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Inside Scuba Issue #12
Byron Conroy & Andy Deitsch
July 14, 2024
Welcome to Issue #12 of Inside Scuba
Welcome to the 12th issue of Inside Scuba, where we continue our mission to bring you the latest insights and updates from the underwater world. In this edition, we're diving deep into invaluable lessons learned from our scuba adventures, exploring the phenomenon of Snell's Window in underwater photography, reviewing the unique Strýtan Hydrothermal Vent dive site in Iceland, and more.
What’s happening in this edition?
Underwater Wisdom: 10 Things We Wish We Knew Starting Out in Scuba Diving
Diving into the world of scuba can be an exhilarating and transformative experience. As with any new adventure, the initial plunge is often filled with excitement, curiosity, and a touch of nervousness. Reflecting on our journeys, we realized there were many things we wish we had known early on in our diving careers. In this article, we aim to share our insights and experiences to help new divers navigate the depths with greater confidence and enjoyment. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, we hope our combined wisdom will enhance your underwater adventures.
Andy’s List
1. Get The Right Thermal Protection
When I first got into scuba diving back in the early 1990s, I was a poor college student. My open water classes were held in a cold lake in Upstate New York, and all I could afford was a 1/4-inch wetsuit bought from a going-out-of-business sale at a local sporting goods store. Little did I know that a properly fitted wetsuit could make a world of difference in my comfort. Even when diving in tropical climates, I would rent wetsuits that often didn't fit well. I vividly remember countless dives where all I could think was, "I'm freezing—when will this dive be over?"
I don’t recall exactly when it happened, but at some point, someone explained to me that getting a wetsuit that fit correctly would actually keep me warm. Once I found a wetsuit manufacturer that made a suit to fit me well, it was a game-changer. Proper thermal protection is crucial for an enjoyable and safe diving experience. A well-fitted wetsuit traps a thin layer of water between your body and the suit, which your body then warms up, providing essential insulation. The right thickness and fit are vital for maintaining body heat and comfort. Whether you're diving in chilly waters or tropical climates, having the right thermal protection allows you to focus on the beauty of the underwater world rather than being distracted by discomfort.
2. Find A Mask That Fits Correctly
During my early dives, I was frequently plagued by the constant need to clear my mask due to water leaking in. I assumed this was a common issue that all divers had to deal with. Little did I know that a properly fitted mask rarely leaks. Everyone has a different face shape, and not all manufacturers make masks that fit all faces. It's essential to take the time to find a mask that fits your face well. One simple test is to hold the mask on your face without using the strap and inhale through your nose. If the mask stays in place, it’s a good fit; if it doesn’t, keep looking. A well-fitted mask will greatly enhance your diving experience by keeping water out and providing clear visibility.
3. Use a Necklace For Your Secondary Regulator
I often see divers stuffing their octopus in a pocket or awkwardly folding the hose and tucking it into a random spot on their BCD. This practice can lead to two potential issues. First, the octopus can easily fall out of its makeshift holder, resulting in a dangling regulator that can get tangled. Second, the octopus is there for emergency use if another diver runs out of air. In a panic, an out-of-air diver might grab the regulator right out of your mouth, so you need to be able to access your octopus quickly. Using a necklace to hold your secondary regulator around your neck ensures it stays in a convenient, untangled location. The regulator is always in the same place, making it easy to access in an emergency. While necklaces were first popularized by technical divers, they have become increasingly common among recreational divers in recent years. I believe it's a smart practice that enhances safety and convenience.
A necklace used to hold your back-up second stage around your neck
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.
Close-up Photographer of the Year 2024 is open for submissions with a deadline of July 21st, 2024.
Times of Malta: “'Hero’ diver sacrificed life to try to save colleague. A ‘heroic’ experienced diver sacrificed his own life trying to save another diver, who died later, according to a friend who witnessed the tragedy.”
The Porterville Recorder: “Prosecutors seek restitution for families of 34 people killed in 2019 scuba boat fire in California that was the deadliest maritime disaster in recent U.S. history.”
Divernet: “Airlifted man dies after Channel dive. A scuba diver who was picked up from the Channel west of Eastbourne, Sussex by a search and rescue helicopter on Monday (8 July) was later pronounced dead in hospital.”
Scuba Diver Magazine: “Mass pilot whale stranding in Orkney Islands. British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) Marine Mammal Medics are in the throes of dealing with a mass stranding of pilot whales on the Isle of Sanday in the Orkney Islands."
Scuba Diver Magazine: “Divers’ big glass haul in Bulgaria. A total of 112 pieces of glass, both intact vessels and fragments, have been found by underwater archaeologists in Chengene Skele Bay in the Black Sea off south-eastern Bulgaria. The artefacts were located in shallow water no more than 2.5m deep on a rocky bottom.”
Photo Tip of the Week - Snell's Window: Elevate Your Underwater Photography Game
What is Snell's Window?
Snell's Window is a fascinating optical phenomenon observed underwater. Named after Willebrord Snellius, a Dutch mathematician, this effect is a circular window of light visible from beneath the surface, providing a unique view of the world above. When looking upwards from underwater at a steep angle, light entering the water is refracted due to the difference in the speed of light in air and water. This refraction bends the light, creating a 97-degree cone of vision through which the underwater observer can see a compressed, wide-angle view of the above-water environment.
A lion fish lit with strobes and the background exposed for Snells window
The Importance of Snell's Window in Underwater Photography
For underwater photographers, Snell's Window offers a unique and dramatic compositional element. Capturing this effect can result in stunning images where the underwater environment seamlessly blends with the world above, creating a surreal and captivating scene. Utilizing Snell's Window effectively can add a sense of depth, context, and scale to underwater photos, enhancing their visual impact and storytelling potential.
A straight up Snells window shot in Crystal river, Florida
Settings and Tips for Capturing Snell's Window
To capture Snell's Window effectively, follow these settings and tips:
Use a Wide-Angle Lens:
Wide-angle lenses (with focal lengths of 16mm or less) are essential for capturing the full extent of Snell's Window. These lenses allow you to include a broad perspective, ensuring the window is prominently featured. A fisheye lens is perfect, but be aware of the full distortion of the lens.
Dive Site Review: Strýtan Hydrothermal Vent, Iceland
Strýtan is a hydrothermal vent located in the North Atlantic at a depth of 16–65 meters (50 –230 ft). It is situated within the most northern fjord in Iceland, Eyjafjörður near Akureyri.
Unique Features and Topography
Strýtan is a hydrothermal vent where hot fresh water from underneath the seabed is pumped into the cold salt water. Over the 10,000 years that the vent has been emitting this hot fresh water, it has built up a cone of mineral deposits that extends from 65 meters (230 ft) at the bottom of the sea to just 15 meters (50 feet) from the surface. The water comes out at a temperature of 79°C (169°F) and then mixes with the cold salt water, creating both a halocline and thermocline that are visible to divers.
Only in 1997 was the Strýtan vent field reported by divers Erlendur Bogason and Árni Halldósson when it was identified as a real geologic feature. Since its discovery, it has become a popular dive site in Iceland due to being one of the shallowest vents known on earth. Big Strýtan is the famous cone, but a second site called Arnarnesstrýtur (sometimes referred to as Little Strýtan) is also diveable. Both sites offer excellent diving, with the smaller chimney known for its incredible marine life. The mix of hot fresh water and cold salt water has been studied by many international agencies and scientists, including NASA, as it is seen to be a unique opportunity for research.
The top of Strýtan with a Halocline and Thermocline
In this video, a scuba diver documents being lost at sea with his GoPro. I would think this is a fear that many of us have. What plans have you put in place to mitigate this risk? We would love to hear from you.
Summary
As we conclude this edition of Inside Scuba, we hope the insights and stories shared have inspired and informed your underwater pursuits. From scuba wisdom and innovative photo techniques to exploring remarkable dive sites, our goal is to enhance your diving experience. Stay safe, keep exploring, and remember to respect and protect our precious marine ecosystems. If you enjoyed this issue, please share it with fellow divers and friends—your support helps us grow our community and reach more underwater enthusiasts. Until next time, happy diving!
Andy & Byron
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