HMS Scylla RECLAIMED
by Editor on Mar.29, 2012, under Awareness, Dive Sites, General Advice
UK divers will be pleased to hear that HMS Scylla is back in action for this diving season after an extensive clean up operation run by The National Marine Aquarium.
After being sunk in March 2004 in Whitsand Bay near Plymouth, the Scylla quickly became one of the UK’s most popular dive sites with something for divers of all levels. Its 113m length and 13m beam meant it was impossible to see everything in a single dive, and the shot lines on bow, bridge and stern made for easy access. A nice relaxing dive along the deck at 11m reveals the resident anemonies and sea squirts as well as the multitude of Wrasse, Pollak, Pouting and Bibs. For the more adventurous diver there are large entry holes cut in the hull along the sandy seabed at 24m allowing for full penetration diving, but beware of silting and ALWAYS use lines when exploring inside a wreck. Continue reading “HMS Scylla RECLAIMED” »
Fancy a refreshing dip?
by Editor on Feb.05, 2012, under Awareness, How we dive, Underwater Photography
Its the time of year when most dry suits are slumbering in attics, but not for the fearless few who love their diving to be all year round.
You may have thought that we’d disappeared here at scubashopuk but we’ve really been exploring what scuba has to offer and been somewhat neglectful of our online presence. To make amends we’re going to let you know what’s been happening and what’s coming up, as well as what’s new in the world of scuba diving.
For example – What’s coming up? Starting 25th Feb 2012 – Broadcast TV and Portfolio cameraman Adam Stokoe takes to the water with Aquasport to begin a new season of Underwater Photography courses. These will run every other month and give a professional’s insight into creating breath taking underwater images, as well as providing a firm base for novices to learn the craft and get advice on the best kit to get for their individual needs. more info from info@aquasportonline.com Continue reading “Fancy a refreshing dip?” »
Oz breaks some good news on whaling
by Editor on Aug.30, 2011, under Awareness
Hope on the Horizon
To video or not to video?
by Editor on Mar.31, 2011, under Equipment Advice, Underwater Photography
As a Digital Underwater Photography Instructor I am regularly asked which camera I would recommend for divers, and I struggle to answer as it is such a loaded question. It’s like asking someone which car is the best? Naturally we’d all opt for a high performance sports car as one of the better choices, but in reality most of us can’t afford them, and even if we could we probably couldn’t justify buying one when it’s no use for the school run or daily commute. Well cameras are pretty much the same thing. Continue reading “To video or not to video?” »
Spring back into action with your UK scuba diving
by Editor on Mar.10, 2011, under General Advice
So Easter is coming and UK divers are starting to stir from their winter hibernation, but before you get back into the water there are some things to think about.
Perfect Valentine’s gift for your diving partner
by Editor on Feb.06, 2011, under Gifts
Working in the Scuba Industry I am lucky to meet people from all walks of life. It’s one of those pastimes that attract people together based on a love for a place and a feeling, not a political view or selfish ambition. So when I teach a husband to dive, introduce him to the club divers and then see him book onto almost every trip we have going, I like to point him in the way of Evolution Jewellery to help take some of the heat his wife might be building up over his now weekly disappearing act. Continue reading “Perfect Valentine’s gift for your diving partner” »
Beauty in the deep
by Editor on Feb.06, 2011, under Underwater Photography
When I mention Ozzie diver Melissa Fiene I am often rewarded with blank expressions. It’s not surprising that few people have heard of this unassuming and expert underwater photographer, but any google search will immediately reveal the amazing talent this National Geographic submitting photographer has. With less than 3 years experience in the underwater world it is remarkable how Melissa manages to capture the essence of her subjects. You might argue that living in Australia has its advantages in terms of beautiful subjects and perfect light and visibility, but fantastic composition doesn’t come from anywhere else but the photographer’s eye. Continue reading “Beauty in the deep” »
So you’re looking to buy a BCD but where do you start?
by Editor on Jan.29, 2011, under Equipment Advice
Try them on!
Before you start it is important to realize that the primary function of the BCD is not to look cool, but to keep you afloat on the surface, make maintaining neutral buoyancy underwater easy, and as UK divers we might also want to consider a BCD that allows for larger size adjustments to compensate for different thicknesses of thermal protection. Continue reading “So you’re looking to buy a BCD but where do you start?” »
How to Avoid Scuba Diving Accidents
by Editor on Jan.23, 2011, under General Advice
by James Murray
The desire to stay alive is a strong one, so it’s understandable you want to know how to avoid scuba diving accidents. Scuba, while normally a very safe and fun activity, can be extremely dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Ready to stay safe, yet still have fun?
1] Get certified. This is really important. Without certification you can’t get a hold of most equipment, but most importantly, certification gets you comfortable with diving and teaches you a whole huge range of safety tips. You’ll hear this over and over again, but its better to beat a dead horse than to mourn a dead diver.
Continue reading “How to Avoid Scuba Diving Accidents” »
The industrial scale of shark finning
by Editor on Jan.23, 2011, under Awareness
When dealing with a global problem it is often very difficult to adequately demonstrate the act itself. But Alex Hoffard has been trying to raise awareness of the shark’s plight after taking photos of the shark processing factory at Kesen-numa City, Japan.
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For those of you with a strong stomach, there is a video you can watch as well. I challenge even the most avid shark hater to not feel moved at the sheer scale of this operation and the clear insanity that can be seen in the amount of ‘waste product’ that is simply thrown away.
Unless sharks are given some form of worldwide protection within the next couple of years or so it is looking increasingly likely that the photos we take on our holidays may be the only sharks our grandchildren ever see.
editor: While you’re thinking about it, why not stop this from happening in the EU by signing this petition
Fizz…crackle…pop! Freeflow time
by Editor on Jan.20, 2011, under General Advice
For those of us who have experienced it, it can sometimes be a deciding factor in when and how we dive from that moment on. A single moment underwater where your stomach does a backflip and all the ‘in case of last resort’ training comes charging in from the backs of our minds. I’m talking about equipment failure.
Leisure diving for many of us is just that, leisurely. We drop down to about 16m in nice clear viz and have a drift about along the top of a nice reef or rock formation. So should the worst happen we’re never more than an Octopus away from the surface. But if, like me, you love to get into all the nooks and crannies, to take a look under the overhang, to delve deep into the fascinating wrecks or caverns, then something as simple as a free flow can have devastating consequences. Continue reading “Fizz…crackle…pop! Freeflow time” »
One thing we just can’t avoid as UK divers is … the cold!
by Editor on Dec.03, 2010, under How we dive
I personally love the sight of the first snow on the ground as I can almost hear the chorus of BCD’s being hung up for their winter rest, but it wasn’t always that way. To me winter used to mean freezing half to death, but now instead it signals the end of large crowds at the dive sites, and cooling waters putting paid to that pesky algae that just loves to ruin the viz for us. In fact, now I can’t think of anything better than a cold, crisp, clear morning with just my buddy and I kitting up in an empty car park, guaranteed perfect viz – and yes if we’re being completely honest .. an obligatory ice cream headache on entry! Continue reading “One thing we just can’t avoid as UK divers is … the cold!” »
An Introduction to Scuba Diving
by Editor on Dec.02, 2010, under General Advice
The salt spray on your face as the boat motors seaward, the deck filled with anticipation along with half a dozen eager eyed novice divers. There couldn’t be a better start to the day than a smooth calm ocean and not a single other boat in sight, especially when you’re about to make your first ever open water sea dive as a qualified Scuba Diver. The boat Captain cuts the engines and gives the all clear to dive, as buddy pairs drop gracefully two by two into the crystal clear waters. On the descent your senses are overwhelmed by the alien landscape, by the wildly dancing array of colours, by the excitement pounding your heart into your ribcage. Continue reading “An Introduction to Scuba Diving” »
You can have it in any colour, as long as it’s black
by Editor on Oct.28, 2010, under Equipment Advice, How we dive
Henry Ford is credited with that now infamous quote about the Model T Ford, and looking at the latest release from Scubapro, the all black MK25 A700 Tech reg set, I think diving manufacturers are in danger of falling into the same trap.
Only this weekend I was sat preparing for a wreck penetration dive at 30m in 4m vis. Dutifully I took out my reflective strips designed for cycling and wound them around my cylinder, added the LED Glotoob, strobe, checked all three torches and attached chemical glowsticks to two of them, and then tried desperately not to be recognised as I walked to the entry point with my buddy sporting a cringe-worthy high-viz trousers and vest set over his drysuit. Continue reading “You can have it in any colour, as long as it’s black” »
Who is right?
by Editor on Oct.26, 2010, under General Advice
“Check it out.” Dan said, waving his latest delicious James Bond-esque diving gadget under my nose.
“What have you bought now!” I teased as we donned our gear and made our way to the water’s edge. Needless to say, by the time we had completed our pre-dive safety check I was already sold, and by the time we had finished the dive I had begun plotting how to justify buying myself one. After all, it was impossible to see how I had managed to do without it for so long. Continue reading “Who is right?” »
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NOT just another SCUBA blog
Welcome to the SCUBA SHOP UK blog. We're asked questions at Scubashop UK that often come up again and again, so we wanted to try and put together somewhere that you can find advice and informed opinion about the scuba industry, products, locations and more ... welcome to our blog.
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CURRENTLY COVETING
My Stinger gave up the ghost so I'm after the brand new Suunto D9tx before my next dive trip
and I'm whacking a wireless transmitter on for sure
Ever thought about trying out Tec Diving?
Well Aquasport are now offering 'try dive' style Tec Courses [[more info here]]
Share your underwater pictures, and win prizes too!
by Editor on Jan.23, 2011, under Underwater Photography
If you have any images that capture the feeling that scuba diving offers, then why not share them with the world over at Wet Pixel? Not only will you get very helpful advice on your technique and subject choice from the other users over there, but if they vote your picture as the “Photo of the Week” then you get an IKELITE torch to keep you sweet, and entry into the annual draw to win a dive holiday!! The perfect place to take your next prize winning underwater photo. Continue reading “Share your underwater pictures, and win prizes too!” »