New scuba diving equipment
Aqualung Slingshot fins (SRP: £99)
Rather than tread the well-worn split fins path, Aqualung has opted for a unique approach to fin design with the Slingshot. At first glance, they look like a huge paddle fin, but closer inspection reveals that the large blades hinge on the sides of the foot pockets, and have two silicone rods from the ends of the foot pockets into the blades.
These silicone units, called ‘power bands’, are designed to capture all the energy of the downstroke and then immediately snap back, creating powerful propulsion in an efficient way.
The power bands can be adjusted to three different settings while being worn, which lessens or strengthens the snap of the band.
The Slingshot comes in blue, black/silver and red, and is available in sizes small, medium and large.
Fluke Jewellery
The beautiful shape of the ‘singing humpback whale’ in silver (SRP: £65), shown here on a silver cable, is perfect for her. Roger Philby of Fluke Jewellery has captured the grace and beauty of this great whale and created a stunning piece of jewellery. The whale is approximately 6cm long and 2cm deep from top to fin. New for 2008, this piece is now available in gold.
These superb silver humpback whale figure cufflinks (SRP: £60) have been sculpted to capture the power and strength of this wonderful whale. Each whale is approximately 33mm long. Roger, who is inspired by his passion for whales/dolphins and other marine life, has created these very-impressive cufflinks, along with other designs, for men who are looking for something quite unique.
Indigo ID tags (SRP: £10)
When you are diving, it is always a good idea to have essential information – dive insurance number, emergency contacts, blood type, etc – easily to hand. These nifty little tags slot over the nylon webbing on your BCD or wing, meaning you will always carry this information with you.
Made from surgical stainless steel, which will not rust even when submerged in salt water, they fit very securely, yet are quick and easy to remove. They come in various sizes, to fit 15mm, 19mm or 25mm webbing.
Discounts are available for three tags or more (you can put different information on each tag, so you can put your emergency info on your BCD and your name and address on your dive back, for example), and they are guaranteed to remain readable for life – or you get a free replacement.
www.indigocollartags.com
Intova LED torch (SRP: £39.95)
Intova has been making steady inroads into the UK diving market with its bargain-priced digital cameras and housings, but now the company is targeting the underwater torch market.
This nicely finished unit features an anodised aluminium body, an extra-bright three-watt LED and a magnetic switch. It is waterproof down to 120m, has a rubber-coated lanyard and runs on two three-volt batteries (included).
At under £40, it represents excellent value for money – many competitors are still using plastic bodies at this price bracket.
www.cpspartnership.co.uk
Ocean Dwellers divewear
Established in 2008, Ocean Dwellers is a new UK-based divewear company, created by divers who want to look and feel good in and out of the water.
At Ocean Dwellers, they are passionate about their diving and their clothing. They combine sexy design with only the highest-quality garments and long-life print process to secure years of comfort and style from their clothing.
The range currently includes designs Addicted to Neoprene, Eat Sleep Dive, Aquaholics Anonymous and Ocean Dwellers, with both ladies and gents fittings available and more great designs to follow.
Currently offering free shipping on all web purchases.
Scubapro T-Sport Plus BCD (SRP: £279)
The T-Sport Plus is designed with the travelling diver in mind, and with a large version weighing just 3kg, it is not going to threaten any airline weight limits!
It is constructed from 500D Cordura, the tank band features a plastic buckle system, it has plastic and metal D-rings and an integrated weight-pocket system.
Seareq ENOS
The Electronic Rescue and Locating System ENOS® is a self-supporting rescue system combining GPS-navigation and radio transmission. It consists two different units; a receiver and one or more transmitters. The receiver indicates its position by GPS and is then ready to receive emergency signals from the transmitter(s), which able to indicate their own positions by GPS.
The position of the Transmitters, their distances and directions towards the Receiver, are shown in a graph on the display of the Receiver.
After activating the Transmitter the first alert aboard the dive boat is received 20 seconds later, therefore the crew is immediately informed about someone in need. If the diver is not visible because of high waves, dawn or sun reflections, the crew just have to wait until the transmitter relays its GPS data to the receiver which clearly shows the position on its screen.
Teva Pro P-1 booties (SRP: £25)
These 3.2mm booties are ideal for divers wanting lightweight footwear which also has a decent sole for protection against sharp rocks, etc.
The P-1s have internal split-toe construction for increased lateral control, and the Spider Rubber sole wraps over the toe for added protection and traction.
Kit Stop index
