Oceanic Geo 2

The Oceanic Geo 2 is a great entry level wrist mounted computer. So stylish you could wear it in and out of the water. The wide selection of colours will allow you to match your outfit whether it be on a tropical beach or penetrating a wreck at 30 metres under torch light. A simplistic menu orientation and 4 buttons allow for ease of use. Capable of adjusting for enriched air levels right up to 100% O2 with separate gas mixes. For the first-time dive computer buyers, not being restricted to where the high-pressure hose can reach gives you an unfamiliar feeling of freedom.

The display itself is simple and easy to understand (paired with a lovely laminated instruction for use card). Getting in the water needs no effort aside from securely attaching it to your wrist. (or leg we won’t judge you for it.) Whilst in the water, reading the display is very straight forward, everything important is right in front of my eyes. My depth, bottom time, no decompression limit, ascent rate meter and tissue loading graph. Probably my favourite thing is not having to scroll through the entire list of dives or options like those single button operation computers. If I just happen to miss what I’m looking for because I hit the button one time too many I can scroll backwards! Get rid of the console computer and your old G-Shock at the same time and purchase one of these gems.

Features Include:

• The Geo 2.0 Dive Computer is powered by Oceanic’s Exclusive Dual Algorithm™ – Your choice between Pelagic DSAT (Spencer/Powell data basis) or Pelagic Z+ (Buhlmann ZHL-16C data basis)
• Operating Modes: WATCH (Alternate Time, Chrono, Daily Alarm, Countdown Timer), NORM (Air and Nitrox), GAUGE (with run timer) and FREE (tracks calculations to allow switching between NORM and Free)
• User-Friendly Interface with “Step Back” – allows forward and backward navigation through menus and settings
• Switch between up to 2 Nitrox mixes to 100% O2 with no restriction (Gas 1 may be up to 100%, and may be less or greater than Gas 2)
• Stop times <3 minutes – displays minutes & seconds Deep Stop with Countdown Timer – Maybe turned on or off. 2-minute countdown at half your max depth, for dives greater than 80 ft / 25m
• Single button access to “Last Dive” display (max depth& bottom time)
• Data Retention – maintains calculations indefinitely when the battery is changed
• The Geo 2.0 dive computer has an audible alarm with flashing LED light
• 24 dive on-unit log book
• History Mode includes total number of dives, max depth, total dive hours, and lowest temp
• The Geo 2.0 comes with optional PC Interface with OceanLog Download and Settings Upload
• Firmware Auto-Update: download and install the latest firmware – these may be operational improvements or even new features

Spend $100 in store and go into the draw to win one of these awesome computers! Competition running for different prizes, each month, for the next 12 months! Score!

Established in March 2014, by the Department of Conservation, the Hikurangi Marine Reserve, acknowledges the incredible diversity and unique marine environment close to Kaikoura.

Gaining an understanding of the role of Marine Reserves around New Zealand is a valued part our Dive HQ Christchurch’s Diploma of Scuba Instruction students training. Thank you Akita, for sharing with us and your class mates, a look at the Hikurangi Marine Reserve.  With Kaikoura being one of our favourite places to dive, we can appreciate the importance of protecting this unique environment.

Location

Hikurangi Marine Reserve is located near the main township of Kaikoura, at the point where the undersea of Kaikoura Canyon approaches close to the land. The area only become a marine reserve two years ago.  On the 16th of March 2014, it was declared as the Hikurangi Marine Reserve, holding 10,416 hectares, with it’s main focus being on the very deep waters of the canyon that connects with the land for about 2 kilometers just north of Goose Bay and extends out

Highlights

Being the largest and deepest existing marine reserve in New Zealand with the unique topography of the deep trench coming so close to the shore, you have an unparalleled opportunity to see Whales, Dolphins and many varieties of Seabird Species.  The deep currents bring a rich source of food and allow for such a diverse range of life to be found close to our coast line.

Remember the Rules

While enjoying a visit the Kaikoura region, remember that the Hikurangi Marine Reserve is a no-take area. You may not remove or disturb any marine life within the reserve or take any other material including shells from the beach, water or seabed.

Take care around marine mammals both in and out of the water.  Fisher officers believe the reserve rules are having a positive impact on marine mammals, with numbers of dolphins, seals, whales and shell fish increasing over just a short period of time.  Studies are now able to prove that making marine reserves increases the marine life.

I hope you have all enjoyed learning about the Hikurangi Marine Reserve and continue to respect the environment around the area, know the reserve rules and boundaries before entering the water. Cheers guys.
Akita

Join Us!

Learning to dive allows you to enter into another world, and experience a connection with the life and environment underwater.  If you would like to learn to dive in Kaikoura, join one of Dive HQ Christchurch’s Kaikoura Open Water Dive Courses and we’ll share with you our passion for exploring the unique and diverse Hikurangi Marine Reserve.
Dive HQ Christchurch
103 Durham St South,
Sydenham
Christchurch
03 3795 804
www.diveskiworld.co.nz

Scuba tanks eventually wear out, which is why it is important to follow the regulations on getting your tank tested.  You wouldn’t want to be diving with a tank that was compromised in any way due to dents, rust, or cracks.  Here at Dive HQ Christchurch, on the occasion that a tank fails a Hydro or Visual test, our customers often leave the tanks with us and we make sure they are disposed of.  Then there are some customers who find a creative way to use their tank.  Being a strong heavy material makes them perfect for some of the following ideas…

The Scuba Letter Box – complete with a Dive Flag!

      
Tank Lamps or Candle Holders.  They make a great lamp shade, or base, especially if you engrave the tank.

The Tank BBQ or Fish Smoker

Get creative with Cylinder Wind Chimes

The Tank Ashtray, or perhaps a healthier option – the Cylinder Phone Holder

Save your pennies inside a Tank Piggy Bank!

 
Tank Book Ends and the popular Tank Umbrella holders

 
If you are feeling really inspired, you may even wish to make a Tank Cannon!

If you have any other creative ideas for a failed scuba tank, the team at Dive HQ Christchurch would love to hear about them.

Need a New Tank?

When it’s time to purchase a new tank, Dive HQ Christchurch have a popular selection of both Catalina Aluminium Tanks, and Faber Steel Cylinders.  Have a look at our  catalogue or come in to see us and we can advise which style or size would suit your needs.

Dive HQ Christchurch
103 Durham St South
Sydenham
Christchurch
www.diveskiworld.co.nz

What is Nitrox?

Nitrox is short for Enriched Air Nitrox, or EAN.  EAN when a scuba cylinder has been filled with a mixture of breathing air containing higher than 21 percent oxygen.  32 percent oxygen is the most common Nitrox mix.

Who should take this course?

The PADI Enriched Air Diver course is PADI’s most popular specialty scuba course. Why? Because scuba diving with enriched air nitrox gives you more no decompression time, especially on repetitive scuba dives. If staying down longer and getting back in the water sooner sounds appealing, then don’t hesitate to become an enriched air diver.

If you’re a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver who is at least 12 years old, you can enroll in the Enriched Air Diver Specialty course.

What will you learn?

You’ll learn why diving with air that has higher oxygen and lower nitrogen content gives you more bottom time, along with enriched air equipment considerations. During a practical session, and two optional (or required) scuba dives, you’ll:

• Discuss managing oxygen exposure.
• Practice analyzing oxygen content in your scuba tank.
• Set your dive computer for diving with enriched air Nitrox.
• 

Benefits of Diving with Nitrox

By increasing the amount of oxygen in the air you are breathing, you are reducing the amount of nitrogen.  As divers are aware, they need to be aware of the build up of nitrogen in their body and prevent it from forming bubbles in the tissues as they ascend, which can cause Decompression Sickness.

Enroll Today

Get in touch with Dive HQ Christchurch to enroll on our next Enriched Air Diver Course.

Dive HQ Christchurch
103 Durham St South
Sydenham
Christchurch|
03 379 5804
www.diveskiworld.co.nz

We hope Santa filled your Catch Bags with lots of new Dive Gear and Accessories.  Our Christchurch Dive Shop has certainly been buzzing with excitement, not just for the holidays, but of course for the warmer weather and great diving conditions.  Here’s a quick list of things to help you enjoy a great summer of diving.

1. Make sure your Regs, BCDs and Tanks have all been serviced.  Andy, our service technician is here to help with your servicing needs these holidays.

Not long until we change to the Baby Blue Tags…Is your tank due for a HYRDO or a VISUAL?

2. Use a Dive Flag!  It is for your own safety and the responsibility of both the skipper and the divers.  New Zealand Maritime website has more information.

3. Explore more of Canterbury’s Dive Sites.  Here at Dive HQ Christchurch, we love hearing from all our customers about their favourite sites, and it always encourages us to explore more places.   We have mapped a few of our sites for you on our Dive HQ Christchurch website.

Wainui Shore

4. Get the kids set up with some snorkel gear!  We have a flippers for very small feet available here at the Dive Shop.

5. Lastly we haven’t forgotten the little ones…and suggest you make them a SCUBA outfit and Play Dive!

Happy Holidays to you all!

Our Holiday Hours – Come and see us and Cash in those Gift Certificates!

25th Dec Christmas Day : Closed
26th Dec Boxing Day: Closed
27th Dec Boxing Day: Closed
28th Dec Monday  OPEN! 9am – 5pm
29th Dec Tuesday OPEN!  9am – 5pm
30th Dec Wednesday OPEN 9am- 5pm
31st Dec Thursday OPEN 9am – 5pm
1st Dec New Years Day:  Closed
2nd Dec Sat:  Closed
3rd Dec Sun: Closed
4th Dec Monday – Open 9pm- 5pm

Dive HQ Christchurch
101 Durham St
Sydenham
Christchurch
0800 DIVEHQ
www.diveskiworld.co.nz

The big topic on most New Zealanders lips at the moment is how well the All Blacks have done over the past 8 weeks and the way they have played like a champion team over the last 4 years. It has been such a great result bringing home the Rugby World Cup.

Dive HQ Christchurch has decided to introduce some November BLACKOUT specials. This is to show our appreciation and support to the AB’s.

Package 1: Back 2 Black

Either 1 x Impression, Linea or Micro Mask Black/Black & Impulse 3 Black/Silver.

Normally $258
November Blackout $125

Package 2: Black on Black

1 x X-shot Black Fin, 1 x Look 2 Black/Silver, 1 x Buran Black/Black Snorkel.

Normally $450.50

November Blackout $249

Package 3: The Black Out

1 x Black Ice BCD, 1 x XTX200/40 Reg Set, D4i Novo Black, Wireless Transmitter

Normally $4623

November Blackout $2999

Only available in November or until packages are sold out.

Come on in to see us at 103 Durham St South, Sydenham, Christchurch.
Dive HQ Christchurch is open 8.30am – 5pm Mon – Sat

The Suunto Cobra3 – “Maximise Bottom Time and Safety”

Another step along the path to designing the perfect dive computer has been taken, with the Suunto Cobra3.  This week Colin from Dive HQ Christchurch details some of the beneficial features of the popular Suunto Cobra3 Dive Computer.

The Display

• Large Screen
• High Definition electro-luminescent display with dot matrix.
• Display is adjustable to be on from 5 – 30 seconds
• Display lights up automatically when an alarm activates
• Simplified four-button operation which can be used even wearing gloves.

Air Integration Design

• Your tank pressure is monitored and displayed
• Rate of air consumption displayed
• Remaining air time continuously calculated
• Visual and audible alarms for depth and pressure
• Warns you when you are running low on air

Nitrox and Gauge Modes

• Programmable for mixtures between 21% and 50% oxygen
• Also adjustable for oxygen partial pressure between 1.2 and 1.6 bar.
• Can be used as a depth gauge and timer with profile memory.
• Can accelerate decompression by switching to a gas mix with a higher oxygen percentage.

Maximising Bottom Time and Data and Graphs

• The air integration design allows for calculations to be made for maximum bottom time.
• The Deep Stop option adds protection with a series of deep stops between your maximum depth and ceiling.
• You can test upcoming dives, to see the no-decompression and decompression time data for different depths before getting in the water.
• Graphical logs and dive data is logged onto your computer using Suunto DM4 software
• Movescount tracks your activity.

3-D Compass

• The Cobra3’s unique electronic 3D compass can be tilted up to 45 degrees.
• Guided calibration and declination setting so you can dive worldwide without needing multiple compasses.

Compatibility with other Suunto Products

• With the Suunto quick release, you connect to the cylinder pressure gauge with one quick move.
• With the Suunto RGBM algorithm, continuous decompression for optimal ascent time

So if you are still diving using gauges and tables, with short bottom times and long surface intervals, why not consider upgrading to a computer and dive safer for longer!

Come into Dive HQ Christchurch dive shop and Colin or one of the team will help you find the perfect computer for your dives.

Located on 101 Durham St, South Christchurch.
Ph 03 379 5804