Inside Scuba Issue #4

AuthorAuthor

Byron Conroy & Andy Deitsch
March 24, 2024

Welcome to issue #4 of Inside Scuba

Hello and welcome to the fourth issue of Inside Scuba.

What’s happening in this edition?

Mastering Exposure Protection: Your Guide to Scuba Diving Suits and Thermal Comfort

Anyone who knows me well knows that I get cold easily. I generally wear a warmer exposure suit than other divers in the same water temperature. Early on in my diving career, I didn't have the right thermal protection for most dives, mostly due to suit thickness and fit. I would find myself halfway through a dive freezing cold and wishing the dive would be over soon. It was only after I discovered good thermal protection that I really started to enjoy longer dives in all water temperatures, from diving icebergs in the Arctic to warm tropical waters.

This personal journey highlights the critical importance of exposure protection in scuba diving. Whether you're like me and prone to feeling the chill or if you're simply seeking comfort and enjoyment during your underwater adventures, choosing the right exposure suit can make all the difference in your diving experience.

Let's take a deeper look at exposure protection and the various options available, including traditional scuba diving wetsuits, specialized free diving wetsuits made of open cell neoprene, drysuits and electric heated vests, to keep you warm, comfortable, and ready to explore the depths.

In each issue of our newsletter, we will curate some top dive news from around the world. Links to each of the original articles are available.

DeeperBlue.com: “SEALAB 60th Anniversary Celebration Planned For July 2024. In July 1964, a group of pioneers led by US Navy Captain George Bond set out to test the limits of physical endurance and conquer a hostile undersea frontier: They achieved the world’s first-ever, open-ocean saturation dive.”

Scuba Diver Magazine: “An innovative eastern Pacific fish-finding expedition involving no fewer than 11 underwater photographers has resulted in the description of a new wrasse species now dubbed Halichoeres sanchezi. The research was carried out in the Revillagigedo Archipelago, often referred to as Socorro, off Mexico, and is detailed in a new study.”

Divernet.com: “CCR scooter divers were sucked into dam inlet. Two rebreather divers using scooters died on a night dive earlier this year, after apparently venturing too close to a Belgian hydro-electric dam.”

Scuba Diver Magazine: “Divers’ giant canoe finds dated to Stone Age. Five ancient timber dugout canoes found in a lake north-west of Rome have been analysed and dated to the late Neolithic period – making them the oldest such vessels discovered to date in the Mediterranean region, at 7,000-7,500 years old.”

Photo Tip of the Week - Mastering Strobe Positioning

In part one of our series we discussed buying your first strobe set up. In this issue we discuss strobe set up and positioning. In part three of our series, advanced techniques will be unveiled, building upon the foundation laid out in this discussion. By understanding and implementing these strategies, photographers can unlock the full potential of their underwater imagery.

Underwater photography enthusiasts invest substantially in top-tier equipment, yet many overlook a crucial aspect: strobe positioning. It's a common sight to find photographers setting their strobes in place and never adjusting them, often resulting in suboptimal lighting for their shots. In this article, we address this oversight by delving into the importance of thoughtful strobe positioning. Specifically, we'll explore basic macro and wide-angle positions, shedding light on why they matter.

Lighting a huge scene evenly across the frame

Delving into Nudi Falls: One of Lembeh’s Macro Marvels

In the vast expanse of the world’s oceans, there are certain pockets of underwater paradise that stand out among the rest. Lembeh Strait in Indonesia is undeniably one such gem, acclaimed as the ultimate macro muck diving destination. For enthusiasts who revel in the intricate beauty of marine life, Lembeh Strait is nothing short of a pilgrimage.

Nestled in North Sulawesi, Lembeh Strait is a narrow channel that separates the mainland from the island of Lembeh. Its unique geography, characterized by a V-shaped underwater channel with sloping sides and a deeper central section, creates an ideal habitat for an extraordinary array of marine creatures.

With over 50 dive sites to explore, each offering a glimpse into the world of macro critters, Lembeh Strait spoils divers with its abundance of underwater marvels. Among these sites, one stands out as a favorite among seasoned divers - Nudi Falls. Legend has it that the site earned its name due to the whimsical sight of nudibranchs gracefully descending from the wall onto passing divers, like a cascade of colorful jewels.

Nestled within the Crystal Caves of Abaco, Bahamas, lies a hidden gem known as the Glass Factory. Accessible only to those who have demonstrated their prowess in cave diving to Brian Kakuk, the owner of Bahamas Underground and guardian of these subterranean wonders, the Glass Factory beckons with its unparalleled beauty. This video offers a glimpse into the awe-inspiring realm that awaits those who undergo the rigorous training and dedication required to explore its depths. Brace yourself to be utterly captivated by its enchanting splendor!

Summary

Thanks for making it to the end of another newsletter. We hope you found it interesting. If you did, please do share it with someone else. Also, if you have a deep dive topic you’d like us to cover, let us know.

Andy & Byron

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