Snorkeling in Santa Catalina
Snorkeling in Santa Catalina
So you are dreaming of becoming like Ariel who swam with suave side by side stuffed Flounder and crabby Sebastian? Maybe you forgot that she was not entirely a human being, that she was only a half- fish who had the ability to breathe underwater with no amount of gadgets whatsoever. Of course, the Little Mermaid was only a fictional classic story but it has never failed to capture hearts even up to now.
Gloomy be no more because you can still have all the chance to enjoy the presence of those bright sea creatures as you go snorkeling in Santa Catalina.
The island of Santa Catalina is 194 square kilometers wide, located 22 miles southwest of San Pedro, Los Angeles, California. It is the only one of the Channel Islands chain that has a permanent civilian settlement and urbanization. As of the 2000 census, about 3, 696 residents live in the resort city of Avalon.
You will surely have a grand time snorkeling in Santa Catalina because it has the abundance of its fauna wildlife. Rare fishes such as the garibaldi, blacksmiths, opal eyes and many more can be found in its waters. Dolphins may just even swim up to meet you and catch the sea lions sun themselves on the rocky coast.
The Casino Point will surely be a favorite for whoever will go snorkeling in Santa Catalina. One woman who was just caught stripping her wetsuit said, “If you want to dive, go grab your equipment and jump right in.” That is how captivating the place is, no amount of words because the experience is simply breathtaking, especially for those will have their first visit.
It is also a must to explore the Willow Cove, Long Point, Goat Harbor, Rippers Cover, Blue Caverns, Two Harbors, Emerald Bay and Bat Cave. They are secluded and pristine beach villages that you personally want to see.
There is also the Lover’s Cove and Descanso Beach which are excellent spots for snorkeling in Santa Catalina. Both have protected marine preserves where spear fishing is not allowed. Those glass bottom boats will cruise there and feed the tame water animals.
Snorkeling in Santa Catalina will always be a fancy activity, especially in the summer where the weather will complement with the excursionists’ plans. There are plenty of shops where you can easily rent any gear you will need. They are just a phone call away, so copy the numbers below for your future reservations.
* Catalina Diving Shop at 1-877-SNORKEL or 1-87-SCUBA-DIVE
* Catalina Diver’s Supply and Dive Shop at 310-510-0330
* Catalina Scuba Luv at 800-262-DIVE
* Catalina Snorkel and Scuba Adventures at 1-877-SNORKEL
* Descanson Beach Ocean Sports at 310-510-1226
* Catalina Kayak Adventures at 310-510-2229
* Catalina West End Dive Center at 310-510-4272
Underwater cliffs, kelp forests and various ship- wrecks will also unfold right before your very eyes. You may never be Ariel who was with Flounder and Sebastian but you can just imagine what a wet escapade it would be.
All About Mares Spearguns
All About Mares Spearguns
Mares spearguns are well known in the spearfishing community. They vary in size and range, with most of them having a pneumatic engine to propel the spear towards the target. The Mares product line is mainly divided into the Cyrano and Sten series. Each speargun family caters to different needs and situations. However, comfort, efficiency, and ease of use are the three common characteristics of all Mares spearguns.
Mares Spearguns – The Cyrano Series
The units under the Cyrano line carry almost the same features, differing only in size and design. Its efficiency lies in the fusion of its powerful pneumatic engine with new handling and tremendous shaft speed. Both the inner barrel (11mm) and the spring steel shaft (7mm) are leanly designed. The former greatly enhances the speargun’s efficiency, while the latter reaches extreme velocity which enables the user to hit his target before it could even move.
Shots made using the Cyrano spearguns are highly accurate since the shaft is driven through the whole length of the barrel from the back. The bands are guaranteed to remain strong and elastic over time, while the pneumatic mechanism maintains its efficiency long after its first use. Users of the pneumatic Cyrano guns are also assured that they do not have to recharge between shots, and that it can immediately be made to fire another shot after the previous one.
Mares Spearguns – The Sten Series
The Sten series is more popular than its Cyrano cousin because of its precision. Many spearfishing enthusiasts have guns under this line because it is highly durable and since it efficiently pairs power with accuracy. The Sten line is composed of the Medi and the Mini guns. Both types carry almost the same features. However, the Medi Sten is 12 cm. longer than the Mini Sten. The shots that the former make are also 30% more powerful than its smaller counterpart.
Both Mares speargun series carry impressive features that guarantee users power, precision, and accuracy. Big fish hunters may prefer the bigger units, while those who hunt for smaller ones may opt for a more handy but accurate unit. The choice should depend upon the purpose for which it is going to be used.
Snorkeling and Diving Equipment Basics
Snorkeling and Diving Equipment Basics
Snorkeling and diving are among the most exciting activities you and your friends and family can enjoy while on an island vacation. Nothing compares to personally witnessing the colorful life underwater, swimming with a school of fish and seeing a coral reef up close. For sure one underwater adventure won’t be enough – you’ll keep asking for more! Snorkeling and scuba diving can be expensive hobbies though, as you would need equipments, gears and suits to start with. Nevertheless, snorkeling and diving are the most fulfilling water activities you can do to satisfy your love for aquatic life and anything adventurous.
Snorkeling Gear
Mask – It must be of right size and must be properly fit for you. This is to ensure that it is water-tight. Better try the mask first before buying it to ensure it fits you. Also, brush away some stray hair on your face before putting it on to ensure that water won’t find its way into the mask.
Snorkel – This lets you breathe underwater. Since we are used to breathe through our nose and not through a snorkel, you will have to practice breathing through a snorkel a lot before you can finally use it comfortably underwater. Using it more efficiently is your key to a more enjoyable snorkeling activity.
Fins – These are fin-like shoes made of rubber or plastic. You need to be comfortable and efficient in using your fins as well. The fins will help you move through water more efficiently, so they must be flexible and light. There are two kinds of swimfins, the full foot and adjustable strap. You might want to purchase the second kind of fins because it would allow you to wear booties for protection.
Diving Equipment
Among the basic diving equipments you need are weight belts, a diving suit, regulator, and buoyancy compensator vest. Weight belts and buoyancy compensator vest help you maintain and control buoyancy. They are especially helpful when you are at a constant depth or when you are lifting yourself up back to the surface.
Diving suits can be wet, semi-dry or fully dry. Choosing which of these to use depends on the water temperature. Wet suits are used in warmer waters while the dry ones are best used in cold waters.
A regulator is a very essential diving equipment as it is regulates air and carries air from the cylinder to your mouthpiece. It’s an expensive equipment so you might want to rent it first as you are still new to diving. But if you want to buy one, make sure you ask for an experts help in choosing the right product to buy.
Before Buying Snorkeling and Diving Gear…
Before you purchase your snorkeling and diving gears, make sure to shop around first. Know details like price, delivery costs, the manufacturer, the seller as well as the exact description of the product, especially if you are buying online. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Understanding The Basics Of Spearfishing
Understanding The Basics Of Spearfishing
Spearfishing is both a means of livelihood and a sport. Early civilizations used long sticks with sharp points to catch fish in the rivers and in the shores. Modern fishing techniques however, have made this method cumbersome and unfeasible as far as marketing catches is concerned. Spear-throwing or shooting has since been mainly considered as a form of sport. Many fishing aficionados who want a more active or adventurous pursuit of their game are now resorting to spearfishing.
Kinds of Free-Dive Spearfishing
Free-dive spearfishing is mainly categorized according to the methods that are used and the location where the person enters and exits in the water. Shore diving has been the most popular form of free-dive spearfishing since its entry and exit points are easily accessible, such as the beaches and the headlands
Boat diving is another preferred type of free-dive spearfishing. Persons are dropped off from a ship or boat to a diving point where preys are abundant, such as off-shore reefs and pinnacles.
Those who want a more challenging pursuit should go for blue water hunting. This spearfishing method involves large fishes, such as marlins and tunas. Divers are dropped off at deep points and will be left out at sea for several hours.
Spearfishing Equipment
The main tool of the game, as the name implies, is the speargun. It comes in various shapes and sizes. All types feature a trigger mechanism that propels the spear towards the target. Rubber bands provide the propulsion for most spearguns. However, sophisticated equipment, such as pneumatic guns, uses compressed air to shoot the spear forward.
The titanium or aluminum pole spears are the modern versions of the long wooden sticks that are used in the past to catch fish. It doesn’t rely purely on muscle power though, as it also features an elastic loop which facilitates its propulsion.
Although this sport or fishing method relies heavily on the main equipment used, spearfishing involves more than just aiming and pulling the trigger. Stealth, patience, and precision are also needed in order to get a catch and in order to protect the diver from the dangers that come with the sport.
Buying The Best Diving Gear
Buying The Best Diving Gear
With the right scuba diving gear, scuba diving can definitely be more enjoyable and not to mention, safer. Sometimes, excellent diving skills and a perfect diving spot are not all that it takes to have a great diving experience; you also need to have the best diving gear, appropriate diving suit and useful accessories, too.
Which Diving Gear Should You Buy First?
If you are serious about making diving your life-long hobby, investing on some high quality diving equipments is a good decision. Although you can readily rent these diving equipments at many diving resorts, it would be best to have your own. However, if you are just a beginner, you might find it too costly to spend for all the diving equipments and accessories you need all at once. As a solution to this problem, you can buy the most important equipments first.
Which are the most important equipments? The most important equipments are the diving regulator, gas tank and buoyancy control device. The diving regulator is the one that turns the high pressure gas inside the cylinder or gas tank into a low pressure gas so that you can use it. Also, it supplies sufficient air flow you need.
The buoyancy control device or buoyancy compensator (stab-jacket) on the other hand, will help you swim or rest at the surface of the water, control your buoyancy while you are at a constant depth or while you descend or lift yourself further out of the water. They are especially helpful during emergencies.
Scuba diving masks are also very important. Make sure to buy one that fits you perfectly so as to prevent water from entering it and to prevent the air from leaking. You have to buy your own diving face mask and a new one to ensure that it is water- and air-tight.
Other Diving Equipments You Need
As long as you have the aforementioned equipments, you can already begin your diving adventure. You can simply rent other equipments, borrow them from your diving buddies or buy used ones. If you have already saved enough money though, you can surely shop for new ones and complete your own set of diving equipments and accessories including a diving suit, diving computer, scuba fins, and diving flag.
Get Some Help
Especially if you are new to diving, it would be best to seek the help of professional divers or of your diving instructor in purchasing your diving gear, particularly your breathing equipments. This is to ensure that you are purchasing the right kind of diving equipments and accessories. Moreover, this will ensure that you are spending your money for equipments that will make your diving experience truly a safe and pleasurable one.
Pneumatic Spearguns For Precision
Pneumatic Spearguns For Precision
Pneumatic spearguns have been the weapon of choice for many divers and underwater hunters because of the precision it gives to every shot. It is more convenient to use than the sling-powered guns since all the user has to do is reload it. Everything is automatic, and the hunter is spared from making too many adjustments. However, there are some spearfishing aficionados who are quite apprehensive in relying too much on pneumatic spearguns.
Pneumatic Speargun Woes
The pneumatic speargun’s popularity was at its peak a few decades ago. Spearfishers then were relishing the fact that they can shoot spears without using tough elastic rubber bands. However, their amazement soon turned into frustration. The old pneumatic engines were hard to maintain, and the gaskets inside the unit were prone to leak. Hunters were also unhappy with the noise that it makes whenever it blows the spear forward. The mechanism did not produce enough power to make long range shots, too.
Innovations
Recent improvements and innovations in pneumatic designs have enabled air-powered spearguns to catch up with its sling-propelled counterpart. The latest pneumatic spearguns, especially those which have 7mm shafts, now allow longer shots. Sling guns still outperform the pneumatic units in this category. However, the latter still maintain its edge in terms of precision.
Pneumatic guns still require frequent maintenance, but it is now more durable and less prone to damage. It can immediately fire shots one after the other in rapid succession without any need of recharging. New units have also addressed the noise problem that its predecessors had.
While some people still maintain that pneumatic spearguns are not built or intended as an all-occasion underwater weapon, recent developments in airspring design have already made it very versatile. While it may not be as powerful as the sling-propelled models, it has some features which one may find very useful regardless of his underwater needs or activities.
Why Choose JBL Spearguns?
Why Choose JBL Spearguns?
JBL spearguns have been in the market for over 24 years already. Many have already associated the brand with the tool. The mark can also be found in other underwater hunting equipment, such as polespears and spearpoints. JBL Enterprises Inc. produces all of its instruments’ components in the United States, and has a considerable share of the American speargun industry. European and other non-American spearsifishing aficionados are also well aware of JBL spearguns.
The Magnum Family of JBL Spearguns
JBL has a wide range of spearguns that could suit any underwater hunting need or activity. Its aluminum-made Magnum Series is the preferred line of many underwater hunters since it can be modified according to the water condition of the diving site. The latest speargun under this group, the Magnum XHD Series, is produced using special hardened steel and carbide inserts which makes it very durable.
The Woody Magnum Series is basically similar to its original Magnum Series cousin. However, the equipment’s body is made from strong mahogany. It’s also the line of choice for spearfishers who want a silent gun.
The Explorer and Carbine Series
The Explorer Series has an aluminum frame like the Magnum Series. However, it is more compact and less expensive than its larger counterpart. The spearguns under the Carbine Series are also smaller than those under the Magnum family. This unit is primarily intended for beginners. It is distinguishable from the other JBL spearguns since it is the only one wherein the handle is placed at the rear of the gun.
JBL Spearguns are Customizable
Every JBL speargun can be modified in order to make it suitable to any underwater condition. The gun’s barrel or muzzle can be changed, as well as its spearpoints. Extra slings could also be added. The tool can also be customized according to the skill level of the owner.
JBL Spearguns are Built to Last
JBL Spearguns are built to last. As long as it is properly cleaned and maintained, users can expect it to remain functional and effective beyond the one year warranty period.
Explore Diving With Diving Magazines
Explore Diving With Diving Magazines
If you’re new to diving, the best way for you to explore your new world is through a diving magazine. It’s the best source of different kinds of diving information ranging the latest news on diving events, the best diving destinations, tips and guides on diving and everything else that could be interesting to a passionate diver like you. If you’re an experienced diver or someone so passionate about the spectacular marine life, any diving magazine would definitely be a source of pleasure.
Diving Mags Unveil The Best Diving Spots
One of the things that make diving mags so interesting are the travel articles that feature the best and the most exotic diving spots in the world. Those who are eager to behold not only colorful life underwater but the vibrant life lived by the people of the place would definitely find these articles useful in planning their next trip. Not only do these magazines provide a traveler an impression of the place but also tips on how to get there safely and economically. The cheapest travel packages and the hotels and diving resorts that offer the best deals are usually featured in these articles, too.
Diving Magazine – Your Ticket to Diving Camps
Most divers, professional and beginners alike look forward to joining scuba diving camps. These are usually held in some of the most popular diving spots in the world. Divers from different countries would gather in these camps where they share wonderful diving experiences.
If you are looking for a big diving event such as a dive camp near your place or in other countries, you can check out diving mags for the latest info. Some of these magazines are also published online so you can simply browse through them over the Internet.
Through these magazines, you can also get information about certain diver organizations that could possibly give you more details about an upcoming diving event.
Buying Tips and More from Your Favorite Diving Magazine
Diving magazines also offer valuable tips on where to buy diving gears, accessories and suits at the most affordable deals. They are also your best resource of reviews of the most popular brands of diving equipments, which may help you decide on what equipment to buy. These reviews are either made by experienced consumers and divers themselves and diving experts who perfectly know the ins and out of dive industry. You can also get here useful information on the latest diving books you might want to add to your diving items collection. A diving magazine is no doubt a diver’s ultimate guide to a great diving adventure.
How Scuba Diving Regulators Work
How Scuba Diving Regulators Work
The scuba diving regulator is the most vital equipment in your underwater life support system. It has two functions: to reduce high pressure gas—which can be air or a derivative of air— to a lower pressure gas that is breathable underwater; and to provide you sufficient air flow you need at any depth underneath the sea. It is sometimes referred to as the demand valve but the demand valve is actually just a part of a scuba diving regulator.
Parts of the Scuba Diving Regulator
A diving regulator is composed of valves that control the amount and reduces the pressure of the gas coming out of the cylinder. The demand valve is the valve that carries gas to the mouth.
The regulator also has an A-clamp or DIN fitting, which is connected to the cylinder or gas tank; and a high pressure hose connected to a pressure gauge, which is used to check the pressure and the amount of gas remaining in the cylinder.
First Stage Regulator
Gas in the cylinder is fully compressed. Its pressure is about 200 times higher than the normal air pressure at sea level. This must be regulated so that you can use it underwater. In order for the regulator to do this and supply enough air flow, it must have two stages.
The first stage of the regulator, which can either be piston-type or diaphragm-type, is attached to the high-pressure gas cylinder. It allows the release of gas from the cylinder at an even rate. The gas taken out of the cylinder is always between 8-10 BAR higher than the ambient pressure regardless of the falling pressure inside the cylinder (pressure continues to go down as the gas is consumed), the depth, and the air flow rate. A mechanism of spring, the piston or the diaphragm and the control valve works to regulate this pressure.
Second Stage Regulator
A flexible tube connects the first stage of the regulator to the second or last stage, which detects and delivers your gas or air needs. Unlike the first stage regulator, the last stage of the regulator is always diaphragm-based.
The demand valve is part of the second stage of your scuba diving regulator and is also designed to detect if you have already started breathing in low pressure air. It is activated by a lever attached to the diaphragm. As you inhale, the pressure in the outer chamber falls and this prompts the diaphragm to move the lever to open the valve and allow more air to pass through it. As you exhale, the valve automatically closes.
How Diving Computers Work
How Diving Computers Work
A diving computer or decompression meter is increasingly becoming an essential diving equipment you might not want to miss to include in your list of things to buy the next time you shop for your diving gears, equipment and accessories. It’s a very handy and useful device that provides you important pieces of information including decompression time, and the depth and time of a dive. Your tissue nitrogen uptake and elimination is also be calculated by a diving computer.
Diving Computer Prevents Diving Hazards
A dive computer does not simply calculate and display dive time, depth, ascent rate and other kinds of data, but it helps you prevent decompression sickness through these valuable pieces of information. Decompression sickness is a set of symptoms caused by bubbles forming in the tissues of a diver during or after a rapid ascent from a dive. This can lead to numbness and paralysis and even death.
Buying a reliable dive computer is therefore a wise investment especially if you plan to make scuba diving a life-long hobby. It does not only make your diving experience safer but more enjoyable as well as it allows you to maximize and extend your bottom time.
Shopping for a Diving Computer
There’s a great variety of dive computers available in the market. Among the popular makers of dive computers are Suunto, Oceanic, Scubapro and Uwatec. Like other electronic gadgets, dive computers vary in price and features. Your choices range from simple to feature-laden and stylish dive computers.
Diving computers have different dive modes like Air, Nitrox, Bottom Time, Gauge and Free-Dive modes. They also have digital compass, calendar functions, alarm clock, stopwatch and complete watch functions. Some feature wireless transmission and USB compatible PC interface.
It would be best to read reviews of these computers first before you choose to buy a certain brand or model. While the style matters, you have to be particular with its reliability and functionality. It is not enough though to buy a reliable and high quality dive computer, you have to thoroughly understand its functionality so that you can make full use of its best features and consequently, maximize your safety.
Traveling with a Diving Computer
If you’re set to explore an exotic out-of-the-country diving vacation destination, make sure to carefully pack your diving computer before you board the plane. During a flight, changes in pressure may cause it to beep annoyingly so securely keep it in a place, a box for example, where it won’t be accidentally activated. Make your scuba diving vacation truly a great experience, start it with safe and worry-free trip!