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I went for a cavern dive at Chicken Ha near Playa Del Carmen when I was in Mexico the other week. Very cool but I think it was probably well above my experience level (12 dives since getting certified in 2001). Anyway as always happens I'm hooked on diving again and going to give my local scene more of a go. Any Auckland, NZ goons want a buddy, hit me up. Also wish me luck getting my 1988 Apollo regs and tank serviced today! Seem to be functioning fine but that doesn't mean anything. They haven't been used since 05.
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Feb 2, 2015 01:34
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| # ¿ Apr 28, 2024 10:23 |
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awesmoe posted:Have you been to poor knights? Go do poor knights. Shamefully I have not! A friend is going this weekend though but I can't afford it. It's on my list for sure but I think the next big dive will be my AOW which will be done nearby.
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Feb 2, 2015 03:42
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Red_Fred posted:I went for a cavern dive at Chicken Ha near Playa Del Carmen when I was in Mexico the other week. Very cool but I think it was probably well above my experience level (12 dives since getting certified in 2001). Apologies for the double post. The news on my regs was not good. Both second stage housings were cracked and can't be replaced. Guess it's back to hiring. Anyone got any ideas on was what to do with them? Sell for parts? Is the Zoop still the recommended entry level computer?
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Feb 3, 2015 01:44
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Now that I'm back in this scuba game I want to know what everyone's minimum gear they take on every dive is. Excluding standard gear (regs, BCD etc.) and tech specific stuff. I still need to buy a new snorkel, a slate and a computer. But surface markers? Tables? Also what about spare parts kits? Anything non-obvious I might be missing?
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Feb 3, 2015 22:13
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Is it normal for a BCD to have quite a bit and of water in it after a dive? We did two long and shallow dives (max depth 7m for around 40-50 mins) yesterday with a lot of ascending and descending if that factors. I left it inflated overnight and it was still inflated this morning.
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Feb 14, 2015 22:17
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Tomberforce posted:Yeah that's fine and normal - it's good practise to rinse out the interior with fresh water though, especially if you're not plannning to dive for a while. You can fill it up through the inflator hose, slosh it around, orally inflate it and drain. Oh I always do that anyway so all good there. I can think of a bunch of times yesterday where I went to dump air and didn't really have any in there so water would have got in then. No leaks! Excellent.
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Feb 15, 2015 02:05
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I'm currently doing my knowledge review for the PADI Nitrox cert and something occurred to me. I dive without a computer (I use tables) but my restriction on dives has always been air consumption. This would indicate to me that the increased NDL with Nitrox is only an advantage if you're using a massive steel tank? Obviously there are other advantages (less surface intervals etc.) but the big selling point seems to be increased NDL.
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Feb 26, 2015 04:11
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jackyl posted:this is correct, your main benefit of nitrox isn't on consumption or deep dives, but intervals, NDL time and the unproven freshness thing. It really shows benefits on multi tank dives, since that's when deco becomes a real thing that matters to you. If you aren't flirting with deco on your second or third dives, nitrox isn't doing a lot for you and you need to work on consumption. Okay that all makes sense and there is no doubt I need to work on my consumption. I guess on something like a live-aboard where you might be doing 3-4 dives a day using Nitrox for the last couple would make the most sense. I don't actually have a specific need for Nitrox I just saw there was a course on, it was relatively cheap and it's a certification for life so I thought why not.
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Feb 26, 2015 06:56
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Just signed up to do my Advanced Open Water (yay) and I'm reading the drysuit section of the book because I'm going to do the course in one. It says not to use your BCD for buoyancy except on the surface. This seems to contradict everything I've heard about drysuit diving. What's the deal?
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Mar 20, 2015 02:07
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Trivia posted:Having been diving yearly for the past 7 years I've gathered a fair bit of equipment along the way. I figure it's about time to get a regulator, as that's the next big thing that'd save me quite a bit on rental fees. I don't know a huge amount about it but I think yearly servicing is probably critical, I mean this is life support equipment we are talking about. I know that it is always recommended to get second hand regs serviced which you should factor into your costs. But I think as long as you buy gear that you can still get parts for and people will service them then there should be no worries. I hear good things about ScubaPro, Aqualung and Apeks but really regs all kind of breathe the same (at least at recreational depths). I think from a reliability stand point companies really put the effort in given that they are life support equipment so you probably can't go wrong.
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Apr 7, 2015 09:43
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Trivia posted:Yeah, the yearly servicing is why I pushed them to the bottom of the To Get list. At this point however the only other thing I could get (but probably won't) is a blade. I'm in New Zealand so it would likely be much higher here and it depends on the model and brand. Somewhere between NZD $150-$300 though.
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Apr 7, 2015 10:16
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Can someone please recommend me a dive light? I am doing my Advanced Open water next weekend and need one for that and generally. Would prefer something that isn't crazy expensive if possible. Do I really need a backup?
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Apr 12, 2015 09:50
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Why would you service your two second stages separately? Last night I did my drysuit pool session for my upcoming AOW. It was awesome, probably helped that I got to use a brand new Halycon wing and backplate. My buoyancy felt great and I don't think diving has felt that effortless. The only problem is I now want a wing and backplate and a drysuit. Goodbye funds!
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Apr 16, 2015 04:33
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Bishop posted:i actually just use a vest BC for recreational dives. I've got a pretty standard DIR BP/W setup for deep or overhead stuff. I can pivot, back kick, and fine tune buoyancy better but it's not a huge difference in open water. He lives! Why wouldn't you dive a DIR BP/W all the time? I feel like they should be cheaper than regular BCs given how 'simple' they are.
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Apr 17, 2015 00:33
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How does everyone deal with logging dives? I have finished my first book. I kind of like the idea of going digital now that i have a computer but subsurface doesn't seem great as far as logging from a phone goes.
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Apr 21, 2015 03:36
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I've looked more into Subsurface and I think I'm going to use that. It's annoying you can't get detail from your phone but you could always print or PDF your log prior to a trip. Are there any GUE divers here? I understand that you have to do a certain number of dives every few years to keep your cert. How do they track this? Is it honesty based?
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Apr 23, 2015 02:30
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Squashy Nipples posted:What's the goon opinion on Babby's First Dive Computer? I just bought a Suunto Zoop. Very basic but robust. I really like it.
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May 8, 2015 23:28
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Someone try and convince me from pulling the trigger on a really good deal on a used Waterproof D7 drysuit. 
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May 15, 2015 08:40
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MrNemo posted:You're taking to a guy who bought his last DUI after using it for a weekend because mine developed a torn seal the owner was selling it for cheap. I felt less bad though because he had like 6 suits he'd bought on various whims. Have you heard anything bad about Waterproof or the D7 though? Regarding equalising: there are several good DAN articles too which are worth reading. But a good ENT (preferably one who specialises in diving) will set you straight.
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May 15, 2015 19:30
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sofullofhate posted:My wife has a D7. She love, love, love, love, loves it. It is truly a beautiful piece of kit. If I dove cold I would buy a Waterproof in a heartbeat. The one I'm looking at is an ML where I'm probably closer to an M (after some rough measurements) this shouldn't be an issue though right?
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May 15, 2015 21:24
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sofullofhate posted:Might be a little long in the legs, but you can use the internal straps to keep that from being an issue. You might need to wear ankle straps if the boots are too long. It'll be fine. Awesome because I bought it! 
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May 16, 2015 07:48
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SqueakyDuck posted:Any divers located in SE Asia? Currently in Myanmar teaching but biting the bullet and doing my DM in June. I would love to know about diving in Myanmar. I would guess the industry there is very small?
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May 18, 2015 01:29
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Drysuit arrived last night. It fits pretty well but I may need fin savers or something on the boots as they are a little roomy. I tried it with no socks so I'll put it on again tonight with big wooly socks and see how that is. Now it looks like I need new fins and undergarments! My plan with fins is to move to Jets/Turtle/Slipstreams. I understand they are all roughly the same but size a bit different and weigh differently. Is that right? For undergarments I am looking at Fourth Element arctics as I dive from 15C to about 22C. When it's closer to 15 I'll add merino thermals underneath. Will this work? Seems silly to buy specific 'skins' like Fourth Element recommends.
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May 19, 2015 22:14
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MrNemo posted:I used the arctics as summer thermals in the UK and they worked pretty well in a membrane. I think adding an extra layer to them would do the job. It won't work as well possibly as all the 4th element stuff but it'll keep you warm and costs a lot less. I checked prices at our club night last night. Looking forward to spending nearly what the drysuit cost me on undergarments and fins.
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May 26, 2015 02:31
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If the weather is okay next weekend I'm going to do a shore dive to test out the suit and if I'll need new fins and undergarments. I expect the water will be about 18 C°. Pretty excited even though the dive will be average.
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May 27, 2015 02:38
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I bought a used Waterproof D7 pro the other day. It's currently getting checked over by my LDS and I haven't actually dived in it yet. Hoping to use it this weekend so I could let you know after that. So far though I really like it. Oh also note undergarments can be surprisingly pricey and you may need new fins too.
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Jun 11, 2015 03:19
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CaptainZalo posted:I've got a pair of well used (55 dives) Atomic splitfins that I use with a pair of 7 mm wetsocks when I'm not in a rented drysuit. I'll stick to them as I'm quite comfortable in them. Been thinking of a pair of jetfins, but I'll wait until I'm comfy in the drysuit and/or the splitfins die horribly in a freak strap-accident. My point was more that you current fins might not fit unless you get a drysuit with soft socks rather than boots. I have to buy new fins to fit my D7 but this isn't so bad as heavier fins will help my trim anyway.
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Jun 11, 2015 08:26
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If you are getting certified through a legit agency then presumably it would be through a dive shop which can also hire out gear. That's usually how it works. Or are you diving without certification?
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Oct 8, 2015 03:39
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I was also under the assumption that yoke is way more common.
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Nov 3, 2015 01:33
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Icon Of Sin posted:Well, I've gone and done it. I start DM tomorrow through a local PADI shop, and just applied for DAN's research internship starting in May. Gonna learn all the things about breathing underwater without dying in the next few months* Please flood this thread with with interesting information. TIA.
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Jan 13, 2016 05:42
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MrNemo posted:I definitely feel you, my issue is with dry suit dive and occasional lengthy RIB rides to get to the site I'm stuck sweating my rear end off before hand. I'm thinking of trying a set of 4th Element Arctics, it's trick getting someone to lend you that kind of thing though but I've got time so I'll keep an eye out for 2nd hand options. Waterproof do something that look similar and is 2/3 the price but I don't know anywhere that sells it. Let me know how you go with the undergarments as I need to get some too and I'm not that sure what I need. Probably Fourth Element though.
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Jan 24, 2016 06:31
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I just won an auction on a used wing! So now all I need is a weighting solution as I have a steel backplate and one-piece harness. I won't be using an STA either so what's my best bet? I figure some weight near the tank and then some hip weight that I can ditch if need be? I have been using a Halcyon Evolve with a weighted STA but didn't want to just buy one as Halcyon is so drat expensive however apart from their weight pockets (really hard to put in when you're in the water) that's more or less the setup I'm after.
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Jan 25, 2016 08:54
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I dive dry too so a weight belt is not ideal.
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Jan 26, 2016 11:51
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I guess that would work but probably just some weight added to my BPW and maybe two ditchable pockets on my harness would be easiest. Just wondered if anyone had any specific brands or models which were better. For example I don't like the Halcyon hip pockets as they are really difficult to load when in the water.
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Jan 27, 2016 03:53
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Yeah they have a fabric sheath that the fabric pocket slides into which when wet and done on feel is really hard. Easy to ditch just not easy to load. Also Halcyon expensive.
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Jan 27, 2016 04:29
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My wing arrived the other day. Was super salty (description said it had been washed inside and out after every dive of course!) and someone had put two gaskets on the hose connection which actually only needs one. Anyway went to my LDS to get some weight pockets and cam bands but nearly collapsed when the guy said the Halcyon hip weight pockets were $245 (NZD) each! I mean Halcyon make great stuff but that's a ridiculous price. 
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Feb 13, 2016 02:21
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pupdive posted:So (pretty dang expensive to start) X (Halcyon Brand Name) X (living on an island that regularly gets left off world maps)= stupid expensive. I totally get this but it still seems crazy. For example I could get this shipped for probably about $150 (NZD): http://www.oxycheq.com/sport-dive-equipment/bcd-s/weight-pockets/oxycheq-deluxe-medium-weight-pocket.html
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Feb 13, 2016 21:57
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I'm doing my first live-aboard next weekend, just one night but still. Anything I need to know or bring?
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Mar 2, 2016 08:57
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I'm actually keen to hear your thoughts on 7 foot hoses and BPW if you don't mind?
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Mar 7, 2016 23:43
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| # ¿ Apr 28, 2024 10:23 |
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Has anyone worked as a Dive Master anywhere in SE Asia? I'm planning on doing a year of travel soon and thought working somewhere as a Dive Master would be a great way of doing a lot of diving and living somewhere fun. I'm only at Rescue now but figured it's probably cheaper to do my Dive Masters over there, is that right? I also figure I won't be able to make much of a living just as a DM (generally they are paid in dives right?) So I would need to get some other kind of job, is this also viable? Anything else I need to know? Recommended resorts/areas?
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Mar 8, 2016 21:05
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