Waking up in the morning to leave for a job that you love is everyone’s dream. Not dragging your feet, no dreading feeling in your stomach – they say that ‘he who loves his job never works a day in his life’ and I’d say I would have to agree. However, finding a job that you are passionate about, and can remain so, can be a bit of a challenge.

It seems that jobs such as diving instructor, ski instructor, crewing on yachts, and working for the likes of Lego, Google etc. are often classified as ‘dream jobs’. I would say any arrangement that combines your favourite hobby with a profession could be said to be a dream job. But maybe we can broaden our horizons and think even more outside the box? If it is a career in diving that interests you, there are more opportunities out there than you might think!

Obviously there are the jobs that spring to mind immediately, such as underwater photographer and commercial diver, however whatever your interest may be, there is a subject for it: marine life, education, construction, conservation… Here are a few of the wackiest ones for you to choose from:

1. Underwater Pizza Delivery Boy

Yup, you read that right. There is an underwater lodge in Florida – a converted research lab – where the services include a delivery service! It is not uncommon for guests to request their dinner be delivered. The job involves collecting dinner (or whatever needs delivering) and placing it in an air-tight box, gearing up, and heading the 6.4m down to the air-lock hatch situated under the lodge. Voila! That’s one deep dish for you.

2. Marine Archaeologist

Are you interested in both history and science, along with a passion for diving and the ocean? Then maybe this is the job for you! Explore shipwrecks and lost underwater cities in order to gain a better understanding of the past. You need to have studied archaeology (duh) and be a proficient diver in order to land a job in the field… but if you do, you could end up doing some seriously awesome research, like scrutinizing the remains of pirate/privateer shipwrecks to establish more facts on their era!

3. Underwater Model

Looking amazing underwater definitely requires a significant amount of skill. You need to be relaxed, comfortable in the water, and constantly aware of your positioning to make it in the underwater model world. Although it does not require any specific qualifications to get started down this career path, being a qualified diver is a start. Getting in to freediving and breath hold is a plus, as you will need to be able to hold your breath without looking like a puffer-fish! If this is a profession that interests you, start practicing in a pool until you comfortable with your surroundings. Soon you could be posing as a mermaid/merman!

4. Underwater Criminal Investigator

A UCI diver is primarily trained in recovery, be it a bullet, gun, knife, body, or vehicle. Once they have located their target, there are steps to follow, ensuring that correct evidence handling and chain of custody procedures are adhered to – even though you are underwater! Conditions are almost always deep, cold, and in near to zero visibility making a career in underwater criminal investigating a challenging yet fascinating one.

Learn more by reading PADI’s interview with Public Safety Diver, Mike Berry.

5. Underwater film crew

Lots of movies involve submerged scenes. No matter where it is shot (unless it is 100% CGI) there will be divers involved; safety divers, underwater videographers, stunt divers, and models (see above). Regardless which aspect you are involved in, it would be an incredible way to partake in such a production. If you have an interest in the medias, and a love of the underwater world, you may well have found your niche. If this is something that interests you, PADI does an Underwater Videographer course.

There is a dream job out there for everyone, we just hope yours involves diving too! If you haven’t quite found the ideal career yet, keep honing your diving skills by working your way up through the courses, and expanding your knowledge base by enrolling on some PADI specialty courses!

We would love to hear about your dream job! Tell us all about it in the comments.

If you have a diving profession in mind but are not too sure what the best path is to take you there, get in touch so we can point you in the right direction. If you are dreaming of becoming a dive instructor, click here to learn more about our Diploma in Scuba Instruction. Visit us at Dive HQ Christchurch at 103 Durham Street South, call us on (03) 379 5804, or email us at sales@diveskiworld.co.nz

One of the most common issues for Divers is equalizing your ears.

There can be many reasons for this such as congestion due to a cold, swimmer’s ear, narrow Eustachian tubes, or other pre-existing issues and damage from barotrauma.

I have always had sensitive ears, and after suffering a barotrauma I worried that this would stop me diving, but after doing some research and trials at the deep end of the pool, I found an equalizing method that works for me.  I’ve compiled a list of tricks and tips, the first 4 are pre-dive and the rest apply to the dive itself.

Hopefully there’s one or a combination of tips that work for you, and remember don’t push it – there’s always next time.

Here are a few other tips, these are things to thing about before going diving:

• Avoid milk and other dairy products that may increase your mucus production.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol: like dairy they can increase your mucus levels.
• Start clearing your ears early – even hours before you dive.
• Chew gum before diving, this keeps you swallowing which is opening your Eustachian tubes.

 Once you’re in the water think about these pointers:

• Equalise at the Surface – this can help you get down the first metre and can also inflate your Eustachian – remember, be gentle!
• Descend feet first – it can be much harder to clear with you head down.
• Look up as you descend. This stretches the tubes, I often stretch my neck from left to right as well to help extend the stretch.
• Use a descent line – this will help you control the speed of your descent.
• MOST IMPORTANTLY – STOP IF IT HURTS! Your Eustachian tubes have been blocked by the pressure differential. Ascend a metre or two and try equalising again gently.

Clearing Methods

The most common method is the Valsalva Manoeuvre – this is the most common method, you pinch you nose then blow gently. Be aware of how hard you are blowing as too much pressure could rupture an ear drum. Never blow for more than 5 seconds before taking a break. The problem with this method as it doesn’t open the Eustachian tubes, instead air is forced up into them but this won’t work if the tubes are already locked due to a pressure differential.

Another common one is the Toynbee Manoeuvre – you start with pinching your nose, and while holding it – swallow. The motion of swallowing opens the tubes while the movement of your tongue forces compressed air against them.

The Lowrey Manoeuver combines the Valsalva and Toynbee and this is one that works well for me. While holding your nose – blow gently and swallow at the same time.

The Frenzel Manoeuvre requires you pinching your nose and closing the back of your throat (as you would do when straining to lift something). Then try making the sound of the letter ‘K’, closing you throat is opening the Eustachian tubes and making the ‘K’ sound forces air against the opening.

The Edmonds Technique involves tensing the soft palate – this is the soft tissue at the back of the roof of your mouth – and your throat muscles, while pushing the jaw forward and down, do a Valsalva manoeuver.

This next one requires a bit more practice – Voluntary Tube Opening. Again start by tensing the muscles of the soft palate and throat while pushing your jaw forward and down as if you starting to yawn and this will pull the Eustachian tubes open. With a lot of practice some dives can learn to control these muscles and hold the tubes open for continuous equalization.

Do you struggle with equalizing? What methods work best for you? Share in the comments below!

Imagine this: soft, sandy beaches, warm, clear water, a colourful array of tropical fish surrounding you… But you can’t enjoy any of it because your rental mask doesn’t fit properly and starts leaking the moment you are submerged in water! You asked for a replacement, but they are all the same! Now you are kicking yourself for not buying your own mask to bring with you!

Everyone loves an escape to the tropics. Calm quiet relaxation, nothing to worry about, chilling on the beach, and most importantly – exceptional snorkelling and diving. The last thing you want is something silly like ill-fitting equipment to ruin your holiday. Unfortunately, the gear you get on loan at most resorts, or from snorkelling rentals and tours is basic, and somewhat of a one size fits all – especially when it comes to masks. Although a leaky mask is not life threatening, it is a constant – and avoidable – annoyance. Yet so easy to come up with a simple solution!

No matter what your baggage allowance, a mask and snorkel are small items that can be easily slipped into a carry-on bag if needed! It pays off to have tried a few on, found something that is fitting and adapted to your face shape, and that you know is going to be comfortable and a reliable piece of kit. Come on by the Dive HQ shop and we can show you both our full dive mask range, as well as our mask and snorkel sets.

Knowing how to correctly test a mask for size and fit is easy, yet important. Firstly, you want to be trying the mask on without using its strap. Flip this over the front of the lenses so it is not in your way. Place the mask on your face, making sure there is no hair in the way and ensuring a snug fit with no gaps between the silicone skirt and your face. Take a breath through your nose and hold it. The mask should sit on your face, forming a seal that prevents it from falling away. If it holds and you can feel the suction as you pull it away from you, you have a good fit. If it falls straight off your face while you are still breathing in, then there are too many gaps between your face and the mask skirt. If you can hear air hissing, this may also indicate an air space. This means the mask isn’t suited to your shape and that water would leak in. Try a different size and shape model mask until you find one that is comfortable. We can help you find the perfect mask for you.

Now imagine this: Someone spots the whale shark you have been wishing for all day long. Without hesitating, everyone pulls on their masks, fins and snorkels and jumps in. You start to kick, trying to keep up, but the fins that the tour company provided are useless, you are getting nowhere! Just to add insult to injury, they rub on your heels too. Despite your best efforts, all you see is the swish of a tail… Next year you will be buying your own gear to bring with you!

Depending where you are going and what you intend to do, you may be wanting fins. They make the experience of snorkelling a much more enjoyable one, enabling you to move more easily through the water, gain more speed, and cover more ground. You will notice how they come into their own when you spot a turtle a little way away that you want to get a closer look at! In tropical climates, you will find that lots of outfits provide you with full foot fins. Make sure you get a pair that fit you well to avoid rubbing and blisters. Consider the activity you will be undertaking (diving, snorkelling…) and whether the fins are adequate to withstand the conditions. It is never a bad idea to arrive equipped with your own basics, this includes fins. We offer snorkelling packages, complete with mask, snorkel, and small, light, travel friendly fins! Come on in and let us show you what would work best for your situation. We have sets for both adults and children, so the whole family can join in the fun!

To all outdoor adventure enthusiasts (and divers), 2016 is going to be the year where the action camera market will reach greater heights. Of course we all know that “Gopro” is the first camera we think of when it comes to action and sport cameras, but how long will Gopro make its stand as the best action camera in the market? Will they still continue making their action camera the top of the line, or will they end up like Kodak? Without further ado here are my top 5 action cameras for 2016!

5:  TomTom Bandit

Taking more of a barrel design than the common box shaped design mimicked from a particular camera *COUGH COUGH GOPRO COUGH*, the bandit has a very unique arsenal. Sure 4K at 30fps does sound like the new norm at this point, and 16mp still images sounds cool and all, but a USB Battery and Memory Stick that can be used to upload videos to your computer and be charged at the same time? Absolutely genius. The “Batt-stick” is a USB and battery for the camera, and it can support a Micro SD Card, that once it’s chipped in, there’s no need for SD Card adapters/converters. In addition, the camera does come with Wi-Fi and a Gopro Mount Adapter to mount this camera to any convenient attachment you may find in retail. A separate accessory available for purchase is a special dive lens that will make the camera water proof to 50 metres. Read more about the TomTom Bandit, here.

4: Intova X2 and HD2

 (Left: HD2 – Right: X2)

Going back to what Intova has previously done with their action cameras is very interesting, and makes them one of the best specifically for divers. They have the standard high definition of 1080p at 30(HD2)-60(X2) frames per second, can take 8mp(HD2)-16mp(X2) still photos, have an integrated LCD screen at the back to view images, but now also have a 150 lumen light built in, used to help improve photo and video quality when underwater. For me as an underwater photographer, I love the concept of an action camera with a built in flash, and these guys were the first to do it and are extending it further. Along with that, they are waterproof to 100m, have a removable battery that can be charged, built in Wi-Fi (for the X2) and require a Micro SD card up to 32GB(HD2)-64GB(X2).

3: Sony HDR AS50

In my experience using the Sony HDR AS30V, right off the bat I can confidently say I love the built in stabilization that they offer, nothing can beat smooth video for an action camera that is facing the toughest conditions. However when it came to diving, I wished they created a more usable dive housing that you could take down to 40 meters or more and still have access to all the function. After talking to Sony about this – because they are very open to feedback – they have surprisingly answered my prayer for a better dive housing… and thus fourth the Sony AS50 was born. Unlike its predecessor, this action camera now shoots 4K at 30fps, this also includes 4K time lapses and the high definition we know and love, can shoot at 120fps meaning that you can film your subjects in slow motion at the highest definition. The camera has built in Wi-Fi that can be access via the Playmemories app, and it has GPS to show off where you have been diving and how deep you have been.

2: Nikon Keymission 360

Trying not to be fully biased between which one is better – Canon or Nikon – but in terms of Nikon’s history, they had made the Nikonos series film cameras, that allowed photographer in the 1970s to photograph images underwater! Going to the modern era, they have created the AW130, which can go down 30m underwater with no dive housing and the AW1, which is the only mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that can go down 15m with no housing. Now this October, Nikon is introducing the new Keymission 360. As implied it is a 360 degree action camera, shooting at 4K with built in image stabilization. It too will be able to go to a depth of 30m with no additional housing and has built in Wi-Fi connection. At this stage I do not know what Canon will do to compete with that, but I will assume that they will make a “good” action camera and then slap their branding on it just so people will buy it. And I know, this made me sound very bias that Nikon is better than Canon… but now for the final action camera for this list. Find out more about the Keymission 360 here.

1: Olympus TG-Tracker

We have all heard and seen the Olympus Tough Series cameras and they are the best in terms of waterproof cameras, but their first action camera, the TG-Tracker may be the “badass” of action cameras! Slightly bulkier than any other camera in this list, it comes with a variety of gadgets on hand. A flip out LCD Screen, a 60 Lumen LED Light, Waterproof to 30m without a housing, and a GPS Tracker that can record your deepest dives much like a dive computer… Now that is what I call an action camera! Of course much like its competition, it shoots 4K at 30fps and 8mp still photos, built in Wi-Fi to replay your moments and double check on depths and time you were underwater, and a 204 degree wide angle lens that will put most action camera lenses to shame. The camera also comes with an attachable pistol grip to hold the camera more steadily, and will make you feel like you are in a Sci-Fi movie on your next dive.

You can find a detailed breakdown of the Olympus TG-Tracker here.

Which Action Camera is on your wish list? Do you think Gopro has finally met its match?

Feel free to leave a comment on what you think about these awesome action cameras.

Thanks to Diploma Student Patrick for sharing his top action camera picks with us!  

William Trubridge is a special sort of man. I bet some of you will think he is insane, which maybe he is – and others will think he is amazing. The things he can do with his body, most of us would never dream of trying. His personal best stationary breath hold is 7 minutes 29 seconds - this is massive! Most people would be able to hold their breath for a couple of minutes, max. He has 16 World Records in 2 disciplines and continues to break his own World Records. This man is tough to beat, no one even comes close.

Watch this incredible video of Trubridge as he sets his 101m record in 2011. See if you can watch it without subconsciously holding your breath!

William Trubridge is going to try  to break his own World Record of 101m againf this month, on the 21^st of July at 7.40am on TV One. The record will be attempted at Dean’s Blue Hole, in the Bahamas. The blue hole is the deepest salt water hole known which starts below sea level and goes down to 202m. He was the first person ever to freedive this site in 2005. Trubridge will do this freedive on a single breath, using no fins and without pulling himself down the rope! He can only hold the rope to stop the descent and start the ascent.

Dean’s Blue Hole – Bahamas

Constant weight without fins is the most challenging free diving discipline because of the effort your body needs to swim without assistance. This is not an easy task he is trying to complete. It’s cold and dark down there, and the pressure exerted from the overhead water is crushing his lungs. His heat slows and his mind will be blurry, but through a lot of training his body can overcome these issues.

The record that currently stands has not been broken since 2010, and was set by him. The last time he tried to break his own World Record he didn’t quite make it. Trubridge passed out 12m below the surface and the safety divers had to grab him and pull him up. He was disappointed with himself for not breaking his record. However we all wish him luck later this month!

To find out more about the wonder that is William Trubridge, you can visit his website, here.

If you would like to learn the theory behind breath holding, take a look at our freediving courses!

Get in touch with the team at Dive HQ Christchurch to find out more! Call us on (03) 379 5804, or email us at sales@diveskiworld.co.nz

Beuchat is a brand which lives and breathes its passion for the sea and whose history is intertwined with that of spearfishing. Through its innovations, it has made a major contribution to the birth and development of spearfishing. Beuchat’s latest development and innovation is the Trigocamo camouflage wetsuit with the new Braca Concept.  Beuchat are the first to break new ground creating a camouflage comprised of actual photographs assembled in 3D using trigometric calculation software.

How was this done?  An area of the seabed was selected and was scanned by rail-mounted cameras that take a series of photographs. Around fifty photos were selected to be assembled by computer using trigonometric software which digitalised the images in 3 dimension.

From these visuals, Beuchat extracted the images to be printed on the Beuchat Trigocamo fabric.  As a result each element in the camouflage is authentic and no two are the same. No two rocks are repeated. This means that each suit is unique. This video explains the process and shows you the Rocksea in action!

This innovation and development means that the Beuchat Rocksea range of suits all have the Trigocamo innovation making it the first of its kind-  an exclusive three-dimensional camouflage suit.

Using soft neoprene Elaskin X 8.6 which combines maximum comfort and durability with open cell interior for maximum warmth.  Ergonomically cut for maximum comfort, with special contours on the rear of the suit to avoid pockets developing on the back and between the shoulders. A 360deg one-piece face seal for water tightness and durability, matching neoprene hems on the wrists, ankles and face, and a Lycra hem on the jacket. Elbows and knees are reinforced with anti-abrasion Supratex. Camouflaged padded stemal reinforcement gives the wearer greater stability and comfort when carrying long and powerful weapons.

Not stopping at the camouflage as a new innovation, Beuchat have continued the development and come up with the Braca Concept. What is this you may ask?

The Braca concept is a new patent from Beuchat revolutionising spearfishing apparel. They have invented a simple, effective, hygienic and invisible solution to the problem of how to pass water without removing your suit. This is called the Braca concept.

It’s a triple baffle system that provides a perfect seal and is extremely comfortable thanks to the absence of a zip or Velcro. It offers a fly opening system that is simple to use and hygienic as well as discreet.

Pierre Roy and international spear fisher was one of the testers of Braca Concept. Pierre said using the traditional squeeze bottle which he had been using for over 15 years, had the disadvantage of being uncomfortable and not at all discreet when nature calls. Using the Braca Concept is different, and when he used the system for the first time while on a hunting dive with friends they did not even notice that his suit had a new system. Pierre showed them the new system but they were sceptical that it was not waterproof. So to prove it to them that there is no sealing problem he jumped into the water several times and showed them that not a drop of water seeped inside.  

In 1953 Beuchat developed the wetsuit for the spear fisherman. This now made spear fishers more comfortable and protected so that they could enjoy their passion. Beuchat continues to be leaders in innovation and development worldwide. Safety, reliability, and durability are at the heart of Beuchat’s research and this is reflected in these latest innovations. The Trigocamo camouflage wetsuit with the Braco Concept is definitely part of this revolution.

If you are into spearfishing, or wish to get started, check out our Spearfishing Page here!

Article by:  Dive NZ

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