Kurt Kucera

Scuba Diver, Car Enthusiast, Outdoorsman

Great Gifts For Scuba Divers

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Finding gifts for your friends and family can be a daunting task especially when it comes to those who have hobbies as unique as scuba diving. This is a common struggle among many people with friends who participate in scuba diving. So, let’s take a look at this list of great gifts for scuba diving enthusiasts.

 

Jackery Mini Portable Charger

The company Jackery designs many different models of their mobile portable phone charger, however, the Jackery Mini is great for its travel-friendly size. These chargers are compatible with most devices such as iPhone, iPad Mini, iPod, Android, Windows phone, Smartphones, Tablets, Gaming devices, and MP3 players.

 

iSea 4

This is iPhone housing unit that will allow you to record any underwater images or videos with your iPhone up to 200ft. While it may be a little pricey, costing about $250, it could be worth the money due to its versatility and how it adds to your iPhone.

 

iStabilizer Flex

This is another Apple compatible product. In fact, one of the leaders in universal lightweight compact tripods, steady cams, and other products for smartphones, tablets, and cameras announced that this iStabilizer Flex recently won the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Travel Award in the category for Best App/Gadget for Phone Pics.

 

UK Pro Pole 38HDF

Compatible for the GoPro or any other underwater camera, the UK Pro Pole 38HDF is a unique floating telescope pole that is perfect for watersports, traveling, sailing, and any other activity where you will need maximum flexibility in shooting to go along with security in water. This also makes it a perfect gift for those who enjoy scuba diving.

 

Sharkbanz

It is a fear for all divers to encounter sharks during their dives which is why Sharkbanz are a great gift for those divers. The Sharkbanz wristbands include a patented magnetic technology which deters sharks away from the divers wearing them. Now, keep in mind, many divers do enjoy encountering these majestic creatures, especially due to the fact that they are so unlikely to bother divers. However, these Sharkbanz are great for those divers who to add a little peace of mind during their dives.

Best Winter Diving Tips

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Most of the time, when people think about scuba diving, they think of something tropical. They also think about it being primarily a summertime activity which isn’t true. In fact, if you live in British Columbia, Canada, some of the best diving comes during the late fall into the early spring. Now, when it comes to the winter months, it is obvious that no one enjoys being cold. So, the idea of being cold in water can put off many people considering diving in the winter. However, you could be missing out on some of the best diving conditions many places have to offer. The colder periods produce water that transforms into a beautiful shade of blue along with days where visibility can reach up to 20m. So, here some tips for scuba diving in the winter.

 

Layers

Layering up is going to be a sure fire way for you to stay warm in the water. You can typically lose between 30-40% of your body heat through your heat, hands, and feet. So, by adding a hood or a hooded vest along with gloves and socks, you will significantly reduce the amount of body heat that you lose in the water making the experience much more enjoyable. Another option you have is to use a Dry Suit. These are great pieces of technology, but they also require the correct layering to remain warm in the water.

 

Start The Dive Warm

You will want to arrive at the boat with plenty of warm clothing along with a dry bag to store it all in. Keep in mind that when you finish your dive, you should have a change of clothes that are easy to put on. Some examples would include track pants or something of the sort, and bring extra just in case. If you plan on diving from the boat, the wind-chill might be a major factor to consider. So, try wearing a Sharkskin Chillproof vest as they are windproof and fleece lined. They also have rapid drying which makes them the perfect layer to beat any chills on the boat.

 

Bring A Thermos

One of the holy grails when it comes to winter diving is a thermos filled with warm soup. You will want to use this to refuel and reheat from the inside out. It adds both a physiological and psychological benefit when you eat/drink something warm in between dives and you will enjoy the second dive much more. Although, you will want to avoid eating anything too heavy between dives because it could cause stomach discomfort which is why soup is the ideal winter diving companion.

Common Scuba Diving Injuries

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Scuba diving is considered a primarily safe recreational activity. However, like any other activity you choose to do, there are some risks. The top three scuba diving injuries include decompression sickness (the bends), barotrauma, and animal envenomation. Diving injuries are avoidable if you know the symptoms and signs of injury. Keep these common scuba diving injuries in mind when planning your next dive.  

  • Decompression Sickness – Also known as “the bends,” decompression sickness is an injury that occurs when there is a quick decrease in the pressure surrounding a diver. Bubbles then form in the bloodstream and body tissue because of nitrogen absorbed at depth. A few symptoms of this sickness include: skin rash, itching, joint pain, dizziness, fatigue, and bladder problems. Symptoms will appear about one hour after diving, but could also show up 24-hours later. Severe symptoms include severe neurological trauma such as coma or paralysis. One primary way to prevent decompression sickness is to not push time or depth limits and to keep breathing throughout your entire dive. Oxygen should be administered right away to help alleviate symptoms and divers should then go through recompression therapy.
  • Ear Barotrauma – Ear barotrauma is the most common injury for scuba divers. According to the Divers Alert Network (DAN), “Barotrauma occurs when the pressure outside the ear is greater than in the middle ear space, and the diver does not sufficiently equalize.” If you have ear barotrauma, you will experience: a “full” sensation in your ear, severe ear pain, dizziness, and hearing loss. The best way to avoid this injury all together is to equalize often. However, if you do show symptoms of ear barotrauma see an ears, nose, and throat specialist right away.
  • Animal Envenomation – The ocean is filled with a variety of sea creatures, and it’s important to know that some species could injure or even kill you. DAN explains that envenomation “occurs when direct contact is made and the venom or toxin is injected by bite, puncture or sting.”  Envenomation comes from jellyfish, sea urchins, sea snakes, lionfish, and coral. Stings, bites, and punctures can cause severe irritation; in some cases, they may cause respiratory distress and hypotension. If you experience envenomation stop diving and seek medical attention as soon as possible. The best way to avoid this type of injury is to never handle any marine life.

For a successful, injury-free dive remember to breathe throughout your entire dive, equalize, and never handle sea creatures. All of the common scuba diving injuries are preventable if you take proper action. If you do experience any of these injuries, contact a medical professional right away.

Fall Travel Destinations for 2018

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We are coming to the end of the summer season which means the weather is getting a little cooler and it could be time to plan that perfect vacation for the fall season. Whether you are traveling during a fall break, or when families are back in school, fall can actually be one of the most relaxing and cozy times to travel and go sightseeing. Whether you are just passing through, or prefer taking the cooler temperatures with smaller crowds, check out some of these fall travel destinations for 2018.

 

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

There is typically never a bad time to visit Montreal, however, the fall season is probably one of the best times to experience the Canadian gem. One of the most stunning views is of Mount Royal Park, located on a hill in the center of the city. Another ideal spot for visitors is the Montreal Botanical Gardens which is well worth the price of admission during this time. The best times to see fall colors are between mid-September and early November.

 

Damariscotta, Maine

When it comes to the fall season, anywhere in New England is an ideal travel destination as each state and mountain range comes with their unique scenery and fall activities. Plus, no matter where you go, you are probably only two or three hours from a major airport or Amtrak station. Now, if you have the time, you might want to consider visiting several of the New England states to enjoy their fall splendor. However, if time is not in abundance, a great place to start would be Damariscotta, Maine. This city is best known for its Maine Pumpkinfest and Regatta held every Columbus Day weekend. During this event, you can enjoy many activities such as pumpkin boat races where the participants must carve out pumpkins that weigh over 6,000 pounds.

 

Asheville, North Carolina

During the fall season in Asheville, North Carolina, the hills come alive. You have access to the Blue Ridge Parkway which is great for driving tours along with many hiking travelers for the adventurous traveler. Aside from its mountainous beauty, Asheville is also best known for the Biltmore Estate which is America’s largest privately owned estate. The Biltmore was built by the Vanderbilt family during the pinnacle of the Gilded Age. Visiting this estate is a great way to take in hints of European glamour and elegance without even having to cross the ocean.

Man-Made Wonders of the Caribbean, Part 2

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The human-made wonders of the Caribbean islands are too vast to limit to only one article. As a continuance of Man-Made Wonders of the Caribbean, Part 1, this article features further human-made wonders from the Caribbean Islands, such as Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Grenada.  

Citadelle Laferriere – Built at the beginning of the 19th century by one of the leaders of the Haitian slave revolution, the Citadelle Laferriere is a mountaintop fortress overlooking the northern coast of Haiti. What was once a demonstration of power and security, the Citadelle is featured on local currency, stamps, and postcards, and since 1982, it has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Today, the Citadel is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Haiti and the Caribbean.

Pomier Caves – First discovered in 1851, this series of 55 caves south of the Dominican Republic is believed to have been created 2,000 years ago by the Taino, Igneri, and Carib people, or the pre-Columbian indigenous inhabitants of the Bahamas. Containing an estimated 6,000 drawings, carvings and pictographs of birds, reptiles, and human figures, archaeologists have long described the importance of preserving the caves and the drawings made from charcoal and animal fat. While the caves have been protected by the natural humidity provided by the depth of the caves (1,000ft below sea level), there has been damage to the area due to nearby limestone mining. Due to the international importance of the caves for the study of the civilization inhabited within the Caribbean Islands for nearly 8,000 years before the rise of western culture, the Pomier caves are being considered for the category of Capital Prehistoric De Las Antillas. Check out reviews and photos here.

Moilinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park – In 2006, British sculptor, Jason deCaires Taylor, created the world’s first underwater sculpture park. Open to the public beginning May of 2006, Taylor aimed to engage the local community with the marine environment surrounding them and to get them aware and involved with the life forms within that environment. A wide variety of concrete human figures, from children holding hands to solitary individuals, were installed onto the ocean floor facing the oceanic currents. While Jason Taylor began the environmental sustainability project to create new areas for corals, sponges, and other marine life, several other artists and organizations have contributed artwork to the further development of the area. Check out this site to see photos of the underwater artwork or to book guided tours of the park here.