Inside Scuba Issue #8

AuthorAuthor

Byron Conroy & Andy Deitsch
May 19, 2024

Welcome to Issue #8 of Inside Scuba

Welcome to the latest edition of Inside Scuba! This edition dives deep into essential ear health tips for divers, the latest dive news, expert photo tips for mastering snooting, an adventurous guide to hunting shark teeth in Venice, Florida, and a video highlight on the incredible encounter with three orcas on a beach in New Zealand. Let's dive in!

What’s happening in this edition?

Navigating Ear Health: A Comprehensive Guide To Common Problems & Solutions for Divers

Of all diving I have done across the world, the number one most consistent issue that causes people to miss dives are ear issues. I personally have had many ear infections and over time have learned to manage my ears in a way to prevent these issues occurring. In this weeks deep dive we aim to make people more aware of equalization, the common issues you can get with ears and how to prevent these issues, and manage them should they arise.

Understanding Ear Physiology: The ear is a complex organ responsible for hearing and balance. It comprises the outer, middle, and inner ear. The outer ear collects sound waves and funnels them into the ear canal, while the middle ear contains the eardrum and ossicles, which transmit vibrations to the inner ear. The inner ear houses the cochlea, responsible for hearing, and the vestibular system, which maintains balance. The middle ear is filled with air, and as we descend it is this air space that we need to manage. We manage this air space by using equalization techniques.

Basic ear anatomy

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.

Divernet.com: “Oman sinks plane and trucks for divers. ‘Underwater Military Museum’ might be laying it on a little thick for a Short Skyvan prop plane and seven MAN Atlas trucks, but that is the title of a new underwater diving attraction now being created in Oman’s Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve.”

DeeperBlue: “Shearwater Research has officially unveiled the Peregrine TX, a new addition to their line of high-performance dive computers. The Peregrine TX, which includes air integration and a digital compass, builds on the success of the original Peregrine, known for its user-friendly interface and bright, full-color display.”

ScubaDiver: “Shearwater launches air-integrated Peregrine TX. Shearwater Research have cemented their inexorable hold on the dive computer market with the launch of the air-integrated version of their best-selling Peregrine wrist-mounted unit, the Peregrine TX.”

Divernet: “A British scuba diver who saved her twin-sister’s life in Mexico by repeatedly punching an aggressive crocodile three years ago has been awarded the King’s Gallantry Medal.”

DeeperBlue: “PADI has issued a call to action to all its members for the 10th annual International Women’s Dive Day.”

The New Indian Express: “14 Lankan fishers held; 200 kg sea cucumbers, scuba diving kits seized. Indian Coast Guard arrested 14 Sri Lankan fishers on Thursday for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and fishing endangered sea cucumbers using scuba diving kits in Indian waters near Kodiyakarai.”

Photo Tip of the Week - Mastering the Art of Snooting

One of the Holy Grail techniques of macro photography for people new to the subject is creating black backgrounds. A black background macro shot creates a powerful image that separates a magical macro subject from what is often an unsightly background found at muck diving sites such as Lembeh, Blue Heron Bridge and Anilao. A black background is created by using a combination of settings and lighting. By setting your camera to remove all ambient light with settings of 1/250, ISO 200, and F16 (or higher), you will naturally make an image where the only part of the image with any color will be where your lighting falls.

A mantis shrimp with eggs lit by snoot

Now that you have the background figured out, the next step is to gain control of your lighting so that you only light the subject and none of the unsightly parts of the frame. We can use light modifiers to help us get more precise light. The first of these would be some macro reduction rings. But for more control and precision, it is best to use a snoot.

What is a Snoot and How Does it Work Underwater?

A snoot is a device used in photography to control and narrow the spread of light. In underwater photography, a snoot functions similarly by directing light precisely onto a subject, eliminating unwanted spillage and creating dramatic lighting effects. By shaping and restricting the light, photographers can highlight specific details, textures, and colors, adding depth and dimension to their images.

Scuba Diving for Shark Teeth in Venice, Florida

When I'm not underwater capturing critters with my camera, you'll often find me submerged in search of fossilized shark teeth along the beaches on the west coast of Florida, nestled along the Gulf of Mexico near Venice, Florida. Fondly known as "shark toothing" by the locals, it's a fun pursuit filled with excitement upon each discovered tooth. The dives are relatively shallow, ranging from 15 to 32 feet (5 to 10 meters), allowing for ample exploration time. During a typical shore dive, I reach a maximum depth of around 20 feet (6 meters), spending an average of 2.5 hours scouring the seabed. It's not uncommon to unearth over a hundred teeth in a single dive.

Megalodon shark teeth found while diving in Venice, Florida

Unveiling Venice’s Shark Tooth Paradise

Venice, Florida, holds a prestigious title in the realm of fossilized shark tooth collecting, beckoning enthusiasts from near and far to its sandy shores. While the sheer abundance of these prehistoric treasures is a major draw, Venice's allure extends beyond mere quantity. From Casperson Beach to Manasota Beach, and Venice Beach itself, the hunt for shark teeth becomes an addictive adventure, with the tantalizing hope of stumbling upon a coveted megalodon tooth.

Why Does Venice Reign Supreme?

The answer lies in a combination of factors. Sharks, prolific tooth-shedders, contribute to the vast supply, with estimates suggesting they lose tens of thousands of teeth over a lifetime. Florida's role as a shark nursery further amplifies this phenomenon, with generations of sharks congregating to birth and nurture their young before migrating northward. The fossil-rich layers beneath Venice's surface, particularly the Peace River Formation, play a pivotal role. Exposed through natural processes like erosion and river currents, these layers yield a steady supply of fossilized treasures, fueling the fascination of collectors.

Check out this amazing encounter with orcas in New Zealand. A once in a lifetime opportunity!

Summary

Thank you for diving into Issue #8 of Inside Scuba! We hope you found the tips, news, and adventures inspiring. If you could do us one favor and share the newsletter with one scuba diving friend, it would mean the world to us!

Until next time, keep exploring the depths. Happy diving!

Andy & Byron

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