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!

Oceanic Alpha Reg & Octi, Zeagle Plus BCD and Compact Gauges

Jacket style BCD and Regulator combo

 Oceanic’s Alpha 8 Second Stage and SP5 First Stage produce a low-priced, no frills regulator system that offers easy breathing. This regulator is so rugged and economical to maintain (replacement parts are inexpensive). It can be used with air or Nitrox mixtures up to 40 % right out-of-the-box. The Alpha 8’s super sturdy ABS/polycarbonate housing weighs just 170 g and measures 7.4 cm in diameter. The lightweight material and anatomically designed mouthpiece translates into a second stage that won’t cause jaw fatigue. The Alpha 8 second stage is a dependable downstream demand valve design.
The SP-5 first stage regulator offers all divers the opportunity to own a top performing regulator. Repeatedly rated as the best in its class, the SP-5 exceeds both Navy Class A and European CE standards. The SP-5 is a non-balanced flow-by piston designed regulator..

The Zeagle Base BCD is a highly durable jacket style BC. The Base is a unisex front adjustable jacket style BC made from reinforced and fade resistant Cordura 1000 denier nylon material on bladder, shoulder straps, harness and pocket material. The bladder is internally urethane laminated with welded seams for airtight integrity. The BCD’s harness is made up of a dual position adjustable sternum strap, webbed cummerbund with dual adjustment, torso adjustable shoulder straps, adjustable, sternum and waist straps. All straps are equipped with squeeze-style” side-release buckles for quick and easy donning and doffing.
The Base BCD is equipped with two stainless steel and two plastic D-rings along with one retractor D-ring, accessory webbing hook and two hook and loop closure utility pockets for attachment and storage of accessory items. Buoyancy control is made easy with the right shoulder and rear right overpressure relief/pull dump valves and Zeagle’s Power Inflator System with 3/8″ threaded quick-disconnect low pressure hose. The inflator is also connected to a pull dump valve for rapid deflation.
The Base BCD provides 10.9 kg of lift capacity. This Jacket style BCD has an extra soft back pad for increased comfort, a dry weight of 3 kg, and is made in the USA.

Spend $100 in store anytime in November 2018 and go in to win this package

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!

I have been a PADI instructor for 19 years and one of the most common questions asked when people are completing their PADI open water course or looking at purchasing dive equipment in the shop is, “What dive gear do you use?”

Dive Mask:
Hollis M3 mask is a black silicon dive mask that fits extremely well. Designed for technical diving means that reliability and a great seal on your face is a must. The most important thing with scuba diving masks is the way it fits you. Remember that if your mask continuously leaks and hurts your face, you will not enjoy the scuba or free dive. Also the fact that it has a gopro mount that can attach your camera too gives this mask another tick.Learn more…

Snorkel:
Aqualung Impulse 3 snorkel, I first started using the Impulse 2 snorkel 19 years ago once I first started working as a diving instructor in 1998. The only real change between the two snorkels is that the new impulse 3 is more streamlined and modernised.   What Aqualung have done is designed a snorkel that doesn’t let any water into the bore of the snorkel when on the surface. This stops any surface splash and chop. Learn more…

Fins:
Scubapro Nova Wing Fins hit the dive scene in 2014 and made massive splashes, winning scuba lab fins of the year. Just by looking at these dive fins you can see the shape if different from traditional fins. In the water it feels like you are hardly wearing fins. Nearly all of the dive instructors in the shop now wear these fins. That tells you a lot. Learn more…

Wetsuit:
Aqualung Solafx Wetsuit is a warm suit that meets all my diving needs. I used to be a real hunter gatherer and was always quite rough on the wetsuits. I used to have a Southern Ocean front entry suit and always loved it. For many years I have looked for something similar but never could find it. I had a Beuchat comfort 4 wetsuit for about 3 years before moving to the Solafx. I am still a fan of the Beuchat suits and still use a Beuchat Rocksea Comp open cell spearo suit for freediving and spearfishing. The great thing about the Solafx suit is its 8mm thickness through its core and 7mm around your arms and legs with a super flexible neoprene. Learn more…

Dive Regulator:
I use four different dive regulators, each have a different purpose for the type of diving that I am doing. For technical diving I use a Hollis 200LX, for a stage O2 regulator (over 40% oxygen) I use an oxygen clean Apeks XTX50, for my other stage (under 40% oxygen) I use a Hollis 500SE and lastly for recreational diving I use the Aqualung legend LX regulator and legend octi. Many years of manufacturing has gone into this dive regulator and as a high end product it does not disappoint from its performance underwater at all depths to the ergonomic design that makes the user experience better and easier to use underwater.  Learn more…

Dive Computer:
Shearwater Perdix AI Dive Computer is in a class of its own. Shearwater has been a well-known brand to technical divers for years now and they just get better and better. Colour screen that is perfect for low visibility, links to multiple air transmitter, can be used for recreational, technical and even a backup for your rebreather computer. I can keep going on about this dive computer but take a look at its specs and it says it all. Learn more…

BCD:
Hollis HTS2 harness with integrated weight pockets work so well for me. It offers the flexibility to be used with single, twin, side mount and my Hollis Explorer rebreather. The Hollis technical range is a modulated system that lets you set your harness and wing up to meet your requirements. The other good thing is that the design gives you lots of room around your front and is uncluttered. You really do need to come into Dive HQ Christchurch to see exactly what I mean. Learn more…

Feel free to ask me any questions relating to the dive gear that I use.
Cheers
Richard

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.

We all heard about the Kaikoura seabed floor lifting 1 metre upwards in the Nov ’16 quake, and following the subsequent media reports of stranded Paua and Crayfish, we wondered what the future would hold for diving in Kaikoura. 5 months on, and things are looking much brighter.

Dive HQ Christchurch have surveyed various new dive sites, and found that the intertidal reefs around Kaikoura continue to offer an awesome experience for scuba divers. Whilst the whales, sharks and squid prefer the depths of the canyon, the intertidal reefs are still alive with reef fish, starfish, anemones, sponges, molluscs and crustaceans.
One of our new learn to dive training sites, off the south side of the Peninsula walkway has a flat table top limestone platform, surrounded by beautiful soft sand and rocky reefs. With good visibility and a maximum 7m dive depth at high tide, our team have reported some exciting dives with 3 resident stingray around 2m in length keeping them company.

Photo by Patrick Rose

During a dive on this particular site there is no shortage of sea life with Banded Wrasse, Triple Fin’s, Blue Cod and an abundance of a fluorescent pink anemone. One minute from the platform in any direction a smorgasboard of crayfish and sea life are clearly visible.
SCUBA Diving off Baxter’s Reef shows the different rock formations visible post-quake, with previous reefs sunken and new rocks and reefs apparent. Visibility has been slightly reduced probably due to silt from the dredging of the harbour area, but our team report that the crayfish are not put off by the silt and are still plentiful. Baxter’s reef has a maximum dive depth of around 12metres and the reef fish and kelp gardens are an excellent example of the colourful ecosystem of the area.

After many years of Scuba diving I have managed to search the ocean flora and fauna to hunt for nudibranchs. Some of you will be asking yourself what a nudibranch is, let alone how to find one?

So what are they? Well they are a group of soft jelly-bodied gastropod molluscs. There are over 3000 different species that are known and many that are not yet discovered. They are part of the sea slugs family and have such amazing vivid colours and fascinating shapes. The size will vary dramatically from different species but generally you will find from between 6mm to 300mm in length. Since they are carnivores they graze on algae, sponges, anemones, corals, barnacles and even known to eat other nudibranchs.

While I was diving in the Solomon Islands last year I was fortunate enough to see dozens of the little guys. The great thing about them is that they are so photogenic and because of their slow moving nature you can take your time and create awesome pictures.

If you haven’t been lucky enough to dive overseas then you will find Nudibranchs around the New Zealand coast line and around Canterbury. So on your next Scuba dive don’t just look for the big things and be that focussed on catching crayfish that you miss seeing some of the most beautiful creatures in the sea.
Remember to take your time and start looking at the little underwater things.

Cheers
Richard