I have had my B2 regs for a couple of years now and love the ease of breathing and the swivel is absolutely amazing The Atomic B2 system has the same second stage design and materials as the T3 and a Chrome-plated Brass balanced piston first stage, this reg performs the same as the top …
Nov 16
Atomic Aquatics SV2 Snorkel
The Atomic SV2 is a contoured shape snorkel with a flexible lower tube to alleviate pressure in the jaw and allowing you to retrieve the snorkel at any point of the dive with ease, and moves freely away from your face when it is not being used, for instance when your regulator is in position. It …
Nov 01
Hollis 500se/DC7 regulators
For my preferred side-mount set up, I went for two Hollis 500se/DC7 regulators. Breathing from these regs is amazing. A small inhalation opens the control valve lever creating a vacuum that opens the main valve diaphragm immediately allowing air to flow through the reg to the mouthpiece. Super smooth breathing! I find the side venting …
Oct 19
SSI Freediving – Level 1
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
Sea Horse – Hippocampus abdominalis
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
Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV)
“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
Red Moki – Chirodactylus spectabilis
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
OceanReef Integrated Dive Mask (IDM)
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
Eagle and Sting Rays
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 …
Sep 07
Bare AquaTrek AT1 Drysuit
I have had my Bare AT1 Drysuit for two years now and I love it. I didn’t want to go back to a wetsuit. It is so light-weight and I have so much flexibility while wearing the suit. The breathable material has come in handy a couple of times as I’ve done some huge surface …