Scuba Diving News & Rants

Key Largo Weekend

2011-12-21T11:28:00.000-08:00

I am currently flying home from an amazing weekend with a great group of people. My fiance and I took 11 other divers and 1 non-diving wife to Key Largo for a weekend of fun in the sun. We enjoyed diving in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which I'm told is the only "living reef system" in the US. Not sure how they measure that, but that's what they told me. ;-p
Previous to this year, we hadn't done very well with dive trips. Usually biting off more than we could chew, and in today's economy, that can really hurt a small business. I think in many ways a lot of our recent success has to do with increasing confidence in ourselves. We opened this store in 2007 with very little sales experience (I worked at Sears selling tools for a couple months) and zero business experience. All we really brought to the table was a love of the sport and a strong sense of customer service.
That combination doesn't make things very easy on a start-up, especially during a recession, but with a lot of hard work, we've been able to hang in there. Finally, this year we're starting to get comfortable in ourselves. We are learning each other's strengths and are becoming more in tune with the needs of our customers.

So, back to Florida...
We flew down Friday afternoon on a non-stop into Fort Lauderdale. FLL is by far a better airport than Miami when trying to reach the keys. It was very easy to navigate and the rental car kiosks and garages were right there just a short walk from baggage claim. To save on fuel and similar expenses, the 14 of us shared 3 rental mini vans. I intended to take the turnpike all the way to Florida City, but since my phone's GPS was on the blink we ended up taking the scenic route down highway 1. When we finally reached FL City, an hour later than planned, we stopped for seafood at a local restaurant. We checked into the Courtyard Key Largo at around 10pm and quickly turned in for the night.
Saturday morning we boarded the 'Tropical Adventure', a 32 passenger dive boat operated by Rainbow Reef dive charters. Probably the best part of diving with Rainbow Reef was that the boats were docked right beside the hotel. In fact, if I wasn't on the 3rd floor I could have walked off my balcony and been on the dock! We dove two shallow reefs each day. Conditions were fair. I am becoming increasingly aware that my definition of 'fair' conditions may need to be adjusted. More than a few divers had problems with the surface conditions which tossed divers around with 2-3 foot waves and a very mild current. RR offers a great value with all of their dive packages because they provide a Divemaster for FREE to guide divers around the reef. Unfortunately, the downside to this service is that they are at the mercy of any one diver and have to move at the slowest diver's pace. Surface problems held up the group and before they ever descended, two members got sick and/or overly stressed waiting in the waves and abandoned the dive. I was teaching an OW class at the time and I lost one of my own students the same way. This taught me an important lesson. when diving in conditions questionable to your skill level, descend as soon as possible. The second dive went much smoother all around and I believe everyone got to enjoy the reef. There was a night dive scheduled, but due to the conditions it was cancelled. This though, gave us all a chance to enjoy a group dinner at a local harbor restaurant.

Sunday morning brought some of the same conditions. Actually, a little worse with 3-4foot waves, a smack of Moon Jellyfish, and slightly cloudier visibility. Once again, conditions claimed a few divers, but I was able to take care of my students and complete all of the necessary skills. Our second dive, Molasses Reef, was better than I could have asked for. The 30'+ depth gave students more stability for skills and that comfort and confidence shone through in their buoyancy as we toured the reef. We saw some amazing sights including 2 turtles, Goliath Grouper, Barracuda, and Stingrays.
At that night's dinner I tried to get everyone's thoughts on the weekend's events and any lessons learned or changes to be made for our next excursion. We came up with a small list and on my way home I made a list of them all. As Dive Training magazine tells us every cover, "A Good Diver is Always Learning". I like to apply that logic to everything I do, and I really hope I am able to apply what I've learned for my next excursion.
TRIP ITINERARY
Friday Nov 4th: Flight leaves PIT @2:57 > arrives in FLL @5:27
Pick up Rental Cars and drive turnpike to Florida City
Dinner at Captain's Restaurant and Seafood
Check into Hotel
Saturday Nov 5th: Check in with Dive Boat @8am
Board boat for 2 shallow reef dives
Lunch at Tower of Pizza or Conch House
Shopping and/ or sight-seeing
Night dive (optional)
Dinner at Coconuts Lounge (with live entertainment)
Sunday Nov 6th: Check in with Dive Boat @8am
  Board boat for 2 shallow reef dives
Lunch at various restaurants
  Board boat for 2 shallow reef dives (afternoon-optional)
Dinner at Senor Frijoles
Monday Nov 7th:
Check out at 11am
  Souvenir shopping
Lunch at The Mutineer
Stopped at Dania Beach before returning rental cars
Flew Home
It was my goal to use as many non-chain restaurants as possible, and I think other than a last minute Wendy's lunch, I was able to keep that authentic experience while still varying the menu. I was very impressed with how smoothly everything went throughout the trip. I can't wait for my next trip!

More about LavaCore

2011-12-16T15:52:00.000-08:00

So I already wrote a post about Lavacore and how amazing I think it is, but I had to share this. This weekend is the "World's Toughest Mudder" competition. A 2 day race through ridiculous obstacles and conditions to prove the craziest, I mean toughest guy around. Being held in New Jersey, of all places, in December, you know it's gonna be a real test of perseverance and stubborn willpower!

So a little background if you didn't read the first article. Lavacore is a trilaminate (3 layer) garment meant to be worn wet or dry for insulation in any environment. I've personally used it scuba diving and fishing in Erie and intend to wear it on the slopes this winter. Think of it as Under Armor on steroids. The inner poly-fleece layer insulates and wicks moisture from the body. The outer lycra layer creates a slick, abrasion resistant cover allowing the garment to move smoothly through the water and helping to don and doff other garments such as thick wetsuits. The middle layer, though is the key. A micro-thin Poly-Urethane film allows moisture to move out and away from the body for breathable comfort, but is both wind and water resistant for peak core temp regulation. It really is an amazing garment.

So you know I love the stuff, but I'm writing this post because so do a lot of other people. AUP, Lavacore's US distributor is sponsoring a team of US Army veterans with Lavacore for this weekend's big race. Team member Lawrence Kim had this to say:

"[We] have already ran a practice with our new gear. It is AWESOME! Right now it is 37 degrees in DC, and it was perfect on our 10 mile run this evening along the chilly Potomac River. We then submerged ourselves in ice cold water, and was miffed at how warm it kept us. It is extremely flexible, breathable, and perfect in insulating heat.

We have a few more practices left, and truly appreciate you expediting the gear, thus enabling us to train with it a few times before game day.

We will continue to keep you posted, and I will maintain a personal journal of performance/events."

On Set

Many Pittsburghers know that our hometown has become a popular location for filming as Hollywood takes advantage of our state's tax credits. We have hosted dozens of major films over the last year or so including The Dark Knight Rises 2012's epic end to the Christopher Nolan helmed Batman franchise. Another such project still in production is One Shot an action movie based on the popular Jack Reacher novels by Lee Child and starring Tom Cruise. We were contacted several weeks ago by costume handlers looking for a 'wetsuit' to be worn under an actor's (or stuntman's) clothing for fight scenes in the rain and chilly outdoor weather or town is famous for. I showed the woman several options and she left with arm-fulls and a little bit of everything. The next day before I can even open the store I receive several frantic phone calls from the crew. "Tom absolutely loved the Lavacore, we need more!" With its ability to retain body heat while still stretching and breathing, Lavacore is a perfect base layer for activities where you expect to get wet and still need mobility.

Finally, a little less of a name drop, but on our last trip I overheard my fiance and a couple other customers talking to our divemaster after a couple dives off Key Largo. He was a little taken aback that most of us were wearing little more than Lavacore shirts and swim trunks while he was shivering in his 5mm full wetsuit. They were talking up the finer points of Lavacore (Alyssa, my fiance, doing her best to recite my usual sales pitch) and our DM was sold. I found it really cool that customers of mine who got no benefit of talking up the brand gave such a glowing recommendation. Apparently, so did the first mate as I overheard him ask "What are you all Lavacore salesmen!?" to which I simply replied "It seems everyone who wears it is a Lavacore salesman."

LAVACORE: WORN BY HOLLYWOOD STARS, TOUGH MUDDERS, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, DIVERS LIKE YOU!

Holiday Gift Ideas Under $25

2011-12-09T15:49:00.000-08:00

Looking for a couple extra gifts to stick under the tree or in their stockings? Here are several ideas for divers under or around $25.
First up are the Reef Fish series by Paul Humann and Ned Deloach. This is the gold standard for fish, coral, and creature identification. Found on nearly every dive boat, these books help you recognize distinctive features to systematically identify each fish. From body shape to number of fins, habitat and reaction to divers, you can tell the difference between and angelfish, butterfly fish, or spade fish! There is also a companion book that focuses on the behavior and interactions of underwater organisms. The aptly named 'Behavior' teaches readers about feeding, hunting, camouflage, mating and reproducing, symbiotic relationships and much more!

McNett Corporation makes care products for both you and your dive gear. MicroFiber Towels are lightweight and absorbent and ultra thin. They pack easily for any excursion and dry nearly instantly.
Pick up a McNett Value Pack and have all the products you need to maintain your gear. From Shampoo and deodorizer to repair glue and zipper care lubricant, prolong the life of your valuable gear.

Do you like to travel? Have you ever been caught with an overweight bag at the ticketing counter? Don't be that guy holding up the line as you frantically swap items from one suitcase to another hoping to avoid that extra fee. Pick up a travel-luggage scale. The Balanzza luggage scale will accurately weigh your bags up to 100lbs. Featuring an easy clip strap and 3 button interface, this little guy will take a lot of the stress out of travelling for just $25.

A signal tube is a must have for anyone diving from a boat or in large bodies of water, especially those with boat traffic. Be seen, not lost! You hope not to ever need it, but the one time you do, the product pays for itself ten times over. Give your loved one and yourself piece of mind.

Holiday Gifts Under $100

2011-12-09T14:55:00.000-08:00

Scuba and Snorkeling gifts don't have to be huge or extravagant. Many of the items I use most often and wouldn't dive without are under $100. My mask, for instance, is a fundamental piece of kit. I am lucky enough to fit most masks, but I still have my favorites. Mares Liquidskin line are some of the most comfortable masks I've ever owned, and I get to play with a lot. 40% softer than standard silicone for unparalleled fit and comfort and still less than $100. Mares also makes premium fins and snorkels.
Their 40+ years experience has recently been applied to their parent company HEAD and its line of economical snorkeling sets. Unlike a lot of the knock-off kits you'll find in the big box stores, Head products fit great and function even better. The Marlin set pictured here even features a dry top snorkel! Snorkel sets make great gifts for travelers and water enthusiasts.

Chammys clothing is a wood based garment (that's right wood). Made from the pulp leftovers from lumber mills and spun into fibers (similar to paper production), the result is a lightweight, wicking, super insulating apparel perfect for divers. Available in a variety of garments from shorts and lounge pants, to jackets, pullovers and robes. Come try one on and you'll understand why we love Chammys!

We have a small selection of Jewelry and Watches for anyone on your list. Big Blue makes stylish sea life pieces in silver, pewter, bronze and now Gold! Their pendants are a perfect accessory to any outfit. These have been very popular with our non diving friends who want to show their love of the underwater world but don't necessarily want to venture below the waves. We also have earrings and keychains.

Momentum watches from the St Moritz company are a functional accessory for any diver. Market leaders in the specialty SCUBA market segment, with an unmatched selection of different models, technologies and price-points, with an emphasis on functional, legible watches that are built to last. Waterproof to 200 meters, stylish, and affordable. The M1 pictured here sells for just over $100 with the Stainless band, and a little less with the rubber or recycled nylon bands.

Spyderco is the maker of some of the world's best knives, and their 'Salt' series is no exception. Made from durable H1 steel, the blades are impervious to rust. Unlike stainless steel, or even high-carbon steel (preferred by most knife users for its hardness and edge retention) H1 replaces all carbon with nitrogen to create the ultimate watersports knife. Carbon is the element that makes rust possible. That's why even the best stainless steel products eventually breakdown. Without carbon, it is physically impossible for the blade to oxidize. Preferred by nearly every professional crewmen I've spoken to, they even come with a lifetime warranty! They will even sharpen your knife for FREE. All you have to do is pay for shipping!

Lavacore is a brand new product that we have been selling since early 2011. A neutrally buoyant, tri-laminate (3 layers) material made to be worn wet or dry, it is like Under Armor on steroids. The base layer is a 1mm poly-fleece, made to be worn close to the skin to wick moisture away from your body when dry and restrict water movement when wet. The top layer is a stretchable lycra (spandex) to glide through the water or assist in donning wetsuits and other restrictive garments. The secret is really on the inside though. Carefully sandwiched between is a micro-thin polyurethane membrane that is both water and wind resistant to keep you warm even on those long boat rides.

Come check out these and more in store. We're open Mon-Friday 10-7 and Saturday 11-3. We'll even hang out later if you're running a little late. Just call ahead and we promise we'll keep the lights on!

Holiday Gifts Under $1000

2011-12-09T09:51:00.000-08:00

So, your loved one is into scuba diving and you want to surprise him/her with the perfect gift. Use this guide to pick out something that's sure to put a smile on any diver's face.

Hard Goods

Hard Goods is a term we in the diving industry use to describe the life-support equipment (BCD, Regulator, Computer). Most of these individually have a price tag ranging from $300-$700, but you can pick up full sets for around a thousand bucks! Owning your own gear means you will dive more. It's scientifically proven! Let us help you pick out a custom set of gear that you can wrap up for that special someone.

Regulators are a great gift for the avid diver, especially one who travels often. Regs don't take up much space in a suitcase or carry on and you and your loved one can be assured of comfortable easy breathing. You never really know what condition the gear you rent will be in or who used it before you. Why think about that with something you have to put in your mouth!?
BCDs, like a lot of other clothing, fits differently from brand to brand and no two are the same. Owning your own vest allows you to become more comfortable and fine tune buoyancy and air consumption. Check out our wide array of travel friendly BCs.
Personal Dive Computers make diving simpler and safer. A wrist computer is a great gift for any diver. He/ She can use it no matter what gear they already have.

Camera

Underwater photography is a common passion among divers. When you want to describe to your friends and family just how magical the world is below the waves, it's a lot easier when you have a couple thousand words stored neatly on your iPad. You don't have to be a pro to get really stunning images either. We have small cameras that can easily be stored in a pocket and ignored, but ready when the time comes to capture the moment. The Sealife series of digital cameras make the perfect gift for any diver or diver wanna-be! Cameras and camera accessories range from $200-$900.

Classes
A good diver is always learning. Give your diver the best gift of all - Safety, Confidence, Adventure. It's the perfect All-in-One gift. Advanced/ Specialty courses give divers the chance to learn additional skills, visit new dive sites (or rediscover old ones). All of this increases confidence, awareness, safety, and enjoyment! PADI offers a lot of courses online through their popular eLearning program.
Purchase an eLearning gift pass for the Open Water course and give the diver wannabes on your list something they'll cherish forever. Most courses cost only $120 and certification lasts a lifetime!

Should I buy gear?

2011-12-06T15:19:00.000-08:00

Let me just put it out there...
Scuba is NOT a cheap sport! By the time you get lessons and book your first trip you're already in for a pretty penny. So I understand the reluctance to invest in the hard goods. Like most 'adventure' sports, the equipment really makes the difference between a great time and 'just ok'. When you consider the fact that scuba equipment is life support, it can also have even more serious consequences.

I hate the common dribble about scuba taking place in a "Hostile Environment." It is a terrible way to describe a world so profound. Their point, I know, is that man cannot survive on his own underwater (that silly not having gills thing), but I don't think I've ever heard the same phrase used to describe flying or driving. Both require equipment beyond the human body and can be fatal if not performed correctly. Flying albeit more than driving (unless you account for road rage)! With proper training and equipment, diving is a very safe sport.
How do you know what gear to buy? A good local dive shop (LDS) will help you out with advice on what to buy when, which equipment fits, and what gear you actually need. Selling scuba gear will not make you rich. We are here because we love this sport and actually dive. You will need different gear for diving California than you would in Hawaii. From exposure protection to essential accessories, we haven't been everywhere, but we know what you need for most destinations.
A lot of people tell me they don't want to spend too much on gear that might only get used a handful of times. This is always going to be a possibility, but one thing I've learned in this sport and many others is if you don't invest in gear, you'll lose interest and fall out of the sport altogether. Think about Golfing, Fishing, Skiing, or similar sports. The difference between "someone who skis" and a "skier" is investing in the sport with training, practice, and proper equipment. The best thing you can do to avoid buyer's remorse is invest well and invest once. This has always been a philosophy that my dad instilled in me as a kid. You can spend less on a basic setup, but you will most likely be disappointed with it on some level. It may be hard to justify the price tag on the right gear, but if you choose well with your LDS's help, you can be assured that you will be happy with it for many years to come.

LIFE OF DIVE GEAR.
So how many "years to come" can you expect? Obviously this is different for each person with factors like use, care, specific brand, construction, etc. The average BCD, Regulator, or Computer should last 10-20 years with care and maintenance. I still get regulators in for service from the 80s and early 90s that work perfectly. Technology in regulators and BCs really hasn't changed that much over the last 20 years and I don't see it going anywhere in the next 20. Even personal Dive Computers (PDCs), unlike laptops and cell phones, aren't seeing the same tech explosion and becoming obsolete each year, so you can be confident that you're not missing out on the latest technology. Enroll in an "Equipment Specialist" class to learn more about care and maintenance for your investment.

What to Buy When
If you're enrolling in a scuba certification course, most instructors and dive shops will tell you to purchase a set of Mask, Fins, and Snorkel. These are what we consider the basics. The mask in my opinion, is one of the simplest yet most important purchases you will make. Possibly even more important than life support items like computers and BCDs. This is because not every mask fits every face. If your mask is constantly leaking and filling with water, you won't enjoy the sport as much and may become frustrated. It is a great idea to start out with these 3 simple essentials, as they pack easily and can be used on nearly every vacation, whether you're diving, snorkeling, or just hanging out at the pool or lake.
What to buy next... here is where it gets tricky. There isn't really a schedule or guide to follow when deciding to invest in scuba equipment. I usually advise people based on 3 criteria, Need, Budget, and What they will get the most use from. For a lot of people the first purchases beyond the basics include a wetsuit or Lavacore, Flashlights, safety equipment, and gear bags. These are all items you can pick up for a relatively low investment. The bigger tagged items, such as BCs and Regs, I recommend to divers who are sure they want to dive often, especially if they plan to dive locally. Not everyone can make multiple trips a year, and sometimes you have other interests you'd like to pursue as well, but if you dive more than twice a year, it is probably worth having your own equipment. It is really hard to grow as a diver if you don't have a set of your own equipment. If you never have the same kit, you cannot learn your own gear. Also, as I mentioned earlier, having gear pushes you to use it.
The only equipment we rarely sell is tanks. Tanks are for local divers. If you do all of your diving while on vacation (as many Pittsburghers do) there is little reason to own tanks. You cannot travel with tanks, and they are usually included in the price of most charters. However, if you dive close to home then tanks are usually the final piece of gear you will need to round out your set.

BOTTOM LINE
If you enjoy scuba diving and plan to do more in years to come, invest in your own enjoyment with equipment that fits you!

Lake Erie wreck dives

2011-09-30T14:47:00.000-07:00

So I completed my first Lake Erie dive on Sunday, September 4th. This was long overdue as I have been asked often since we opened the store about what it's like to dive in the Lake and I've always had to answer "I don't Know." This is a very hard phrase to use with such frequency. I dove with Osprey Charters and Captain Jim Herbert out of Westfield, NY (about 20min NE of Erie, PA). Osprey came with excelent recommendations from every wreck diver I know, so they were the clear choice for me. Captain Jim is as pleasant and down to earth as you could ask especially from a position stereotyped as the polar opposite of these qualities.

The stories I had heard about Erie were that it was a relatively shallow lake (compared to other great lakes) and that causes unpredictable weather. A storm in Canada can cause 4ft waves in New York where it is nice and sunny. The visibility can be terrible above the thermocline and temperatures rarely reach above 40 degrees below it. All of these were true.

This by no means meant that I had a terrible time. In fact because I came expecting all of this, I was fully prepared for the worst. When I arrived in the morning I was informed that we would not be visiting the scheduled wrecks because of impending storms. The captain didn't want to be so far away from home if the sea and sky decided to declare war on our little boat. So I'm thinking to myself expect 4-6ft waves (the worst most charters would subject divers to), a strong current, and 3 foot of visibility from 0-60ft. Having prepared myself for the worst I could either be A) Proven Right or B) Pleasantly Surprised [The Pessimists Motto].

We set out for the John J. Boland, a steel freighter lying in 130'. The skies were overcast without much sun, but there was substantial humidity. I chose to ride out leaning against the side railing to catch the lake breeze. Knowing the boat was near capacity, I chose not to start suiting up at the 20 min warning. The undergarments and drysuit needed for the 42 degree bottom would become miserable after only 10 min in that humidity with the boat rolling on 3 foot waves. A couple passengers underestimated this I think, as more than one diver became dehydrated and seasick. I waited for several divers with doubles to enter the water then when it looked like no one was in any hurry, my buddy and I splashed and made our way to the descent line. The current was strong enough that you could swim against it, but you didn't want to for long, so Capt Jim used a dock hook to help us all one by one up to the anchor.

After being tossed around a little on the surface I descended the 90' to where the anchor line met the stern of the Boland. The large propeller was an impressive sight. I looked around for a while, carefully navigating the lopsided wreck even swimming through the main hold. The visibility was actually around 50-60ft at this depth, but poor viz at the surface made things pretty dark. After about 15 minutes I made my way back up to the surface, stopping to off-gas at 15foot. Upon reaching the surface, I drifted back to the trail line and waited my turn to climb the ladder. Back on-board there were several divers who were either not prepared for the conditions, or who had trouble, so the second dive was cancelled. :(

All in all, it was a good experience. I learned a little about both Erie and Osprey Charters. Enough that I plan to book 3-4 charters next year starting in early spring. I was disappointed though in the choice of dive site. Not because it was a bad wreck, but because the original itinerary listed 2 wrecks in less than 100ft that might have been easier for such a large number of first time wreck divers. In the future, I will talk to the captain to discuss this, and possibly prepare my own passengers a little better.

Let me know if you're up for Lake Erie in April!

Shore Diving Considerations or "It's a Tarp!"

2011-08-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

Here in western PA, almost all of our diving is from shore. Aside from the occasional lake Erie boat or dock entry, we drive up to a site and set up our gear beside the lake or quarry. In addition to the usual equipment necessary for the dive, there are a few often overlooked considerations which I feel should be included on every divers checklist.

#1. A Ground Cloth or Tarp.

One of the first things you learn (or should) when shore diving is that your gear picks up pieces of whatever you set it on, especially when wet. Mud, Grass, Sand, Gravel, Dead leaves, BUGS, you name it. If it's on the ground it's bound to get into your gear. There's a simple solution though. USE A TARP! Lay down a ground cloth, tarp, or spare yoga mat and now you can keep all of your equipment clean. Set up your equipment on the tarp and use it to get in and out of your wetsuit. It's best practice though to never step on the tarp with your shoes or dive boots as this will "contaminate" your working area. Most importantly, keep all of your gear on the tarp to avoid having it trampled, tripped over, or taken (whether by mistake or theft). Abandoned scuba equipment might as well have a sign that says "FREE Take me please!"

#2. A Dive Flag Float and Reel.

This one is actually THE LAW. Specific regulations differ between each state and country, but the general rule is you want to stay within at least 50 feet of your dive flag. When shore diving the best way to do this is to tow the flag with you attached to a reel or line of some sort. This keeps the flag just above you at all times. I can't guarantee that boaters will know what this means, I've had at least one encounter where a pair of Jet-Skiers used our flag as the checkpoint for a race. As they say, it's better safe than sorry. There is little excuse not to have one of these. They are generally cheap, ranging from $15-$45 on average and pack easily with many being inflatable.

#3. Bring a Non-Diver

Many divers have spouses who would rather hang out on the beach and read a book. Bring them along to watch your valuables and keep an eye out for anything topside. If you don't have anyone on the surface you will need to figure out what to do with your things that can't come with you (keys, wallet, cell phone, etc). The Hitch-Safe is a great way to keep things out of sight. Speaking of which, make sure everything in your car is tucked away so that you don't invite someone to smash your window for an easy wallet, etc.

DID YOU KNOW?: Many metropolitan areas (especially in northern climates) have an interesting way of dealing with their homeless problem. When large events such as the Winter Olympics and New Years Eve in Times Square come around the cities want to make a good impression and don't want too many homeless people in the streets. Officials go around offering these people one way tickets to Hawaii.

Moral of the story is don't take chances. Lock up anything of value.

Diving Genres

2011-07-18T14:31:00.000-07:00

I couldn't really think of a better title for this topic...

Basically, I get a lot of questions about diving that is outside of the scope of the average training. "How Deep have you gone?" "Do you dive in the River?" "Have you ever been in any cool Shipwrecks/ Caves?" So, I want to talk about specific areas of training and the classes, gear, and other considerations that go along with them. Not everyone who scuba dives falls into one category. There are distinct subgroups that people choose to specialize or at least focus their training and practice. First I am going to break them all down into 4 very broad categories and then go into a little more detail to hopefully explain the major differences. I promise not to get too far off topic

Recreational Diving: This is where just about everyone starts. Recreational diving is what most of us think of when we hear the word scuba. PADI and other agencies define recreational as any dive that allows the diver 130 feet or less direct access to the surface. This means even if you are in a wreck or cavern (caverns are open rooms with a ceiling, Rec diving does not include caves) you should be able to swim out and up in less than 130' and do so with a low risk of 'the bends'. This means relatively short bottom times depending on depth. Rec. diving contains several specialties in itself, including night, search and recovery, boat, photography, naturalist, and drift diving just to name a few.

Technical Diving: AKA "tech" diving for short, this is extended range diving. Tech covers deeper dives, wrecks, caves, extended bottom times, and more. Most tech dives DO NOT allow direct access to the surface. Technical diving is also called "decompression diving", so even if there are no obstructions you will have to make several stops along the way to keep from suffering decompression illness. As you can imagine, this type of diving carries much higher risks, so there is much more emphasis on training and the use of proper equipment. You will often hear tech divers talk about the DIR (Doing It Right) philosophy which encourages redundancy, simplicity, and constant practice.

Public Safety Diving: This is mostly search and rescue or evidence recovery by trained EMS, Police, and Firefighters. Public Safety Divers (PSD) are often volunteers who are called out on a moment's notice, so training is key to keep a safe, quick response. PSD is a team activity. Done correctly there should be no less than 4-5 members working a scene. There are 3 divers (one down, one up as a backup/ emergency diver, and a third standing by at 90% ready to become the backup if needed), a line tender in charge of directing the search (most Pub. Safety dives take place in black water so divers rely on rope signals for direction), and an incident/ scene manager. The more trained personnel the better, as they can help with information gathering, crowd control, and assist the divers as needed. PSDs have a duty to themselves first. The benefits must always outweigh the risks before divers enter the water. This means that the search will be called off at night, in strong currents, and poor weather unless there is a high probability of saving a life.

Commercial Diving: Commercial diving is diving with a very specific purpose such as underwater welding, inspection, or cleaning/ maintenance. Commercial divers attend vocation based schools to learn how to work in extreme environments. Most commercial divers are "Hard-Hat" men. They wear a helmet supplied with air from the surface and fitted with communications equipment. These ropes, cables, and hoses are called the "Umbilical" as they are the diver's life support. Hard-hat divers will spend as much time as needed underwater to complete a job, often surpassing what recreational divers think of as safe limits. In many cases the diver is pulled from the water only to be placed immediately into a recompression chamber to stave of the bends.

There is a lot of crossover between the disciplines with very few participants staying strictly within only one. Unfortunately, with this crossover we see a lot of divers looking down there noses at each other and name calling. It is important to remember that there is no one solution to every problem. Each genre of diving uses different equipment that may not be ideal for another style of diving. I encourage you to learn more about what diving has to offer you.

Burger Recipe - Sorta

2011-07-18T01:23:00.000-07:00

So I hosted some dives this weekend at our favorite little puddle and decided to break out the grill. Cooked up Bratwurst, Italian Sausage (sorry, no peppers/ onions), hot dogs, and some homemade burgers -Which turned into sliders, but that's not really important.

We had a great time, with 10-15 foot vis and sunny skies. After our first dive I fired up my little Coleman Grill and began grilling what I thought was more than enough meat. Aparently there aren't alot of vegetarians in my group, because I got stuck with a lonely hot dog. I'm not really complaining though since I did give up the last burger to one of my DMs (Divemasters) cause he was too nice to ask for it. Like I told him, I know the recipe, I can always make more.

You probably already figured this out from the title, but that's why I'm writing this post. Everyone who had a burger really seemed to like it and a friend/ fan on Facebook asked me to post the recipe so he could try to duplicate them. So, here goes:

The ingredients are pretty simple, McCormick's "Hamburger" seasoning, A-1 "Thick and Hearty", and ground beef. Those burgers were made with 85% lean, but I think that was a little too much fat as the burgers really shrank by the time they were cooked. I am using 92% in the burgers I'm making for myself to see how that does. I can't tell you exact amounts as like most italians, I rarely measure. Especially with spices. Here is an illustrated guide for you to better understand my methods.

Start off by spreading out your meat. This helps mix in the dry spices easier. Next, coat the whole top with a generous amount of seasoning, then a light coat of A1. Mix well. Repeat "to taste." I believe "If you can't see the seasoning, there's not enough there, so do this about 5+ times. Take it easy on the A1 since it can easily over power everything. So too is true of one of my favorite seasonings, Italian Blend,

Personal Dive Computers (PDCs)

2011-06-23T22:51:00.000-07:00

One of the fastest growing trends in the scuba industry is the use of personal dive computers or PDCs as they are often referred. And for good reason. Unlike most tables which require you to plan your entire dive at a single depth, PDCs use algorithms based on similar studies to track your risk for Decompression Sickness often called "the Bends".

Recreational Dive Planner (RDP)

If you've never taken a scuba course, or maybe you're just a bit rusty, "the Bends" is what happens when a diver pushes his/ her limits and excess amounts of nitrogen build up in the diver's body. Upon ascent, bubbles expand and cause problems ranging from discomfort to severe cramps, even embolisms that cause heart attacks and strokes. No doubt a serious issue, but an easily managed one with the right tools. Any open water course will teach you how to use a form of table or chart such as this one from PADI on the right. Like the Navy dive tables before it, the Recreational Dive Planner or RDP is based on research done by several groups where large amounts of data were collected and studied. Certain patterns emerged and mathematicians created ways to quantify the data so that it could be repeated and eventually this was converted into charts or tables that scuba divers and commercial divers could use.

As mentioned before, a large complaint about "Tables" is that they are considered overly conservative by many, including me. By requiring divers to plan a dive as though it is spent entirely at it's deepest depth is in many ways unrealistic. Even innovations like "the Wheel" or electronic 'e'RDP-ML which give credit for intervals at 3 seperate, progressively-shallower depths (referred to as Multi-Level diving) still doesn't account for the way most divers explore underwater. The computer on the left shows what we like to call a "sawtooth profile". Divers descend to a planned maximum depth but may only stay there for a matter of minutes. They ascend slightly checking out the reef and its surroundings. One of the buddies spots a rare fish/ coral and descends again to get a better look/picture and then the team ascends again, possibly shallower or maybe a little deeper than the previous time. Do you see how this could really foul up a dive plan?

I am in no way telling you not to plan your dives, far from it. I am a strong believer in "He who fails to plan, plans to Fail." My point is, however, that wearing a computer should be a part of that plan. Dive computers track your every movement from the time you enter the water beyond once you've left the dive boat for the evening. What's more important, is that they give you up to the second-ish readouts of your no decompression limits, depth, temperatures, elapsed dive time, nitrogen/ oxygen saturation, ascent rate, and in some cases air pressure and air time remaining. Many will claim that this takes the thinking out of diving. I agree. But unlike my contemporaries, I don't say it like it's a bad thing. Where people get into trouble is when they follow a device religiously without understanding the science behind it. A PDC should be used as a tool to complement your dive planner, or at the very least as a dive planner as well. If you rely on your computer to tell you when to ascend, you are a statistic in the making.

There are literally dozens of computers available today. Each one is designed with a specific algorithm and purpose. There are two main sets of data however, that nearly all PDCs share. The Spencer/ Powell model consisting of repetitive multi-level, no-decompression dives performed at sea level and the Buhlmann model, based on repetitive deco dives at altitude. All algorithms share one key safety feature. When the data being collected by the diver is outside of that which the algorithm is based on, the computer reads more conservative.
So how do you choose a dive computer? Start by asking your dive buddies what they are using and WHY. Be sure they actually like their computer and aren't just using it because it's what they are stuck with. Ask several trusted sources about what a computer can do and what the algorithm is based on. And most importantly, decide what kind of diving you want to do. For many people the decision is made simply by going with what their buddies are using simply for compatibility and dive planning. Others are sold on, or in unfortunate occasions scared on, the merits or limitations of a specific algorithm. Oceanic went in a different direction. Instead of continue the debate over how their DSAT algorithm stacked up with the competition, they added a second algorithm to nearly all of their PDCs. Dual Algorithm allows the diver to choose the profile he/ she wants. The ability to choose either algorithm and add a conservative factor lets divers match nearly any sport diving algorithm on the market.

A few simple rules for computer diving:

Check your PDC as often as you would your other gauges, if not more (considering it relies on battery power).
Plan your dives ahead of time and use your computer as a backup to that plan.
Never dive to the limits of your computer. Computers are only as right as the data supplied to them. While they are constantly proven accurate, any number of factors can skew your risks for increasing the likelihood of a bends hit.
Finally, never share a computer. No two people are exactly alike, and no two divers share the exact profile. It's not worth the risk to assume you're safe just because your buddy's computer says so. If your buddy wants to share your computer, get another buddy!

Gilboa, Strawberry, and B&B Quarries

2011-06-20T01:30:00.000-07:00

It has been over a month since I was able to post anything! So sorry readers. Anyone who's been around the shop knows that we've been a little busy. Finally, this week I got a little break with only one pool session.

I figured I would get back into the rhythm of things here by reviewing the three dive sites I've visited in the past few weeks. Gilboa Quarry near Findlay, OH (May 27th-29th), B&B Quarry in Hillsville, PA - near New Castle, (June 4th), and Strawberry Quarry in not supposed to tell you, PA (June 5th). All of these sites I have dove numerous times before and in each instance I was with students so I will offer you my take as both a diver and a professional. Enjoy:

Gilboa Quarry: By far one of my favorite in-land dive sites, Gilboa is a perfect location for all types of training whether you're looking for entry level, advanced, or technical diving. The quarry offers temperatures ranging from 38F at 130ft to high 60s in the summer. There are two distinct sides to dive at Gilboa, the shallow side from 12-50ft holding most of the quarry's attractions and the deep side dropping down to 135ft at it's deepest. It takes a little over 4.5 hours to get to the quarry from Pittsburgh, but we routinely make the trek at least 3-5 times per summer. The diving really is THAT GOOD. We dove over the Memorial Day weekend, arriving Friday and doing three dives and leaving Monday afternoon. The temperatures at that time were a chilly 50F. I dove my DUI CLX450 with a set of Fourth Element Xerotherm base and DUI Actionwear Pro layer on top. I also used dry gloves, with 4th E's new liner gloves (more on those in another post if you're interested.) Most of my students wore full 7mm ensembles and were very happy.

The visiblility ranged from < 20ft to a little more than 35ft. On one dive I saw Gilboa's lone Sturgeon, which is about 4-5ft long. I tried to catch it on my Bonica video camera, but it danced just outside of my focus as I followed (chased) him until I gave up. See the right side of the video. There are a few places where you can make out his silhouette. Saturday morning I saw my first Paddlefish, hanging out under the dock of all places. Gilboa is home to the endangered American Paddlefish among nearly 20 other species of fish (all stocked). Before you get any ideas, there is NO Fishing allowed at Gilboa.

On Saturday June 4th our dive club, the Steel City Divers, held their first Dive-’n-Dine of the summer at B&B Quarry in Hillsville, PA. Owned by Bob Tyger, and by previous family for the last 50 years, B&B is a shallow quarry near the Ohio/ PA border with a full service shop and great topside amenities. Divers and snorkelers can enjoy drive-up access to the docks. Picnic tables and a beautiful pavilion offer great places for gatherings during surface intervals. Showers are located in the shop along with public restrooms, and a port-a-john is located near the water access for convenience.

Now, about the diving…

Stable wooden docks allow divers to do a giant stride into the quarry. Like Gilboa, B&B is also split into two zones. There is the shallow side which reaches about 10ft at its deepest, most of it however is about 6’-8’ and full of thick weed beds that reach bottom to top. Navigation and underwater swimming for that matter are near impossible, though if you take your time, you can weave through the breaks in the vegetation for an interesting labyrinth-like dive. Visibility is about 5-10 foot, usually trending toward the lesser. From the docks a lengthy 150yd swim south-east will take you to the “Less shallow side.” There are a few sunken treasures in this 20ft max section of the quarry. A few boats, a large sewer pipe and a 10’x10’ platform rest on the silty bottom at various depths. The platform at about 12 feet, is A) too shallow to adequately perform skills, B) covered in silt pretty much defeating its purpose, and C) surrounded by 2ft of visibility at best.

I respect Bob and his commitment to running a quarry 75 miles from any metropolis. But as I left Saturday not able to complete the dives I had planned and worried that I may have scared 3 students who were already nervous of diving in the colder darker quarries (as opposed to the ocean) after dropping them into ZERO VIS, I couldn’t help but curse to my fiancé that “after 50years of owning the quarry you think he would have found a way to make it deeper or at least taken care of the weeds.”

Bottom line, B&B is still a perfect place for the average diver to get wet and practice skills. At only $5/ day it is worth the money being the only public quarry in our area. Although I will not be taking students back until either the depth or weeds are improved, I will continue to send friends and customers there with a good warning of what to expect. The visibility I described is average, but does get slightly better on occasion. Temperatures are usually warmer due to the shallower water and insulating quality of the weeds. Expect between 55ish, as we experienced that day to high 70s throughout the summer.

After my rough day Saturday, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Strawberry had some of the best conditions I’ve seen there. Strawberry Fields Quarry as it’s often called, is a private quarry accessed by dive shops and instructors only, along with the occasional campers, 4-wheelers, and Amish fishermen. I am not allowed to reveal its exact location, but suffice to say it is our main location for Open Water certification dives. Thankfully, my 3 nervous students arrived Sunday morning a little hesitant, but with their game faces on. We splashed at about 10am to find nearly 20ft of visibility, about the max you can expect for most PA quarries. Strawberry maxes out at around 3oft in a silt bottom. There are three entry points, filled with several training platforms and a few sunken boats, a jetski, trailer, and other sights. Sunday’s dives saw about temperatures in the low to mid 50’s with no stark thermoclines. This is typical of the deepest parts of the quarry, but the top half of the water can reach the high 60s especially in July and August. We completed three dives that day and had a great time.

Well that’s my report. I hope it doesn’t take me this long to write and publish my next post. Thank you for reading, I know it was a long one. If you are interested in diving any of these sites, call us at 412-262-2664. We try to keep our Events page updated with upcoming dives, but the best way to stay in the know is to follow us in the store, on Facebook, or attend a Steel City Divers meeting. The next of those is on July 16^th at Treasurer Bill Tedeski’s home in Moon Township. We’ll be enjoying a picnic from 2-8pm. I will be diving Strawberry this upcoming weekend (June 25^th-26^th). If interested, we will be meeting in the parking lot at 8:30am. Call the shop to set up rental equipment.

Training Standards

2011-05-05T12:27:00.000-07:00

Read carefully to know
what's fact or opinion

As you bounce around the different forums and talk to instructors from various agencies there is a lot of bad info going around. Each side thinks they have a perfect system, but they fail to realize perfection is unattainable. I see this all the time in religion. One person's God is THE God and all others are blasphemers, heathens, etc. In my understanding God works in mysterious ways. He appears to worshipers in whatever form is easiest for them to understand. The differences that nations feud over really aren't that different. Every world religion, especially the 3 western (Islam, Judaism, and Christianity) share so much of the same teachings.

But that's for another much deeper discussion.

Similarly, every dive training agency has the same basic function: to introduce new students to the world we love. I can't speak to the merits or deficiencies of any other agency, because I have always been happy with the support I have gotten from PADI (the Professional Association of Diving Instructors).

PADI is the largest training agency, so naturally they attract the most criticism. What I see most is other instructors railing against how easy it is to achieve a PADI certification card. When SCUBA instruction was in its infancy, the average Open Water course took several weeks and covered a large range of skills and techniques. This sounds great, but what happened is that the courses were often too long for most and resulted in slow, stagnant numbers of new certifications. Also, many students interested in the recreational aspect of the sport were turned off by the boot-camp-like approach carried over from the sport's navy diver roots. Several instructors including Ralph Erickson and John Cronin saw the need for a standardized recreational scuba course. PADI was formed to give anyone the ability to easily experience the thrills of breathing underwater. They understood that not every student wants to dive the Andrea Doria or make diving a career, they want to have fun!

As the years progress, this sentiment becomes more and more apparent. And so new innovations are developed to make it easier for students with busy lives to experience scuba diving. One such polarizing adaptation is online classes. PADI's eLearning program garners as much criticism as it does praise because it takes the student out of the classroom and offers less face time with the instructor. This comes after years of 'trimming the fat' out of the entry level course, cutting out arduous, time-consuming skills to allow students to achieve results faster and acquire and retain more customers. Such "improvements" are where many take issue. The common belief is that we are teaching students just enough to get by. Unfortunately, this can be true depending on the individual instructor. Agencies set minimum standards, but it is up to the individual instructor to make sure the students understand and master the skills.

See What PADI is to me...

This is a delicate balance, and why there are so many training agencies. Some favor more comprehensive courses that may take several weeks. I see this with my fire department. Pennsylvania depends on volunteers for the majority of it's fire service. Getting members to commit to weekly training and fundraisers is a daunting task itself, but the state also requires new members to complete 180 hours of academy basic training before being allowed to respond to a fire. This scares away a lot of potential members who simply want to help their community. The arguments are the same as we hear in scuba training- Safety. Every skill has the potential to save your life.

Our stance is this: Make it simple for the average diver to get involved, but reinforce the need for continuing education and constant practice. Diving is a very safe sport when approached with the right attitude. We hope to make this a fun adventure that keeps you coming back for more.

New Product - Lavacore

2011-05-03T14:06:00.000-07:00

There is a new product on the shelves today. Nearly 6 months ago at DEMA Show in Las Vegas, Oceanic introduced a somewhat revolutionary new undergarment called Lavacore. I say somewhat because the idea has been around for a while.

Lavacore is a neutrally buoyant garment that behaves like a 2mm-ish wetsuit as far as warmth goes. It is lightweight and drys easily. Designed to be worn alone or under other wetsuits and drysuits, it becomes a very versatile garment. Probably the most radical feature of LC though, is it's price. Similar products go for at least 1 1/2 to 2 times what you can buy Lavacore.

Lavacore is a tri-laminate (3 layer) system. Against your skin, the inner layer is a blend of Merino wool and Polytherm fleece materials. These materials feel soft and comfortable, but where it matters in diving is the way they continue to provide warmth even after getting wet. The exact ratio changes with each garment, most diving products containing upwards of 90% Polytherm fleece. Polytherm is man made and designed to mimic the thermal qualities of real wool while being breathable enough to help wick away perspiration and maintain core temperatures. It does all this while remaining lightweight and neutrally buoyant.
-->The middle, or "Inter" Layer as they call it, is a thin breathable film designed to wick moisture away and keep wind out. So important to anyone diving off of a boat (esp Live-a-board trips) or any other location prone to high winds. Evaporative cooling is almost as much a factor in core temperature loss as the dive itself.
-->The outer layer is a lycra based knit designed to provide stretch and protect the inner layer, and You! It is coated with a water repellent treatment to help with water run off and hasten drying times. Also helps to prevent wind chill. Resistant to pilling (abrasion from normal wear and cleaning causing the fibers to unravel and the loose ends ball up on the fabric surface) your garment will continue to look great for a long while.

Though designed primarily for water sports, I see tons more uses for my Lavacore. Skiing, Canoeing, camping, hiking, running, and fishing just for starters. Anything where wind and weather threaten your warmth LC could be your answer.

PADI 5 Star Dive Center

2011-04-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

Uncle Joe's Scuba is now a PADI 5 Star Dive Center as of yesterday April 25th, 2011! YAY!

What does this mean? Nothing really, except that we've finally jumped through enough hoops for PADI to officially recognize us for what most of our customers have known since day one. In all reality though, the 5 Star rating is given to a Dive Center that exemplifies PADI's standards in some key areas, training, environmental awareness, and a healthy presence in the community to name a few. We've worked pretty hard over the last 4 years (technically, we don't turn 4 until Sunday) to earn and maintain the trust of each of our students and customers. There is no more vital bond to us than trust and respect.

Gift from Uncle Jim. The basis for our logo

A lot of people ask us "Why'd you name it Uncle Joe's?" Beyond the obvious answer of "Well the owner's name is Joe and he is an Uncle," Joe tells 'em it goes back to something his brother in law used to joke about "Hey Uncle Joe, you know, Everybody's got an Uncle Joe." Not 100% accurate, but the idea stuck with him. The name implies what we hope to be - Family. Like the old general stores, we want to earn your business and build relationships, not just put products on display and expect people to show up and buy them. Business should serve the customer, not the other way around.

We opened Uncle Joe's in 2007 as kind of a spur of the moment. How spur of the moment? Well just 3 months earlier we had purchased 3 brand new regulators, 4 tanks, and an underwater camera from another dive shop. Joe (Dad as I call him) and I had been teaching students for a little over 3 years at that point. In late 2003 dad completed the PADI Instructor Development Course. In his first few years, he trained students with fellow independent instructors not for much profit, but simply because he loved the sport. I joined my dad on many of the open water checkout weekends as I continued my training toward divemaster and eventually instructor. I learned from watching him and the other instructors and I think I learned as much what NOT to do as how to be a good teacher.

The more we taught, the more we developed the feeling that there was a lot of room for improvement in the way we were teaching. In 2005, Joe dug a pool in his backyard to and founded Uncle Joe's Scuba to start teaching his way. We taught only a handful of students at a time, developing the model we still follow today of close knit courses designed to create a comfortable learning environment. At first we sent students to other dive shops to rent and purchase gear. Some shops treated our divers with contempt, like they were being forced to get handed large sums of money from our clients. Other shops just didn't have any inventory. Still others had poorly neglected equipment. Tanks showed up without o-rings, compasses seldom worked, and on at least one occasion an instructor adding weight to a students BC found it falling straight through the dry rotted pocket! We tried to purchase equipment on our own, at first second hand (with mixed results) and then through the manufacturers (with little luck). The industry has a pretty strict policy of only selling it's products through qualified retail facilities to keep dealers from cutting each other's throats and diminishing the brands through negative selling practices. Some companies have forgotten this business model in the current economy, but I digress.

So, as I said, in 2007 my dad and I had a long series of conversations revolving around what we wanted to do about the situation. Our conclusion was that we could do it better. Not to be arrogant. We had seen so many examples through our tenure as divers and now as professionals that it was hard not to improve upon others' faults. We attended a consumer show in New Jersey and came home with our first 4 product lines: Oceanic, Bare, XS Scuba, and Innovative Scuba Concepts (technically Innovative was the only company who would deal with us as independents). We rented a storefront from family friend, and fellow instructor Bill Cook and in a month remodeled and repainted it. On May 1st we officially opened our doors, with a few simple rules:

1. Earn the customers respect and trust
2. Keep a large inventory on hand (people don't want to order a product, they want to buy it and go home with it)
3. Never push a product that the customer doesn't need or want. Listen and provide advise if you don't have what they're looking for
4. Never allow rental equipment to become unsafe.
5. Never give a certification card to a student who isn't ready (even if they think they are) Teach and mentor each student for as long as it takes.

We want to sincerely thank everyone who has led us to this point, even our competitors, because everyone has left a mark on us that continues to make us want to do better.

What PADI is to me.

2011-04-24T07:12:00.000-07:00

At a recent dive club meeting I was asked to speak to the members about the 'PADI System of Continuing Education', a slightly daunting task. I had been putting it off for at least a year or so because I didn't know if I could present the information without sounding like Ben Stein. When I finally stood up to give my speech though I had this kind of 'whoa' moment -like an epiphone but more subtle and without any significance to anyone but me- that not only do people not know much about the 'PADI System of Continuing Education', they really don't know much of anything about PADI. So I decided to put something on here for your amusement.

When SCUBA instruction was in its infancy, the average Open Water course took several weeks and covered a large range of skills and techniques. This sounds great, but what happened is that the courses were often too long for most and resulted in slow, stagnant numbers of new certifications. Also, many students interested in the recreational aspect of the sport were turned off by the boot-camp-like approach carried over from the sport's Navy diver roots. Several instructors including Ralph Erickson and John Cronin saw the need for a standardized recreational scuba course. PADI was formed to give anyone the ability to easily experience the thrills of breathing underwater. They understood that not every student wants to dive the Andrea Doria or make diving a career, they want to have fun!

PADI Courses flowchart

As the years progress, this sentiment becomes more and more apparent. And so new innovations are developed to make it easier for students with busy lives to experience scuba diving. The newest of these, eLearning, has been wholly embraced by some and possibly equally rejected by others. I can't claim that PADI pioneered dive training online, but they have been very active in promoting and developing programs for nearly all core courses.

PADI, to my knowledge, has the most comprehensive and rigid system for training new instructors. **WARNING-This section is nearly impossible to summarize and not sound confusing. Actually, I could probably give you a long, drawn out explanation and still have you shrugging your shoulders by the end. Here is a real quick blurb to help keep things in perspective [Only a Course Director can teach Instructors-Course Directors must be trained directly by Headquarters]** PADI instructors all have to attend the Instructor Development Course. Here the candidate studies alongside a mentor from Divemaster through Instructor in much the same way tradesmen became apprentices and journeymen before mastering a trade. But that's not all. The candidate still has to pass the Instructor Examination, a 2-day exhaustive review of the candidates skills judged by one of only a handful of corporate examiners.

Not just any PADI member can train another instructor though. First the hopeful trainer must certify a large number of students in various categories and achieve recognition for continuing education and environmental awareness before being accepted to participate in the Course Director program. This 3 week course challenges the divers mastery of diving skills and knowledge.

Judge Judy

There's a common saying in the diving industry the PADI stands for "Put Another Dollar In". This comes from the fact that nothing is cheap (a training DVD retails for $30+). What the average diver doesn't see is that this helps the company research new technologies and methodologies to better serve its members and prospective students. Probably the biggest thing this pays for though is lawyers. In today's sue culture PADI members are some of if not THE most protected from frivolous lawsuits. We are trained in risk management from the very beginning of our professional development and are instilled with the belief that as long as we follow PADI's standards, we have their support.

I could go on for a while, but out of respect for you my readers, I will cut myself off before this gets dry-er.

Scuba Travel

2011-04-22T10:49:00.000-07:00

  It seems that there is a new trend in dive travel, well all travel I guess. The days of group trips; meeting new divers, that shared excitement, adventure, fulfillment; are going the way of the dinosaur. In the days of 'Expedia' and 'Priceline' consumers are going it alone. Some are getting great deals, others just think they are. We don't seem to see the added value inherent in group travel anymore.

  Think back to any activity you've done with a group such as going to a concert. I don't mean the Philharmonic, I'm talking about the last big country, rock or R&B show you went to. Yes it's great to have that one on one time with that special someone, but isn't it great to tailgate and party before the show, everyone singing FreeeeeeBiiiiiiird for 8-12 minutes, and carrying the excitement out into the parking lot together afterward?

That's how group travel should feel too.

  Sure there are those bad experiences, bad weather, delayed flights, that one group member who just seems to get on everyone's nerves, but those things happen whether you go it alone or not and a GOOD trip leader knows how to ease tensions and always has plans B, C, & D if necessary up his sleeve. Yes, you will pay more for group trips, but hopefully the trip leader makes it all worthwhile.

  We have had little success with group travel, partly because we are a relatively new shop in a fragile economy, but mostly because we can't seem to break through the mindset that all the best deals are online. If we run a trip that doesn't quite fit your interests, let us know and maybe we'll plan the next one with you in mind.

Review: Big Blue CF250 Focusable backup light

2011-04-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

Big Blue is an emerging name in dive lighting. They have had several larger (8C/ D) and Canister lights for a while all with excellent engineering! It is their dedication to quality and innovation that keep them not only relevant, but thriving in this dynamic market.

I have used the CF250 on several dives. I cannot recommend this little guy highly enough! Weighing in at just 200g/ <1/2lb including 3AAA batteries, this is a light everyone should carry. The light is made of machined Aluminum with a magnetic switch at the back opposite the lanyard hook seen in the picture. This means two awesome things for you, the diver: There are no holes in the housing for the switch (a common failure point for flooding) and the light won't come on accidentally with depth (the #1 cause of flooding in backups). From it's name you've probably deduced that it is a potent 250 lumen. More powerful than many primary lights being used. NOTE: due to the short battery life (1.5hrs) I DO NOT advise using this as your primary.

Enough of the tech specs...
My favorite configuration is wearing the 250 on my wrist with the neoprene 'Goodman' glove. This allows me to dive hands free, but makes it a little more difficult to adjust the focus. (Sorry, one more spec- the beam can be focused from 6 to 31 degrees by turning the light head.) This never really mattered to me though because I prefer to dive with it set somewhere around 20deg in the glove. You can also pick up the retractor pouch for easy storage when not in use. I would replace the retractor that they give you though. After only a few dives in salt water, one of my customers complained that the chord wouldn't retract all the way. I found out that the angle of the wire as it was routed into the pouch caused it to rub against the retractor's housing leaving several nicks in the plastic coating and allowing salt water the rust out the stainless steel wire. I found that the Akona Mini Retractor fits perfectly into this space and works much better.

I mentioned above the battery life is very short if you use this light as much as I do. I use Energizer Ultimate Lithium's in mine and have gotten several nice dives without replacing them. I think I have used it a total of 5 or 6 hours and still use it in the store as a display model.

The CF250 retails for $135 alone +$10 with the glove and +$20 with the pouch.

Scuba Diving in Pittsburgh

2011-04-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

One of the most common questions I get from divers and non-divers alike is "Where do you dive in Pittsburgh?" Often with a condescending tone from the non divers who stop into the store just to 'kick tires'. There are lots of places to get wet if you know where to look.
Pittsburgh is a beautiful city with 3 rivers, several abandoned rock quarries and about a 4-7 month window for the average diver to enjoy them. Most divers avoid the rivers nearest to the city. The Monongahela carries a lot of mud and silt which it then dumps into the Ohio so don't expect to see more than 3 feet in front of your mask. The upper parts of the Allegheny have some nice areas where divers can find decent visibility, but then there's still the issue of depth. The rivers around Pittsburgh are very shallow, rarely hitting more than 30ft. Don't get me wrong, there is some really cool stuff to be seen in shallow water, but as I said before, you won't see much in these rivers.
The 'Rust Belt' - Southern parts of New York through Illinois - is littered with old strip mines and stone quarries. When it no longer becomes cost effective to continue digging, these become miniature lakes perfect for diving. Diving in Pittsburgh is done almost exclusively in these quarries and ponds. If it becomes popular, local dive instructors and stores will start to outfit the quarry with underwater attractions. Old boats, sometimes cars and more are cleaned of oil and other hazards and intentionally sunk to provide divers with something to look at and more importantly give fish places to thrive. While they don't compare to the thrill of ocean diving, and the fish aren't quite as colorful, quarries provide us a place to hone our skills and learn new techniques. The best divers, like any other sport, are those who dive often. And unless you can afford Caribbean getaways every couple weeks, that means taking advantage of what's in your own backyard.

-Jeff

Welcome - My first post :-P

2011-01-27T16:11:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my Blog! Know that you're making the effort to read through my thoughts and opinions makes me feel almost relevant. Let me know what you think OF ANYTHING. Agree, Argue, Share!

I normally hate having to pat myself on the back, but in these circumstances, it's kind of a necessity. If you read my profile (probably not) you know that I am a relatively experienced diver. Though I've only been diving for about 11 years, I have over 2 Thousand dives and am only 24 years old. I teach to PADI standards, and am quickly working my way up the professional ladder. For the past 4 years I've been a member of Crescent Twp Vol Fire Department. We are one of only a handful of active dive teams in the Pittsburgh Tri-State area. I want to use this forum to share my thoughts on the dive industry and related topics (politics, dive destinations, equipment, training) and general innovation. I promise to keep on topic, for the most part, and avoid giving opinions where I have no real knowledge. I encourage readers to call me out on anything they feel is incorrect or misleading.

Find me on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/petrella3
- or my store's fan page- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Uncle-Joes-Scuba/149018795134754

My website - http://www.unclejoesscuba.com/