 2009 catalogue

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Sun, 03 May 2009 16:06:00 +0000

The latest Cressi 2009 full catalogue.

Cressi Big Eyes Evolution

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Sun, 03 May 2009 16:04:00 +0000

Cressi big eyes evolution in depth presentation

Cressi Newsletter

info@divelife.co.uk (DiveLife) — Sun, 03 May 2009 16:02:00 +0000