Like any other product out there, there are various types of diving snorkels in today’s market.  So if you are into diving or would like to try it out for the first time, then you must have come across this simple term.  In fact, it’s not only simple to mention but the equipment on its own isn’t that complicated.  If anything, you can easily pass it by as an unimportant plastic tube, which is the complete opposite of what it actually presents.

In diving, a snorkel is one of the most important tools any diver (a beginner or a pro) should consider having.  But what is a Scuba diving snorkel and how does a snorkel work?  We get into a comprehensive coverage of these and much more details in a few.  Read on!

Source: Choosing The Right Snorkel | Scuba Advice

What is a Scuba diving snorkel?

There is no definite answer for these as there are various types of diving snorkel and they all function differently.  But we can generally refer to it as a form of shaped breathing tube equipment that allows divers to move through water with the help of fins and wetsuits.

Still Confused?  We find it much easy to provide the answer for ” what is a scuba diving snorkel” by answering the ” how does a snorkel work?” question.  And we go ahead to break it down for you below;

The Dry Snorkel

In recent times, there has been a lot of vibe surrounding the dry snorkel. So if you have heard about them but don’t understand how they work, here is how;

These types of snorkels function by inhibiting the entrance of water into the tube.  In simple terms, it only acts a one-way thanks to the presence of a floater at its tip.  So as the depth of the water increases so does the position of the floater, which in return closes up the opening thus maintaining its dry nature.

The contemporary ones are made-up of potent materials that guarantee their users durability and sustainability.  And while the dry snorkel is supposed to remain dry throughout the dive, it can sometimes harbor a little water especially if you aren’t careful when getting the respective mouthpiece out of your mouth.

Source: Key Features Of A Snorkel

The Semi-dry Snorkel

Unlike their dry counterparts, these snorkels function by spilling out the water through the splash guard strategically placed at the upper side of the tube.  So typically, when any trace of water finds its way into the snorkel, you will notice amazing splashes or waves getting out through the one-way purging valve.

A snorkel can either be used as a mouthpiece or as a full face.

What’s The Functionality of A Snorkel Full-Face Mask?

If you can’t stand the feel of something foreign in your mouth then you will probably love the convenience the full-face mask snorkel provides.  It not only gets rid of the things-in-the-mouth discomfort but also gives you ample time to breathe through your nose and mouth.  With it, you can say goodbye to a dry mouth and enjoy your snorkeling in peace.  But is it really as simple as it sounds?  Of course not.

Source: Dangerous Full Face Snorkel Masks | How to avoid them | Snorkel Advice

First of all, it brings together the two essential parts (the mask and the snorkel) to form an appealing design that will cover all your face.  So once you get into it, you only have to tilt your head or get into the water to trigger the closing-up of the valve.  The secret of this tool lies in the fact that you don’t have to dive way too far from the service as part of it should remain off the water service to allow the sucking in and release of the air.

Consequently, since most of these masks boost visibility to around 180 degrees.  You can comfortably get a clear view of where you are headed.  So if you would love to share your adventure with family and friends or simply file it for future reference, then you can decide to attach a camera on your gear to record the happenings as you enjoy freely.

How Can I Snorkel using a Scuba Diving Snorkel?

Well, this is pretty simple.  Now that you know what a scuba diving snorkel is together with its various types and functionality.  It’s time to learn how to use it through a process that’s popularly referred to as snorkeling. And here is how;

1: First of all, you have to purchase a diving snorkel of your choice.  Here you can either go with a full mask or a mouthpiece.  The choice is entirely yours.  But remember whatever you choose will determine the kind of experience you get.  So select carefully.

2: Now that you already have your equipment, take time to fit it on your face and ensure it is neither too tight or loose.  But most importantly, it should cover you well across the eyes, all the way to the nose.  At this point, your snorkel should be right adjacent to your mouth.  Hold it there for now.

3: It’s now time to test the waters and see how it feels with your new tool in place.  So gently get yourself comfortable in the water, flat on your tummy and with your face submerged.  Your aim should be to achieve a 45-degree angle.

4: It’s now time to let the mouthpiece of your snorkel into your mouth.  And for that, bit it and fasten your lips around it until you are confident that the whole equipment is in its rightful place.

5: Once you do, test its functionality by taking deep slow breathes through your mouth and releasing them the same way.  And since you won’t be diving too deeply into the waters, you can always get your head out whenever you want, so try being as calm as possible.  If you do this correctly, then you should be able to notice the amazing sounds of your every breath through the snorkel.  It’s your first sign of success.  Celebrate it by enjoying the underwaters without a worry in the world.

Snorkeling Tips For Beginners

Source: Snorkeling Tips for Beginners

Always go for quality equipment

It goes without saying that the cheaper it’s, the higher the chances of it being of poor quality.  So what is more important?  Adding a few dollars and getting a quality tool for your first practice or saving up some bucks and risk getting drowned?  And since most sales individuals won’t take you through the ultimate mask buying guide, it’s best to do it by yourself with the available resources. You can as around for recommendations from friends, hire an expert to help you select or conduct thorough online research.  The point here is that you should always go to the store knowing exactly what you want.

A Dry Snorkel Makes The Perfect Choice

From our early on definition of ” what is a scuba diving snorkel,” it’s clear that a dry snorkel makes a perfect choice, especially for beginners.  Yes, it might be a little bit expensive to rent and buy, but it sure is worth every penny as you won’t have to worry about grasping some water that found it’s way in without much of a warning.

If you can’t seem to afford one or are working on a budget, then it’s better to opt for one with a splash guard in place.  Being your first time in the underwaters, it would be a pretty bad experience to start it off badly.  If you do, you might develop a phobia and never want to try snorkeling again.  You don’t want that, right?  Well, now that you know what to do, do it!

Secure Some Fitting Fins

Don’t even think of assuming the importance of fins on your first day underwater.  In fact, even pros cannot do without some, so who are you to overlook these important tools?  For you to enjoy yourself fully, ensure you purchase or rent out some that are a perfect fit.  Not too tight or loose.  They shouldn’t hurt even a little.  Not even your tiniest toe.  You want to be as comfortable as possible throughout your adventure, so don’t let something like this ruin your day.

Source: Choosing The Right Fins

Another vital note when it comes to getting fins is that the human feet normally have the tendency to shrink when exposed to water, so your pick should be a little bit tight so that they don’t come off when that happens.  But that doesn’t mean you have to bear with any sort of pain.  There’s a major difference between being in pain and getting a little bit uncomfortable.  Know when to separate the two.

Make A Wise Location Choice

You want your first snorkeling experience to be memorable.  And that means choosing a place that’s full of fun.  And being a beginner, it’s advisable to start your adventure from a beach instead of a boat.  And for that, choose a spot where you are likely to enjoy beautiful underwater sceneries.  This should be one with lots of fish, plants and other underneath life.  A boring spot will kill your curiosity on your first trial and you don’t want that.

Source: How To Snorkel Like a Pro With These Simple Tips

 

There is nothing more interesting than exploring the underwater world.  Whether you want to capture marine life or simple snapshots, there is a whole gamut of equipment to suit your demands. But first things first: what are scuba diving cameras?  These are high-tech devices that allow scuba divers to capture aquatic life beneath the waters.

However, all cameras are not the same.  They vary in terms of diving depth, housing, size, and ease of use.  If you’re looking for a scuba diving camera, here are the top models for both beginners and experienced divers.  Read on and learn more.

Nikon D810 Digital Camera

Nikon is arguably the best camera for both novice and advanced divers – it’s a trusted brand out there.  To start, it comes with 36.3 MP resolution and Expeed 4 processor which helps the diver take photos fast.  On the other hand, there are many video playing options. Y ou can change the focus and control the exposure.  And just like other cameras under Nikon banner, this model allows for recording.

During underwater photography, you can adjust the speed to suit your preference.  Aesthetic wise, this diving camera leaves no details untouched.  The outside cover is made of sturdy magnesium housing to ensure it stands the test of time.  At the back, you’ll find buttons like shutter operation, flash, metering mode, ISO, and multiple selectors.  And in case the camera gets into contact with water, the leak sensor is triggered.  This is the perfect option if you’re looking for an affordable device for night diving.

GoPro HERO7 Diving Camera

GoPro is a modern, hi-tech device that allows scuba divers to capture incredible photos and videos underwater.  Due to its versatility, you can explore the aquatic life from 30-40 feet.  The most important feature is the Time Warp Video which increases the speed of up to 30 times.

In addition to that, the diving camera is equipped with a voice command which allows for voice recording.  Thirdly, the HERO7 is fitted with a live streaming feature which helps the user to share the story on Facebook.

If you’re an expert in night diving, this model should be your best bet.  It’s equipped with Night Lapse feature that allows for low light nighttime shooting.  Unlike the predecessor, HERO7 has 2 times faster image processor and delivers outstanding images.

In terms of video capabilities, you can choose between 4k30 and 720p240.  Looking at the accessories, this small device has a lot to offer.  It comes with diving goggles, chest strap, helmet, and more.

Canon G7 X 9546B001 Diving Camera

This diving camera is bundled with FG7X II underwater housing that allows a depth of 200 feet- this is breathtaking.  The unique housing protects the camera without compromising on functionality.  But what is more interesting is the fact that it can accommodate 67 mm wet lenses.  Also, this diving camera allows the user to capture more light thanks to (f/2.8 at 100 mm) aperture.

Another feature that makes scuba divers overwhelmingly positive is the powerful 6-image processor.  When you combine that with the 20.2-megapixel resolution, you get professional looking images.  Not to mention, the initiative LCD panel allows you to shoot from any angle.

If you want to upload the photos, you can make use of Wi-Fi and NFC.  This camera is ideal for daytime diving and allows for unlimited customization.  The G7 is also particularly good in capturing all colors in low depths.

Olympus M5 Diving Camera

If you want to capture more than what meets the eye, Olympus digital camera has you covered.  It comes with an impressive 10 frames per second to ensure you capture the perfect shot.  To ensure you capture the extreme close-ups, you can use the unique macro-mode or the zoom feature.

Besides that, the exceptional 5-axis voice coil motor reduces the blur caused by the natural movement of water.  To ensure there is no image shake, you can make use of the viewfinder.  And just like other high-end underwater cameras, you don’t need a tripod to get the perfect shot.

The DSLR camera comes in a compact size and is incredibly portable.  Not only that, it’s fitted with sturdy polycarbonate case or Nauticam Aluminum housing with a depth rating of 328 feet.  It’s worth mentioning the Advanced Live Composite features makes this diving camera capture stunning photos even in dark diving conditions.  This makes it ideal for cool water and night diving.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC – LX100

The LUMIX is a modern diving camera with tons of impressive features.  At first glance, you’ll love the attractive design.  It comes in a compact design, so it can fit in tight spaces.  Secondly, it’s fitted with LCDs (front and back) that allow you to select the mode that suits you best.  On the top side, you’ll find the shutter control.

Another feature you’ll appreciate is the underwater housing.  It’s made of aluminum which lets you manage the lens when underwater.  You can use this amazing camera between 200- 328 feet.

Despite its small body, this camera features 4 1/3-Format which is unique in this day and age.  But what is even more interesting is the fact that there are no blurs or shakes.  Just like the outgoing model, LUMIX comes in 4K/30 fps format.

When you combine this with the inbuilt light sensors, you can capture stunning photos/videos in any environment.  This camera is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.  The large lens will ensure you get clear images all the time.

Sony-Cyber Shot Digital Diving Camera

The Cyber-Shot is a remarkable underwater camera.  It uses state-of-the-art technology which makes it suitable for aquatic adventures.  Many professionals prefer Sony as opposed to traditional counterparts due to its unmatched reliability.

Looking at the design, you can be sure the unit will last for many years.  The outer case ensures durability and sturdiness.  You can use it confidently at depths of up to 130 feet.

The zoom and OLED sensor is located at the front part of the camera while the lens takes 40% of the front part.  But what is even more intriguing is the big buttons.  No matter the underwater condition, you can use the shutter release button with ease.

The other standard feature is Wi-Fi connectivity.  Once you capture your photos and videos, you can easily share with your friends on Facebook.

Performance-wise, this camera is in its own league.  It allows recording, has great shutter speeds, you can use Anti-distortion electric shutter and 3.6X optical zoom.  Without a doubt, this little device will help you get breathtaking photos and videos of underwater adventures.

A quick buying guide on scuba diving camera

If you want to have the best experience when scuba diving, you should invest in a high-end camera.  But with the many models out there, choosing the right diving camera can be bewildering.  It’s imperative that you first understand the basics of underwater photography.  Here are the main features to look for to help you make a wise investment decision.

Housing availability

The top brands like Canon, Panasonic, Olympus, Nikon, and Sony are supported by top housing manufacturers.  Before you buy a diving camera, make sure there is a suitable housing available. High-end cameras will have multiple housing options.

Compact Vs. DSLR

Underwater cameras come as either compact or DSR camera.  As the name suggests, compact cameras are small and also the cheapest.  If you’re new to photography, you should buy a compact camera.

On the other hand, DSLR cameras are best suited for seasoned photographers.  The key is to find the right combination of size, features, and budget

Shutter Lag

This refers to the time you press the start and when the actual image is captured.  Sometimes, shutter lag can be frustrating if you’re trying to capture moving objects.  To ensure you get the best pictures, select a model with the least shutter lag.

Lens options

If you’re interested in underwater wide-angle shooting, you should select a camera that fits third-party fisheye wet lenses.  That way, you’ll get closer to the object resulting in more detailed images.  If you’re shooting with a DSLR, make sure you use the appropriate ports for each lens.

Manual Controls

Perhaps the most important decision you can make when buying an underwater camera is to decide whether a model shoots in manual mode or not.  The truth is that manual controls are more effective in water than auto controls.

Believe it or not, you can actually operate some with your gloves on.  This means you don’t have to go through the confusing menu to shoot videos.  If you don’t fancy cameras with manual controls, go for fully automatic cameras.

Diving depth

Before you buy a camera, make sure you understand the recommended depth.  If you go deeper than what the manufacturer recommends, you run the risk of damaging the camera.  Keep in mind that some aquatic life can only be seen at a certain depth.  If possible for the unit that allows for maximum depth.

Size

While most people consider this as an afterthought, it’s an important factor if you’re new to scuba diving.  Because you’re already overburdened by the heavy gear, you should keep the camera system small.  Sometimes, the size of the camera can be deceiving.

A big camera does not necessarily mean it has all the features you need.  Just get a pocket-sized camera and explore the deep waters.

Final thoughts

If your journey as a scuba diver has just begun, you should have the right diving camera at your disposal.  Depending on your taste, you can choose any of the above devices and you’ll never miss the beauty beneath the waters.  It’s time you take your photography skills to the next level.

 

Diving is one of the most fun ways to spend your leisure in the water during summer, and also a great career choice for some.  To fully enjoy diving, you will need a number of equipment to ensure efficiency and safety.  Physical body movement is one of the areas where optimum effectiveness is needed most under water.  Since humans were not created to live underwater, we must rely on scuba diving fins for movement.  Whether diving for fun or professionally, you will definitely need a pair of diving fins.

Description

Scuba diving fins are fins used for propulsion during diving, swimming, snorkeling and body surfing.  These fins provide easy mobility for a diver and his gear while under water.

Features of a diving fin

A diving fin is not that complicated, as it comprises of two major parts, the blade and foot pocket.

The blade

This is the wide part of a diving fin and is either made from neoprene rubber or composite plastic.  Its main purpose is to offer propulsion.  Any good diver knows that the best fin has an ample blade size for maximum efficiency.

The blade is designed to match different flexibility and stiffness levels leaving you to choose the one you prefer.  While stiff fined blades deliver maximum distance cover per kick, it can be pretty exhausting to flutter kick your way through the entire dive.  Flexible diving fins, on the other hand, offer a more comfortable and less exhausting swim.

Foot pocket

The foot pocket is the part of the diving fin where you can either put in the foot like you do with a shoe or strap it into the pocket depending on which type of fin you are using.  Foot pockets are designed to offer comfort and stability while you are in the water.  For this reason, they are made from neoprene rubber.

Classifying Diving Fins

When it comes to classifying diving fins, many factors come into play.  These factors include, but not limited to the type of dive you are planning to execute, comfort issues and make or design of the fin.

Types of Diving Fins

1. Closed heel fins

These are dive fins with rubber foot pockets that fully cover the heel of a diver and are quite comfortable especially in warm water dives.  Another thing about them is that they are made to be put on barefoot without dive booties.

2. Open-heel fins

If you ask many experienced divers, they will tell you they prefer this type of diving fins.  This is because open heeled fins have foot pockets with an adjustable strap that makes it easy to fit in and out, as compared to the closed heel fins and are used together with dive booties making the dive experience warm and comfortable.  Their foot pockets are also bigger than those of closed heel fins due to the fact that they are used together with dive booties.  These fins will protect your feet during getting in and out of the water.

3. Paddle fins

These are diving fins whose blade is continuous to the end with no split.  Some have holes or vents, ribs and rails to channel the water for more efficient propulsion.  In these, you can definitely flutter kick and even frog kick.  Paddle fins are made in different levels of stiffness and flexibility as mentioned earlier.  They are also great while turning, reversing and stopping.

4. Split fins

Split fins have a blade that is cut through the middle dividing it into two equal sides.  This type of diving fin is very efficient especially for those who tire easily or have joint issues.  The ideal way to move in these fins is by flutter kicking.  Frog kicking in split fins can be quite an inefficient way to propel you.  They are also good to use in reefs since they don’t put a lot of stress on your back and leg muscles.

5. Jet fins

Also known as turtle fins, these diving fins are made to offer maximum propulsion and are heavier than other models.  Though not great for tropical diving and use by inexperienced divers, they are very efficient in turning and also easier to get on and off mainly because they have a spring strap.  Jet fins are great for frog kicking, advanced diving techniques like backing up and helicopter turns, and thus are mainly used by technical and drysuit divers.  Due to their spring strap feature, they fall under the open heeled classification.  The spring strap enhances comfort.

6. Snorkeling diving fins

For those who love to have fun in water but more closer to the surface, these diving fins are the best choice for you.  Snorkeling fins also go by the name full-foot fins.  They have foot pockets that slip on like shoes and are short thus easy to use on the surface.  This feature makes them suitable only for shallow depth and not deep scuba diving.  What would happen if you tried to scuba dive in them is you would have to kick harder and faster to move as fast as divers using other types of diving fins.

7. Colored fins

You may see diving fins of different colors and think it’s just for beauty, but while scuba diving far below the water surface visibility can be a problem and this is when the color of the fins matter most.   Fins with bright colors are easy to see and divers can use this to identify their partners when it gets darker.

8. Freediving fins

This type of fins stands out from others because of their long, thin and stiff design.  Freediving fins are great for frog kicking and flutter kicking.  They deliver great propulsion and speed due to the long thin blade and were first specially made for breath-hold diving.

9. Innovative fins

These are modified diving fins that provide more efficiency and effectiveness compared to other diving fins.  Some are made with more elastic rubber, others have a special wing-like design while others even have a gear shifting mechanism that increases or reduces resistance while you dive.  All these factors greatly increase propulsion and reduce work on your body.

10. Hand fins

If you thought diving is only for those who can use their legs then you are very wrong.  Hand fins are just gloves with web design.  They are specially made for the physically challenged who can`t use their legs.

In conclusion, scuba diving fins have been and will continue evolving to boost comfort, efficiency, and effectiveness during moving under water.  However, this is not the only method of propulsion used, another way is by using a diver propulsion vehicle; this only proves that humans will continue innovating and inventing new and easier ways to do things that have been previously thought to be impossible.

 

Regardless of what you plan on doing, making sure that you have the right kind of equipment is vital for success, and this is true with scuba diving as well.  One of the most important types of equipment for any diver are the scuba masks.  These masks are specifically designed to allow you to see clearly underwater, which in turn makes your experience that much more memorable, as well as improving your safety.

What are Scuba Masks

Before we can delve any deeper into this very special piece of equipment, we’ll first need to understand what scuba masks are.  A scuba mask, also called diving mask, is a type of eyewear that divers use to see better underwater.  What makes this special compared to other types of eyewear is that it keeps a pocket of air between a person’s eyes and the actual water itself.  The reason why dive masks are designed this way is because human eyes aren’t able to focus clearly when it’s in direct contact with water.  Our eyes can only focus in light if it’s in the air, not refracted by water, and scuba masks provide this sort of environment with its unique design.

There are two common types of dive masks: the half mask, which covers only the eyes and the nose, and the full scuba masks, which covers the eyes, nose and the mouth, which has a component where the breathing apparatus is supposed to fit into.  Scuba masks are made up of four primary parts: the lenses, the skirt, the mouthpiece, if it’s a full mask, and the strap.

Choosing the Right Scuba Mask

Given the amount of choices available in the market, choosing the right scuba masks can be very overwhelming.  You’ll first need to familiarize yourself with the different components of the mask, what materials you should focus on, and how well it should fit.  You’ll also need to put into account how deep you plan on going with the scuba masks, since the pressure will have a significant effect on how tight it would feel.

Here are a few things you’ll need to consider when you’re choosing your scuba masks:

1. Buying vs. Renting

Depending on whether you plan on diving just once or multiple times, or if you plan on scuba diving only for leisure or as an actual hobby, you’ll need to consider whether you should buy or simply rent a diving mask.  It’s highly recommended that avid divers get their own masks, ones that would actually fit them and their needs specifically.  Renting is only a good idea if you’re not planning on sticking around long for the hobby or if you’ve forgotten or lost your mask for some reason.  In the long run, you’ll be spending more money on renting anyway, so you might as well buy your own if you want to make diving a regular hobby of yours.

2. Choose the Right Fit

If the mask you’ve been looking at doesn’t fit well, it’s not the right mask for you.  People tend to put a lot of stock as to how pretty or cool a mask looks, but no matter how good scuba masks look, they’re useless if they don’t fit.  Being able to force the mask on your face isn’t enough, either.  If it barely fits when you are above water, then the underwater pressure will certainly make it more uncomfortable to wear.

Try looking for scuba masks that can provide you a perfect seal all throughout the skirt without it rubbing or pressing against your face uncomfortably.  Make sure that the frame and the lenses also envelop the entirety of your face without leaving areas where the water would come in.

3. The Mask Skirt

The mask’s skirt helps maintain a good, watertight seal around your face.  The only way scuba masks could ever do what it was meant to do is if the skirts do their job at keeping the water out. Skirts are generally made of silicone and are designed to rest comfortably on your skin.  The thickness and softness of each skirt varies from mask to mask, and the only way for you to find the right one for you is to try them on.  There’s no real metric of knowing what a mask with a good skirt is, except for you to personally wear them and gauge for yourself.

Some models would mold unto your face like a second skin, and you’d soon forget that it’s even there, while scuba masks whose skirts don’t fit, however, would chafe and irritate you, and sometimes wouldn’t even form a tight seal.  There are manufacturers out there that create mask skirts with varying textures that could further enhance the comfort you’d feel when you’re underwater.

Different masks also have varying colors on each of their skirts.  While this may seem like something that is of little importance, the skirt’s color could actually come in handy in blocking out reflective glare, especially if you’re using darker colors.  Lighter toned skirts tend to reflect light more and can be a bit uncomfortable given the right situation.

Another thing you should watch out for is masks with plastic skirts.  Plastics tend to be rigid, and don’t conform well with your skin, unlike silicone does.  You can use scuba masks with plastic skirts if you’re not doing a deep dive, or if you’re just having a quick swim, but if you’re serious about scuba diving, give plastic skirts a wide berth.

4. Your Field of View

Another thing to watch out for when you’re looking at a good mask is checking its field of view.  You’d want scuba masks that would allow you to look horizontally and vertically with as few obstructions as possible.  If you find yourself checking out masks at a physical store, you’ll notice that some scuba masks vary from one another on how much you can see from side to side or up and down.  This is what your field of view is.

A good field of view means you’d be more aware of your immediate surroundings, and you’d also be able to check your various gauges, buckles, pockets and other important bits of equipment.  If you’re the claustrophobic sort, having a viewport where you wouldn’t feel hemmed in while you’re underwater will help you deal with any anxiety you might feel otherwise.

5. Low Volume vs. High Volume

When you’re looking into getting scuba masks, you may have encountered the term “mask volume”.  Mask volume basically refers to how much air space is inside your mask.  Having high volume scuba masks mean that you have a wider view of the world around you, though the downside to this is that they may take a while to clear out if water ever gets in.  If you’re the type who likes to take their time with descending and equalizing the pressure, then high volume masks are definitely the way to go.

If you prefer masks that are easier to clear of water, or ones that sit closer to your face, then low volume scuba masks are for you.  Because of their shorter profile, low volume scuba masks tend to have lesser drag when you’re swimming about, making it easy to get to speed.  More experienced divers prefer low profile masks because they give a wider field of view, since they’re closer to your eyes than high volume masks are.

6. Single Lenses vs. Multi Lenses

Scuba masks come in different number of lenses, from one, two, three and four window versions, each with its unique characteristics.  One-window masks, as the name would suggest, come with a single pane of tempered glass to cover your face.  Two window masks have two glass panes that join together at the bridge of your nose.  The three-window version comes with one large pane in the front, much like the one window version, and one piece of glass on either side of the face.  Lastly, the four-window version comes with two panes of glass in front, joined at the bridge of the nose and one glass on either side.

The choice of how many lenses on your mask should be ultimately depends on your preferences and the style of diving you do.  Masks with multiple lenses tend to have lower volume, because they’re usually designed to be closer to the diver’s face.  Scuba masks with side lenses tend to put in more light, which can be helpful for your vision, but too much light can cause significant glare. The segmenting on the front where the front panels meet may also create a blind spot for you, which can significantly reduce your field of vision.

Final Thoughts

With so many features to put into consideration, and with so many mask models out there, it’s no wonder that many people get overwhelmed with something as simple as eyewear.  Ultimately, however, what makes a good mask depends greatly on your own preferences, and how you do your dives.  Never forget to do a dry test in the store when you’re looking for one.  Choose one that works well for you.

Scuba diving has been one of the most intriguing open water recreational and professional activity since its invention.  It involves using a number of apparatus that are meant to make you comfortable while you are underwater.  The activity is all about learning how to use these various scuba diving equipment as you explore the aqua life and get to know more about the sub aqua landscape.  Unlike the breath-hold divers and the surface-supplied divers, scuba divers carry their supply of breathing gas to maximize the amount of time they spend underwater and increase their comfortability when submerged.

Source: Scuba Gear For Beginners

The scuba diving certification and what it entails

Before you are allowed to scuba dive, you must undergo training where you will learn how to operate the numerous scuba diving equipment.  You will have to take health and fitness lessons as well as self-help and assistance lessons.  All this training is meant to improve your flexibility and functionality while in water, and they also prepare you to know what to do in case you or your partner encounters a problem while scuba diving.  Once you are well equipped with all the scuba diving skills, you will be issued with a certificate that will indicate you are fit to scuba dive at a certain capacity.  The capacity depends on the kind of scuba diving lessons you have taken.  The certificate will thus indicate whether you did a beginner course, advanced course, rescue diver course, dive guide course or you took diver instructor lessons.

Source: How To Get Your Scuba Certification

Why is scuba diving equipment important

What makes scuba diving much more different and exciting from other types of diving is the equipment used by the scuba divers.  These apparatus have been well designed and engineered to provide you with everything you need while in water.  With them, you will be fully protected from various elements, you will be able to breathe in water, and you will also be able to see where you are going among many other things.  Their main function is to ensure that you have completely easy and comfortable scuba diving sessions and also enable you to spend too much time in the water.  For the professionals, this equipment enables them to perform their work diligently while for leisure, they enable you to view the different forms of aqua life and increase your underwater experience.

Source: Scuba Diving: Necessary Gear

How does scuba diving equipment work

This is a question that you will often hear from people who have never attempted scuba diving before.  This is because the equipment is always a fascination to many.  Whenever you put on the whole gear, people tend to see it more of a serious operation than a recreational activity which sometimes is true.  There are quite a number of scuba diving apparatus that you will get acquainted with in your initial scuba diving course which is also referred to as beginner course.  You will start by learning the names of each scuba diving equipment then you will go ahead and try them on.  So how does scuba diving equipment work?

The eponymous scuba or the breathing apparatus

The first gear to answer the question of how does scuba diving equipment work is the breathing apparatus.  This is a very important piece of equipment that is designed to enable scuba divers to breathe comfortably underwater.  There are two types of breathing apparatus, the half mask, and the full face mask breathers.

The half mask breathers are aimed at covering the individual’s eyes and nose.  You are also provided with a mouthpiece, breathing tube or snorkels through which you can access breathing gas from the rebreather.

The full face mask, on the other hand, covers the whole face just like the name suggests.  It tends to protect the divers’ eyes, nose, and mouth.  Unlike the half mask, with the full face masks, the diver can breathe through the nose.

Source: Differences Between a Traditional Diving Mask and a Full Face Mask Instructional Video

The full face masks are the most common even though most recreational scuba divers use the half face masks.  What makes full face masks more preferable is that they can keep the airway clear in case the diver loses consciousness while in water.  The idea of covering the whole face is thus much more incredible than covering only half of the face.

They both enable scuba divers to maintain their breathing process something very vital when it comes to enabling the scuba diver to remain underwater for quite some time.  This increases your aqua life exploration time and makes the whole activity to be much fun.

The Buoyancy Compensating Device (BCD)

In most cases, scuba divers take an interest in the activity not because they love water but because they want to acquaint themselves with the underwater experience as well as see and feel what goes on down there.  This means that most scuba divers always want to go as deep as they can with some scuba diving professionals going up to the seabed.  Well, this is only possible because of the buoyancy Compensating Device which is popularly known as the BCD.  This device is built to enable the scuba diver sink and float on demand.  Without the BCD, some scuba divers would find it hard to sink in water while others will find it hard to float back to the surface after sinking.  This is because of the difference in weight of the two scuba divers.

Source: Buoyancy Compensators | SCUBA 101

The BCD comes with an ingenious design that makes use of abrasion-resistant air bladders.  This is fitted in a jacket like a costume and once worn you can control your buoyancy however you like. When you are diving in, the jacket will enable you to sink deeper into the sea.  This will increase your weight and keep you underwater in a horizontal position with minimal kicking.  At the end of the day, you will spend less energy as well as less air walking around and exploring the aqua life.  To regain buoyancy, all you have to do is let air in the jacket using the available valves, and you will be able to float back on the water.  With these abilities, the scuba diver will have a very easy time traversing different sections underwater without any buoyancy problem.

Diving regulator

This is yet another gadget that will answer the question of how does scuba diving equipment work.  The diving regulator is a very important piece of apparatus that is used to make a convenient connection between the scuba cylinders and the breathers.  Without the diving regulators, it would be a bit problematic to control your breathing capabilities while underwater.  Some people refer to the diving regulator as a demand valve.  To understand better how this equipment work, you need to get acquainted with the two stages that are involved when breathing.  These stages are the reason why scuba divers breathe comfortably despite the fact that the scuba cylinders carry high pressurized air.

Source: Scuba Regulators | SCUBA 101

The first stage regulator comes with a valve that controls the high pressured breathing air from the cylinder to low pressure which is then released to the scuba hoses.  This means that the air can now be transported safely to the breather.  This regulator is usually fastened on the cylinder so that it may initialize regulation as soon as air exits the scuba cylinder.  The second demand valve is positioned on the mouthpiece.  This, in turn, tends to minimize the pressure of the incoming air to match the surrounding water pressure so that it can comfortably and safely be used for breathing by the scuba divers.  This makes inhalation and exhalation of the scuba divers easy and very convenient.

The scuba cylinder

This is one scuba diving equipment that you will never fail to notice on a scuba diver.  This is because it is usually large than most devices and very visible.  The scuba cylinder or the air cylinder is designed to hold a specific amount of air at high pressure.  The material used to create the cylinder is often aluminum or steel depending on the company’s preferences.  The scuba cylinder is the main reason why you will be able to breathe underwater without any problems.  It must, however, work with other scuba diving equipment such as the breathers, the hose, and the regulators to function optimally.

Source: Scuba Tank Basics

As mentioned above, the regulators’ main task is to reduce the pressure of the compressed air at different levels making it easier and safer to breathe.  Without the regulators, it would be nearly impossible for the scuba diver to be able to breathe in and out.  The cylinder is usually carried on the back of the scuba diver with the scuba hose leading either to the breather or to the BCD.  With a scuba cylinder, you have more than enough air to make prolonged observations and spend more time underwater than without.  That is why it is important that a scuba diver learns how to manage the weight of the cylinder as well as its operation before diving into water.

Rebreather

This is one of the most advanced apparatus in this session of how does scuba diving equipment work.  You will find that most times, professional scuba divers require much longer periods of time than recreational scuba divers.  This is so that they may make valid observations and complete the tasks assigned to them without any problems.

Source: Pros And Cons Of A Rebreather

With that in mind, it means that professional scuba divers need an unlimited supply of air something that the scuba cylinders can’t provide.  Scuba cylinders carry a specific amount of air depending on its capacity.  This tends to limit the scuba divers by giving them a minimum amount of time required to spend underwater.

The rebreather, on the other hand, makes use of much advanced technology.  It is designed in such a way that it can reuse air in a very simple yet complicated method.  Unlike the scuba cylinder, when scuba divers use the rebreather, the exhaled air is not bubbled into the water, but instead, it is taken back to the rebreather where carbon dioxide is eliminated and oxygen left is resupplied back to the individual.

This means that the rebreather is just packed with minimal air while the rest is reused.  This, in turn, makes the rebreather to supply professional scuba divers with an unlimited amount of air. This is the main reason why professional scuba divers tend to spend so much time underwater.  The rebreather, unlike the air cylinders, requires maintenance and proper usage for them to function optimally.

Scuba diving fins

Source: Choosing The Right Fins

Scuba fins are very important when it comes to making underwater movements seem very easy.  This is because they are usually much denser compared to air and thus they provide a great way to improve every single foot paddle you make.  They can either be open heal where you only have the fins or adjustable that comes with booties.  The trick to having an easy time with diving fins is to ensure that you pick the ones that fit precisely.  They are not supposed to be too loose or too tight to give you a hard time.

Dive computer

As a scuba diver, finding out how long you can safely stay in water is essential in calibrating your next moves carefully.  Diving blindly without something to monitor the amount of time you have spent at the bottom can be quite problematic.  That is why you need a dive computer, which is a device that uses electricity to monitor how long you have been under water.  It also enables you to know the amount of air you are remaining with.

Source: Why OWN a dive computer?

Scuba diving is one of the best recreational and professional activity that involves diving into open water in a bid to explore underwater or professionally partake an assigned task.  The experience becomes even better with the right equipment.  The above list shows how scuba diving works, training, and some of the main scuba diving apparatus that are essential.  You must, however, undergo a scuba diving training to equip you with the required knowledge that you will find very useful during the process.