Most of us have experienced a winter that brought on warmer temperatures than expected. I for one can’t say I minded it, and above average temps certainly make the rain here much more bearable. With all of that in mind though, the water temperatures have still fallen to reasonably chilly levels.
Most of us divers have to consider that unless you are diving in the tropics along the equator, you need some sort of exposure protection. So let’s take a look at a few methods for protecting your body from the brutal cold underwater by examining some fun facts about temperatures and the difference between wetsuits and drysuits.
The human body loses heat approximately 26 times faster in water than in air of the same temperature. For this reason, when diving in water temperature less than about 90°F (32°C), you must have some means to keep your body warm to prevent hypothermia. The most popular candidate for this task amongst divers across the spectrum is the wetsuit. [Read More…]
If you’ve ever been diving, chances are you’ve noticed something unique about those that have been diving for a while. You may have seen tanks lined up on dive boat and noticed those with more experience donning “NITROX” cylinders.
This isn’t just a fancy label, NITROX a mixed gas that helps divers maintain longer bottom times and reduce their risk of decompression sickness. This is generally the only other gas you’ll see when recreational diving, but there are many more out there.
In this article we’re going to go over some of the different gas mixtures, their benefits, draw backs and even ask, “What’s the point?” [Read More…]
Whether you are recreation diving, combat diving, technical diving, or just goofing around in the pool, there are some things to keep in mind.
In all of my years of diving, I didn’t hear the words “tighten up your rig” until I started tech diving. I spent a lot of time diving off of cattle boats, but looking back, I wish someone had mentioned what I am about to cover just a little bit sooner.
I want to give you some pointers and lay out the benefits of the pony/bailout bottle as well as a review of some “safe second” devices. This article is going to be very informative for those that have not been around a diving community much. We have some ground to cover, so I’ll jump right in. [Read More…]
There is a threat at the heart of diving, an opponent so deft that we may not have a chance to fight back until it is too late.
This factor is present in nearly everything we do, but underwater it could mean your life. This unnoticed opponent is simply, complacency. I have been working here and there on a series of articles for ITS in regards to diving, but after a personal experience, I want to bring this one to the forefront.
There’s a sport, both recreational and professional, that goes unnoticed by many people every day. When a plane goes down in the Hudson River, when a ship meets disaster and sinks, when oil rigs needs to be built, and when SEALs need to get somewhere undetected, they turn to a skill that has continuously been in development since it’s very inception. [Read More…]
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