Scuba tanks are not filled with pure oxygen. They are usually filled with compressed purified air, but there are less popular specialized mixes like Nitrox or Trimix that aid diving at greater depths. While pure oxygen is problematic for breathing, it has its uses. Keep reading to learn how it differs from breathing gasses and …
The costs involved in scuba diving vary depending on what you choose to purchase and what you choose to rent, as well as the quality and brand of your gear. You should also consider ongoing costs, such as dive trips and tank refills. We’ll break down these costs for you in this article to provide …
Scuba diving works using gear that allows you to breathe underwater and a specialized set of skills. Scuba stands for “self-contained underwater breathing apparatus”, and the activity is separate from other forms of diving that do not use breathing devices. In this article, we focus on how you breathe and move up and down while …
You can scuba dive with a mild cough, but most symptoms that accompany a cough disqualify you from swimming. It’s important to do a full assessment of your health before starting a dive to make sure you are in the right condition all around. Knowing the difference between an insignificant cough and full-on sickness is …
You can use a low-volume mask for scuba diving, and some divers prefer these over full size options. The choice mostly weighs on how comfortable the mask fits on your face, so it changes from person to person. Keep reading as we explain what many low-volume mask details, including their pros and cons. We’ll also …
A steel scuba tank weighs between 28 and 30 pounds, while an aluminum tank weighs between 31 and 35 pounds. A scuba tank’s weight depends on its material, manufacturer, and whether it is full or empty. In this article, we explain the nuances of tank weight and how they factor in next to the weight …
Most scuba gear is black because the manufacturing process leans towards black coloration. There is not a great demand for other colors, and black works well in terms of durability and resilience, so there is no great need to change this. You may not have thought much about the color of your scuba gear, but …
You need a weight belt, or an equivalent weight system for scuba diving. These tools make it easier to descend and find neutral buoyancy, and fast ascents are easier to perform when needed. Dive weights may seem a bit scary, but they’re just part of a diving system created to get to you to the …
Scuba divers do not float due to the diving weights they carry and the assistance of a buoyancy control device (BCD). These, along with certain techniques a diver can learn, help reach certain levels of buoyancy to allow the diver to reach their desired position in the water. Keep reading as we explain how buoyancy …
While you can scuba dive without a wetsuit, you miss out on many key protections. Scuba diving without a wetsuit should be limited to shallow dives and short periods of time. Scuba diving without a wetsuit is a nice dream, but there are several key benefits you lose without a wetsuit. Keep reading to discover …
