Split Fins or Blade Fins

 The design itself is meant to channel the right amount of water with each kick behind you to propel you forward and allowing extra water to slip through the split to ease the strain and work load on the ankles, shins and all other muscles involved in the desired kicking style. The atomic split fins are great for those people that can be exasperated and tired with a stiffer more cumbersome blade fin or for those with lower limb injuries.

Ever dropped a fin while gearing up? Don’t panic these are a fraction positively buoyant and so, no more feeling around on the bottom groping for your fins in the kelp!

 The Atomic split fins come in a range of colours, with the options of rubber or stainless-steel fins straps.

Features include:

• Less Drag, More Thrust, Less Strength is Used
• Latest Technology in Composite Plastic Polymer Materials
• Light Fin (Great Travel Fin)
• Increases Thrust and Reduces Fatigue
• EZ-LOK Squeeze-Style” Quick-Release Buckles
• EZ-LOK: Snap-On-and-Off with Ease, Will-Not Disengage- Accidentally
• Rubber Straps with Large Pull-Tab for Easy Donning and Doffing
• Flexibility and Rigidity for Efficient Propulsion
• Less Air Consumption
• Power Rails: Backbone of the Split Fin, Highly-Resilient, Storing and Releasing Energy with Every Kick
• Semi-Ridged Flex Battens: Control the Precise Wing Shape to Optimize Thrust and Reduce Drag
• Large Surface Area Blade Improves Pivoting, Turning and Alternate Kick Styles
• Thin, Yet Strong and Highly Flexible Hinge Points Cause Blade to React Quick-and-Efficiently
• Anatomically Contoured Foot Pocket Designed to Fit Foot without Stress Points
• Semi-Open Toe for Added Comfort
• Internal Sole Plate, Ridged Platform Beneath-the-Foot, Greater Power Transfer to the Blade
• Soft, Comfortable Open Heel Foot Pocket
• Sizes: Small, Medium, Large or X-Large

Spend $100 in store anytime during December to go into the draw for some awesome fins!

Meet Henry Thorp, who works for Dive HQ Christchurch as a Dive Instructor and Dive Shop Retail Superstar. Henry qualified as an Instructor with Dive HQ Christchurch, completing his Diploma in Scuba Diving in 2017.

 Henry can regularly be found teaching our Open Water, Advanced Open Water and Spearfishing  Students both locally and at Kaikoura.

When he’s not teaching, Henry will be found working in our dive shop and providing his technical  expertise and unending enthusiasm to help our customers make the best choice of gear to suit their  individual diving  needs.

Henrys favourite spearfishing site is off Banks Peninsula in the many bays both North and South of ‘The Heads’.

Henry dives from shore and from boat in order to access a wide range of dive sites.

The Bays around the Akaroa Heads provide a range of habitats with boulders and cracks on the bottom for Crayfish, weed beds for Butterfish and exposed pinnacles for Moki and Blue Cod.

The challenge of getting the visibility right makes these dive sites even more rewarding.  Henry loves the peacefulness of spearfishing.  Asked about his  favourite aspect of spearfishing, Henry explained that he likes the selectiveness spearfishing provides, which fish to spear and when and where to spear… It’s a good days diving for Henry when everything comes together and everyone goes  home with a feed.

Check out our spearfishing courses on line Here     http://www.divehqscuba.co.nz/spearfishing

Interested in making diving your job? 

Our August intake of the Diploma of Scuba Diving is filling up fast. This is a full time, one year course that provides everything you need to work in a dive related industry or to become a dive expert while you decide on your next move. You can find out more about this Here  https://www.diveskiworld.co.nz/tertiary-courses

Interested? Then call me on 0800 348347 or email me at richard@divehqscuba.co.nz or my mobile 0274 348347, and we can organise a meeting to chat it though.

Meet Akita Kees, who works for Dive HQ Christchurch as a Dive Instructor and Dive Shop Retail Superstar. 

Akita qualified as a Dive Instructor with Dive HQ Christchurch, completing her Diploma in Scuba Diving in 2016.  Akita enjoys taking new divers out for their Open Water and follows  them through their Advanced Open Water and on to their Dive Master courses.  Akita is especially talented at teaching younger divers.  Akita’s  cheerful smile and technical expertise are always available to our dive shop customers.

 Akita’s favourite dive site is Barney’s Rock in Kaikoura, which she first dived in 2015, at the start of her year-long Diploma course, here at Dive HQ  Christchurch.  A manageable 200m swim from the shoreline at the Hikurangi Reserve, Akita describes Barney’s Rock as having ‘a crazy amount of sea life!’

Huge Blue Cod, Moki, and Butterfish are to be found swimming amongst the playful dolphins and seals.  Climb onto Barneys Rock to view the seabirds,  or explore the massive crevasse for Crayfish.   Barneys Rock is Akita’s number 1 dive spot.

Interested in making diving your job? 

Our August intake of the Diploma of Scuba Diving is filling up fast. This is a full time, one year course that provides everything you need to work in a dive related industry or to become a dive expert while you decide on your next move. You can find out more about this here http://www.divehqscuba.co.nz/tertiary-courses

Interested? Then call me on 0800 348347 or email me at richard@divehqscuba.co.nz or my mobile 0274 348347, and we can organise a meeting to chat it though.

Done your Open Water and now ready for your Advanced Open Water?

We have courses running all year.

Kaikoura Advanced Open Water 16 August (local theory) and 19/20 August (Kaikoura)

Kaikoura Advanced Open Water 27 September (local theory) and 30/1 September/October (Kaikoura)

Interested? Then call us on 0800 348347 or call in to the shop.

Meet Louis Kimber, who works for Dive HQ Christchurch as a Senior Dive Instructor, and teaches our full time Diploma students.

Louis qualified as an Instructor with Dive HQ Christchurch, completing his Diploma in Scuba Diving in 2014.

Louis is an experienced Senior Instructor, and his recent group of full time Diploma students all passed, achieving a 90+% pass rate.

 Louis’ favourite dive site is a wreck dive, the Mikhail Lermontov in Port Gore.

  The Mikhail Lermontov is a 180m long Russian cruise liner, which sunk 30 years ago when the

  Marlborough harbourmaster, Captain Don Jamison who was piloting the vessel, misjudged Cape

 Jackson and hit  rocks.

A wreck dive, with boat only access, this beautiful dive is

14m to 35m in depth,  with visibility of 4m to 15m.

The Lemontov has created its own mini ecosystem,

with an amazing and diverse variety of fish to see.

Blue Cod, Octopus, Leather Jackets, Kahawai, and a resident Eel,

make this an amazing dive experience.

  Louis says that he most enjoys swimming through the Winter Gardens and on

  to the swimming pool.

  It is a favourite dive for many of our full time Diploma Students too, who

take a trip to this dive site as part of their Dive Master training.

Interested in making diving your job? 

Our August intake of the Diploma of Scuba Diving is filling up fast. This is a full time, one year course that provides everything you need to work in a dive related industry or to become a dive expert while you decide on your next move. You can find out more about this here http://www.divehqscuba.co.nz/tertiary-courses

Interested? Then call me on 0800 348347 or email me at richard@divehqscuba.co.nz or my mobile 0274 348347, and we can organise a meeting to chat it though.

This Newsletter is the first in a series to tell you about the fabulous team working here at Dive HQ Christchurch, and their favourite dive sites.

Meet Kane Clare, who works for Dive HQ Christchurch as a Dive Instructor and Dive Shop Retail Superstar. Kane qualified as an Instructor with Dive HQ Christchurch, completing his Diploma in Scuba Diving in 2016.  Kane can regularly be found teaching our Open Water and Advanced Open Water Students both locally and at Kaikoura.  When he’s not teaching, Kane will be found working in our dive shop and providing his technical expertise to help our customers make the best choice of gear to suit their individual diving needs.

Kane’s favourite dive site is one he experienced for the first time during his Diploma course with Dive HQ Christchurch, when the students took off to Fiji, as part of their year-long course.

Mellow Yellow, Vatu-i-ra, Fiji, is a boat dive of 15-28m depth.  Departing from the resort at Safari Lodge in August sunshine and into warm waters, Kane describes the dive as his favourite yet.

With reefs of yellow soft coral stacks in open water, and schools of barracuda, black tip reef sharks, parrot fish, lion fish, angels, butterfly and trumpet fish all seen on the 40 minute dive, it’s not surprising that this is Kane’s number 1 dive site.

Kane describes traversing the pinnacle wall and checking the crevasses for nudibranchs and macro life surrounded by soft yellow coral, as an amazing dive experience.

Interested in making diving your job? 

Our August intake of the Diploma of Scuba Diving is filling up fast. This is a full time, one year course that provides everything you need to work in a dive related industry or to become a dive expert while you decide on your next move. You can find out more about this here

Interested? Then call me on 0800 348347 or email me at richard@divehqscuba.co.nz or my mobile 0274 348347, and we can organise a meeting to chat it through.

“Been there, done that” and you know what? It doesn’t matter. I could have dived the same site a hundred times, and yet I still feel that same bubbling excitement as I gear up for the dive. The drive or boat ride hums with anticipation as everyone discusses what we might see this time. I will grab a tank and set up my equipment – a comfortable and familiar procedure. The sound of waves on the shore, the salty sea wind on my face; the feeling of going home. People are spitting in masks, swilling them out. It isn’t elegant, and we don’t care! Others attach strobes to cameras, and buddy teams help each other gear up. Buddy checks complete? Let’s go.

It begins. Wading out through the waves, letting the cool water wash over you, or back-rolling into the blue. Looking down at that whole other world that lies beneath us – just waiting to be explored!

70% of the planet we live on is covered with water, making it hardly surprising that some of the most spectacular spots on earth lie under the ocean’s surface. Non-divers only get the chance to experience 30% of what is on offer – imagine what you are missing out on!

Regulator in – my lifeline that will supply my air during the dive – I start my descent. Deflating my BCD, I’m in free fall, I can twist and turn in any way I please. I am weightless, I defy gravity, I am flying! Lying face down, arms and legs splayed slowing my descent. I am sky-diving in slow-mo, watching as the sea bed rises to meet me. I will twist over to lie looking up at the surface, as it slips slowly away from me, or maybe let my whole world flip upside down as I plunge – Superman style – onwards; one of my favourite moments of a dive is the descent. It is that sudden sense of weightlessness, when the laws of physics exerted on us on land no longer apply. Ever wanted to experience zero gravity and what it feels like to fly unaided? Then diving will give you a pretty good idea.

Seconds before making contact with the bottom, I take a slow, deep breath, stabilising myself, stopping me inches short of the sea bed. I hang momentarily, then begin my dive. Learning to control your buoyancy is the key to ‘underwater flying’, and you will find that once you have it mastered, you can perform impressive underwater gymnastics with next to no effort. You think it, you do it – your body unquestioningly following your brain and imagination’s orders. Honestly, there is no other feeling quite like it! (You can perfect your buoyancy with a Peak Performance Buoyancy Course!)

Now that you are here, it is time to look around. The whole universe has gone quiet – something else that I love. All you hear is the sound of your own breathing. In, out, in, out… Slow and steady, you are in total control. Every now and then you may hear the unmistakable sound of a parrotfish chomping on nearby coral, or maybe the annoying whine of a boat engine, but you relax, knowing it will soon pass and fade.

How many of you like to spend ages in the shower because it is your ‘thinking place’? Somewhere you can be alone with your thoughts and finally make those decisions that have been hanging over you for a while? Being underwater is kind of like that, but a hundred times better. Your troubles, worries, and problems all fade for that time you spend out in the blue.

No matter where you are diving, there are always a million sights to distract you.

“Whoa! Look at that giant crayfish, right there” *frantic hand signals*

“Seal! Seal behind you!” (What is the signal for seal, anyway?)

Sharks, turtles, pretty colourful fishes… The kelp and coral itself a delight for the eyes. The light playing through the water, floating rainbows, sparkling off the sand… Everything about our underwater world is mesmerizing.

I have been diving for almost fourteen years and yet even now, nothing can match the feeling I get before and during a dive. I still catch myself in complete wonder, halfway through a dive, as I realise I am breathing underwater (a look at my dive computer confirms that yes, I have been breathing underwater for a full 45 minutes now). So I will grin and perform a series of flips, just because I can.

Diving is so much more than a sport; it is a passion, it is true love, it is a life-style! Once you learn to dive, enter into that whole new world, and join the community made up by scuba divers, you will never want to turn back.

If you would like to learn to dive, or continue your diving education, get in touch so we can help you pursue your passion!

Dive HQ Christchurch 2013 Ltd

103 Durham Street South

Sydenham,

Christchurch,

New Zealand

Phone: 03 379-5804

Email: sales@diveskiworld.co.nz

www.diveskiworld.co.nz

The age limit for the PADI Open Water Course is set at 10 years old – opening the doors to the underwater world to the younger generation. The skills taught are transferable to everyday life, helping young people to grow. It also inspires a passion in many, opening up new career opportunities that may otherwise never have been considered. That was the case with 17 year-old Riley, who began his diving career with Dive HQ as a foundation student at the end of last year. We asked him a few questions to get an insight into how diving has become part of his life, and how it is shaping his future.     

Diving is classified as an extreme sport – it is exhilarating, offers an awesome adrenaline rush, and also comes with its risks. However it has a characteristic that sets it aside from other sports of the extreme variety; it is accessible even to those who are quite young. PADI accommodates divers ages 10 and up onto their Junior Open Water Course, with 8 year olds being given the opportunity to enroll in a Bubblemakers confined water session. At a younger age, we have fewer inhibitions, adapt easier, and have better memory retention.

Here is what Riley had to say about the impact diving has had on his life:

Dive HQ: What made you first interested in diving?

Riley: I always was interested in diving. During the holidays I did my Open Water Course and was instantly hooked! Being a confident swimmer, it was no problem and all go.

 DHQ: When did you go for your first dive?

R: I did my first dive at Lake Coleridge in December 2015, as part of my Open Water Course.

DHQ: What was your first diving experience like?

R: My first diving experience was in a pool. I was a little nervous to begin with, but when I finally relaxed and took that first breath, I was instantly hooked. It was so much fun.

DHQ: What diving qualifications have you completed so far?

So far, I have completed my Open Water and Advanced Open Water Courses.

(The part time foundation course will take Riley through to becoming a Rescue Diver)

DHQ: What do you like about diving?

I like everything. I like being weightless and floating upside down – it is the closest thing to being in space. I like seeing the fishes swimming around… it feels like a whole other world!

DHQ: Who has encouraged you with your diving?

Since my first dive, I’ve been encouraged by my parents, friends, and by myself.

DHQ: What experiences have shaped your learning? 

Learning buoyancy skills was so much fun, I ended up floating upside down for most of the advance course! Studying – I’ve never been too confident in book work, but I still get it done.

DHQ: What would you like to do in the future within the diving industry?

I would like to do anything and everything, but after becoming an instructor, I would love to join the Police Dive Squad.  

Thanks, Riley!  

If you too are interested in becoming a diver, or wish to embark on a new adventure and turn a passion into a career, get in touch with us about our courses and our Diploma of Scuba Instruction or Foundation program.

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

What are the first steps towards becoming an underwater photographer?

A passion for taking photos combined with a desire to capture images of the unique underwater world and share them with many who may not have the chance to see it with their own eyes, is the motivation behind many underwater photographers.  While the first and most important step in your career is learning to dive safely.

Dive HQ Christchurch’s Diploma Student, Patrick Rose, is studying the year long Diploma of Scuba Instruction Course, and taking his camera with him.  Already we are seeing fantastic images being captured by the enthusiastic photographer.  It’s an exciting journey, to be learning new skills that will help him immensely with his photography in the future.  Recently along with his class mates, Patrick completed the Advanced Open Water Course.  Thank you Patrick, for sharing your thoughts on the experience, as well as many great photos.

Beautiful Hermit Crab Shell Captured by Patrick Rose in Kaikoura

Advance Open Water Overview
By Patrick Rose

This year’s Advance Open Water Diving was well satisfying and a great opportunity to revive my skills and look over what I have done three years ago. When I last did the course in 2013 we managed to fill in a variety of training from Peak Performance to Night and Deep Diving in Kaikoura. However I was only 17 and was still getting my head into it, but now things have changed for the better.

Macro Photography by Patrick Rose in Kaikoura

I enjoyed visiting Righton Station for our Deep Dive, for it was a place I had never been to in Coleridge and I’ve noticed a huge difference in my buoyancy at those depths. After studying some underwater photography for 2 years and my previous Deep Dive, I was already aware of the loss of the colour red in deeper water as well as pressure crushing a plastic bottle.

Cray in Kaikoura by Patrick Rose

For our overnight trip to Kaikoura I enjoyed the opportunity to revise Peak Performance Buoyancy and searching for marine life. This of course gave me the opportunity to capture excellent images of the marine life in another perspective. Unfortunately we were unable to do a night dive because for the change of weather, but “HEY!” we don’t have power over the weather and I look forward to the next night dive in the near future.

Camouflage at it’s best, Image by Patrick Rose

Lastly to finish off the trip to Kaikoura I enjoyed the opportunity to practice navigation underwater. Though I was a little put off from the current pushing me and my calculations around, “there’s got to be some form of environmental challenge to overcome in order to progress!”

Overall I thought this year’s Advance Open Water Course was well worth it.

I love my leather jacket – Captured by Patrick Rose

Does a career in Underwater Photography interest you?  Join our next intake, in August 2016 for our Diploma of Scuba Instruction at Dive HQ Christchurch.

Dive HQ Christchurch
103 Durham St South,
Sydenham
Christchurch
03 3795 804
www.diveskiworld.co.nz

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

Still buzzing from a great few days diving in Kaikoura, Rhiannon, one of Dive HQ Christchurch’s Diploma of Scuba Instruction students, shares her experience with us today:

Completing my Advanced Diving Certification in Kaikoura was a new and thrilling experience for me.  Our trip to Kaikoura was actually my first ever time there, so it was an exciting trip for many reasons!  I am passionate about the ocean and its wonderful marine life, Kaikoura grew my love even more.

Calm waters at Kaikoura – Image Captured by Patrick Rose

For me and some of the other students it was our first time scuba diving in salt water, and mother nature definitely did not disappoint!  With great visibility and an abundance of fascinating creatures at our fingertips, it was no surprise we were in the water in the blink of an eye.

Lots of life under the water in Kaikoura – Image Captured by Patrick Rose

I thoroughly enjoyed completing the various adventure dives and learning some helpful skills to test back home!  For our team, the first trip to Kaikoura pushed us a little bit closer to our diplomas and grew our appreciation for the sea.  I am proud of myself and my classmates for achieving such a great step in our scuba diving journeys!  I look forward to our next adventure in Kaikoura.

Rhiannon completing her Advanced Certification in Kaikoura – Image Captured by Patrick Rose

Rhiannon – Studying Diploma of SCUBA Instruction with Dive HQ Christchurch 2016
If you are interested in finding about more about Dive HQ Christchurch’s year long Diploma Course, don’t hesitate to get in touch and see if this adventure is also for you!
Next intake is 1st August 2016.

Dive HQ Christchurch
103 Durham St
Sydenham
Christchurch
03 3795 804
www.diveskiworld.co.nz