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Janice Nigro: My Dive Story
The first “underwater” experience that I remember vividly was the submarine ride at Disneyland probably because of the giant clam. We stockpile these images, and it is never clear when they might reappear in our life. For me, it would be over 30 years later when I, as a diver, would see a giant clam for real in the Great Barrier Reef. The first thought that entered my head (I don’t know why…) was that Walt Disney was no dreamer; he was a traveller. A giant clam did not emerge from his imagination; it was something that he (or someone from his team) really saw. At that moment, I realized how much scuba diving could influence my life.
It is hard to know if that was the image that put the idea of scuba diving into my head or Jacques Cousteau on TV and the repeated trips to tropical places to avoid Midwest winters. I did watch a lot of Jacques Cousteau, but I realize that I had no idea as a child that he invented the technology so that someone as ordinary as me could also become an underwater tourist.
I guess it was an evolution, from being a “tadpole” at swimming lessons, to a snorkeler, and finally a diver. I didn’t realize that diving was possible for someone like me until a trip to Hawaii. The final words on a snorkel catamaran cruise in Hawaii from the guide were, “I think you would really love scuba diving.” Amazing, I can not even remember the guy’s name and what an influence he had on my life. I was on my way to Nashville, Tennessee for my first postdoc so it was not exactly clear to me how I was going to do that in a Midwestern town that was 8 hours from the ocean. I was more likely to learn to sing about it than actually do it, but luckily, Vanderbilt actually offered a diving course both semesters.
The course was unusual in a couple of ways. First of all, it was YMCA, not PADI, and my course was taught by retired policemen, not some bronzed dudes who had figured out how to have a life in an exotic tropical place. The policemen were actually formerly the search and rescue squad (or more likely search and recovery), and frankly this fact was kind of intimidating for a first time diver. I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting into, but I had my eye on being able to peer at the reef without having to pop up for air every 2 minutes. It was an 8-week course, which is unheard of, but we had plenty of time to make mistakes in the pool or with setting up and taking down our equipment. For some reason, their methods stuck in my head, probably the repetitive nature of the course; we had time to perform the same drills over and over again so that they were second nature, and I still go through that with each of my dives.
Easy enough to pass the classwork part of the course. It is just a bit of science after all. Now we had to set up our own equipment and take the plunge, a real responsibility for our own life in the wild. I mentioned that I took the class in Tennessee, but I did not mention that I started the class in September. Add eight weeks to that and now you are clearly in November. Not a lot of diving options plus whatever it was going to be, it wasn’t going to be a warm day to remember. My first dive ever outside of a swimming pool was in a stone quarry just outside of Nashville. A rather inauspicious beginning. Not much was going to be in there, and if there was, it was not possible to see it. It was fresh water so as in the pool, we sank almost directly to the bottom and dragged ourselves through the silt like some kind of awkward bottom dweller. Although we were unlikely to see sea life, at least not the pleasant kind from our imaginations or Jacques Cousteau, we were told beforehand that people were known to cast things out here. The “people” were often criminals, so in fact it was a warning that we might find weapons or other evidence that criminals were known to hide here. One more thing to be worried about: being shot in a stone quarry outside of Nashville while scuba diving. Another lesson, though that has stuck with me, do not touch anything. The not to touch part is something I would hear on my future dive trips, but that was because of critters, not guns or knives.
It was all much less dramatic. My dive buddy and I passed the buddy breathing and the taking off of your mask and then proceeded to explore a bit, although I felt as if I wanted a tether of some sort because we immediately lost each other and seemed to break one of the cardinal rules of dive class. Fortunately for the most part, we only saw green gook, and most importantly we survived!
A second part of the check out dives took place in fresh water springs in Florida. It is a straight 8-hour drive from Nashville to the panhandle in Florida so it was possible to finish our check out dives in the Gulf of Mexico. Weather did not comply so the policemen improvised and we dove Vortex Springs in Florida. The springs were a step up from the quarry, but I would not exactly consider them to be an inspiring dive site. It was still cold, dark, and murky. Some strange looking fish (and a lot of divers), but only a few, so my dive buddy and I spent most of our time swimming around in a circle (the vortex I guess) and inspecting crevices and the entrance to a small cave. At the end of the second day and after the stone quarry bit, I didn’t exactly walk away with the most positive ideas about scuba diving. In fact, I specifically remember thinking if this is what it is like, I don’t think I am going to like it.
Of course that was not the end; it was just a beginning. I had a dive day in Maui within the first year, but it was the trip to the Great Barrier Reef that made me realize that diving was not only a cool sport, but a tremendous way to move around the world. It had been a long time in between dives, but I was not going to miss the Great Barrier Reef. I skipped bungee jumping in the birthplace of bungee jumping in New Zealand on the way over because I was not willing to risk a detached retina; I wanted to take no chances with my ability to experience the Great Barrier Reef. In some ways, the most impressive part of seeing the Great Barrier Reef is in flying over it. It extends a great distance so that if you have a flight from Auckland to Cairns as I did and a clear day, you get to view it for about two thirds of the flight. Well of course it is the one living organism that can be viewed from outer space.
For real though, I was hooked on scuba diving after one day on the Great Barrier Reef. It was a high speed boat out from Cairns for the day, and Japanese divers were throwing up all around me. But when I jumped in and saw the giant clam, it was over for me. I altered my trek through Queensland, Australia so that I could go out to Heron Island which is an atoll on the reef. Some fairly interesting events took place while I was there. Two things I remember pretty clearly – manta rays and their stingray friends put on quite a display while we sat on the white sandy bottom and watched as they swooped over us and intermingled. The second thing I remember discovering was a wobbegong shark. I didn’t have a clue what I was looking at (you can’t forget that face the first time you see one), until many years later on one of my trips to Indonesia.
One other event was unrelated to marine life but impressed upon me the importance of having your own equipment. I had an ill fitting mask which was adjusted by a dreamy dive guide who clamped onto me in a fast current (that part was not so bad), but my take home message from that event was that I better get my own equipment because familiarity with the equipment will only help to avert any potentially panic situation underwater.
I did make one major blip in my new travel philosophy: I chose Norway for my out of country work experience. Norway has endless dive opportunities (and people are crazy for diving there), as it is surrounded by the sea. Dive sites are spectacular fjords above but otherwordly below the sea because sea stars, anemones, and a whole lot of other sea life grows out from the mountain walls. Diving there is incredibly unique, but the water temperature is also around 8°C. It means a lot of extra equipment and weight and well, you are just plain cold underwater. I took some advantage of diving there, not enough certainly, but Norway had a tremendous influence on my dive travel life regardless.
I was trying to use any tool that I could to learn Norwegian even though I didn’t have to, as Norwegians speak flawless English (except for the words fun and funny). There is a Norwegian dive magazine, Dykking, so I would pick it up to add to my vocabulary. The stories and photos were spectacular. I decided to contact one of the Norwegian underwater photographers who frequently wrote for the magazine. I just asked where his favorite place was to dive. He wrote back (amazing in and of itself that he would write to a stranger), “go to Indonesia”. I had read about Indonesia for sure, but I didn’t think I was brave enough to travel there, let alone dive there. He convinced me that I could do it, and it would be an exceptional experience. It changed my life. Once you are on that circuit, every time you travel to Indonesia someone tells you about another place that you absolutely must dive.
So that is my story, but I am always more curious about how other people have become divers, even islanders. With the sea all around, to be in it would seem to me to be a necessary part of living on an island, but it is not always the case. An Indonesian dive guide once described in very animated gestures how his older brother, already a scuba diver, told him to put on the mask, pinch his nose and blow, and just breathe. He then told me that their father could not even swim. Another islander came from a family with a historical impact on diving in the Philippines so he had an early start as a diver. I am not exactly sure how he could have stood up with a tank on his back at the age of eight but that is when he started. One woman I met got a scuba diving course as a gift from a husband who was about to divorce her and knew she was terrified of water. I have only had moderate success convincing my own friends to do it, but one decided to try it and is now a dive instructor.
For me, diving has become the basis for my travels. I always loved to swim, to be in the ocean (warm ones), the scientific aspect of it (curiosity about marine life), no talking necessary but you always have a social group to drop into when you travel, and I have discovered photography. It is in some respects a metaphor for how to live life on land – just take the jump and see what there is. That is how far I have come from that dreadful day in the stone quarry.
What is your dive story? Let us know in the Scubaverse Forum.
Welcome to Day 5 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
SlipIns DiveSkins
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
DiveSkins are perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, paddling, surfing, and all water sports. It shows up beautifully in pictures under water.
This tight-fitting, tailored lycra suit offers maximum comfort. stretchy, breathable, fast-drying fabric with the world’s best sun and stinger protection.
SlipIns are:
*Ultimate 50+ UPF sun protection
*Abrasion protection.
*Quick dry, breathable, soft fabric
*The ultimate stinging critter protection
Save 10% on your order if you mention you saw this ad in Scubaverse in your order note!
SAVE YOUR SKIN…WEAR OUR SKINS
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Diving Books from Miflex Hoses
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Diving-Books.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
We stock a great range of Diving & Underground book titles, ideal to add to any order or simply buy as a gift for a friend.
Titles we have include:
Shipwrecks of the Dover Straits, Adventures Underground, Pioneers Beneath the Peak, Dive Truk Lagoon, Underwater Potholer, Images Below & many more.
From Authors including:
Stefan Panis, Martyn Farr, Duncan Price, Ron Young, Rod Macdonald, Chris Howes
Visit our website for more details.
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Diving-Books.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
OrcaTorch D710 Dive Light – now available in pink!
sales@sea-sea.com / www.orcatorch.com / OrcaTorch on Facebook / OrcaTorch on X / OrcaTorch on YouTube
Already available in Black, Green, Red and Blue, the D710 Dive Light from Orcatorch is now available in Pink too.
Whether you’re a recreational or a professional diver, you’ll find the OrcaTorch D710 dive light useful in your underwater activities.
With max 3,000 lumens, the D710 is one of the strongest torches in its class. You also have plenty of brightness settings to choose from if you prefer less power.
It runs on one OrcaTorch 21700 5000mAh rechargeable battery with a Type-C charging port, easier for you to charge it anywhere. Now it offers five exterior colour options: Black, Green, Red, Blue, and Pink, to satisfy your diverse needs.
Featuring:
* Uses Luminous LED, max 3000 lumens
* Uses 1 * 21700 Li-ion battery
* 6° beam angle
* Offers four exterior colour options: Black, Red, Green and Blue
* Easy operation with side titanium alloy push-button switch
* Safe lock function, prevents mis-operation
* Intelligent Over-Heat protection
* Battery indicator
* Water pressure resistant construction, depth rated to 150 meters
* Reverse polarity protection, to protect from improper battery installation
* Over-discharge protection function
* Constructed from high-strength A6061-T6 aluminum
* Mil-Spec Type III hard anodized finish for durability and corrosion resistance
* Two sides coated toughened glass with high water pressure resistance under deep water
Sea & Sea is the home of OrcaTorch and other leading diving brands in the UK.
sales@sea-sea.com / www.orcatorch.com / OrcaTorch on Facebook / OrcaTorch on X / OrcaTorch on YouTube
Scubapro Luna 2 AI Dive Computer
Scubapro Europe Website / Scubapro USA Website / Scubapro on Facebook / Scubapro on Instagram / Scubapro on YouTube
SCUBAPRO, the world’s premier manufacturer of high-quality scuba diving equipment, introduces its second generation Luna 2.0, an easy-to-read, intuitive dive computer loaded with easy-to-use features and available in two versions, the Luna 2.0 and Luna 2.0 AI with wireless air integration.
Designed for new and casual recreational divers, the low-profile Luna 2.0 sits comfortably on the wrist. Its oil-filled plastic housing helps ensure reliable performance to depths of 120 meters. A large widescreen display features a high-contrast black and white matrix-segment LCD with full-sized characters for easy reading in all dive conditions. An intuitive menu and simple two-button interface lets the diver navigate the system with ease, aided by clearly marked screen prompts. The LUNA 2.0 offers two algorithms – Predictive Multi-Gas Bühlmann ZH-L16 ADT MB PMG or ZH-L16 + GF PURE, plus 21-50% nitrox compatibility and three selectable gasses for open circuit diving. Three dive modes are available – Scuba, Apnea and Gauge – to suit a range of diving activities.
The Luna 2.0 AI (air integrated) offers the same easy-to-use features and functions as the standard Luna 2.0 plus adds wireless air integration. This not only enables to easily monitor ythe tank pressure, it also provides true remaining bottom time (RBT) and allows the air consumption to be factored into the decompression calculation. Also available with the Luna 2.0 AI is an optional integrated heart rate monitor that lets visually track the heart rate and skin temperature to help staying in the personal target zone.
Both Luna 2.0 models include personalized dive management functions like PDIS (Profile Dependent Intermediate Stops) which calculates an intermediate stop based on N2 loading, current and previous dives and breathing mixes, and Microbubble levels that give the option to adjust the level of conservatism in the algorithm to match the individual experience level, age and physical conditioning for a more enjoyable dive.
The soft silicone arm strap offers a comfortable fit on the wrist, plus bungee mounts on the corners of the housing allow for alternate attachment methods. A Bluetooth Low Energy interface enables the download of the dive data to any iOS or Android device or PC/Mac (firmware can be user-updated), and the CR2450 battery is rated for up to two years or 300 dives.
Scubapro Europe Website / Scubapro USA Website / Scubapro on Facebook / Scubapro on Instagram / Scubapro on YouTube
35% off Red Sea Liveaboard Scuba Scene in Spring 2025
info@oysterdiving.com / www.oysterdiving.com / Oyster Diving Facebook / Oyster Diving Instagram
Embark on the ultimate diving adventure aboard the Scuba Scene, the luxury liveaboard offering an unforgettable Red Sea experience. Known for its exceptional service, safety, comfort, and world-class dive sites, Scuba Scene is the ideal choice for divers of all levels.
Dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs, exotic marine life, and awe-inspiring shipwrecks. From the stunning Ras Mohammed National Park to the famous Thistlegorm wreck, Scuba Scene brings you to the heart of the Red Sea’s best sites. With spacious cabins, gourmet dining, and a dedicated crew that ensures every detail is perfect, this liveaboard guarantees relaxation and adventure in equal measure.
Now is the perfect time to book! Save a massive 35% on any sailing between 3rd March and 28th April 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or taking your first plunge, Scuba Scene promises an experience you’ll cherish forever.
Don’t miss this chance to dive the Red Sea in style and at an incredible price. Book your adventure today!
Tel: 0800 699 0243
info@oysterdiving.com / www.oysterdiving.com / Oyster Diving Facebook / Oyster Diving Instagram
Welcome to Day 4 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
Thalassas Ocean-Inspired Apparel
support@thalassas.com / www.thalassas.com / Thalassas Facebook / Thalassas Instagram / Thalassas tiktok
Dive into comfort and style with Thalassas! Featuring T-shirts, hats, leggings and more, each piece is designed to bring the tranquillity and beauty of the sea to your everyday life. Whether you’re lounging by the coast or exploring city streets, our gear has you covered.
Your purchase has a purpose! A portion of every sale supports beach cleanup initiatives and organizations.
HOLIDAY BUNDLE PRICING STARTS NOVEMBER 18th!
This holiday season, we’re offering bundle discounts on our best-selling tees, hats, and leggings! Mix and match to create your perfect set – and enjoy savings when you buy more. It’s the perfect time to stock up on ocean vibes for yourself or the diver in your life.
🌊 Holiday Bundle Discounts: Save More When You Buy More! 🌊
Don’t miss out, these deals won’t last long! FREE SHIPPING on all orders in the USA.
support@thalassas.com / www.thalassas.com / Thalassas Facebook / Thalassas Instagram / Thalassas tiktok
XDEEP Navy Signature Hoodie
info@nautilus.uk / XDEEP on nautilus.uk / www.xdeep.eu / XDEEP on Facebook
The long-awaited XDEEP Signature hoodie is finally available! Apart from being super-trendy, it’s also quality stuff: made in EU of 100% premium cotton with solid japan-made YKK metal zippers.
The main features of this stylish hoodie are the following:
– 100% cotton
– Strong metal zipper
– High-quality print
– Made in EU
Furthermore, all XDEEP hoodies and t-shirts (including fabric) are manufactured in EU using top quality 100% cotton.
The XDEEP Signature Hoodie is perfect for keeping warm and looking trendy at the same time.
To find out more about XDEEP products, visit www.xdeep.eu.
Nautilus are the distributor for XDEEP and other leading dive equipment brands in the UK. Find out more about Nautilus brands at nautilus.uk/our-brands.
info@nautilus.uk / Buy in the UK / www.xdeep.eu / XDEEP on Facebook
Oceanarium Regulator Bags & Octo Holders
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Oceanarium.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
Oceanarium products offer great gifts for all lovers of life underwater, including unique designs of regulator bags, octopus holders, gear tags & cloak towels.
This range brings fun & enjoyment to your dive making your kit distinctive.
Check out the very popular regulator bags available in 6 designs, including the Oceanarium Whaleshark design, as well as the two new designs of Octopus Holders; Pygmy Seahorse & Jellyfish.
Buy a Christmas gift for a friend and make them smile… Diving is Fun!
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Oceanarium.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
Fourth Element Pelagic Dive Watch
info@fourthelement.com / fourthelement.com / Fourth Element Facebook / Fourth Element Instagram / Fourth Element tiktok / Fourth Element YouTube
The Pelagic dive watch from fourth element combines British design with Swiss-craftmanship in a hand-built automatic watch which captures the essence of classic scuba-diving timepieces.
Named after the vast reaches of the open ocean, the Pelagic combines exceptional craftmanship with high-specification engineering. Designed in the UK and hand-built in Switzerland, it is rated to a depth of 500m. The Pelagic features a stunning automatic movement, seen through the sapphire crystal glass case back, powered by a Swiss made precision self-winding movement. This is a watch suitable for the most extreme environments on Planet Earth.
The Pelagic has a brushed stainless-steel case with the choice of 22mm silicone/rubber strap or stainless-steel bracelet. It features a helium escape valve, positioned at 9 o’clock ensuring that this watch is even equipped for saturation diving. The watch features a unidirectional black ceramic bezel, allowing maximum dive times to be planned, luminous hands and markers and date function.
Design detailing includes ‘fourth element’ engraved on the rotor, buckle (on the silicon/rubber strap version) or clasp (on the brushed stainless-steel version). The crown features the fourth element icon representing the four elements earth, air fire and water.
The Pelagic watch is packaged using only recycled materials (recycled PET) and FSC certified paper and card, demonstrating fourth element’s continued commitment to its OceanPositive mission.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
– Movement: 26 Jewel Swiss Sellita SW200 automatic with hacking function
– Water resistance: 500m / 1640ft
– Helium escape valve: 9 o’clock
– Crown: screw down locking
– Case width: 44mm
– Case thickness: 14mm
– Shatter and scratch resistant sapphire crystal
– Lug to lug: 52mm
– Case material: 316l brushed stainless steel
– Bezel: 120-click unidirectional with black ceramic insert
– Swiss Super-LumiNova C3 on markers and hands
– Strap: 22mm silicone/rubber strap or brushed stainless steel bracelet
– Warranty: 2 years
– Swiss made
RRP: GBP £1475 / USD $1975 / EUR €1795 / AUD $2950 / CAD $2595
info@fourthelement.com / fourthelement.com / Fourth Element Facebook / Fourth Element Instagram / Fourth Element tiktok / Fourth Element YouTube
Nautilus Seascape Mask & Clamshell Case
info@nautilus.uk / nautilus.uk / Seascape Mask on nautilus.uk / Nautilus on Facebook
The Nautilus Seascape single lens mask builds on the experience of proven design with the latest technology.
The ultra soft liquid silicone skirt and strap ensure this frameless mask gives the best fit whilst ensuring a wide 120 degree field of vision.
The antislip buckles means the strap stays where set it and the ultra clear, high vision tempered glass means virtually all light passes through to your eyes.
A substantial nose pocket means that equalising is a joy and that, combined with comfort, makes this the ideal mask for most divers.
To find your nearest Nautilus dealer, click here.
info@nautilus.uk / nautilus.uk / Seascape Mask on nautilus.uk / Nautilus on Facebook
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