News
Why Recreational Rebreathers are the future
“Wow, it’s so light to wear,” or “It’s not heavy at all,” are the kind of comments I get from people who try my Poseidon MKVI on during surface intervals or when leaving the boat. People assume that a Rebreather is heavy and difficult to use; that may be the case with technical units, but not so with the recreational ones.
Differences between tec and rec rebreathers
When I was doing my trimix training with my Poseidon (with electronic pre-dive check) last spring I teamed up with two divers doing their CCR trimix course with technical rebreathers (I can’t remember which ones) using manual checks. When preparing my equipment for a dive I used my laminated checklist and used white tape to mark each step once completed. The two other divers had two separate sheets of things to check for each dive (at a later date, after having learned how to use the Poseidon MKVI system and having done the crossover and becoming MKVI instructors, the two divers admitted that at the time they had wondered how it took so little time for me to complete my pre-dive preparations; now they knew their way around the MKVI, they knew why!).
Benefits for using a rebreather in recreational diving
Using a rebreather gives you a longer dive time (which is why they are so popular with technical divers). A rebreather is a good option for a recreational diver who might use a lot of gas and wants to stay down as long as their buddies do (or who just wants a longer dive in general).
I had a student last year whose main reason for doing the course was because he was always the first person out of the water (“even when using twin tanks while my buddies used singles” he told me). When making the second last dive of his advanced rebreather diver course it was his turn to be last out of the water. The others headed to the surface after a beautiful dive on the teakwood wreck that lies in about 25-38 meters. At the same time we had more than 30 minutes bottom time left, so he waved to others and we continued the dive. We soon gave each other the signal to do a safety stop. After we had ascended to surface I heard the best feedback I ever have heard: “It was a wonderful feeling to wave to the others as they left the dive – for once, I stayed the longest. I never believed this would happen, WOW”. That was first comment from my student when he surfaced – he was so happy.
Rebreathers are also perfect for underwater photographers. Some of my customers own cameras that cost more than my car, so they are obviously very serious about wanting to take the very best photos underwater. Rebreathers don’t create bubbles in the same way that an open circuit system does, making one an essential piece of kit for an underwater photographer (bubbles can freak out fish and other critters if you get too close). I have been nose-to-nose for minute and half with Mantis shrimp in the past thanks to my rebreather!
If you’re the type of person who just wants to maximise the amount of dives you do on a trip without having to take too much gear along with you then a rebreather is perfect for you. Imagine yourself going for a weekend trip with a couple of your friends and you’re planning to make a series of dives, let’s say six dives over a weekend. How many tanks do you need to carry with you? If you’re not taking a compressor with you, then quite a few – a rebreather takes up much less space in the back of the car than 18 tanks of air!
About assembly and use (Recreational Rebreathers)
It is not difficult to assemble a recreational rebreather and make it “ready to dive”. My non-diving girlfriend assembled my unit after I showed her how to do it. However, you do need to have training to use the unit because you are ten times more likely to have a serious accident with a rebreather than you are with an open circuit system, and the training gives you the skills and the knowledge you will need if something does go wrong. Having the right attitude and taking your rebreather training seriously is so important. I’m sure other rebreather instructors will agree with me when I say that if I don’t think one of my students ‘thinks rebreather,’ I will not certify them.
It’s always good to learn something new, and I firmly believe that a recreational rebreather will change the way you think about diving. To me, they are the future.
When using any rebreather it is important to follow your training and to use your check lists.
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities
With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators
This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages
This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.
It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
-
News1 month agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
Blogs3 months agoNovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
-
News2 months agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News2 months agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News2 months agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News2 months agoTry BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
News3 months agoComing Soon – 52 Assignments
-
News3 months agoSave £200 per person per week at Pole Pole Lodge with Dive Worldwide