ukdiveboy.com

This explains why Dan looked so happy this morning ;-)

2012-02-08T17:33:00.000-08:00

FROM WALLINS WEBSITE

We lost our lease. Store closing sale Saturday, February 11th at 9:00a.m.

New Celebrity Fitness Trend

2012-01-24T09:28:00.000-08:00

... it's time to try the new workout that celebs like Jessica Alba, Sandra Bullock, Katie Holmes, and Nina Dobrev of the CW show The Vampire Diaries love: scuba diving!

- http://www.shape.com/blogs/shape-your-life/new-celebrity-fitness-trend-scuba-diving

I'm not sure I want scuba diving to become the latest fad diet of Hollywood celebs. Being a fad diet will just encourage lots of overweight, middle-aged white guys to take up the hobby trying to get fit. And if there's one thing scuba diving has enough of already, it's overweight middle-aged white guys.

Dive at Lover's 1

2012-01-08T18:04:00.000-08:00

Map to Lovers Point on Google Maps

We kicked on a 60degree heading until we were clear of the wall, then dropped down into 20ft of water.

Visibility was quite good, about 15ft. I expected worse. I thought the bad conditions on Saturday would have stirred up the bottom.

We continued on the 60 heading, but it soon got very surgy - 5-10ft. This made it hard to enjoy the view!

Bottom composition was quite interesting, lots of very large rocks to swim around, over and between. Plenty of nooks to peep into.

I figured it might be better if we got a little deeper, but despite continuing out for about 25 minutes, it got neither deeper nor calmer! So at that point we turned around. Logged a max depth of 27ft.

We did see a big fat seal, that spooked me as it appeared from around a rock. Boy, was it fat! Also saw a nice size Ling. A few other nice size perch and rockfish went zipping by in the surge, bit too fast to get a good look at them.

Love this video!

2012-01-06T16:01:00.000-08:00

Took me a second to get what's going on here!

Yeah, the bubbles give it away.

It's amazing how the air appears to behave just like a flowing liquid when you view it this way.

I'm sure I wouldn't be able to move around that well upside down.

2011-10-30T22:21:00.000-07:00

From http://planetsave.com/2011/08/23/marine-habitat-infographic/

Well Loved Dive Gear For Sale

2011-10-25T00:40:00.001-07:00

I'm trying to (a) raise some money, and (b) make space for new dive toys. Hence, I want you to buy some of my dive gear that I don't use any more:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/spo/2667584988.html

Vladimir Putin, let's see your Search and Recovery Cert-Card!

2011-10-07T23:17:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I think it was probably the first time he'd been SCUBA diving too.

Let's critique his technique shall we:
- Poor buoyancy control
- Bicycle kick
- Flailing hands
- Mask on forehead

And what's with that upside down snorkel, and why does he keep holding onto his reg?

Dive Site Map - McAbee Beach

2011-09-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

As part of the Dive Master certification I had to map a local dive site.

I chose McAbee beach, as it's quite an interesting site, accessible to all levels, yet still has plenty to see - from the small stuff like nudi's, to big guys like seal pups, and a kelp canopy.

Download the PDF for more details, history, the map, profile, things to do nearby, etc.

Dive Site Map PDF

Back-up Computer

2011-09-11T20:26:00.000-07:00

On my last dive I had to ascend from 60ft through a swarm (is that the right collective term?) of jelly fish.

My buddy didn't follow me, smart guy. He stayed on the outside and took pictures. Viz was terrible as we reached about 40ft, so during the ascent I lost sight of my buddy.

None of this would have been a problem normally, but the reason I drifted into the jelly swarm, was a brief spot of distraction as we started the ascent. As I looked at my dive computer to monitor my ascent rate, I noticed all the digits were ... how can I describe it ... doing cart-wheels. No depth reading, no air reading, nothing. Mild panic. I pulled out my console , which has my old air gauge - at least that still showed I had air in my tank, though only 500psi.

Any one of these issues alone and things wouldn't have seemed so bad. Low on air, n.p., buddy separation, n.p., no depth gauges, n.p., but all at the same time along with the jelly ... very annoying.

I had to simply follow my bubbles back to the surface ascend slower than your smallest bubbles. in poor viz and open water you might be ascending slower than your smallest bubbles, or you might equally be descending.

It was a case of bad timing - everything going wrong at the same time.

One thing I am going to fix before my next deep dive is to ensure I have a backup computer. Conversely, one piece of excellent timing is the fact that Oceanic have recently come out with the B.U.D. Dive Computer. A low cost, back-up dive computer that is intended to be attached to your dive gear. As Oceanic says:

B.U.D. is a long overdue idea and a great way to ensure that you never have to miss a dive. Clip it off or stow it in a pocket and forget about it. You should never have to use it, but if you do need it, your B.U.D. will be there to save your next dive.

See it at Amazon.

Angler catches scuba diver on fishing line

2011-08-24T17:29:00.001-07:00

An angler battled to reel-in what he thought was an enormous fish pulling on his line only to discover it was a scuba diver he had caught by the leg.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/8708684/Angler-catches-scuba-diver-on-fishing-line.html

I’m not so sure. I’m tempted to call Bullshit on this one. Especially that part about: "I didn't see the diver because he didn't have a safety buoy, which they're supposed to have when they're moving underwater," said Mr Goldfinch.

Scuba Yoga at La Source Resort Grenada

2011-07-28T09:52:00.001-07:00

SCUBA Radio just did a piece from Grenada on "Scuba Yoga". Relaxation, stretching and breathing techniques to enhance our dive experiences.

The resort sounds pretty nice even without the yoga:

http://www.theamazingholiday.com/

Enjoy the combination of yoga and scuba - rejuvenate and improve your diving experience.

The 7 nights program provides accommodation in luxurious ceanview rooms; daily Yoga classes, stress management, pranyama techniques for scuba diving and buoyancy clinic.

Kelp Shrimp

2011-07-12T15:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I've never seen one of these while actually *diving* in Monterey, but I saw one for the first time at the weekend while walking down the beach!

Luckily I didn't squish it. I was tempted as it looked like some kind of alien species darting around on the beach in a big puddle.

Otter Box

2011-06-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

I've not taken my GPS diving yet, but I did test drive my Otter Box at the weekend.

Otter Box (link) makes a cases that, they say, works to 100ft and is suitable for diving.

I wasn't brave enough to take a GPS out on the first dive, so I stuck a tissue in it and took it down to 25 feet at McAbee beach. Tissue came back to land perfectly dry. That's a good sign right!

Just so you know: A GPS unit will not work underwater. GPS (Global Positioning System) devices rely on signals from satellites orbiting the earth. The signals from the satellites cannot be received underwater. So my plan isn't to have the GPS unit track my dive under water, that won't work! I just want a way to have the GPS with me underwater, so that when I get to an area of interest I can reel the GPS up to the surface, get a GPS fix, then reel the GPS back down.

I have a nice little Garmin 401 GPS, which fits nicely into my Otter Box. I think it's safe to take it with me on the next dive trip.

- Otter Box Waterproof case: $20 REI
- Garmin 401 'Hiking GPS': $150 Amazon.com

REEF Fish ID seminars online

2011-05-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

http://www.reef.org/resources/webinars

Great for first-timers or those wanting a review. These short, free webinars will teach you the finer points of identifying our local fish and invertebrates underwater.

What is REEF?
Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) was founded in 1990, out of growing concern about the health of the marine environment, and the desire to provide the SCUBA diving community a way to contribute to the understanding and protection of marine populations. REEF achieves this goal primarily through its volunteer fish monitoring program, the REEF Fish Survey Project. Participants in the Project not only learn about the environment they are diving in, but they also produce valuable information. Scientists, marine park staff, and the general public use the data that are collected by REEF volunteers.

See: About REEF

Seafood Watch Web App

2011-04-29T08:58:00.001-07:00

http://mobile.seafoodwatch.org

A page from the Monterey Bay Aquarium to bookmark on you smartphone.

The Seafood Watch page contains the latest information on sustainable seafood choices available in the US

Artificial Reefs Around the World

2011-04-11T11:09:00.001-07:00

Subway cars, naval ships, tanks and more rest on the sea floor, making homes for sea life and attracting divers. Artists have been busy as well, erecting underwater sculptures and memorials.

http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/04/artificial-reefs-around-the-world/100042/

Discover Scuba Diving - For Free!

2011-03-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

OK, all my friends out there, I need your help. I need scuba students for my training class next Monday.

Curious about scuba diving? Ever wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater? Well next Monday, you get to find out. Discover Scuba Diving will let you try scuba to see if you like it.

Come and learn the scuba basics under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional. Learn that you really can breathe underwater!

You have to be 10 or older to try Discover Scuba Diving, so by all means, bring a family member. Kids love to scuba, just ask Ben.

Ben Scuba Diving

During the Discover Scuba Diving experience you’ll learn how to use scuba equipment in the pool and get a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world.

Email me if your interested: ukdiveboy@yahoo.com

More info: PADI Discover Scuba Diving

MEMS sensors: When GPS is not enough

2011-03-21T14:18:00.001-07:00

Hmm, wonder if I could use MEMS technology to invent an underwater navigation device?

MEMS sensors: When GPS is not enough

There are many existing approaches to derive location, direction and movement as they relate to pointing, steering and guiding equipment. In fact, it has become common for many applications to rely on GPS. But when it comes to navigating indoors and addressing more complex and environmentally challenging scenarios, GPS alone is insufficient...

Great Dive Site Description for Breakwater

2011-03-09T08:08:00.000-08:00

I thought Breakwater, in Monterey, was just sand and novice divers! Turns out there's more to it than that:
Breakwater Grand Tour Description

If you're a Bay Area diver, that Yahoo! Group has some great info on it:

All we are saying, is give sharks a chance!

2011-02-26T17:29:00.001-08:00

If SCUBA divers can sign a petition to save the sharks, then people who don't hang out in 60 foot of water should have no qualms about signing too.

http://www.projectaware.org/givesharksachance

The only other thing we ask, is that you stop eating shark fin soup. Have a nice bowl of minestrone.

Save the Sea Otters

2011-02-24T16:07:00.001-08:00

Our sea otters are in trouble -- and there's a simple thing we can do to help them survive: support the California Sea Otter Fund when we pay our taxes this year.

In past years, the California Sea Otter Fund has helped to fund programs to assist in protecting countless sea otters in the state. But 2011 is your last chance to make this life-saving gift on your tax return.

The Franchise Tax Board will expire the Fund after this year, unless it both reaches this year's target amount of $260,890 and legislation, just introduced by Assemblyman Bill Monning (D-Carmel), passes to extend the Fund starting in 2012.

Learn how you can help save sea otters.

Donating is easy! We can donate as little as $1 (just look for line 410 on your 540 tax form), so it won't break our banks to give our sea otters a new lease on life.

The California Sea Otter Fund supports researchers doing important work to recover threatened sea otters in California.

The tax check-off funds raised since 2006 are helping to support a long-term study of the threatened southern sea otter population. The goal of this research is to determine how sea otters are affected by high levels of chemical and pathogen pollution that occurs along developed areas of the California coast.

Great 100th Dive

2010-12-13T22:00:00.001-08:00

Two awesome dives in Monterey at the weekend.

First one was at the breakwater, with a friend who's getting back into the water after a break.

Great diving. Visibility is the best it's been in a long time this month in Monterey. Almost like being in a swimming pool. We could see the anchor (*1) as we swam past it, a good 20 feet away. Played around on the sandy bottom doing mask exchanges in 25ft. Hardly felt the cold, got sea water in my eyes, didn't hurt in the least (*2). Played around in the shallows, rocks and reef, towards the center of San Carlos beach, on the swim back to the beach.

After a short surface interval we were heading back out, to play some more on that same reef, when we had a mask problem, so I bailed on that dive. It would have been my 100th dive (*3). Disappointed I had to skip it, but I was happy to see my buddies make the dive.

Did an internship in a rescue class after that. Rescue classes are fun. Especially when you're the one being rescued! That kept me busy from about 10am to 2pm.

After a few hours of being rescued I managed a dive out to the Metridium Fields. Yeah! 100th dive! Metridiums were not the best, but the views of Mola-Mola, Jellies, rock fish was wonderful.

I learned after we returned to the beach that there are two fields of metridiums, and we've been diving the wrong ones! Oh well, I look forward to find the the right ones sometime soon :)

First dives using Nitrox too this weekend.

Awesome.

(*1) There's an anchor in the sand just off the breakwater in about 15ft-20ft of water. Not going to tell you how to find it :)

(*2) I'm sure someone will point out that getting sea water in your eyes is a bad idea as you could get some kind of aquatic infection. I seem to remember someone saying that in the past!

(*3) I've already exceeded the 100, but I didn't have 100 logged.

Breakwater/San Carlos Beach, Monterey

View Larger Map

Nautilus Lifeline

2010-11-30T08:48:00.001-08:00

Introduced at DEMA 2010, this Nautilus lifeline radio will revolutionize diving safety.

-The LED display shows your actual Latitude and Longitude to an incredible 1/10000th of a second (or about 20 feet)

- Chat button allows you to chat with the boat on a regular transmission channel

- The Boat button connects you to channel 16 to allow you to hail the boats in the area

- Depress the Distress button for three seconds and your coordinates and an emergency message are transmitted to every commercial vessel within 8 miles

- When closed the unit is water resistant to depth of 425ft allowing most divers to opportunity to take it on every dive

- When open the unit is resistant to a depth of 3 - 5 ft making it usable at the surface of the water

- The unit is charged via a USB port that also allows the user to interface with a laptop and download coordinates and change settings.

- These units are currently in production and will ship to stores in March of 2011

More - Nautilus Lifeline

Adaptive Diving

2010-11-12T08:09:00.001-08:00

Moving stuff. More info at http://www.hsascuba.com/

Chapter 5 was a bitch!

2010-11-01T09:32:00.001-07:00

Encyclopedia Of Recreational Diving

Finally finished reading the lengthy chapter 5, which allowed me to finish the remaining chapter in the Dive Master Manual.

All my knowledge reviews are now done! Inching my way closer to DM!