May 01
There are approximately 86 species of goatfish belonging to the Mullidae family and they are distributed throughout six different genera. In NZ only 3 species are found, the blackspot goat fish, the bar-tailed goatfish and then the NZ Goatfish otherwise known as Upeneichthys lineatus or Red Mullet which is the species we will focus on. …
Mar 09
Recently I had the opportunity to complete the Hollis Prism 2 Rebreather course. My previous experience on the Poseidon Mk6 meant that I was able to focus more on the Prism2 than the actual difference between open and closed circuit diving. Immediately I noticed the shape and position on the front-mounted counter lungs I was …
Dec 23
This is a stylish black and red BCD that comes in 3 different sizes, (SM-MD, L-XL, XXL) The SMS75 is the ‘swiss army knife’ of BCD’s – extremely versatile – tough as hell – and customizable. As a rear inflation BCD this allows for a lot more movable room in the front, allowing you to feel …
Oct 19
Like most people in New Zealand, I grew up in and around the water. I started freediving at a young age however, I had no training. I qualified on an SSI Level One course to enhance my ability and learn the proper techniques and safety in the water. The course taught me the safety of freediving and how to respond to and help your buddy in …
Oct 07
Diving at night is one of the most eye-opening experiences a diver can have. Seeing the change in environment is a breath-taking experience with a completely different marine life. Behavioral along with color change, and importantly, the usually impossibly shy creatures come out to play. The Potbellied Sea Horse is one of those mysterious ninjas, after more than 40 …
Sep 27
“It’s all about the ride” as they say, and a Diver Propulsion Vehicle (or Scooter) is the underwater equivalent of flight. James Bond, Mike Nelson (of the Legendary ‘Sea Hunt’ fame) … and me. We all love these things. Neutrally buoyant in-water, and powerful enough to haul my middle-aged spread and all the paraphernalia I …
Sep 22
One of the more common fish we see on our local dives is Red Moki. If you are diving in north New Zealand, most divers would be unlucky to not find one, however many don’t know they are one of the more interesting fish we have. These fish aren’t usually afraid of divers and will …
Sep 14
Once the reserve of only Professional or Military divers, OceanReef has now delivered to the Recreational community a line of full face masks or ‘Integrated Dive Masks’ with all the options and performance expected with an off the shelf product. It has been many a year since I’d strapped my head into a bucket in …
Sep 09
Sting Rays & Eagle Rays are some of the more common creatures we see on our local dives. There is also a common cause of confusion when determining the differences between the two. It is not uncommon for divers and swimmers alike to have an undeserved fear of these amazing rays. Both Stingrays and Eagle Rays behave similarly, they both …
Aug 14
If you want a pair of fins that do everything, look no further than the Atomic Blade fins. These fins come in a plethora of colors for those who like to ‘match it up’. They also have standard Atomic Fin straps, although these can be upgraded to Atomic’s quick release stainless steel spring strap. The fins themselves …