Bargain Basement Dive Equipment By Rebecca Shannon, MSDT Volume 6, Issue 07 July 2011 With today s economy, everyone is looking for a bargain. Internet sites to find bargains are now at our fingertips (such as EBay and Craig s List). Just keep one thing in mind when shopping for bargain dive equipment the equipment you use when diving is your life support! My brother-in-law and sister-in-law recently decided to get back into diving after taking some time off. My brother-in-law loves to shop on Ebay. He found, what he thought, were some incredible bargains. He later found out these bargains were not so great when he went to get the equipment serviced. He found out that the regulators he purchased could no longer be serviced because the kits to service them were no longer available. This equipment was several years old. So he put them back up for sale on Ebay. I guess the next poor soul that purchased them would find out the same thing when they tried to get the equipment serviced. I am not saying that there are not some good deals out there. I have seen full sets of top of the line equipment that people purchased and never used or only used one time but this is rare. Generally, if it seems too good to be true, it usually is! Here are some guidelines to follow when purchasing used equipment: Inside this Issue Training Specials 2 Self Reliant Diver 2 A Word from Our Sponsors 3 Travel 4 Got New Photography Equipment? 4 Swimmer s Ear 5 DAN 6 Check the equipment to see what kind of shape it is in. This is especially true if you do not know the person you are purchasing it from and have no idea how well they maintained it. The only way to be sure how well it was maintained is to have a qualified service technician take a look at it. Find out the age of the equipment. Even if it looks relatively new, this may only mean it has not been used much. Find out from a qualified service technician of the equipment if the parts are even still available to service the equipment. Try the equipment out in a pool before you use it in a lake or in blue water. Make sure everything operates as it should. You don t want to be surprised by equipment failure on a deep dive. Remember, this equipment is your life support! Never use any equipment that has not been properly maintained. This is why I prefer to buy my own equipment new so I know it has been cared for properly.
Page 2 WBD Season Pass Take any or all of the 38 PADI/DAN specialties offered at We B Divin in a 12 month period. Crewpacks not included. Get your PADI Master Scuba Diver and your DAN Diving Emergency Specialist. $749 Unbelievable! Training Specials Learn to Dive Package A whale of a deal, tell your friends. Group Class Tuition, Student Materials, Personal Gear (Mask, Snorkel, Fins, Boots, Bag) chosen from a wide variety of options, and a shorty wet suit. Upgrades are available should you desire. $725 elearning Don t have time to spend in classroom but want to get certified? Sign up for on-line learning. Do all of the classroom on your time at your location on your PC. Then spend 8-12 hours with us in the pool and 4 dives in open water. Same gear package included. $660 Plus $120 elearning enrollment. New from PADI: Self-Reliant Diver The purpose of the Self-Reliant Diver specialty course is to recognize and accept the role of the buddy system and its contributions to diver safety while identifying and developing self-reliance and independence while diving. There are two reasons for an experienced diver to take the Self-Reliant diver course: To develop the skills of planning and carrying out dives without a partner when preferred or necessary. To sharpen skills of diving self-reliance, making the diver a stronger partner in a dive pair or team. This course covers when diving alone may be applicable, and the need to compensate for those situations, including dive planning, life support system readiness, adaptive training, equipment and responsibility. This course is an introduction to self-reliant diving that helps student divers develop the skills, knowledge and techniques necessary to rely on themselves first, whether or not they are diving with a partner, including: The value and application of the buddy system. The philosophy of, and motivation for, diving without a partner. Potential risks of diving alone, and how to manage those risks. The value of equipment redundancy and what back-up equipment is needed. Dive planning and gas management. Prerequisite to qualify for the Self-Reliant Diver course, an individual must: 1. Be certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water. 2. Have a minimum 100 logged dives. 3. Be 18 years of age or older. 4. Successfully complete a dive skills assessment. Equipment Requirements Student Diver 1. Standard dive equipment. 2. Surface marker buoy, such as a delayed surface marker buoy or lift bag with at least 100 feet of line. 3. Redundant gas source pony cylinder, twin cylinders with isolation valve or sidemount configuration. Redundant gas supply must be configured so that the diver can access it with one hand. 4. Redundant depth gauge and bottom timer. 5. Redundant surface signaling devices (visual & audible) 6. Knife/cutting tool (except where locally prohibited) 7. Slate and pencil 8. Back-up mask (recommended)
Page 3 A Word from Our Sponsors Nikon Coolpix L24 Features Make memories. Share joy. The Nikon Coolpix L24 captures stunning images with ease both above water and below. Compact and cool, it slips into your pocket to carry along on any adventure. - 14.0 effective megapixels - 3.6x optical Zoom, NIKKOR glass lens - Big, bright 3.0 in. (76mm) LCD - 640x480 at 30fps high quality movies with sound - Three-way Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization - Auto and manual white balance - Macro shooting as close as 2 in. (5cm) - Accepts SD, SDHC or SDXC memory cards Housing Features All camera controls are fully functional through the housing and depth rated to 200 ft. (60m). Easy open latch and drop in camera loading make set-up a breeze. Two 12-24 threaded mounts on the bottom of the housing allow for the secure, rotation-free attachment of optional trays and lighting accessories. This ULTRAcompact housing accepts Nikon Coopix L22 and Nikon Coopix L24 cameras. External Underwater Strobes Ikelite strobes are much more powerful, recycle more quickly, and eliminate more backscatter than the camera's built-in flash. The AF35 AutoFlash Kit provides automatic "TTL" exposure by optical signal from the camera's built-in flash. The AF35 is the easiest way to add color and vibrancy to your photos. For the best results in all conditions. Camera Package, $380; Housing Only, $260; Delux Strobe Package $830 JVC PICISO Video Camera Features Underwater video couldn't be LESS intimidating than with this super-simple and waterproof HD video camera. Snorkel or shoot between dives with complete confidence as this little pocket cam is rated to 10ft (3m) independent of the housing. Image stabilization and an 5mp digital still mode really set this camcorder apart from other cameras of its kind. The camera's video and still files are PC and Mac compatible. LoiLoScope EX software is pre-installed for editing and sharing when using a PC. The camera's built-in battery may be recharged through any computer USB port Video Lighting Additional light is necessary in cloudy conditions, when shooting under ledges, at night or at depths beyond 60 to 80 feet. The Pro-V* LED Video Lite gives all the light you need to bring out the ocean s true colors. The Pro-V8 features a warm, even 45 o beam over a whopping 10-hour burn time. The flex arm allows the light to be repositioned effortlessly. Camera Package, $460; Housing Only, $260; Delux Strobe Package $760
Volume 6, Issue 07 Page 4 Cozumel Aug 05-08 $896 DVR $692 NDVR Oct 14-17 $902 DVR $698 NDVR Oct 14-21 $1231 DVR $853 NDVR Travel 2011 Truk November 27 December 04 $3280 plus airfare, double occ Est airfare DFW to TKK is $1800 ( unless you have miles (-; ) 1 night in a hotel in Chuk, est $75 All taxes / fees included, Hotel Cozumel, 3 days 2 Tank boat dives, transportation to / from hotel / airport, round trip airfare Got New Photography Equipment? By Angela Garrett, MSDT I spent almost three years with my Sea and Sea compact camera having a blast before I decided to upgrade to a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex camera). I researched cameras, their functionality, and availability of underwater cases. Then I purchased the one best suited for me, land photography and underwater photography. I signed up for several photography classes at a local college so I could learn the nuances of DSLR photography over point and shoot. I practiced on land for a good six months before I planned a dive trip. I finally planned a dive trip to use the new camera, so I placed my order and got everything shipped to We B Divin. The Tuesday before my trip, I was able to pick up my new camera housing, lenses, and strobes. I did have a chance to put the camera in the housing and get it dive ready before I went to the airport; which takes a bit more time for an DSLR than a point and shoot. If you have an underwater camera you can remember the first time in the water with it. When you upgrade the feeling and experience is the same. It is a new piece of gear for which you have to make adjustments in your scuba gear and weighting. Then you need to invest time practicing with the new camera, housing and lights to maximize the photos you will take home. Truthfully, I don t remember much about the first dive other than what I attempted to photograph. If it did not end up on my LCD display I did not see it. The good news was my dive profile was simple; taking any other complexities out of the way so I could focus on the camera. Just like any new piece of scuba equipment, cameras and strobes are no different, take the time to learn their features, so you can fully enjoy your dive to its fullest.
Page 5 Swimmer s Ear By Michael Turner, AI Swimmer's ear is a common problem for children, swimmers and divers everywhere that can cause pain and discomfort. Below are answers to the most common questions regarding swimmer's. What is Swimmer's Ear? Otitis externa, or ear ache, is an infection of the ear and/ or outer ear canal. Symptoms of swimmer s ear include: * Itchiness inside the ear. * The ear becomes red and inflamed. * Pain when infected ear is tugged or when head is moved. * Pus draining from the infected ear. What Causes Swimmer's Ear? Swimmer's ear is often caused by infection with the germ Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This germ is common in the environment (for example, in the water and soil) and is microscopic, so it can t be seen with the naked eye. Although all age groups are affected, it is more common in children and young adults and can be extremely painful. How is Swimmer's Ear Spread at Aquatic Facilities? Swimmer s ear can occur if contaminated water (or a contaminated object) stays in direct contact with the ear canal for a long period of time. Symptoms of swimmer's ear usually appear within a few days of getting contaminated water (or placing contaminated objects) in the ear. If you think you have swimmer's ear, consult your healthcare provider. It can be treated with antibiotic ear drops. Is There a Difference Between a Middle Ear Infection and Swimmer's Ear? Yes. If you can wiggle the outer ear without pain or discomfort then your ear infection is probably not swimmer's ear. How Do I Protect Myself from Swimmer s Ear? To reduce the risk of swimmer s ear: * Dry your ears after swimming. If it is difficult to get water out of your ear, apply a few drops of an alcohol-based ear product into the ear. You can purchase a suitable product at We B Divin. * Avoid putting objects in the ear (for example, fingers or cotton swabs) that might scratch the wax layer or ear canal and provide a site that can become infected with contaminated water. * Pay attention to signage and avoid swimming in locations that have been closed because of pollution. For more information on ear infections, please see CDC s Get Smart: Ear Infections page.
8451 Boulevard 26 North Richland Hills, TX 76180 817-605-8833, voice and fax E-mail: editor@we-b-divin.com Think Outside the Bowl! There is much to learn, many places to go and much to see. We B Divin' is your personal resource for scuba training (PADI), equipment sales, service, and travel. We pride ourselves on individualized training, especially for people with water related anxieties. Our rental gear includes SeaQuest weight integrated BCD's (women's and men's), computers, and regulators for state of the art training and the ultimate in safety. Remember, enjoyment and safety are enhanced by comfort and proper fit. We will personally fit you, whether your primary interest is diving or snorkeling. We offer both group and individual travel opportunities. Both singles and couples are welcome. Singles may ask to room share or can choose the single supplement option. Everyone is welcome - divers, snorkelers, nondivers, shoppers, etc. Come learn with us, go places with us and see with us. Divers Alert Network DAN Travel Insurance This is Dan s newest product. I am sure that I have not reviewed every Trip Cancellation and Interruption policy available out there on the market, but this one is very competitive in benefits as well as cost. Also, of course, when we use this Divers Alert Network Membership DAN is the only organization I am aware of that is actively pursuing medical dive research. They provide assistance to all divers (regardless of membership status) through 800 phone numbers and will accept collect calls from anywhere in the world. This alone is product we are supporting DAN which is always a plus. Travel insurance is good for those who want to plan a trip but have pending concerns like the health of a loved one. It is very valuable when planning a BIG trip like Truk Lagoon. Many times trips like this must be planned far in the future worth our support with membership fees of $35 per year. The included subscription to Alert Diver is just a bonus. Dive Insurance This is the best option for Medical Dive Accident Coverage that I have reviewed. There are three plans from $25 to $70 per year covering not only and we simply cannot know what life will put on our plate in the interim. So this type of insurance protects us from a total loss. Check the details from our web site by clicking here DAN Dive Insurance medical coverage for a dive accident but extra transportation, extra accommodation, lost diving equipment and much more. I cannot stress enough how valuable it is to have this coverage. Check the details from our web site by clicking here DAN Dive Insurance