Body Glove is a pioneering global brand that specializes in clothing, swimwear and Body Glove wetsuits for diving and surfing. Body Glove was started in 1953 by Bob and Bill Meistrell, who were passionate divers and were two of the earliest formally recognized SCUBA dive instructors in the world.

Body Glove and Neoprene Wetsuits

The Meistrell twins were the first people to recognize the potential of neoprene. In fact, the development of the Body Glove wetsuit range began when they took advantage of the insulating properties of neoprene. The Meistrell’s incoporated neoprene in the formation of the first practical wet suit design, which made year round diving and surfing possible for those who would otherwise pack up their kit for the cooler winter months. As the neoprene wetsuits were made to fit like a glove, the Body Glove wetsuit concept and brand was born.

Today, Body Glove wetsuits are considered pretty hip, having been taken up most famously by the surfing fraternity. But Body Glove dive wetsuits offer the same mix of quality and attractive design for the hip generation.

What Dive Wetsuits Accessories are Available From Body Glove?

Body Glove produce the following wetsuit styles:

• Men’s and women’s full suits
• Men’s and women’s spring suits
• Men’s and women’s first layer tops
• and Body Glove Booties, gloves and hoods.

N.B. Body Glove wetsuits are complimented by a Body Glove dry suit product.

If you are into looking good and keeping youself warm under the big blue, Body Glove wet suits could be an option for you.

Are you nearsighted and have you had trouble finding a suitable solution to help you enjoy the visual side that the SCUBA diving experience can (and should) provide you with.

What have you tried so far? Are you still looking for an answer?

Well… if you are among the 15% of divers who wear contacts to correct nearsightedness above water and have yet to find a satisfying solution, the HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DD may provide you with the best imaginable answer… permanently!

What is So Special About the HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Double Dome?

Did you know that flat masks impede approximately 75% of everybody’s “natural” visual range. The HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DD provides a solution to the tunnel vision effects of a flat mask and in the case of nearsighted divers actually gives near perfect underwater vision!

The Double-Dome™ design puts the divers eyes literally in the middle of a large dome. This geometric positioning enables divers to see underwater objects at their actual size, shape and distance. But it is the shape of the water against the HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DD that creates the secondary visual phenomenon enabling nearsighted divers to reap the full benefits of the mask.

Not only this, but using the HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DD as a nearsighted diver provides an improved underwater visual ability over and above the abilities of divers who have 20/20 vision. This has prompted some divers with perfect vision to make themselves nearsighted by wearing contact lenses in order to use the HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DD to its full potential.

Understandably this sounds completely nuts, but by all accounts many instructors and recreational divers now pack disposable contacts so that they can use the HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Double-Dome™ mask!

What are the main Features of HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DDs?

• HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DDs offer a view up to 5X greater than flat masks can offer
• They give the ability to see the true size and shape of objects as well as their actual distance from you
• HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DDs also give a crystal clear view wherever you look.

Finally, as with all HydroOptix masks, the HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DD comes with patented “Twin-Turbo Purge Valves”, which exhaust bubbles at the back of the mask via large sized diameter flapping valves.

HydroOptix’s Twin-Turbo Purge Valves facilitate the fast and easy clearing of water from your dive mask.

Awesome!

All HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DDs come with:

• SeaGold™ anti-fog gel by AquaSeal®
• A customised hard-shell case
• Neoprene lens covers
• A monocle, including lanyard
• and a CoverLens with retractor

For divers with myopia the HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DD may be the answer to your prayers.

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Is near sightedness causing you problems when diving?

Do not suffer in a blurry silence. SCUBA divers today have several options available to them if they are near sighted.

• SCUBA diving masks with pop-out lenses are available. Check with your local SCUBA gear store to see whether they carry replacement near sight lenses (some will carry common sizes for near sightedness). For a more precise fit you should take a prescription from your GP or doctor. Try to avoid "testing" lenses for yourself in a shop: remember that the properties of what you look through on dry land will almost certainly change underwater.
• Disposable contact lenses can be used… under your dive mask of course! If you do wear disposable lenses on your dives be sure to dispose of them every time you dive to minimize the risk of contamination: aquatic microorganisms can cause some nasty ailments to your eyes if given the opportunity.
• Check out the masks available from HydroOptix. HydroOptix make a range of "bug eyed" masks for near sighted SCUBA enthusiasts that are hard to beat. Although quite costly, HydroOptix dive lenses can give you almost perfect underwater vision.

Suunto creates another winner.

The Suunto D9 is the first dive computer in the world to integrate wireless cylinder data reception and digital compass technology…

… it also comes in a stunning titanium casing! How do you like those apples?

What Are The Main Features of the D9?

Like the Suunto D6 the D9 features the following:

• Complete timepiece functions
• Full decompression stop information
• Adjustable Suunto Reduced Gradient Bubble Modelling
• Ascent rate indicator
• Air, Gauge and Nitrox operating
• Integrated digital compass
• Audible alarms (including a maximum depth alarm)
• Numerous memory settings
• USB compatible PC interface and software

Unlike the D6 the Suunto D9 has:

• Wireless transmission
• Optional luxury Suunto titanium strap
• Gas changing (3 mixes 21-100%)

The Suunto D9 incorporates all the vital information you need on your dives, such as time, depth, tank pressure, direction and decompression status. The principal benefit of this is you have just one instrument to monitor rather than several, which can significantly improve your dive experience. However the D9 can of course be of use to you on land: the D9’s integrated digital compass does not just function underwater and neither does it stop telling the time!

Monitor Your Tank Pressure and Air With the Suunto D9

The Suunto D9 has an optional wireless transmitter, which can help you to monitor the pressure in your tank and your consumption of air. Consequently, the D9 is able to give you real-time information (graphically or numerically) about how much air you have left.

Gas Switching

The Suunto D9 can be used with up to 3 gas mixes (21-100% oxygen) enabling you to switch gases during your dive. Like the Suunto D6 dive computer, the Suunto D9 calculates decompression information through Suunto’s Deep Stop Reduced Gradient Bubble Modelling (RGBM). Suunto RGBM facilitates iterative deep stops as opposed to a single safety stop in cases where you intend to deep dive (you can wear your Suunto D9 up to 200 meters (660ft).

Suunto D9 Dive Profiling

The D9’s digital logbook will give you a real time graphical representation of your dive whereby you can analyze and assess factors such as tank pressure and water temperature.

Stylish Suunto D9 Titanium Casing and Strap

If you thought the D6 was an attractively packaged dive computer (it is) the Suunto D9 titanium model will blow your socks off. The D9’s titanium housing is simply stunning.

A dive computer that ticks all the boxes, the Suunto D9 might just about be the coolest diving gadget your money can buy.

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Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Edward A. Ferns has upheld a decision to process a $4m lawsuit filed by a recreational diver who was left behind when the dive boat he had been on returned to land without him. The diver allegedly spent several hours bobbing about without any idea of whether or not the boat crew would come back for him.

The diver, a fifty year old resident of Santa Monica, filed a lawsuit against Sun Diver Charters and Ocean Adventures for negligence, fraud and infliction of emotional distress when he was left by the Ocean Adventures boat crew off of Santa Catalina Island in April 2004. Due to good fortune and fair winds the diver was rescued by some Boy Scouts who happened to be passing by in a boat.

Sun Diver Charters and Ocean Adventures argue that as a diver the man must assume certain risks befitting such an “extreme” recreational sport and thus waive the right to blame the operators responsible. However, Judge Ferns disagrees stating that being abandoned at sea is not an inherently risky event that one should accept as a diver.

Fortunatley for the diver he has been able to get his case to court… anybody seen the movie Open Water?

The Dive Rite company is a supplier of high end technical SCUBA diving gear for more advanced diving environments such as caves and wrecks.

The Dive Rite Product Range

Dive Rite’s product range extends from breathing apparatus such as regulators, buoyancy control devices, wetsuits, drysuits and lighting equipment.

Dive Rite’s Beginnings

Formed in 1984, Dive Rite is the brainchild of two cave diving instructors who saw what they perceived to be a lack of technical diving equipment for more advanced recreational SCUBA diving environments such as cave diving. Mark Leonard and Lamar Hires formed what was one of the earliest specialist technical diving equipment suppliers. They began by promoting products designed specifically for underwater exploration such as canister lights and robust wings.

Dive Rite in the 1990s

Just over a decade later, Dive Rite became one of the first makers of a dive computer that was Nitrox compatible. The first Dive Rite computers were called the “Bridge” range. In the mid 1990s Dive Rite launched the Dive Rite TransPac harness alongside their range of Dive Rite computers.

Where Can I Find Dive Rite Products?

Today, Dive Rite has launched over 300 products for advanced divers. Not only that but Dive Rite has operations all over the world, for example:

• Dive Rite USA
• Dive Rite Australia
• Dive Rite UK
• Dive Rite France
• Dive Rite Japan

For more information about Dive Rite products and their availability in your part of the world visit diverite.com.

The Suunto D6 is a specialized dive computer designed for wear on the wrist. It is an advanced dive computer built for demanding dives and dive locations.

What Are The Features of the Suunto D6 Dive Computer?

• Full decompression stop information
• Ascent rate indicator
• Adjustable Suunto Reduced Gradient Bubble Modelling
• Gas changing (2 mixes 21-99%)
• 3 operating modes – Air, Gauge and Nitrox
• Fully integrated compass (digital)
• A host of audible alarms (including a max-depth warning)
• Dozens of memory settings
• PC interface
• Eyecatching black or metallic strap

Versatile and Robust: Suunto’s D6

D6 dive computers are literally packed with functions to make your diving experiences more safe. During all points in your dive the Suunto D6 will help you to manage your depth and times as well as providing you with constant directional data.

The D6 and Suunto’s RGBM

The D6 also helps you to manage decompression stops to get the most from your dive. Suunto’s Reduced Gradient Bubble Modelling algorithms allows you to select a deep stop model enabling iterative stops at depth instead of a single safety stop. This gives you maximum enjoyability with maximum safety.

The Suunto D6 and the Suunto Dive Manager Software Suite

The Sunto D6 dive computer is able to store data about your dives for you to analyze your performance later on your PC. Suunto enables this by providing the Suunto Dive Manager software online, free of charge.

The major benefit of the Suunto Dive Manager is that it can help you to create a more detailed account of your dive to add to your logbook.

The Suunto D6 is a highly recommended piece of kit for your dive.

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The Blue Planet is a fantastic documentary made by the British Broadcasting Company (BBC). It was filmed over the course of five years and explores the beauty, savagery and diversity of our marine ecosystems. These ecosystems include coastal marshes, trenches in the deep oceans, the freezing waters of the polar regions and tropical coral reefs.

The Visual Feast that is the Blue Planet

The Blue Planet is an absolute joy to watch, always educational with eminently beautiful imagery: indeed in many cases the Blue Planet captures events from and interactions within the marine world never previously captured on film.

The Blue Planet also brought to light two new species of ocean dweller: a fish (now known as the Hairy Angler) and an octopus affectionatley dubbed “Dumbo”.

The narrator of the the Blue Planet is Sir David Attenborough, the British broadcaster and naturalist and brother of the famous actor and director Sir Richard Attenborough.

Blue Planet DVD Features

• 80 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage
• Interviews
• Deep Trouble – An exploration of the impact of civilization on the marine world
• Photo Galleries
• Fact Files

Blue Planet Boxed Set Format

• Format: Box set, Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, Special Edition, Widescreen, NTSC
• Language: English
• Number of discs: 5
• Running Time: 392 minutes

A superb DVD box set, the Blue Planet is guaranteed to entertain and educate all who view it.

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SCUBA Diving is Dangerous

Proabably the biggest myth of them all is that SCUBA diving is dangerous. Statistically you are more likely to suffer a fatal accident on a boating trip, when you are swimming or even (nowhere near the water) just being in your home!

Recreational Diving is Expensive

This is simply not true. Many dive centers nowadays offer very reasonably priced courses to help you get qualified (PADI, CMAS etc.). Buying the basic trio of snorkel, mask and fins will far from cost the earth and most of the other required SCUBA gear (cylinders and air, BCD, weights etc.) will likely be bundled into any dive package you purchase from a dive center.

You Have to be a Good Swimmer

You DO NOT need to be a good swimmer to enjoy diving. The very nature of SCUBA diving, i.e. being weightless (or at least neutrally buoyant), makes your passage through water easier.

You Should Not Dive If You Suffer From Claustrophobia

Many people who are claustrophobic are able to dive. For some people their claustrophobia is not a problem at all, while for others diving has helped them to overcome their fears.

Recreational Diving is not Considered a Sport

What is a sport? Recreational diving is most likely not a competitive activity but it certainly requires training and special equipment, mental focus, skill, dexterity and teamworking abilities.

Diving is Only for Men

Further statistical evidence shows that SCUBA diving is becoming increasignly popular with women: large dive training organizations claim that up to 50% of all dive certifications today are for women.

Diving is Only for Adults

Most diving centers require that divers be 15 or over.

Divers Are Shark Bait

The movie Jaws has helped to propogate this particular myth. Sharks do occasionally bite people, but most of them are either swimming or surfing. Although sometimes these attacks can be serious, you are more likely to die from a dog attacking you than a shark.

Diving is Not Environmentally Friendly

Most divers and dive organizations are extremely aware and sensitive to the marine eco-systems they visit. In fact, most people that take up diving gain more of an appreciation of the beauty and mystery of all life on our planet. It could be argued that diving helps to make people more environmentally aware.

The Diving Experience is Only Good in the Summer

The weather does not have to be hot to go diving. If you dive in colder climes you can wear dry suits which keep the water away from you body thereby allowing you to wear clothing.

It should not surprise you that an extremely important part of being a diver is ensuring that your diving equipment is in full working order; after all it is designed to keep you safe underwater and to facilitate an enjoyable marine experience.

If you dive with any frequency and either own or intend to own your own SCUBA diving equipment, you must understand the importance of keeping your dive gear clean.

How do you do this? Simply by washing it.

Why Wash Your Diving Gear?

You have to recognize and embrace the fact that washing your diving gear is one of the primary responsibilities of being a diver. Washing your equipment can help to prolong its life giving you safe divetime in the process.

How Often Should You Wash Your Dive Equipment?

You should wash your dive kit at the end of every day of diving. The most favoured technique is to put your gear into a large tub or sink full of clean, fresh water (not sea water). If you have the space you should consider two tubs: one containing water and detergent for your wetsuit, boots and gloves and another containing just fresh water for any other diving gear you have been using. Make sure that you wash away any dirt or sand before you put your kit into the tubs for their scrub and rinse.

Looking after your dive equipment can save you money and help to eliminate the chances of encountering an equipment problem during your dives.

The Zeagle Ranger is considered by many to be THE classic BCD for some time and is one of the most copied designs.

Zeagle BCDs are highly regarded for the following reasons:

• High quality Zeagle construction and a heavy duty build
• Rear flotation design
• Versatility – it can be used for cold water and tropical diving due to its modular build
• It can comprises single and /or twin tanks
• Compatibility – the Zeagle Ranger BCD is compatible with a number of accessories such as pockets, bladders, backplates and many other diving aids and tools.

What are the Main Features of the Zeagle Ranger BCD?

• 30lb capacity Ripcord® weight system
• 44lb lift capacity Ballistic bladder
• 20lb capacity rear trim weight system
• PFS Modular Sizing
• 11″ grommets for twin cylinder mounts (single or twin capability)
• Heavy duty reinforced 1050 denier Ballistic nylon build
• 2 x zipped utility side pockets
• Elastic waist panels that can are easily adjustable
• 4 x stainless steel angled D-rings on shoulders
• 2 x stainless D-rings on vest
• Adjustable chest strap

The Zeagle Ranger BCD is one of the best buoyancy control devices available on the market. It is durable, extremely versatile and compatible with a multitude of dive accessories and and custom dive tools.

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The Seiko SKX175 watch comes from Seiko’s Dive Technology collection targetted towards men.

How Does the SKX175 Look?

Style and Substance: The SKX175

The SKX175 is a very stylish and robust watch as a result of its stainless steel housing, comprising a one way rotating elapsed timing bezel and screwdown crown and caseback, which makes it resistant to 200 meters.

Its design features the eyecatching nautical colors of navy blue, red and white.

What are the Principal Functions of the Seiko SKX175?

In terms of functions the Seiko SKX175 divers watch has the following attributes:

• Water resistant to 200 meters
• A scratch resistant “Hardlex” crystal face
• LumiBrite® hands and markers making it easy to read in darker environments
• Stainless steel strap with a double-locking-fold-over-clasp
• A twenty one jewel dive watch
• An automatic mechanism for winding itself as you move your wrist around – it does not require batteries.
• 12oz weight
• An English and Spanish day-date panel
• ISO standards approved
• 41mm diameter and 13mm thick case
• 3 year manufacturer warranty
• Three hands.

The Seiko SKX175 dive watch is highly recommended in its price range and is both stylish and built to last.

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Welcome. This is the first blog post of our newly designed site!

Over the coming months we will be posting lots of news and reviews that should interest you diving fanatics.