Are you tired of long boat rides out to your favorite dive site, do you wish that there was a faster way of getting you into the water, well now there is, say goodbye to the boat and say hello to the helicopter. Helicopter diving cuts long boat trips into a fraction of what they used to be, meaning divers get out to the dive site not only quicker but more efficiently.

It all starts before takeoff, due to limited space divers must don their equipment before entering the helicopter and are stuck in that position until exiting, this means that all adjustments to gear must be made before setting foot into the helicopter. Divers then load in the helicopter and take off for their remote site. Once reaching the site divers must step down to the railing at the same time so that the helicopter does not shift, at this time the divers have their fins strapped to their Buoyancy Compensator. The divers are then held by someone inside the helicopter until it is time to release. Once the signal for release is given the divers must make sure that they leave at the exact moment, if they do not the loss of weight on one side of the helicopter can cause it to tip to one side and could send it into the water. The entry is done about 5-10 feet above the water, divers roll back hitting the water with their tank first. Once in the water divers put their fins on and proceed to do their dive.

Once the divers have finished their dive they are greeted on the surface by a pickup boat, sorry there is no basket to pick the diver up out of the water and place them back into the helicopter.

Helicopter diving does not require any special type of certification but operators will want divers that have been diving recently, also depending on site some operators may require higher levels of certification.

If you are an adventurous diver looking for a new type of dive check out helicopter diving.

Related interesting posts:

• Product Review: Oceanic Probe LX BCD
• Scuba Diving in the Florida Keys: Key Largo
• How to Plan a Scuba Diving Trip
• A Night Dive with Dip ‘N Dive
• Niagara River Drift Dive

One of the most important features that I was interested in a  BCD was that it had a Integrated Weight System.  I spread out all of my weights between the Dumpable Integrated Weight and the Non-Dumpable Rear Weight Pockets, so it feel like I’m wearing nothing when I put this BCD on.  I also looked for a BCD that had a Cummerbund.  I liked that extra “fit” on the BCD.  Another feature that I liked was the two main zippered pockets.  The Reflective Accents on the BCD are a nice added touch.

I’m quite happy with my decision to buy Oceanic Probe LX!

Related interesting posts:

• Helicopter Diving
• Dip ‘N Dive’s Online Store
• Oceanic: OC1 Dive Computer
• Product Review: Oceanic Vortex V-12 Fins
• How to Plan a Scuba Diving Trip

SCUBA diving is wonderful sport and is gaining popularity among sports enthusiasts because of the added perk of viewing scenic underwater life.  Careful planning will help ensure that your SCUBA diving trip is as fun as possible.

5 steps to help guide you while planning a Scuba Diving trip:

1. Learn to Scuba Dive. While SCUBA diving can be a recreational activity, it obviously has inherent risks. Take a diving certification class through the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) or Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). Once you pass their course, you can now safely and legally dive. Dip ‘N Dive offers courses for both NAUI and PADI.  Bear in mind that no diver can be certified if they did not complete the diving class and required dive under a certified instructor’s observation. Going in the open water to learn SCUBA diving on your own and without a professional’s supervision is not allowed and is very dangerous.

2. Pick the dive spot. Most beachside hotels offer SCUBA diving packages. Including it in your reservation can entitle you to discounted rates in certain hotels.

3. Prep your SCUBA diving gear. Some dive shops will want to buy their own SCUBA diving gear for future use while others prefer to just rent them out. Whatever you choose, do get a Buoyancy Compensator, Diving Mask, Fins and a Wetsuit if you plan to go SCUBA diving. Gear rentals may have to be made in advance to make sure that you’ll have the equipment ready when you get there.
4. Set the details of your itinerary. All successful dives follow set itineraries especially if there is more than one dive spot to visit. Include all the necessary details, including expected times of arrival and departures, food arrangements and transportation arrangements.
5. Keep a record of your underwater adventure. The easiest way would be through pictures so don’t forget to bring along a waterproof or Underwater Camera. There’s a big difference between telling your friends and relatives about the dive and actually showing them photos of it, preferably with you beside a colorful fish or coral.

Related interesting posts:

• How to Choose a SCUBA Diving Mask
• BC Design, which one is for you?
• BC Design, Which one is for you? Part 2
• Dip ‘N Dive’s Online Store
• BC System, Which One is For You? Part Three.