How clean is your slate?

You know how it is. You go scuba diving for some peace and quiet but still manage to fill your underwater slate with chit-chat and underwater gossip between yourself and your dive buddy.

How do you get your slate clean, bright and ready for action again?

Obviously you could you a standard eraser but in the field between dives an elastic band is a good standby. Both of these methods however do seem to leave smears and smudges.

So what can you use? We have found the best way to get your underwater slate back to squeaky clean is a certain kitchen cleaner that rhymes with IF.

There you have it, if you want your slate to look new again head into the kitchen or bathroom and get scrubbing!

Dive Equipment, Scuba Diving, watersports equipment

Dive buddy, dive equipment, diving, scuba, Scuba diving, underwater

January 7, 2011

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What’s in your Save a Dive kit?

There you are sitting on the boat after a long week at work. The visibility looks great and its flat calm. The only sounds come from the gentle lapping of the water against the side of the boat.  You have just been briefed and the dive is one you have been waiting to do for ages. You start kitting up and go through buddy checks then finally pull on your fins. SNAP the strap goes! Is this the end of your dive?

 Not if you have a spare in your save a dive kit.

So what else should you have?

Spare straps for masks, fins and knives are essential.  Spare regulator mouthpieces would also be useful.  Keeping a complete replacement fin strap & buckle set may also save you time but make sure it’s the correct fit. Even if you only hire your cylinders it is still worth having spare Tank ‘O’ Rings they are inexpensive and can make the difference between getting in the water or not. Having the odd spare lanyard or two may also be a good idea – particularly if you may hire some gear.  A high pressure hose is also something that might be worth including in your kit.

There are a range of scuba divers tools on the market now which are well worth keeping alongside your save a dive kit and should help you cope with most eventualities.

You could also make yourself the most popular person on the dive boat.  Think of it as a way to meet new people !!

So what are you waiting for, change your fin strap and come in out of the dry

Dive Equipment, masks, Scuba Diving, Uncategorized, watersports equipment

December 17, 2010

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A Scuba Divers letter to Santa

Dear Santa

I know you’re busy, it’s that time of year, but I thought I’d write as I’m living in fear.

Christmas day last year was haunting, the presents that I got were rather daunting.

I try to smile and keep it jolly but its hard when presented with another brolly?

The socks from mum made my heart sink, why did she get them in vivid pink?

So I’m writing to you with some good ideas, that will bring me joy and festive cheers,

I really want some gear for diving, a torch or a knife wouldn’t leave me crying,

But better still a BCD, that would put the cheer in me,

A diving watch would be just great, plus I wouldn’t surface late.

A  book to read when I’m stuck on shore, or for when my aunt is being a bore,

Fins would be grand or a mask and snorkel , maybe you could ask my uncle,

If you’re still at a loss for what to get, I’ve just the place it’s on the net.

Watersportswarehouse is the place to be, they’ve got just the gift for me.

Dive Equipment, Scuba Diving, watersports equipment

dive equipment, dive masks, fins, mask, scuba, Scuba diving, Watersports Warehouse, X-Pert Zoom Fins

November 18, 2010

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Do you spit or drip?

Now we’re not talking about any personal problems here but about how you prefer to prepare your mask before scuba diving or snorkelling. In the olden days everyone used good old fashioned  saliva to keep their diving mask from clouding over with condensation but these days we have a choice.

Many still stick with spitting into the mask but increasingly more people are switching to the more hygienic method of using a product such as Sea Drops. This is a more hygienic  way to prepare your mask and it also is much more appealing when trying to impress that new dive buddy in your life. For the forgetful amongst us there is the down side of being able to forget your sea drops but hopefully you will always have some spit available apart from in those very dry mouthed moments.

A final word of caution if you are a using the original spitting method, watch out for high winds and a leeward buddy!!

NB: If you are a snorkeller and unfamiliar with what we are talking about here, it could well be that you are swimming around with a fogged up mask. Before getting in the water you must prepare it by either spitting into it or applying an anti-fog solution. This ideally should be done before getting the mask wet. You then need to rinse this out before donning your mask and exploring the underwater world.

lenses, masks, Scuba Diving, watersports equipment

November 3, 2010

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Our exciting new competition is here.

We are excited to announce our brand new competition My “Ugly Scuba Diving Buddy” is finally here. You can win a £250 voucher to use on our webshop www.watersportswarehouse.co.uk

Think of all the new dive gear or watersports equipment you could buy. Treat yourself to a new dive computer or wetsuit.  Have you been wanting to get a new Mask or snorkel but been putting off the expense well here’s your chance you could even get a new BCD. Of course you may feel the need to treat your “Ugly” scuba diving buddy too.

There are two ways to enter the competition either via our Facebook page  http://www.facebook.com/watersportswarehouse.co.uk or by email to competitions@undersea.co.uk Which ever method you choose the competition is free to enter.

HOW TO ENTER

1. Find a photo of your ‘Ugly Scuba Diving Buddy’ with dive gear or whilst underwater.

2. Tell us when and where the photo was taken.

3. Give us a brief description of what’s great about him/her/it.

4. Post it on our wall http://www.facebook.com/watersportswarehouse.co.uk or email it to competitions@undersea.co.uk (don’t forget to attach the photo)

Our favourite entry will win and be published on both facebook and our website.

We can’t wait to see your entries and hope to be having lots of fun looking through them. The competition will close at midnight on the 12^th November 2010 and the winner will be announced on the  19^th November 2010 via facebook and the website.

Dive Equipment, masks, photography, Scuba Diving, watersports equipment, Wetsuits

Competition, Dive Computers, dive equipment, diving, Mares Wide Dive Computer, photography, Scuba diving, Watersports Warehouse

October 15, 2010

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Life Jacket or No Life Jacket

When Mike, our Director here at Watersports Warehouse, was out on the boat recently it got him thinking about Lifejackets, here’s his thoughts:

Am I the only one amongst us feeling at one time self conscious, at another time disbelieving? I’m referring to when I’m out on our boat on a beautiful day, and wearing my lifejacket. Sometimes I get that feeling that the crew of the boat passing, resplendent in there fashionable casuals and sun cream, are laughing at us for wearing our lifejackets all be it over our one time fashionable casuals and sun cream.

On other occasions I’ve seen boats, tossing about on a confused sea, kids yelling with excitement as their bow crashes through another wave, and not a lifejacket in sight! Incredible stupidity, I think to myself, and usually mutter to my crew, even allowing that they may all be more experienced sailors than me, shouldn’t they really be wearing lifejackets?

So here’s the debate, should lifejackets be worn all the time whilst the boat is moving or whilst we are moving around on the boat, or just to hand, to show we’ve thought about safety?

Mike, Director

Life Jackets, Sailing, watersports equipment

boat, buoyancy aids, sail, sailing, sailing equipment, Watersports Warehouse, yacht

September 30, 2010

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What is a Single Lens/Twin Lens Diving Mask?

Twin lens Mask = a left and right lens.

Image of Twin lens mask (Reefwear Abyss Pro)

Single Lens Mask = one single piece of glass across the front of the mask.

Image of Single lens mask (Cressi Piuma Evolution Crystal)

It’s purely a personal choice which type of Diving/Snorkelling mask you feel more comfortable with. For snorkellers with larger or previously broken noses the single lens design may be preferable.

Diving Mask Prescription Lenses

‘Off the shelf’ prescription lenses are available from some manufacturers for their ‘twin lens’ masks although depending on your prescription requirements you may need ‘made to measure’ lenses and twin lens masks are generally considered better for this.

Do you prefer using Single lens of Twin lens masks?

Dive Equipment, lenses, masks, Scuba Diving, watersports equipment

Cressi, dive masks, diving, mask, prescription lens, Reefwear, single lens, snorkelling, twin lens

September 22, 2010

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10 things you can do to help combat marine debris – PADI’s Project Aware International Cleanup Day

15,000 AWARE Divers in more than 100 countries are expected to be in the water this Saturday, 25^th September for PADI’s Project Aware – International Cleanup Day.

The aim is to document all the items found in our oceans to compile into data which can then help influence change; to reduce marine debris. Project Aware estimate that 6 million tonnes of debris go into our seas every year which can harm wildlife and the delicate environment under the waves.

10 things you can do to help combat marine debris, from Project Aware

1. Remove debris you see during every recreational dive or shoreline visit.
2. The number one item found in cleanups is cigarette filters. Always dispose of them properly and never overboard.
3. Reduce, reuse and recycle.
4. Avoid buying plastic products.
5. Be aware of everything you buy and avoid excessive packaging.
6. Demand improved and increased number of recycling facilities for your area.
7. Properly dispose of all pieces of fishing line, net or other associated litter.
8. Keep plastics and rubbish off the ground and the ocean floor.
9. Keep storm drains and shorelines free of rubbish.
10. Get involved in underwater and shoreline cleanups with Project AWARE year-round or during September’s International Cleanup Day events.

You can find events near you with PADI’s Project Aware Volunteer Map.

What is Project Aware?

“Project AWARE Foundation tackles the devastating impacts of marine debris by supporting divers and volunteers in year round underwater and shoreline cleanups. In 2009, AWARE divers worldwide took the plunge and collected 555,000 lbs of debris that would have continued to be out of sight and mind for most.”

from Project Aware

Are you taking part in any events for International Cleanup Day?

Or have got any tips to add to the list of other things we can all do to help influence change?

PADI, Scuba Diving

Cleanup Day, diving, marine debris, PADI, Project Aware, scuba

September 21, 2010

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So what’s the big debate about Split Fins vs Non-Split Fins?

For those people who have tried and used Split fins on the whole they love them and wouldn’t go back to non-Split Fins.  They seem to produce so much more propulsion for the effort involved.

The Split in the fin blade forces water through on the downward fin kick so there’s less pressure on the blade helping to reduce possible muscle fatigue by reducing drag.  The result is a more efficient fin kick.  Some manufacturers refer to the design as Natures Wing or Propeller fin technology amongst others, either way Split Fins do work.

The technology has been around now for a few years so there’s got to be something in it – indeed Mares, who resisted producing a Split Fin for so long, now have the Raptor Split Fins and Tusa have two different models for diving; X-Pert Zoom Fins & X-Pert Zoom Z3 Fins, and one for snorkelling/warm water diving; X-Pert Zoom Full Foot Split Fins.

It’s almost like the Marmite debate – you’ll either get on with them or you won’t.  Although, if you haven’t got a strong finning technique you may find you’ll get more out of a Split fin than a non-Split Fin.

Have you tried split fins or do you prefer to stick to traditional non-split fins?

Image courtesy of Tusa

Dive Equipment, Scuba Diving

dive equipment, fins, Mares, Raptor, Scuba diving, snorkelling, spilt fins, TUSA, X-Pert Zoom Fins

September 15, 2010

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What’s the difference between Optical Zoom & Digital Zoom on underwater cameras?

The key difference between Optical Zoom & Digital Zoom on waterproof cameras is how the zoom functions – ‘true’ zoom on Optical and not on Digital. This affects the resolution quality of your underwater images.

So we’re under the waves, see this little guy and want to really capture the detail on him. If we zoom in with optical or digital zoom cameras we’ll end up with a difference in image quality. Scroll down to have a look at the differences:

Underwater subject to photograph

Optical Zoom image

What’s Optical Zoom?

• Optical zoom is ‘true’ zoom.

• It uses the camera lens to bring the image closer. Similar to the way binoculars work, it uses the optics in the camera to bring the image forward.

• Quality remains the same at full resolution. Different levels of optical zoom are created by the distances between the lenses. The front lens moving further away results in a greater zoom – 2x, 4x, 8x closer. The higher the levels of optical zoom, the better the quality of zoom image.

• Found in waterproof cameras, such as:
  Intova Sport 8 Waterproof Camera

Digital Zoom Image

What’s Digital Zoom?

• Digital zoom is not ‘true’ zoom.

• The optics in the camera don’t change so doesn’t make the image any closer. It works in a similar way to zooming into images on your computer screen; it takes a section of the image and expands it to fit the full size of the image. It becomes bigger, but not closer.

• Resolution is lowered and the quality reduced compared to optical zoom.

• Found in waterproof cameras, such as:
  Intova 9MP Underwater Camera

Look for the difference in quality around the spotted areas in particular. There’s a difference in quality of the zoomed images as the digital zoom is simply a magnified section of the main image. Obviously, the better the resolution, the better your images.

Which do you prefer using, an optical zoom camera or digital zoom camera for underwater photography?

For more of an explanation about camera zooms, there’s an online post on Optical vs Digital zoom or the Underwater Photography for Compact Camera Users book is a more in-depth guide for getting the most from your underwater photography.

Are there any other features of underwater cameras that you’d like to know more about? Ask us on our Facebook page or on Twitter.

Footnote – Ok, so the images above are just illustrations of the different way in which optical zoom and digital zoom work, we didn’t actually get to see this chap underwater. Perhaps you have some better examples of your own showing the two types of zoom?

cameras, Dive Equipment, photography, Scuba Diving

digital zoom, diving, images, optical zoom, photography, underwater, zoom

August 23, 2010

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Which type of wetsuit to wear for your diving holiday abroad this Year – Mediterranean, South Africa, Indonesia & Egypt

Seeing the world's sea surface temperatures got us thinking about which type of wetsuit is best for diving.

This incredible image, from SSEC, shows the sea surface temperatures across the world today and it got us thinking about what type of wetsuit would be most suitable to wear for scuba diving in the different water temperatures across the globe. We’ve picked out a few popular diving regions and the type of wetsuit that would be appropriate for your diving holiday this Year.

Mediterranean
Water temperature: 20°C (approx)
Wetsuit: 5mm full-length, although you may prefer a 3mm in the warmer months.
We like: Mares 5mm Pioneer

South Africa
Water temperature: 23°C (approx)
Wetsuit: 5mm full-length.
We like: Mares Flexa 5/4/3mm

Indonesia
Water temperature: 25°C (approx)
Wetsuit: 3mm full-length or 3mm shortie. A 5mm will provide that extra warmth if you feel the cold.
We like: Reefwear Flex 3/2mm

Egypt
Water temperature: 26°C (approx)
Wetsuit: 3mm shortie may be all you need for the height of the summer – air temperatures can break 45/50°C, and in some cases the particular region visited can influence what type of wetsuit you choose.
We like: Gul Response 3/2mm Shortie

If you feel the cold
Ultimately, the thicker the suit the warmer you should be but if that’s not practical you could add a Thermal vest, for added warmth, or a Rash Vest for extra comfort underneath your wetsuit. The Mares Flexa 3mm Hooded Vest is a popular option for providing that extra layer. Or by wearing a hood you are helping to retain body heat.

Extra protection
A rash vest worn under your wetsuit can also help reduce chaffing (we’ve all been there) and it’s also great UV protection for the times when you’re not wearing your wetsuit but are out in the sun.

Unique to you
We’re all different so it’s important that you find a wetsuit that you feel comfortable with. Find out the water temperature for the region of the country that you’re going to and for the time of year you’re going, as temperatures can vary with season and area. The temperatures we’ve listed above are approximate sea temperatures for diving, whereas the image relates to surface sea temperatures, so try to find out accurate information before choosing your wetsuit. (Look on a travel site, search the internet or use diving sites that you trust). Consider how much you personally feel the cold/warmth – would you feel better with extra layers?

If you’re off to somewhere in particular and want to know which type of wetsuit is best for the area, ask us on our facebook page or on twitter.

Which wetsuits have you found the best for where?

Dive Equipment, Scuba Diving, Wetsuits

diving holiday, Egypt, Indonesia, Mediterranean, South Africa, water temperature, wetsuit

July 28, 2010

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Key Features of Top 5 Mares Dive Computers

With so many dive computers available out there these days it can sometimes be difficult to decide which Dive Computer to buy. So, we thought we’d  list the features of our top 5 Mares Dive Computers – we’ve done the hard work , so you don’t have to.

1. Mares Icon HD Dive Computer

Full Colour LCD Technology.

Superb must-have for those techno geeks out there – you can now even download popular dive site information from Mares.

A true full colour display computer. The Icon HD Dive Computer represents the first of a new era in dive computers providing advanced computing technology and superb functionality yet remains extremely intuitive, aided by step by step scrolling menus and clarity of information.

Features:

• TFT LCD colour display
• Double diving mode options, Extended and Profile
• Digital compass
• Stores images and dive site maps
• Rechargeable Lithium batteries
• 100 Hour Dive Log History
• Includes the Icon Dive Manager – software and Hardware to download dives on to a PC
• Mineral Glass is shock proof, tempered and non reflective to aid readability

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2. Mares Puck Dive Computer

Easy to use.

Want a computer that takes care itself – simply simple – put it on and away you go safe in the knowledge that it will give you all the dive info you need and everything is accessed via one button.

Single button technology, simplicity, one button to scroll through for all Mares Puck dive computer functions. Mares distinctive and ergonomic design elements has created an intuitive neat wrist diving computer. The Mares Puck has all the functionality of a recreational diving computer.

Features:

• Air and Nitrox compatible
• Max operating depth – 150mtr
• 38hour Dive log history
• Profile sampling rate – 20 secs
• Altitude, freshwater, saltwater settings
• Matrix digits for clarity
• Dive Manager/PC Interface available to Download Dive information (Mares Drak Interface USB – optional extra)
• User changeable battery
• Battery operated backlight function
• Long wrist strap making it adaptable for Drysuit and wetsuit use
• Residual Nitrogen Clear: Function for clearing residual nitrogen memory – a useful function for school/hire use

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3. Mares Nemo Sport Computer Watch

Lightweight and durable.

For the discrete divers – superb travelling companion, lightweight and neat – despite its compact size the clarity of the screen and digits is superb.

Compatible for use with Air and Nitrox, a superb recreational scuba dive computer from Mares scuba diving equipment range. The ergonomic design of the Mares Nemo Sport diving computer, with the emphasis on ease of use, creates a sporty and elegant computer suitable for everyday use. A Thermoplastic casing with steel battery cover creates a strong, light watch-style computer.

Features:

• Mares RGBM Sport Deep Stops Algorithm reduces risks related to the formation of micro-bubbles
• Deep stops (decompression stops at greater depths) for safer dives
• Safety stop
• Air and Nitrox dive modes
• Watch menu with alarm clock function and dual time zones
• Recessed, mineral glass shock-proof, tempered, and non-reflective for better readability in a variety of diving conditions
• Max operating depth 99.9mtrs (328ft)
• Memory capacity 30 dives
• Profile sampling rates 15 or 30seconds

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4. Mares Nemo Wide Dive Computer

Big display.

If you’re an ageing diver …. and there are a few about…. we particularly like the size and clarity of digits on this super clear screen that can be seen at any angle.

The Mares Nemo Wide Air and Nitrox Dive Computer makes it easy to use and easy to read with clear, big readable digits. Potentially an absolute must for scuba divers requiring a little help to read a computer – with it’s ‘oversize’ digits and clarity of dive information.

Superb ergonomic ‘wide’ design Mares have paid particular attention to the design of computer to optimise readability. The size of the digits, the clarity of the screen and backlighting as well as a 170deg viewing angle.

Features:

• Mares-Wienke RGBM: latest-generation algorithm to reduce the risks related to the formation of micro-bubbles
• Deep stops (decompression stops at greater depths), and an ascent rate readout both analogue and digital, for even safer dives
• Safety stop
• 3 Dive Modes: Air, Nitrox, Bottom time
• Intense backlighting on demand
• Extra long wrist strap to wear over drysuit or wetsuit
• User replaceable batteries
• Recessed, Mineral glass

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5. Mares Nemo Excel Dive Watch Computer

Complete watch-style dive computer.

The complete opposite of the Nemo Sport – it screams ‘I’m a diver’ – looks great as a watch.

The Mares Excel demonstrates Nemo evolution with high contrast flat display and has a preshaped ergonomic wrist strap and has 4 dive mode functions for all your specific diver needs. It has a mineral glass display (flatter profile and recessed) and it has increased digit contrast/clarity to aid readability.

Features:

• Air/Nitrox compatible
• Free-dive mode
• Stopwatch Timer function
• Lithium battery
• Max Op.depth: 150m (492ft)
• Logbook: 38hour dive history
• Profile Sampling Rates 20sec
• Mineral Glass display, non-reflective, anti-scratch
• Timer controlled battery operated backlight
• Daily alarm
• Digital Ascent Rate
• Altitude Adjustment
• Fresh/Salt water setting
• Measure Units: m/min – ft/min
• Residual Nitrogen Clear: Function for clearing residual nitrogen memory – a useful function for school/hire use

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Which features do you look  for in a dive computer?

If this has got you thinking about those extra features you could have in your new Dive Computer, as a reader of our blog we’re giving youan extra 10% off these Mares Dive Computers at www.WatersportsWarehouse.co.uk. It ends Sunday 8th August 2010 though, so get your extra discount now. This offer has now ended, but sign up to our email newsletter to be one of the first to hear about new offers.

Dive Equipment, Scuba Diving

Compare dive computers, Dive Computer features, Dive Computers, Icon HD computer, Mares, Mares Dive Computers, Mares Nemo, Mares Puck, Mares Wide Dive Computer, Nemo Sport, Scuba diving, Watersports Warehouse

August 6, 2010

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