Post by: Campfire on March 29, 2012, 08:44:27 AM
Any swaggers in the group hard core bubbleheads ( SCUBA Divers) I sometimes take my camper trailer to locations not necessary for the surface views ( mountains, beaches etc), but more so for the undersea locations.
I like to frequent South West Rocks and dive fish rock cave ( cave diving the island) and other locations.
I have been planning for a while now to do a weekend down south coast near Jervis Bay and hook up with a local dive charter to scuba dive with seals ( when in season).
I've done a bit of wreck diving both here in Aussie and overseas, and this resulted in me taking up amatuer underwater photography. I say only half of my photos on any trip are what I consider OK the rest are deleted, I'm no expert at it and still see myself as a learner even after doing for the last 2.5 years.
I've dived with sharks a few times and do enjoy close up encounters with grey nurse sharks in the
protected marine areas.
Where ever possible ( coastal camping locations) , I try to take my scuba diving equipment with me.
While it is great to see rainforests , mountains, beaches etc, taking my dive gears also allows me to see the beauty and diversity of the underwater environment also.
For those interested , a simple open water cause through PADI, NAUI, SSI can cost around $300 - $400. This will allow you to go as deep as 18 meters. Advanced courses after that can take you to 30 or 40 meters deep. For the adventurous, there are tech Rec courses out there which can take you beyond 40 metres.
I have my own gear , but many people I know simply hire it through a local dive store.
Cheers
Campfire
Post by: Eagle Outback on March 29, 2012, 08:49:24 AM
Post by: Manjimike on March 29, 2012, 08:55:15 AM
Post by: Renno on March 29, 2012, 09:23:24 AM
We used to come up and camp at Clarkes Beach (http://www.clarkesbeach.com.au/our_parks/clarkes_beach_holiday_park/) and dive with Sundive (http://www.sundive.com.au/). I still go with Sundive who are a great bunch and occasionally Blue Bay Divers (http://[url=http://www.bluebaydivers.com.au/) who are a new operator and get out to some of the deeper spots like Windarra Banks.
Let me know if you get this far north, A good trip would be SWR, Wooli then here....
Here's one from last week. The water has cleared up a lot this week so hopefully I can get a cracker on Saturday.
Renno :cheers:
Post by: GGV8Cruza on March 29, 2012, 09:28:01 AM
I have had some great dives and many when training others to learn the skill, when in Fiji I did a shark dive with two tiger sharks which was a real buzz and I will post up some pics when I get the chance. Should start packing the gear when we go away but a lot of the time the camper is pretty full.
GG
Post by: Campfire on March 29, 2012, 09:48:00 AM
Very impressive underwater photos, it's obvious you have had a bit of practice at this, alot better than the crap I'm turning out, sometimes I get lucky but on average on 40% - 50% of my photos turn out.
Seem to loose alot of red even though I'm using a red filter lense, I've learnt to angle the flash away from divers I'm taking pics of so it doesn't shine back to much.
The shots you have are so clear and defined, not faded or dark. I presume the shots of the leopard shark and manta ray was in very clear water with good vis.
What depth were you at, I'm presuming around 10-15 meters looking at the light and colour. Correct me if I am wrong.
Do you do much wreck diving?
Excellent shots , thanks for posting them
Cheers
Campfire :cup:
Post by: Campfire on March 29, 2012, 09:59:49 AM
On a similar topic, how imPressive is James Camerons deep sea visit to the Marinana Trench in his submersible . I can't wait to see the underwater cinematography from that trip.
Lately I've also been that docuementary on the Great Barrier Reef which is currently showing on TV.
Cheers
Campfire
Post by: Renno on March 29, 2012, 10:13:00 AM
I used to do a bit of wreck diving in Sydney. Still a member of St George Scuba Club (http://www.stgeorgescubaclub.org.au/news.php). They do a deep wreck dive once a month, I pulled my twin set apart since being up here and use it as a spare set for visitors. Occasionally get up to dive the Brisbane.
This one was from SWR 2 weeks ago, the vis was poor, about 2m and it was rough. I only took 2 pics and spent a bit of time looking for teeth on the bottom for my young bloke. I canned the second day it was that bad.
Renno :cheers:
Took my young bloke out for his fist open water dive (shallow) last month and he saw a turtle. Pretty Excited...
Post by: Campfire on March 29, 2012, 10:40:32 AM
Always enjoy going back there. Nasty thing though the holiday park where I stay( Eco Park Resort) has a cafe which does ( wait for it) a " Deep Fried Mars Bar with Icecream" I was game to try it but the wife gave me the typical " forbidden fruit speech " and once she got off the female soapbox about how unhealthy it was she ended up helping me finish it off with a bit of persuasion .
They also do it with snickers bars also.
Cheers
Campfire
Post by: LC on March 29, 2012, 10:51:47 AM
Living at Nelson Bay has meant we have some very good shore dives in the past, but unfortunately the council has done something (or stopped doing something) that has caused the currents to change and one part of the marine park is now getting covered in sand and the dive site is just about wrecked. Fortunately the dives off the coast are still worth the effort. A couple of pics that I have taken over the years with my Sea & Sea camera (eventually I will do something about getting a digital camera that I can take diving).
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss231/lcandlp/Wal-PNG-6.jpg)
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss231/lcandlp/Wal-PNG-10-2.jpg)
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss231/lcandlp/Mulloway001.jpg)
Post by: KieranR on March 29, 2012, 10:36:45 PM
I also enjoy my spear fishing (free diving), which is a bit exciting when trying to fend of sharks that are after your recently speared bluebone and coral trout..
Cheers
Kieran
Post by: Teabag on March 29, 2012, 11:07:54 PM
Post by: Crazy Dog on March 29, 2012, 11:15:16 PM
Hope you get to do it one day.
Grrr!!! :D
Post by: fridayman on March 30, 2012, 05:50:20 AM
Would love to take my dive gear with on our big trip next year, but will have to see about space..
Post by: Bird on March 30, 2012, 10:07:37 AM
Did most of NSW coast, and then to Solomons, Honiara for a wreck dive, Upei Island, some awesome drift diving and sharks etc
Most were done with Dave http://www.davidireland.com/index1.htm (http://www.davidireland.com/index1.htm)
Post by: GGV8Cruza on March 30, 2012, 10:53:07 AM
Was when I fitted into a wetty..
Lost, you have nothing on a bloke I was instructing on an open water course a few years ago. From memory he had 28kg in his weight belt, while doing a remove and replace on it he dropped it to the bottom, what a bugger of a thing to bring back up and put back on
GG
Post by: Campfire on March 30, 2012, 11:23:43 AM
I think it's called HMS Hermes (correct me if I'm wrong).
Cheers
Campfire
Post by: BrindiCruiser on March 30, 2012, 12:20:56 PM
I did a bit with my dad when I was 13, and then picked it up again when I was at Uni. Lady Musgrave, North West Island, varius random dives on the reef and in Moreton Bay. My last dive was at South West Rocks about 5 years ago.
I was all keen to dive on the Yongala last year, but got Deep Vein Thrombosis just before the flight there, and did not like the idea of doing a relatively deep dive with a clot in my system.
Will try and do a dive or two at Xmas from Kingscliff, in Nth NSW.
Post by: gowalkabout on March 30, 2012, 12:50:17 PM
Post by: Campfire on March 30, 2012, 12:55:49 PM
No regrets though..... :cheers:
Post by: Bird on March 30, 2012, 12:59:54 PM
Lost, you have nothing on a bloke I was instructing on an open water course a few years ago. From memory he had 28kg in his weight belt, while doing a remove and replace on it he dropped it to the bottom, what a bugger of a thing to bring back up and put back onYea, I cant get my rooted leg into the wetsuit more than my blubber.
GG
Same thing, I was helping on a few course, and had a few huge chicks there...
28kg of weight? fawk...
Post by: BigJules on March 30, 2012, 06:29:01 PM
I've dived PNG, Fiji and Hawaii, and possibly elsewhere but have forgotten.
I was always a keen spearo as a kid, and though diving would be snorkeling without having to hold your breath. I always struggled with the price of the course, but when my local dive shop went bankrupt the owner started doing courses for cash at my uni, $110. He was a good instructed but a pretty ordinary human.
I then joined the Hawkesbury Scuba club, became president, got my Dive Master quals and lived for diving. All my friends were into it, and we'd HO several times a week. I even told my first wife she had to learn how to dive if she wanted me to marry her. She hated me going away every weekend and having so much fun. She got her ticket too.
I bought a 4.2m Zodiac and got great use out of it. After I bought a bloody great expensive house my diving took a back seat, then a child, divorce, work, marriage, another child have all taken their toll.
For about two years I've been having war trouble which has prevented me from going, despite some almost irresistible invitations.
I think my favourite spot is Nelson Bay, so it's sad to hear it is currently not so flash.
Went to 68m on a wall dive in PNG, simply amazing. It was so light and bright, and I'll admit diving in Sydney became less appealing after that. 25m and grey, yeah....
Post by: Campfire on March 30, 2012, 07:01:51 PM
I guess like some, once family, career, online/ part time post graduate studies, home renovations etc became more of a dominant focus, diving in some aspects took a little bit of back seat, I still dive but not as much as I use to. With what little free time I have now, it's usually around family focused activities.
I have taken a keen interest in apnea diving and spearfishing which is easy to do and simple ( no bells and whistles required). Once or twice a month I might take my kayak out a few hundred metres offshore , drop anchor and jump in with a speargun to chase some table fish, other times I might just drop in a line and relax.
Deepest I've ever been on a wreck dive is 52 metres ( overseas dive trip).
I would love to do Truk, haven't been there yet but hope to one day. Would also like to scuba dive Cocos Keeling islands / Christmas Island locations.
Cheers
Campfire
Post by: Renno on March 31, 2012, 11:54:09 AM
Took these this morning at Julian Rocks, Byron
Renno :cheers:
Post by: Renno on March 31, 2012, 11:57:48 AM
Renno
Post by: jtctlc on March 31, 2012, 07:44:48 PM
I don't have renno's great images but diving today in Jervis Bay was great with 15m+ of visibility and water temp was about 18 deg. Funny though must have been a day for grey nurse sharks as there was a small 3 - 4 ft one at the docks this morning. For those familiar with JB and the docks it was out the front of Double Decker Cave.
Regards
jtc
Post by: Campfire on March 31, 2012, 07:48:46 PM
Cheers
Campfire
Post by: BigJules on April 01, 2012, 09:29:37 AM
I had a couple of wetsuits ruined, they seemed to be melting. I couldn't work out what was causing this random degradation of the material until one day I noticed that the high mount stop light in my company Falcon seemed to be loose. Damn globe has been dangling on the top of my dive tub and melting my wetsuits whenever I aplied the brakes.
Post by: Campfire on April 01, 2012, 10:22:37 AM
, by the end of the dive holiday they looked like a set of old overalls from a workshop, ended up with a lot of grease on them from an old WW2 wreck/ tanker.
Wetsuit was more for protection from sharp metal and wreck damage than for thermal protection.
I now use that wetsuit for spearfishing around rocks etc, and save my new 3mm wettie for tropical diving and open water spearfishing.
Cheers
Campfire
Post by: BigJules on April 01, 2012, 10:43:07 AM
I have thought that a lycra shirt would be a good idea, to protect against stingers. I've got the body for it too ;)
Post by: Campfire on April 01, 2012, 10:56:49 AM
I have thought that a lycra shirt would be a good idea, to protect against stingers. I've got the body for it too ;)
I have a mate who is into Lycra, we often joke about his colour being hot pink, as he belongs to the leg & chest shaving, latte siping, tour de France wanna be, road bike racing crowd ( he takes it very serious).
He would make a very bright and streamlined diver though.
Campfire :cheers:
Post by: Teabag on April 01, 2012, 02:50:13 PM
Post by: speewa158 on April 01, 2012, 03:01:25 PM
Last dive l did was in the Shark Tank at the Melb aquariam . Great fun . Now it all seems to hard but lots of fun ;D :cheers:
Post by: Campfire on April 01, 2012, 03:33:44 PM
In hind sight I should have just done Open Water and Advanced, owned my own wetsuit, snorkel, mask, fins, weight belt which I can use for snorkeling anyway, and maybe just hired the tanks, regs & BCD.
I have all my own gear so I stayed with it to get my money's worth out of it, and even know it doesn't take long for gear to become obsolete.
Personally I can see value in the Advanced and Rescue Divers, but unless I was working in the industry, I wouldn't have done any more courses after that ( just my own personal opinion).
I enjoy the simplicity of free diving with or without a speargun. Sometimes I just enjoy putting on my free diving fins, mask, snorkel and head out with nothing more than an underwater camera.
I do like the idea of trying to develop oneself in apnea diving, diving deeper and longer within a safety margin. Always best to go with a safety number for shallow water blackout etc.
Cheers
Campfire
Post by: gowalkabout on April 01, 2012, 06:01:04 PM
I wear a 1mm Adrenalin suit. Takes the chill off and good protection......Plus no need for heaps of weight.....
ROFLMAO I wouldn't want to try that down here. I wear a 5/7mm cressie semi dry. ;D
Post by: Teabag on April 01, 2012, 06:47:17 PM
ROFLMAO I wouldn't want to try that down here. I wear a 5/7mm cressie semi dry. ;D
Don't do cold water diving.....iIf I have to wear anymore than a 3mm wetsuit, I don't get in the water.....spoilt I know......
Post by: deepop on April 05, 2012, 08:24:06 AM
Did a lot of dives over a number of years - Solomons, Vanuatu, even did one in the Corinth Gulf, Greece. Lots of Melbourne diving, some in SA and QLD.
Not so much over the last few years - kids, house, marriage...............you know how it goes.
Will be happy to get back into it when time permits.
Post by: DeBe on April 05, 2012, 01:55:39 PM
Post by: Renno on April 06, 2012, 04:22:17 PM
Was by myself which I think made spending an hour with these amazing creatures so much better.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_Ohmilmtjc&feature=youtu.be#)
Renno :cheers:
Post by: Campfire on April 06, 2012, 04:28:58 PM
Are you using a red filter lense with that.
Nice Manta Ray close ups.
Diving is great stuff hey :cup:
Cheers
Campfire
Post by: speewa158 on April 06, 2012, 08:59:35 PM
Diving is great stuff hey :cup:
Cheers
Campfire
[/quote]
Get High Go Down ;D
Post by: Campfire on April 06, 2012, 09:19:33 PM
While I have dived Solo on the odd occasion, it's not something I prefer to do as a regular practice and would say 95% of my dives have always been with a dive buddy.
The few Solo dives I have done were shore based shallow dives around 10-15 metres.
My last dive course was a Nitrox one, and found it was great for diving with, I noticed I wasn't as fatigued as you would normally get after finishing a dive.
Cheers
Campfire
Post by: kochy on April 06, 2012, 10:57:34 PM
Post by: Campfire on April 07, 2012, 10:53:56 AM
I was in Gladstone for work towards the end of last year, it was my first visit to the region. I couldn't get over how many people own boats in that area. I also find out they have more boats per head of population then anywhere else in Australia.
I remember a few places I went fishing after work had croc warning signs ( near power station), whats the diving like off shore ( not too many toothy enhanced friends I hope) .
While my trip there was brief and I may have not seen all areas of Gladstone, I didn't see too much in the way of advertising or shop fronts for diving.
What's the diving like up that way?
Campfire
Post by: Victim on April 09, 2012, 02:17:11 PM
So we just returned home from spending a week in Port Douglas, whilst there we went out to the reef on the Quicksilver tour.. We did a dive with the instructors and it was the most amazing, sensational, blow your mind experience ever!!
Definatley keen to do it again and hopefully solo one day!!!
Post by: Campfire on April 09, 2012, 02:48:33 PM
I am a keen and avid diver with a whole one (1) dive under my belt ;D
So we just returned home from spending a week in Port Douglas, whilst there we went out to the reef on the Quicksilver tour.. We did a dive with the instructors and it was the most amazing, sensational, blow your mind experience ever!!
Definatley keen to do it again and hopefully solo one day!!!
Victim,
That first step into the magical underwater world is a mind blowing experience and leaves you bitten by the diving bug. I enjoy dives which have good visibility, weather & sealife. Some of my best dives have been around 10-15 metres, not deeper ones.
Sometimes I come across the odd new diver with ego who buy all the high tech gear and has an obsession to dive as deep as possible like it's for bragging rites or something, they sit on the bottom for a few minutes playing with their computers, and dive gadgets and then find they have to return to the surface due to deco times and air supply. On more than one occasion I've seen one of these guys remind everyone in the dive group know how deep they went like it was some kind of competition.
As a beginner if you are out diving in a group you should only dive what your comfortable doing, don't go with subtle peer pressure if a few what to do something a little more challenging than what your use to. Good dives can be found in the shallows just as much as the deeper more challenging ones.
A safe dive is the best dive of all.
Cheers
Campfire
Post by: MrHorsepower on April 09, 2012, 03:01:04 PM
Post by: scubalou on April 16, 2012, 01:00:13 AM
Learnt to dive in UK - British Sub Aqua Club Advanced Instructor, PADI instructor too. Done over 1000 dives. Used to own a live aboard dive boat from Port Douglas. Dived all over the place - red sea, med, Florida, Thailand, Indonesia, Vanuatu ...
Try to get to the reef as often as I can. Even met my husband Grant (ulti) at Ryde Underwater club in Sydney.
Lou
Post by: Finners on April 16, 2012, 11:27:54 AM
Likewise, am also a PADI DM. Stopped logging dives decades ago (been scuba diving for 30+ years - learned at age 13). Will one day scan my slides (Nikonos V and 15mm wide angle + Aqua Sea twin stobes) and share digitally. Locations/dives too numerous, but highlights would be Osprey Reef (Coral Sea) 86.4m on air - young and stupid - nearly passed out from oxygen toxicity - felt like the Ed Harris scene from The Abyss as he plummets down that endless wall. President Coolidge on honeymoon. Countless NSW wrecks, though Yongala will always be best Aussie wreck, IMHO. Freediving with a humpback off Coffs Harbour - back in the days before distance restrictions. Oh - and Pimpernel Rock off Wooli/Brooms Head - surely the most perfect underwater formation in NSW.
Looking fwd to getting my two boys into it. Even specified a boat rack and outboard bracket on the CT so I can take a RIB to SW Rocks, Jervis Bay etc, and introduce the boys to Fish Rock cave, The Docks, Cathedral Cave, and in years to come... Stoney Creek (lushest temperate water growth in NSW).
I can feel a MySwag camp/dive/spearo trip coming on. Jervis Bay, Seal Rocks or SW Rocks would be good location starters for those in NSW.
Post by: Renno on April 16, 2012, 05:04:29 PM
How old are the boys, I've started Ryan in the pool and a couple of shallow shore dives. Next time you come past Byron give us a yell. Pretty good. Here is a couple from the weekend.
Looking fwd to getting my two boys into it. Even specified a boat rack and outboard bracket on the CT so I can take a RIB to SW Rocks, Jervis Bay etc, and introduce the boys to Fish Rock cave, The Docks, Cathedral Cave, and in years to come... Stoney Creek (lushest temperate water growth in NSW).
I can feel a MySwag camp/dive/spearo trip coming on. Jervis Bay, Seal Rocks or SW Rocks would be good location starters for those in NSW.
Renno :cheers:
Post by: Campfire on April 16, 2012, 06:38:34 PM
Gawd - there's endless campfire diving stories out among Swaggers. Gr8 pics 'n' stories. Glad to hear there's such depth of experience (and continued interest).
Likewise, am also a PADI DM. Stopped logging dives decades ago (been scuba diving for 30+ years - learned at age 13). Will one day scan my slides (Nikonos V and 15mm wide angle + Aqua Sea twin stobes) and share digitally. Locations/dives too numerous, but highlights would be Osprey Reef (Coral Sea) 86.4m on air - young and stupid - nearly passed out from oxygen toxicity - felt like the Ed Harris scene from The Abyss as he plummets down that endless wall. President Coolidge on honeymoon. Countless NSW wrecks, though Yongala will always be best Aussie wreck, IMHO. Freediving with a humpback off Coffs Harbour - back in the days before distance restrictions. Oh - and Pimpernel Rock off Wooli/Brooms Head - surely the most perfect underwater formation in NSW.
Looking fwd to getting my two boys into it. Even specified a boat rack and outboard bracket on the CT so I can take a RIB to SW Rocks, Jervis Bay etc, and introduce the boys to Fish Rock cave, The Docks, Cathedral Cave, and in years to come... Stoney Creek (lushest temperate water growth in NSW).
I can feel a MySwag camp/dive/spearo trip coming on. Jervis Bay, Seal Rocks or SW Rocks would be good location starters for those in NSW.
G Day Finners,
Endless dive stories looks pretty good in my book. Just reading your thread response you certainly have a few notches on the diving belt. To go 86 metres on air as a beginner very impressive, I thought I doing good as kid doing 27 metres on a dive before I even did a course.
Great to see so many bubble heads on the my swag forum.
Maybe you might be onto something there with a swaggers trip away for scuba divers/ spearos. I've dived south coast before and think it would be a pretty good location, plenty of holiday parks down that way. I suppose if you were keen on the idea you would need to run it by the group moderators and find out via a forum trip thread for expressions of interest. If something like that was arranged I would be happy to tag along with dive gear or spear guns, but you would need to put it to the group (good idea though).
cheers
Campfire
Post by: DeBe on April 16, 2012, 07:18:39 PM
Never dived with tanks, just snorkel and mainly hookah (uncle was an Abalone diver) but havent been diving for years (fear of sharks has set in) because I have only ever dived on Yorke Peninsula it is a very real fear as I know they are out there (have seen BIG white pointers from boats while fishing) I do miss it and the Crayfish though....Michael.. Dive around SYP all my life as well as Wedje & Nth Neptunes, but dont dive any more without aShark Shield, been to many White pointers around in the last few years.
Post by: PeterO on April 16, 2012, 07:41:56 PM
A camper trailer dive trip one day sounds good to me ;D
Cheers
Peter
Post by: Campfire on April 16, 2012, 08:05:29 PM
(http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r575/campfire12/PICT0029.jpg)
cheers
Campfire
Post by: Diksta on April 16, 2012, 08:17:24 PM
favorite dive spot was at the red sea in Aquaba Jordon, was a advanced diver, deepest was 40m at vanuatu.
pick was taken with a disposable camera in the whitsundays about 15yrs ago.
love the pics guys keep them coming.
cheers Diksta
Post by: MrHorsepower on April 16, 2012, 09:20:14 PM
Dive around SYP all my life as well as Wedje & Nth Neptunes, but dont dive any more without aShark Shield, been to many White pointers around in the last few years.How do you feel about the Shark Sheild DeBe, I mean do you have proof it does what its supposed to ? I talked to the Semaphore Water Cops about it when there for work and they said they have NEVER seen a shark while diving...Cheers ..Michael..
Post by: Finners on April 18, 2012, 12:28:40 PM
How old are the boys, I've started Ryan in the pool and a couple of shallow shore dives. Next time you come past Byron give us a yell. Pretty good.
Great Julian Rocks pics Renno. Only dived Byron a couple of times and look fwd to getting back. My sister lives b/ween Byron and Lismore, good camping on her property, so no excuses not to.
Boys are only 7 and 5, and just introduced them to snorkelling this last summer. Hopefully this winter will get to Heron or similar and start them off with SWMBO's type of diving - tropical! How old is Ryan?
Mantas are the best aren't they. I've seen them as far south as Jervis Bay (no-one on the boat believed me!), and often around Pimpernel Rock during deco and of course the manta bommies in the southern capricorn group. Their gentle intelligence, fearlessness of humans and sometimes playfullness makes any dive with them special.
Seals are another favourite - the colony on Montague Island - endless fun. Release a tennis ball at sea floor, and it never gets to the surface!
I think the camping at Seal Rocks - down toward Treachery - would be my prefered camp/dive/snorkel-spear option. Combines almost-bush camping with one of the least commercialised parts of the coast.
Always nurses at Little Seal. Edith breaker a great multi-chamber reef dive. And amongst the best wreck diving. And the Satara (40m) is a favourite wreck of mine. I'm too old now to do the Catterhun (58m) - as good as it is - I get narked off my scone unless on mixed gasses. And penultimate time I dived it, heliox on bottom and nitrox on deco - nice long bottom time - was sublime. But next time on air - I got bent! Fat'n'forty syndrome. Just a shoulder bend - a few soaks in PoW's hyperbaric unit fixed me. But SWMBO has banned me from diving beyond 50m ;(
Very envious of those who've done Truk Lagoon! On the Must Do list.
- Finners
Post by: Campfire on April 18, 2012, 01:14:56 PM
Seal Rocks / Treachery Point would be an ideal location for camping/ diving/ spearing/ fishing trip. Place has good opportunities for underwater photography, and it's also a nice little hideaway for camping.
I like staying up that way as it's not too far from where I live. Grey Nurse sharks are always good value when diving.
If by any chance your testing the waters ( pardon the pun) for expressions of interest with a diving / snorkeling or evening spearing trip away in campers up treachery /seal rocks areas, then you can count me.
I've yet to dive with seals and surprised after 15 years in scuba I haven't done it already. I did look at some weekend dive package trips with a Sydney Dive Shop who advertises online when the seal diving experience is happening ( seasonal thing).
Never heard of the tennis ball trick, but will remember that one when I get the chance to dive with seals.
I'm thinking of dragging my scuba gear out and going for a dive at Nelson Bay this weekend if the weather is half decent.
Cheers
Campfire
Post by: Renno on April 18, 2012, 01:41:40 PM
Great Julian Rocks pics Renno. Only dived Byron a couple of times and look fwd to getting back. My sister lives b/ween Byron and Lismore, good camping on her property, so no excuses not to.
Boys are only 7 and 5, and just introduced them to snorkelling this last summer. Hopefully this winter will get to Heron or similar and start them off with SWMBO's type of diving - tropical! How old is Ryan?
Mantas are the best aren't they. I've seen them as far south as Jervis Bay (no-one on the boat believed me!), and often around Pimpernel Rock during deco and of course the manta bommies in the southern capricorn group. Their gentle intelligence, fearlessness of humans and sometimes playfullness makes any dive with them special.
Seals are another favourite - the colony on Montague Island - endless fun. Release a tennis ball at sea floor, and it never gets to the surface!
I think the camping at Seal Rocks - down toward Treachery - would be my prefered camp/dive/snorkel-spear option. Combines almost-bush camping with one of the least commercialised parts of the coast.
Always nurses at Little Seal. Edith breaker a great multi-chamber reef dive. And amongst the best wreck diving. And the Satara (40m) is a favourite wreck of mine. I'm too old now to do the Catterhun (58m) - as good as it is - I get narked off my scone unless on mixed gasses. And penultimate time I dived it, heliox on bottom and nitrox on deco - nice long bottom time - was sublime. But next time on air - I got bent! Fat'n'forty syndrome. Just a shoulder bend - a few soaks in PoW's hyperbaric unit fixed me. But SWMBO has banned me from diving beyond 50m ;(
Very envious of those who've done Truk Lagoon! On the Must Do list.
- Finners
Next time your up this way make sure you let me know and I'll take you out. Ryan will be 8 In October. I pay him to vacuum the pool with his scuba tank. Trying to make it become second nature. All good fun. Teach him basic drills. Bought him a harness that made a lot of difference. Not using the wing at the moment as he is way to young to understand buoyancy. Maybe in a couple of years.
I'm still trying to get down to pebbly Beach. :'(
Post by: PeterO on April 18, 2012, 04:12:48 PM
Always nurses at Little Seal. Edith breaker a great multi-chamber reef dive. And amongst the best wreck diving. And the Satara (40m) is a favourite wreck of mine. I'm too old now to do the Catterhun (58m) - as good as it is - I get narked off my scone unless on mixed gasses. And penultimate time I dived it, heliox on bottom and nitrox on deco - nice long bottom time - was sublime. But next time on air - I got bent! Fat'n'forty syndrome. Just a shoulder bend - a few soaks in PoW's hyperbaric unit fixed me. But SWMBO has banned me from diving beyond 50m ;(
Very envious of those who've done Truk Lagoon! On the Must Do list.
- Finners
Don't talk about being too old please, I'm running well ahead of you ;D Did 67m dive on Aaron Ward this February on air (twins) plus 50mix for a deco. You have plenty of time young man and plenty of deep dives if you so desire. Year before last a young Dutch guy got bent on a dive with us in Truk Lagoon - did everything right, cleared his computer and still got it. This is not an exact science and there is always a risk, isn't it...
Truk is my favourite destination, couldn't recommend it higher to anybody who is into wreck diving.
Cheers
Peter
Post by: Campfire on April 18, 2012, 04:21:22 PM
Truk is also on my wish list as I haven't been there yet and have heard so much about it.
Cheers
Campfire
Post by: PeterO on April 18, 2012, 05:02:11 PM
Post by: DeBe on April 18, 2012, 08:32:06 PM
How do you feel about the Shark Sheild DeBe, I mean do you have proof it does what its supposed to ? I talked to the Semaphore Water Cops about it when there for work and they said they have NEVER seen a shark while diving...Cheers ..Michael.. They may not have seen a shark, but most pople who have survived an atack didnt see the shark beforehand. Ive worked around seals & White pointers fix on a target & go full on for the target. What eventualy convinced me about the Shark shield was a Prawn trawler was geting lots of net damage from sharks. He fitted a divers shark shield to the net & atacks stoped. At south Neptunes watched a large White pointer try & get a large Seal. The seal was lucky to see the pointer first & was able to turn sharper than the shark when it took a run for it. This went on for several runs & the seal actualy got ashore very exhausted. I just find diving with a Shark Shield just a lot more enjoyable.
Post by: MrHorsepower on April 18, 2012, 09:44:47 PM
They may not have seen a shark, but most pople who have survived an atack didnt see the shark beforehand. Ive worked around seals & White pointers fix on a target & go full on for the target. What eventualy convinced me about the Shark shield was a Prawn trawler was geting lots of net damage from sharks. He fitted a divers shark shield to the net & atacks stoped. At south Neptunes watched a large White pointer try & get a large Seal. The seal was lucky to see the pointer first & was able to turn sharper than the shark when it took a run for it. This went on for several runs & the seal actualy got ashore very exhausted. I just find diving with a Shark Shield just a lot more enjoyable.Sorry DeBe might have confused the situation The Semaphore Water Cops ALL use Shark Sheild and thus have NEVER seen a shark while diving, I think it will be the only way I will dive again especially after a story in the paper today Kayak Attacked By 6metre White Pointer in INNES Nat Park (I have dived near there as you probably have as well)..Cheers ..Michael..
Post by: LC on April 29, 2012, 01:53:11 PM
Got trashed by the southerly front on the way home, probably took us 20 mins longer than it normally would have, but well the effort. Shame my dive buddy has to go to work during the week!!!
Post by: Bird on December 12, 2014, 12:31:43 PM
So I need to trying to get son away from electronics - this may require surgery and several months at a gaming rehab place (http://www.rehabs.com/about/video-game-addiction-rehabs/) but I wouldn't mind getting wet again either..
Anyone got any basic gear they are lookin to sell :D to suit skinny arsed tall 15yr old?? Stuff you've out grown
Mask/Snorkel/Fins round size 10
Post by: below sea level on December 12, 2014, 01:06:31 PM
I try to get out to some local sites every couple of weeks. Hoping to get the CT down to South West Rocks sometime in the next few months.
Post by: Bird on December 12, 2014, 01:25:01 PM
Post by: WilSurf on December 12, 2014, 01:29:49 PM
Too busy, not even time to go camping.
Post by: GGV8Cruza on December 12, 2014, 03:48:32 PM
GG
Post by: Bird on December 12, 2014, 03:56:47 PM
I am after a second kit as well Bird, keep your eye out in case there could be a group buy. Not too worried on the BCD size, more after the regs and cylinder if possible.This joint seems cheap in Berwick
GG
http://www.rcboatingandleisure.com.au/ (http://www.rcboatingandleisure.com.au/)
Might check the quality out on the weekend..
Post by: Bird on December 12, 2014, 04:00:59 PM
I have always said that I wanted to learn scuba diving, but it never comes to it.Do it, you'll love it....
Too busy, not even time to go camping.
I gotta find my old dive card.. did the online search on NAUI site and name doesn't come up, but then again the bloke we learnt from was a shonk.. Knew his Shit backwards, but .... when it came to $$$$ run and hidfe.
Post by: aussie9 on December 12, 2014, 04:12:12 PM
She reckons my bones are made of lead as even when I hold my breath, I sink straight to the bottom
I've had to make do with snorkelling
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: speewa158 on December 12, 2014, 08:29:11 PM
Post by: scarpsD40 on December 12, 2014, 08:36:58 PM
Geeeez its not an Olympic sport , its SCUBA . Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. l achieved PADI Dive Master . After 22 years & 10000 logged dives , decided l was over getting wet . :cheers:sooooooooo, you don't go diving much these days?
Post by: speewa158 on December 12, 2014, 08:39:59 PM
Post by: Bird on December 12, 2014, 08:46:03 PM
Quote from: speewa158
l achieved PADI Dive Master . After 22 years & 10000 logged dives , decided l was over getting wet . :cheers:so your still accredited??? Kewl - Cheap MySwag Dive Course - I'll sign cammo up for one, and I'll do a refresher.. although I was NAUI....
Post by: GGV8Cruza on December 12, 2014, 08:49:05 PM
so your still accredited??? Kewl - Cheap MySwag Dive Course - I'll sign cammo up for one, and I'll do a refresher.. although I was NAUI....
I will help out as well, DM with PADI, Speewa can be the boss though
GG
Post by: Bird on December 12, 2014, 09:43:29 PM
I will help out as well, DM with PADI, Speewa can be the boss thoughyea never got to DM... :( mate of mine did and spent 10 years travelling the world to all the resorts as an instructor.. lucky prick....
GG
Post by: GanG on December 12, 2014, 11:35:37 PM
Post by: GeoffA on December 13, 2014, 05:06:48 AM
Geeeez its not an Olympic sport , its SCUBA . Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. l achieved PADI Dive Master . After 22 years & 10000 logged dives , decided l was over getting wet . :cheers:
...on the outside... :cheers: :cheers:
Post by: speewa158 on December 13, 2014, 05:41:15 AM
Post by: gowalkabout on December 13, 2014, 06:53:02 AM
Cheers
Post by: Renno on December 13, 2014, 08:58:59 AM
Otherwise Kirra Dive (http://www.kirradive.com/)out of tweed, they do Cook Island a lot and its usually a pretty good dive, the tweed river is a good shore dive to it you want to hire some gear and get your weights sorted first cheaper than a boat dive.
If conditions turn more favourable try and get at least 1 dive out to Julian, fantastic.
Renno :cheers:
Post by: gowalkabout on December 13, 2014, 09:15:03 AM
Sundive (http://www.sundive.com.au/) out of Byron is the go, quick trip out to julian rock dive then come back, other wise there is one out of Bruns that stay out for 2 dives, depends on what direction you coming from. Conditions haven't been that good lately with the storms, blown out this weekend.
Otherwise Kirra Dive (http://www.kirradive.com/)out of tweed, they do Cook Island a lot and its usually a pretty good dive, the tweed river is a good shore dive to it you want to hire some gear and get your weights sorted first cheaper than a boat dive.
If conditions turn more favourable try and get at least 1 dive out to Julian, fantastic.
Renno :cheers:
Cheers
Yeah I was thinking more shore dives just to save a few $$ but might need to checkout the boat dives and as I'm so use to diving in a 7mm semi dry might be better to sort my weights out on a shore dive first lol if I can find room I might even take all my gear so will just need tank fills if I take a tank
Post by: GGV8Cruza on December 13, 2014, 11:40:20 AM
GG
Post by: Bird on December 13, 2014, 01:13:22 PM
Dropped the cylinder in today to get back in service, time to get wet againfound my old dive log book today while cleaning out the cupboard..... lots of dives from solomons missing :( I was going to copy them out of my buddys book, but that was 1993... :(
GG
Post by: Bird on December 16, 2014, 10:30:44 AM
Might need to do a refresher course on the facts and figures.
Post by: WilSurf on December 16, 2014, 10:51:57 AM
Post by: Bird on December 16, 2014, 11:01:14 AM
Quote from: WilSurf
What is all this NAUI, PADI?Different associations
Edit: but its all about the instructor not the association he is from..
What is the difference between a PADI, SSI, and NAUI certification course?
If there is a $64 question in diving this is it. PADI, NAUI, and SSI are all organizations that train and certify dive certification courses. Each intends to devise dive courses and training methods that produce safe scuba divers, with minimal risk to the students and instructors.
A certification card from a dive course by any of these three organizations will entitle you to take a dive vacation, or to fill a tank at a dive shop.
PADI is the biggest of the three; around half of the divers certified in the world take a PADI course. In Cairns three of the four Dive Schools offer PADI course, while the fourth offers both PADI and SSI courses. NAUI is primarily based in the USA.
How do I learn more about these associations?
PADI http://www.padi.com/ (http://www.padi.com/)
SSI Australia http://www.ssiaust.com/ (http://www.ssiaust.com/)
NAUI http://www.naui.com/ (http://www.naui.com/)
Top of Page
Post by: edz on December 16, 2014, 11:15:40 AM
Anyone on here a diver anywhere around the Byron bay to Gold Coast areas?I'm just waiting on a mate to get back to me, He and his son have dived these GC / byron areas for years though mainly from boats.
Post by: Bird on December 16, 2014, 11:16:58 AM
http://www.uepi.com/ (http://www.uepi.com/)
was that good I didn't want to leave :(
Always wanted to do Truk Lagoon
http://www.lovethesepics.com/2011/06/wreck-diving-the-mysterious-ghost-fleet-of-truk-lagoon-33-pics/ (http://www.lovethesepics.com/2011/06/wreck-diving-the-mysterious-ghost-fleet-of-truk-lagoon-33-pics/)
Post by: gowalkabout on December 16, 2014, 04:05:08 PM
I'm just waiting on a mate to get back to me, He and his son have dived these GC / byron areas for years though mainly from boats.
:cup: :cheers:
Post by: loanrangie on December 17, 2014, 12:29:12 PM
Would love to get some gear if the $$$ allow.
Post by: Bird on December 17, 2014, 12:32:01 PM
$150 gets you an introduction dive inc gear hire and a basic instruction session
$80 for gear hire for people with their dive card.
+$500 for your dive ticket
most I've found so far are 450 up for your ticket.
tried on my BCD the other day - NEARLY fits... but wouldn't with a wetty on.. keep going with the diet :)
Post by: koshari on December 17, 2014, 08:07:58 PM
Attached is diving on a wrecked coal steamer called the Bulli in Murray pass between the deal group.
Post by: Bird on December 17, 2014, 09:08:31 PM
Just found one of my old dive buddys on Linked in
http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/entrepreneur/making-40-million-with-just-14-staff-20120202-1qu6t.html (http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/entrepreneur/making-40-million-with-just-14-staff-20120202-1qu6t.html)
:'( Kill me...
Post by: Bird on December 19, 2014, 10:33:15 PM
Got 2 sets of gear and 5 out of test bottles. Bottle tests being only valid for 24 month is paramount to theft.how much you being charged for a bottle test?
these prices normal?
https://www.scubadoctor.com.au/cylinder-testing.htm (https://www.scubadoctor.com.au/cylinder-testing.htm)
Post by: loanrangie on December 20, 2014, 09:40:45 AM
Post by: Bird on December 20, 2014, 12:52:22 PM
http://vimeo.com/maxgleeson (http://vimeo.com/maxgleeson)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QRN4K3inDA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QRN4K3inDA)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuxDs9-mtw4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuxDs9-mtw4)
Post by: below sea level on December 20, 2014, 01:44:35 PM
how much you being charged for a bottle test?
these prices normal?
https://www.scubadoctor.com.au/cylinder-testing.htm (https://www.scubadoctor.com.au/cylinder-testing.htm)
Those prices are good. I'd love to pay that little.
Post by: Renno on December 21, 2014, 03:20:39 PM
Renno :cheers:
Post by: Bird on December 21, 2014, 03:39:20 PM
Quote from: Renno
First Leopard Sharks and Mantas for the season at Byron this week.:worthles: :worthles:
Renno :cheers:
some handy downloads.
Code: [Select]
ftp://207.215.212.62/stuff/padihttp://www.vitorrent.net/search/PADI+Divemaster+DVD (http://www.vitorrent.net/search/PADI+Divemaster+DVD)https://kickass.so/padi-encyclopedia-of-recreational-diving-iso-t79475.html (https://kickass.so/padi-encyclopedia-of-recreational-diving-iso-t79475.html)
https://www.scubadoctor.com.au/dive-downloads.htm (https://www.scubadoctor.com.au/dive-downloads.htm)
http://www.paradisedivers.com.au/test/sites.htm (http://www.paradisedivers.com.au/test/sites.htm)
http://www.academyofscuba.com.au/dive_melbourne.phtml (http://www.academyofscuba.com.au/dive_melbourne.phtml)
http://www.academyofscuba.com.au/files/5629112_hmas_canberra_dive_site_map.pdf (http://www.academyofscuba.com.au/files/5629112_hmas_canberra_dive_site_map.pdf)
Post by: edz on December 21, 2014, 10:26:06 PM
http://www.coolydive.com.au/ (http://www.coolydive.com.au/)
http://www.sundive.com.au/ (http://www.sundive.com.au/)
Tweed river dives day and night drift from the north break water wall along past the hospital .. Cook island / local wrecks ..possibly the bombies just out from Kingscliff south break water wall [ watch the currents there / conditions etc ].
Moreton Island and snorkle the wrecks at Tangalooma .
Post by: Claws on December 22, 2014, 10:50:27 PM
Must get my regs out and give them a service.... Still a qualified service tech for Appollo, Sherwood, Aqua Lung .. My three tanks are long out of test but still full of air. Wouldn't mind going for a dive, would like to get my ten yr old daughter into it in the next few years....
Post by: deepop on December 23, 2014, 10:40:39 AM
dropped into the dive shop in frankston yesterday to ask some questions
$150 gets you an introduction dive inc gear hire and a basic instruction session
$80 for gear hire for people with their dive card.
+$500 for your dive ticket
most I've found so far are 450 up for your ticket.
tried on my BCD the other day - NEARLY fits... but wouldn't with a wetty on.. keep going with the diet :)
Bird, Are you really me with a different forum name?
Post by: Bird on December 23, 2014, 10:48:37 AM
Bird, Are you really me with a different forum name?;D ;D ;D
Post by: Bird on December 23, 2014, 01:13:39 PM
Quote from: Someone
PADI Encyclopedia of recreational diving
Got the ISO and DVD of it now :) Refresher time.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO8fGYmDIXZTDHn6kYMGZpJPFU6BbNHEZ (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO8fGYmDIXZTDHn6kYMGZpJPFU6BbNHEZ)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbMamtXQ_Ow (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbMamtXQ_Ow)
Post by: Bird on January 02, 2015, 03:06:54 PM
http://www.divevictoria.com.au/school-programs.html (http://www.divevictoria.com.au/school-programs.html)
Post by: GGV8Cruza on January 17, 2015, 06:38:03 PM
Even the kids had ango and in the end they were self sufficient, my mum even tried it
GG
Post by: Bird on January 17, 2015, 07:13:43 PM
got the regs serviced, probably sell the BCD as it don't fit, and wetty... :(
Hey GG - 6mm or 7mm wetty? I hear different stories from different places..
Post by: GGV8Cruza on January 17, 2015, 07:16:08 PM
Got me dive medical on Tuesday..
got the regs serviced, probably sell the BCD as it don't fit, and wetty... :(
Hey GG - 6mm or 7mm wetty? I hear different stories from different places..
It al depends on if you feel the cold or not. If you have the opportunity a custom fit is so much better as it keeps the water out. From memory mine is a 7mm body and 5mm arms and legs. I used to dive all year round in Melbourne, bloody cold in wither though
GG
Post by: Bird on January 17, 2015, 07:17:38 PM
It al depends on if you feel the cold or not. If you have the opportunity a custom fit is so much better as it keeps the water out. From memory mine is a 7mm body and 5mm arms and legs. I used to dive all year round in Melbourne, bloody cold in wither thoughyea full custom suit from Hallam around same price as a semi dry from local dive stores.. but its custom made...
GG
he says he uses 6mm all year
dive shop dudes all use 7mm :(
but you'd melt in ****ney in 7mm, but 7mm *MAY* be useable in Tassie.. ?
do you still have the dive rescue and dive master books and slates???
Post by: GGV8Cruza on January 17, 2015, 07:20:54 PM
yea full custom suit from Hallam around same price as a semi dry from local dive stores.. but its custom made...
he says he uses 6mm all year
dive shop dudes all use 7mm :(
but you'd melt in ****ney in 7mm, but 7mm *MAY* be useable in Tassie.. ?
do you still have the dive rescue and dive master books and slates???
I have a thin shark skin top that works like a thermal when its extra cold.
Pretty sure I would have all the books, they would be 10 years old now. More that welcome to borrow them if you want. Let me know and I will try and dig them up
GG
Post by: Bird on January 17, 2015, 07:23:52 PM
I have a thin shark skin top that works like a thermal when its extra cold.dig em up.... :)
Pretty sure I would have all the books, they would be 10 years old now. More that welcome to borrow them if you want. Let me know and I will try and dig them up
GG
Post by: GGV8Cruza on January 17, 2015, 07:25:39 PM
dig em up.... :)
I am pretty sure I know where they are, will try and remember tomorrow for you
GG
Post by: Bird on January 17, 2015, 07:58:14 PM
I am pretty sure I know where they are, will try and remember tomorrow for youbeing a DM shouldn't you be able to get the latest Shit free?
GG
Post by: GGV8Cruza on January 17, 2015, 08:29:23 PM
being a DM shouldn't you be able to get the latest **** free?
Not sure, I have not really been involved in the industry for the past 6 years and have not kept my insurances or anything up to date. I will see what I can find for you
GG
Post by: Bird on January 17, 2015, 08:42:13 PM
Not sure, I have not really been involved in the industry for the past 6 years and have not kept my insurances or anything up to date. I will see what I can find for youkewl.. love u
GG
you should come to Robe over Easter dude...
Post by: Bird on January 20, 2015, 06:39:51 PM
actually Shit it in!!!!!
(http://i4.minus.com/iOFk2V4kBB6bh.jpg)
(http://images.sodahead.com/polls/003494329/311330327_i20passed_answer_1_xlarge.jpeg)
(http://27.media.tumblr.com/mwiGYeYjim46yme2ltncLH38o1_400.png)
(http://cdn.meme.am/instances/500x/54892127.jpg)
Post by: GGV8Cruza on January 20, 2015, 06:40:55 PM
Past me fizzikal!!!!!!!!!
actually **** it in!!!!!
(http://i4.minus.com/iOFk2V4kBB6bh.jpg)
(http://images.sodahead.com/polls/003494329/311330327_i20passed_answer_1_xlarge.jpeg)
(http://27.media.tumblr.com/mwiGYeYjim46yme2ltncLH38o1_400.png)
(http://cdn.meme.am/instances/500x/54892127.jpg)
Good work
GG
Post by: Bird on January 21, 2015, 08:20:26 PM
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/M4AAAOSw~uhUnyxd/$_57.JPG)
Post by: feisty on January 21, 2015, 10:25:22 PM
I would love to the course, but it involves swimming for 200 metres and I can't swim despite having a pool and my wife being a swimming teacher and coachI think you can do the swim with a snorkel and fins but it is twice as far. ....
She reckons my bones are made of lead as even when I hold my breath, I sink straight to the bottom
I've had to make do with snorkelling
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: bergersau on January 22, 2015, 01:57:52 PM
yea full custom suit from Hallam around same price as a semi dry from local dive stores.. but its custom made...
he says he uses 6mm all year
dive shop dudes all use 7mm :(
but you'd melt in ****ney in 7mm, but 7mm *MAY* be useable in Tassie.. ?
Hi bird,
I do feel the cold but here is my experience.
I use a 7mm torso/5mm limbs wetsuit with integrated hood and wouldn't recommend any less for Melbourne waters (where I live) if you only have a single wetsuit.
It's (just) adequate in winter for a single dive, though surface intervals and repeat dives get chilly...
BTW I found it was spot on for my recent trip to Wooli (Just North of Coffs Harbour) back in mid Sept.
I've got to admit that winter surface intervals and repeat dives are much nicer now I have a drysuit for when the water drops below 17'C ;D
Post by: below sea level on January 22, 2015, 02:59:59 PM
being a DM shouldn't you be able to get the latest **** free?
Should you? Yes.
Can you? No. Even instructors have to pay for their personal materials. ???
If anybody actually wants to pay for the latest stuff, I can get it for you for my price. I'd need to do it with other orders though because PADI charges way too much for postage if I spend less than $300.
Post by: Bird on January 22, 2015, 04:08:59 PM
inc:
PADI Diving Knowledge Workbook.pdf
PADI.Open.Water.Diver.DVDRip.H264.pdf
SSI 2014 Global Training Standards ENGLISH (Version v091213).pdf
Scuba Diving 4th Edition.pdf
US Navy Diver Manual 6.pdf
PADI Guide to Teaching.pdf
underwater-photography-made-easy-SeaLife-final.pdf
Basics-of-Close Focus Wide Angle.pdf
Fitness for Divers.pdf
Beautiful Oceans 2.pdf
SCUBA dive theory mastery complete.pdf
Dive Theory Mastery Complete.pdf
Sharks and Rays of Australia.pdf
several videos etc...
places like kickass torrents and even Youtube theres a few, but dunno how old and out of date they are.
http://avaxhm.com/ebooks/eLearning_book/3165836.html (http://avaxhm.com/ebooks/eLearning_book/3165836.html)
http://avaxhm.com/ebooks/sports/Rescue_Diver.html (http://avaxhm.com/ebooks/sports/Rescue_Diver.html)
http://avaxsearch.org/avaxhome_search?q=scuba (http://avaxsearch.org/avaxhome_search?q=scuba)
The biggest downer, I learn better from watching stuff over reading :(
Post by: Swannie on January 22, 2015, 04:30:14 PM
Swannie
Post by: Bird on January 22, 2015, 04:31:17 PM
Should you? Yes.if your around here and have a couple I could borrow for a few days I'll pay in beers.... :)
Can you? No. Even instructors have to pay for their personal materials. ???
If anybody actually wants to pay for the latest stuff, I can get it for you for my price. I'd need to do it with other orders though because PADI charges way too much for postage if I spend less than $300.
Post by: below sea level on January 22, 2015, 04:38:12 PM
if your around here and have a couple I could borrow for a few days I'll pay in beers.... :)
Ahhh, beer. The universal currency.
I'm in Brisbane, so can't help you there. Guess I need to update my profile...
Post by: Bird on January 22, 2015, 04:46:56 PM
Quote from: below sea level
Ahhh, beer. The universal currency.dvd burner?
I'm in Brisbane, so can't help you there. Guess I need to update my profile...
Post by: GGV8Cruza on January 22, 2015, 05:26:40 PM
GG
Post by: Bird on January 22, 2015, 06:07:02 PM
found a few books buddylove u... drop em off at work tomorrow :P
GG
Post by: GGV8Cruza on January 22, 2015, 06:14:08 PM
love u... drop em off at work tomorrow :P
Working at Sandi now, not close bud. Will work something out next week
GG
Post by: Bird on January 22, 2015, 07:18:06 PM
Working at Sandi now, not close bud. Will work something out next weekwheres sandi? might have to go out to Packenham on weekend to pickup a laptop to rebuild for mate, will let ya knows.
GG
Post by: GGV8Cruza on January 22, 2015, 07:56:42 PM
wheres sandi? might have to go out to Packenham on weekend to pickup a laptop to rebuild for mate, will let ya knows.
Sandringham, 10 minutes from the old digs
GG
Post by: Bird on January 22, 2015, 08:14:40 PM
Sandringham, 10 minutes from the old digsthought that's what ya meant..
GG
Post by: Bird on January 22, 2015, 09:34:20 PM
some downloads.... good reading
Post by: Bird on January 31, 2015, 03:11:10 PM
I cant wait to see Bird in a wetsuit >:DTuesday is the day
Swannie
had a fitting today
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/23/fb/67/23fb67327a5918d68801f62c6b462b40.jpg)
Post by: GGV8Cruza on February 01, 2015, 04:50:07 PM
GG
Post by: Bird on February 01, 2015, 05:22:14 PM
just doin all the practice exams I've found on-line ... the dive table is pretty much down now, Tuesday is F day...
Post by: Bird on February 03, 2015, 01:29:41 PM
What a great bunch of blokes down at Diveline in Frankston (http://www.diveline.com.au/). Gave me the confidence to get wet again after all these years, and with my disabilities I wasn't sure how I'd cope...
(http://www.iantd.com.au/images/dline1.jpg)
Anyone considering giving scuba diving a go, I'd happily recommend Paul down at Diveline, and I'll even come down and go for the dive with you! You can do a "Discover Diving" gig for $150 or 200 for 2 people which includes ALL your gear for the dive... :cup: :cup:
Got in to the store early, power was out in most of Franga due do NFI.. So I sat down to my refresher exam, and did pretty well, although blew a couple of questions on the ****in dive tables, but Paul sat down and went through them with me until I could explain them to him showing I understood.. No shortcuts down there :)
Now for the nasty pasty... Puttin on a wetty, and it was easy, the suit was a 1 piece, but I still think I like 2 piece.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/03/06/article-2289006-1878F43E000005DC-886_470x423.jpg)
Next was BCD and Tank etc together, tank tests, and we were ready to go.
Down to the Pier, and the long walk to the end.. :( I was rooted by the time we got there and was happy to jump in!
Jumped in, and Paul just wanted to settle me to make sure I was comfortable - so did I! Took me 5 mins to settle, then down we went and then sort out the weight so I could be neutral, and away we went!
We ran through some basics like mask clearing, losing the reg, etc. All good :) As I said, no shortcuts, and I didn't ask for any special treatment. :cup:
We cruised under the pier, never seen so many starfish in my life - 1000s, I mean 100's... and different types too. Plenty of puffer fish, out to the pots and plenty of life out there, saw a couple of crikey killers - only small though, found a fishing rod, complete with reel line the lot, heaps of sinkers etc. Paul was really good at finding the small things, like a really juvenile sea moth, an extremely well hidden blue ring occy on an old pillar, and then on th way back under the pier, 2 massive clouds of small fish..
Had a ball, oh and a chunder as we got back to shore as it was fairly rough :(
Packed up, I got a real good report from Paul on my diving, and he's happy to go out again sarvo if I want LOL
back to shop, wash up, sign off on the dive, and then back home. Now for a nana nap, cause that took it out of me. ;)
Bottom time was just under 70minutes, and my air use was outstanding, I came back with ~80 - went in with 230.... It was one thing I thought I'd go through faster.
Just need to get a better fitting wetty.
(http://images.rapgenius.com/ac7ec56b50756cb93c225c5d374d7840.590x464x1.gif)
Post by: GGV8Cruza on February 03, 2015, 01:45:44 PM
GG
Post by: Swannie on February 03, 2015, 02:30:12 PM
Swannie
Post by: below sea level on February 03, 2015, 02:46:42 PM
I call BS on Bird as :worthles:
Swannie
See the second pic in the post. ;D ;D ;D
Post by: Bird on February 03, 2015, 04:20:25 PM
Quote from: below sea level
See the second pic in the post. ;D ;D ;D:cup:
Post by: loanrangie on February 03, 2015, 10:58:27 PM
Post by: Bird on February 04, 2015, 08:46:34 AM
Quote from: loanrangie
**** now you are putting ideas in my head .
Do it dude, when your better, we can pair up as crippled dive buddies
http://youtu.be/MtGCQy4ny8E (http://youtu.be/MtGCQy4ny8E)
Post by: loanrangie on February 04, 2015, 10:43:08 AM
Do it dude, when your better, we can pair up as crippled dive buddies
http://youtu.be/MtGCQy4ny8E (http://youtu.be/MtGCQy4ny8E)
Might just be the motivation i need, i can give my new gopro a workout too.
Post by: Bird on February 04, 2015, 10:50:54 AM
Quote from: loanrangie
Might just be the motivation i need, i can give my new gopro a workout too.More than happy to go out..
The blokes I went through were only too happy to support me and gave me the confidence to go out again..
First couple of dives, they like ya to go out and just dive and get used to it, then take ya accessories out after that.. They wont stop ya, but it makes sense. :)
Post by: loanrangie on February 04, 2015, 02:12:08 PM
Post by: Bird on February 04, 2015, 02:24:33 PM
Quote from: loanrangie
Just need to find where i put my licenses , got 2 around somewhere.
I got some reading and vids here if you want em. only about 24 gig worth...
Post by: DaveR on February 04, 2015, 03:42:01 PM
A very lucky 1 at that....
I dived in Syd harbour for a living for ages, used to swim a ferry most mornings with a Hull scrubber, I was fit as fit can be then.
Did concreting below the opera house for 4 months.
Have been to parts of the barrier reef which are not on the Nautical charts (weren't at the time)
Had to kick sharks out of my way to do a job
400 hours structual wet stick welding, plus heaps of other non certified welding etc.
Always found myself with an ear infection the day of broco cutting, still makes me shiver thinking about it.
Deepest I can recall doing was about 180' in Gulf of Thailand, Benchamas Oil Field. I was sent down to undo a rope (called a "Down Line"), from that depth I had every colour group available, the guys needed to send me another rope (Messenger Line) so I could recover some gear left behind. When I looked up, I could see the lads on the back deck clearly enough to tell who was who.
Had a close call with the giant grouper that lives under the coal terminal south of Makay one time.
Here is yours truly dressed ready for action. Guess the location... ;D
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8598/16439516522_9a1ca59612_c.jpg)
Have been about 15m below the seabed up of the sth coast of Niugini in a trench with near vertical walls.
Didn't mind the chamber time for surface deco, always had a good rest then.
It all came to an end though, a few things happened and was advised to give it up. Long story best for the camp fire that 1.
Hope to go for a swim with the wife again some day, and kids when they are old enough.
Got a funny story from out of Cairns when I was living there.
The local dive folk refused to acknowledge the qualification of some Nth Sea, UK and European Saturation Divers I worked on a job with, so the guys all went out for an "Introductory Dive". Got on the bottom and did everything wrong they could possibly do deliberately as a pay back. One guy hid under a rock and held his breath, another took his BCD of.... etc etc.
After they fessed up to the young girl who was taking them in the water, then paid for her and her friends all expenses night out on the town.
Post by: Bird on February 05, 2015, 04:51:58 PM
Heres a vid of where I hope to go for a dive on weekend if I can find someone to go with.
http://youtu.be/IBK-PhD-hbI (http://youtu.be/IBK-PhD-hbI) or http://youtu.be/VFDhnh_Dn4g (http://youtu.be/VFDhnh_Dn4g)
http://youtu.be/_uGCpHkh8dI (http://youtu.be/_uGCpHkh8dI)
Post by: Bird on February 13, 2015, 03:32:08 PM
Quote from: GGV8Cruza
Found some more BirdThey'd look good at my place... :)
GG
Need to work on me dive tables... What you like on tables Mr GG?
http://www.patadacobra.com.br/downloads/PADI_Instructor_Manual_English_2014.pdf (http://www.patadacobra.com.br/downloads/PADI_Instructor_Manual_English_2014.pdf)
PS.. got the camera gig sorted
(http://www.birdmansworld.com/myswag/camera/1.jpg)
Post by: GGV8Cruza on February 13, 2015, 05:04:18 PM
They'd look good at my place... :)
Need to work on me dive tables... What you like on tables Mr GG?
http://www.patadacobra.com.br/downloads/PADI_Instructor_Manual_English_2014.pdf (http://www.patadacobra.com.br/downloads/PADI_Instructor_Manual_English_2014.pdf)
PS.. got the camera gig sorted
(http://www.birdmansworld.com/myswag/camera/1.jpg)
Rusty. Very rusty
GG
Post by: Bird on February 13, 2015, 05:37:14 PM
Rusty. Very rustysame... I've tried WD40.... pentrene etc and still rusted solid :(
GG
Post by: Bird on February 18, 2015, 11:13:59 AM
https://vimeo.com/93852998
Well worth watching if your thinking of diving.. brilliant scenery
Post by: Bird on March 18, 2015, 10:04:09 AM
Viz is AWESOME at moment... Water temps are very nice, and new wetty handled things well. Just need to sort out a new mask.. I find when I turn my head that I get water leaks :( Plenty of mask clearing practice :D
Keen for a night dive at moment...
Post by: feisty on March 18, 2015, 12:21:52 PM
Post by: Bird on March 18, 2015, 12:31:49 PM
Shouldn't be looking at this. Over on Gili T atm for three weeks of diving. Had an incident with a patch of gravel on my scooter day 2. A few stitches later all good but now I CAN'T DIVE. ARGHHHHHHH. So I'll just do my diving through you bird. Glad you are loving it.why no diving with stitches??? :(
yea feels good after so many years away from it, although I do find getting out on shore dives makes me feel not that flash, almost seasick...
Post by: feisty on March 18, 2015, 12:44:43 PM
Post by: Bird on March 18, 2015, 12:48:27 PM
Quote from: feisty
Risk of infection. Doctor said no. Two dive operators said no. Haven't dropped a bike in twenty years spent a month last year touring the Himalayas last year on a royal enfield and was the only one not to drop their bike. Toured NZ uk and Germany and stayed upright. There must be a curse on aussies riding scooters in this country.that's a bitch... :( its not a specific dive holiday is it???
Post by: feisty on March 18, 2015, 06:23:17 PM
Post by: fuji on March 18, 2015, 06:32:29 PM
Post by: GGV8Cruza on March 18, 2015, 06:33:48 PM
Just sold my Oceanic reg and Tekna Occy with analogue gauges on fleabag. $108.00 :'(
Should have put them on here, would have grabbed them off you bud, bugger
GG
Post by: Bird on March 19, 2015, 05:25:05 PM
Quote from: feisty
It mostly was but so be it. The misses hasn't dived in 5 years and was looking forward to getting back into it. Nice thing she is wouldn't dive without me...Bugger dude...
Gee Fooj... you would have got more at the swap meet!q
Post by: Palmer on March 19, 2015, 06:04:58 PM
Post by: fuji on March 19, 2015, 06:11:31 PM
Didn't think anyone here would have bought them. I think the Oceanic reg was only used about twice.
Post by: GGV8Cruza on March 19, 2015, 06:14:18 PM
Sorry GGDouble bugger
Didn't think anyone here would have bought them. I think the Oceanic reg was only used about twice.
GG
Post by: fuji on March 19, 2015, 06:19:53 PM
Didn't think anyone here would have bought them. I think the Oceanic reg was only used about twice.
Post by: Bird on March 19, 2015, 06:59:05 PM
Sorry GGdon't have a tank you wanna sell do you? :)
Didn't think anyone here would have bought them. I think the Oceanic reg was only used about twice.
Post by: speewa158 on March 20, 2015, 05:59:23 AM
Post by: Bird on March 20, 2015, 11:56:35 AM
https://youtu.be/PYFcgE1PhTw
Post by: below sea level on March 23, 2015, 09:16:36 AM
Saw 8 or 9 wobbegong sharks, a couple of leopard sharks, a couple of turtles, a whole school of cuttlefish and a spotted eagle ray.
(http://stuff.djf.cc/cook1.jpg)
(http://stuff.djf.cc/cook2.jpg)
(http://stuff.djf.cc/cook3.jpg)
Post by: BadSeed on March 23, 2015, 12:49:25 PM
I came face to face with a massive Wobbegong in some very bad viz last week.... ;D
Clean wet suit required.
Post by: Bird on March 23, 2015, 08:44:03 PM
Didn't get to my dive.. a 4 hour network upgrade ended up being just under 40hours.. :(
Post by: Bird on April 05, 2015, 09:37:02 PM
Poor bloke cant dive now for 6-12 months... not good when your the shop owner and one of the instructors... :(
Post by: Palmer on April 05, 2015, 10:15:02 PM
Post by: Gunsrunner on April 06, 2015, 01:21:02 AM
Same thing can happen with any cavity. be careful, pressure can be a biatch >:D
Post by: bergersau on November 16, 2015, 02:38:24 PM
Here's a vid of Wilsons Prom Diving over Melbourne Cup weekend just gone (Sat 31st Oct) . Props to AB who took the video.
Here's why putting up with the crowded campsite and winds and variable weather at the Prom are worth it.
https://vimeo.com/144473084
Post by: AdrianLR on November 16, 2015, 03:29:34 PM
One of the names on the list of divers at the end was familiar - please pass on a hello to Darren from Adrian from the SDFV days at the Sir Robert Peel.
Thanks for posting.
Post by: bergersau on November 16, 2015, 03:51:57 PM
We were diving the same sites independently that day. I took the liberty of linking to Alan's footage instead of posting my own as I don't have an underwater camera.
Post by: WilSurf on October 08, 2018, 12:23:59 PM
My oldest daughter just got qualified yesterday and is now allowed to dive.
She did the diving course through her school as next year (Y11) they go the Ningaloo for a week.
Their was an option to go scuba diving and she took it.
Now she is qualified and I assume that it is best to keep up diving say once a month?
Is this correct?
Also, what gear to get yourself?
She got a mask, snorkel and fins.
Post by: Bird on October 08, 2018, 01:15:55 PM
Wow, an old topic.Nice.. wish they had stuff like this when I went to school... :(
My oldest daughter just got qualified yesterday and is now allowed to dive.
She did the diving course through her school as next year (Y11) they go the Ningaloo for a week.
Their was an option to go scuba diving and she took it.
Quote
Now she is qualified and I assume that it is best to keep up diving say once a month?If she feels the need to, but probably not necessary
Is this correct?
Quote
Also, what gear to get yourself?what budget?? how often will it be used? If she really takes off might be worth own wetty, regs and bcd etc.
She got a mask, snorkel and fins.
if its once a month or less, dont bother.
Post by: GBC on October 08, 2018, 02:25:30 PM
I am medically unfit to dive. We did some fun, crazy stuff back in the day with tech gear and tri-mix to hit new wrecks, gave some gps marks to the museum, take cool pics, and even helped discredit the names of some falsely named wrecks around SEQ. Since we have all had kids none of us dive anymore. We were lucky in a lot of ways.
Post by: NZMarkb on June 18, 2020, 06:06:37 AM
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
Post by: Bird on June 18, 2020, 10:06:39 AM
Quote from: NZMarkb
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200617/5fb46b76f349e33cebf0852cdb16d0e7.jpg)
Nice.. I used to love teasing Morays with a smashed urchin for the new students to get the eel out of their holes round the baths off Cronulla :D
Post by: NZMarkb on June 18, 2020, 05:01:17 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200618/329a7977b49a3b85a1e442fadb76f069.jpg)Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
Post by: Bird on April 16, 2024, 10:17:33 AM
https://www.scubadiving.com/from-skies-to-seas-abandoned-airplane-becomes-new-dive-site (https://www.scubadiving.com/from-skies-to-seas-abandoned-airplane-becomes-new-dive-site)
Post by: loanrangie on April 16, 2024, 11:32:41 AM
Apparently the visibility is excellent there too being fresh water, i did a fresh water dive in Lake Malawi and it was awesome.
Post by: NZMarkb on April 16, 2024, 11:53:21 AM
When i did my PADI license in Thailand years ago one of the English instructors was telling me about an old quarry thats used as a dive site that they have dropped old cars,buses and helicopters in.
Apparently the visibility is excellent there too being fresh water, i did a fresh water dive in Lake Malawi and it was awesome.
I believe it's in Scotland
Post by: loanrangie on April 17, 2024, 11:35:58 AM
I believe it in Scotland
I think there are a few, one definitely near the mid west.
found it, Leicestershire - https://divebuddies4life.com/england-scuba-diving-the-popular-stoney-cove-quarry/
Post by: Bird on April 18, 2024, 10:21:33 AM
Aussie diver’s magical interaction with enormous octopus that led her to a secret underwater shrine
Video has captured the incredible moment a massive octopus with three metre-long tentacles grabbed a scuba diver’s hand and led her to a secret shrine.
https://www.news.com.au/technology/science/animals/aussie-divers-magical-interaction-with-enormous-octopus-that-led-her-to-a-secret-underwater-shrine/news-story/5cd1862c27474607bb7d2b8e3efc0a9b (https://www.news.com.au/technology/science/animals/aussie-divers-magical-interaction-with-enormous-octopus-that-led-her-to-a-secret-underwater-shrine/news-story/5cd1862c27474607bb7d2b8e3efc0a9b)
https://www.facebook.com/imogenisunderwater (https://www.facebook.com/imogenisunderwater)