HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: phil@dynamed.dynamedia.COM (Phil Menzies)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: Re: Bad Back
Date: 28 Jan 93 02:44:42 GMT
Reply-To: phil@dynamedia.COM
Organization: DynaMedia
X-Mailer: uAccess LITE - Macintosh Release: 1.6v2

Just wanted to add my 2 cents worth.

     I completely agree with Bruce about the problem of weights in
cold water diving.  In a full 1/4" wetsuit w. hood, diving in the
N. California area, I use 30 lb of weight.  I also have problems
with 2 discs in my back.  When I dove with a weight belt, although
neutrally bouyant in the water, all of the 30 lb was pulling down
the center of my back when I was horizontal, and stretching my
spine when I was floating vertically on the surface (BC pulls
upper body upward, weight belt pulls lower body downward.)

     The solution:  A Zeagle BC!  Actually I didn't buy it for
that reason, but since I have been using it, it has significantly
improved the wear & tear on my spine while I am in the water.  Why?
Because the weights are in the BC, and as a unit the BC becomes 
neutrally bouyant.  This is most apparent on the surface, when it
feels just like I am floating with no BC or weights.  Underwater
when I am horizontal, there is still a slight effect of the weights
on my mid-spine, but the BC tends to spread out the effect of it
moreso than a weightbelt.

    There unfortunately is a downside.  The total weight of the BC,
tank and 30 lb of lead makes the unit quite heavy to manhandle.  
You have to be very careful not to mistreat your back while carrying
or lifting it.  But that is what buddies are for - right?

Cheers,
Phil
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

>From: Bruce_Dunn@mindlink.bc.ca (Bruce Dunn)
>Newsgroups: rec.scuba
>Subject: Re: Bad Back
>Date: 27 Jan 93 23:44:25 GMT
>
>
>        Aside from the problem of getting into the water, those diving in
>cold water have a potential problem in that buoyancy is distributed over much
>of the body (wet or dry suit) but weight is concentrated at the waist.  To
>prevent backaches due to the "bending" this induces, consider carrying a
>portion of your weights as ankle weights or in your BC pockets (where they
>can be directly lifted by the BC at depth).  Be sure to maintain enough
>weight on your releasable belt for safety (do our resident instructors have
>any comments on exactly how much of a suited diver's weights must be readily
>releasable?)
>
>--
>Bruce Dunn    Vancouver, Canada   Bruce_Dunn@mindlink.bc.ca

-------------------------------------------
Phil Menzies  -  DynaMedia, Alameda CA
Internet:        phil@dynamedia.COM
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: pusateri@netcom.com (Michael Pusateri)
Subject: Asthma & Diving
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services  (408 241-9760 guest) 
Distribution: usa
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 1993 00:18:08 GMT

I haven't found this topic in the FAQ, so I will ask about it.

I'm looking for comments on diving with asthma.  I know it is contraindicated and that DAN is against it, but people do dive w/asthma.  The British Sub-aqua club is much more lenient about this than the USA.  What do you experienced divers think?

I'm looking for personal experiences that are helpful, not DAN horror stories.

Post here or email

---
Michael Pusateri
pusateri@netcom.com
Illegal Diver
A
From: phil@dynamed.dynamedia.COM (Phil Menzies)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: Re: Virgin Gorda vs. Grand Cayman
Date: Fri, 22 Jan 93 11:45:01 PST
Organization: DynaMedia
Reply-To: phil@dynamedia.COM
Distribution: world
X-Mailer: uAccess LITE - Macintosh Release: 1.6v2

Hi,

     having dove in both places (although only a few dives in
Virgin Gorda vs many in Grand Cayman), it is like night and day
to compare them.  Virgin Gorda is a very laid-back isolated and
beautiful place (above water).  Beautiful green hilly islands
with friendly people.  Whereas Grand Cayman is a tourist "factory"
with little to speak of other than the diving.  Grand Cayman's
diving is much more developed and there is a much larger variety
of underwater attractions, with lots of corals & fish.  Virgin
Gorda has good diving, but the diving is not developed to anywhere
near the level of Grand Cayman.  The wreck of the "Rhone" is a
popular and interesting dive - particularly if you remember the
Jackie Bisset's wet t-shirt in the movie "The Deep", which had
some scenes set there.

     I loved Virgin Gorda - it is still in my top 10 vacation 
spots anywhere in the world.  The diving is good, and I would 
definitely do it, but it is not up to spots like Little Cayman
or the outer reefs of Belize.  Go there for a laid-back great
vacation with diving rather than for a dive-intensive trip.

     The two top dive operators are Kilbrides Underwater Tours
(800) 932-4286  (I dove with them - they are great, a family
operation, all of whom live on Saba Rock in Gorda Sound), and
Dive BVI (800) 848-7078.

     My recommendation - stay in the Gorda Sound area, at the
Bitter End Yacht Club (a fabulous place, with cottages on the
hillside or by the water), at Biras Creek (built by Scandinavian
shipping magnates to resemble a Scandinavian castle - has great
food an a location in an isthmus with water access on both sides
of the island, or at the resort in between them (called Tradewinds
I think.)  Even better, if you want lots of diving, go on the 
105' trimaran "Cuan Law" which operates out of Tortola and dives
around Virgin Gorda as well as many of the smaller islands.

Good luck,
Phil
- - - - - - - - - -
In article <BUZZ.93Jan21152507@lion.bear.com> (buzz@bear.com), you write:
> For a long weekend (3 days diving, 4 nights), which is better?  I
> dove GC w/Don Foster's outfit about 3 years ago and it was terrific.
> I hear, however, that Virgin Gorda is "even better," although I have
> no handle on the dive operators there.
> 
> Clues anyone?
> 

-------------------------------------------
Phil Menzies  -  DynaMedia, Alameda CA
Internet:        phil@dynamedia.COM
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: tfalk@decoy.uucp (25442-falk)
Subject: Re: Grand Cayman: Adventure or disaster!
Organization: Bellcore, Livingston, NJ
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 93 14:03:35 GMT
Summary: carry all your gear onboard

In article <1993Jan27.030532.14020@PacBell.COM>, jlkarsn@srv.PacBell.COM (John L. Karsner) writes:
> I am about to take a long overdue vacation to the Cayman's this coming April.
> 
> I am seeking suggestions on diving accomodations / activities in and around
> Grand Cayman. I already subscribe to many of the diving magazines and read
> all the advertising hype. I would like to hear some personal experiences
> (good and bad) from people who have recently been there themselves.
> 
> 
> Please send any comments (excluding flames) to: jlkarsn@PacBell.COM

Carry all your gear on the plane, especially if you use American Airlines!

We went to Cayman two years ago from New York (JFK), and when we stopped
and changed planes in Miami, our luggage didn't.  Apparently, AA decided
our luggage wanted to see South America for it's own 3 day vacation.

Funny, they don't understand when I call the frequent flier programs and
tell them I don't want the mileage I fly, but rather the mileage my
luggage travels........

Ted

The first rule of diving:    Take only pictures, leave only bubbles.

Ted Falk, aka "Land Shark"   (candygram.....),    Bellcore, Piscataway NJ.     

Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: 0031b@pnet16.cts.com (Rmcs Falcone)
Subject: Re: Weather/water conditions in Hawaii
Organization: People-Net [pnet16], NCTAMS EASTPAC
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1993 15:16:14 GMT

   Lydia, I live here in Hawaii (Honolulu) for the past two years. I think
that I've dove just about every site there is here on this island !! March is
still somewhat "winter" here. Although, these past two weeks the weather has
been worming up. Water temp is about 74 degrees right now. Would guess water
temp to be about 76 - 78 degrees by mid March.
   There are several dive shops (clubs) here (almost too many). Anyway, the
largest is ARRON's. They have six (at last count) dive shops here. There are
others. The one I've had the best dives with is called " Ocean Quest ". Prices
(for Hawaii) are reasonable. I'm an instructor and use their dive boats from
time to time.
   What to expect ...... Most dive sites around here are anywhere from 15 feet
to 80 feet with occassional deeper boat dives. There are two well know sunken
hauls (ships) here that the goverment put down to form reefs. There both are
in 80 - 90 feet depth.  Both sites are boat dives due to the location from
shore line.  There are many, many beach entry sites however.  Most beach
areas, the east coast line and north shore area's are the BEST !!  North shore
is famous for it's surfing during the winter months, so you need to check the
dive shops to see what the surf is when you get here. If I remember right,
last year it was pretty mellow about that time of year. The whales are running
right now off the north shore and the east coast. It was mid-Feb when I last
heard them on a dive. Don't know if they'll still be out there in March, but
it's really neat to hear them in real life !!!! Loud little buggers !!!!
  I'm on my way out the door to work right now, I kind of jumped on this entry
without gathering names of places and what have you. If you would like, I can
compile that information (by names) and get back to you. Heck maybe you and
your husband and I can hook up for a dive or too while you are here !!! Always
fun to meet new people !!!

                                               George

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diving Hawaii and loving it      | To the vistor goes the spoils
                                 | and I'm spoiled rotten !!!!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

UUCP: humu!nctams1!pnet16!0031b
ARPA: humu!nctams1!pnet16!0031b@nosc.mil
INET: 0031b@pnet16.cts.com
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: lepore@insane.sanders.lockheed.com (Lee Lepore)
Subject: Blatant "Sea Rovers" Advertisement
Organization: Information Systems Division, Lockheed Sanders
Distribution: NE
Date: Fri, 22 Jan 93 14:48:06 GMT

                    INTERNATIONAL UNDERWATER CLINIC
 The Boston Sea Rovers will hold their 39th annual International
 Underwater Clinic March 5 to 7 at the Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston,
 Massachusetts.  On Friday a Marine Career Program will introduce
 professionals who work as marine biologists, aquanauts, deep sea
 explorers, Underwater Photographers, etc.  Saturday and Sunday events
 include a display area featuring more than 60 exhibitors plus slide,
 film and video presentations.  For ticket information, contact any
 Executive Board Officer of United Divers of New Hampshire as listed
 below:
 President:         Fred Dion           432-1997 (days)
 Vice President:    Gary Carbonneau     893-6957
 Secretary:         Lee Lepore          885-2195 (days)
 Treasurer:         Rick Tuttle         485-5569
 Divemaster:        Bob DesRuisseaux    624-4405 (days)

 You can also get them from most Dive Shops or at the door.
 *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+-*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
 *   Lee Lepore         email: lepore@insane.sanders.lockheed.com *
 *   Lockheed Sanders                                             *
 *   Information Systems Division  .----------------------------- *
 *   (603) 885-2195                | Opinions, Shmopinions        *
 *   Nashua, New Hampshire         | As usual, they're all mine.  *
 *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+-*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: aa372@Freenet.carleton.ca (Mike Dusseault)
Subject: Re: Sound Direction Indicators
Organization: National Capital Freenet, Ottawa, Canada
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1993 16:56:52 GMT


About your idea of putting a microphone on the knee...  I don't know
why I never thought of that.  I can't see why that wouldn't work.
Although... The microphone on the knee is about 90 degrees opposed
to what your ears would be used to.  However, that brain could probably
be trained into knowing what to do.  It would no longer be limited
by our physiology.  Gotta try that some day.
-- 

                                                   --- Mike Dusseault ---
CIS: 73150,527
From: awright@gssec.bt.co.uk (Alan Wright)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: Dacor Quantum
Date: 26 Jan 93 13:49:49 GMT
Organization: BT, Software Engineering Centre, Glasgow, UK

I bought a Dacor Quantum reg about 3 months ago and have been very
pleased with it. It has been down to 36m in temps of 3oC with no
problems, and breathing-wise it is the best reg I have used.

Although the 2nd stage needed tweaked to control some surface free
flow I had no problems until just before Christmas when the 2nd stage
free flowed at about 20m. I had it fixed at the shop. Then last
weekend the 1st stage started to free flow after 18 minutes at 27m.

When I got home I started testing the 1st stage with a 12l tank.
At 220 bar I get no problem. At 160 bar I get a small blip. Below
150 bar I get a fairly good flow. 

I know that some regs are calibrated by timing a small blip from the
1st stage, but these regs (quantum and extreme) are supposed to be
environmentally sealed so I wouldn't expect any bubbles at all.

I was wondering if anyone else has experienced anything like this.
This is a particularly nasty fault since it would not be detected
with a full tank prior to the dive. It is likely to occur more than
half way through a dive and just at the time when you would prefer
it not to :-).

-- Alan
--------------------------------------------
awright@gssec.bt.co.uk (Alan Wright)
BT, Software Engineering Centre, Glasgow, UK
--------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: rec.scuba,rec.boats
From: jlloyd@cc.uow.edu.au (Jonathan Lloyd)
Subject: Re: From Avon to Zodiac
Organization: University Of Wollongong
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 93 00:01:59 GMT

spady@bcstec.ca.boeing.com (Robyn Spady) writes:

>In article <lluamqINN5sf@exodus.Eng.Sun.COM> emartini@karoshi.Eng.Sun.COM (Edward William Martini) writes:
>>
>>Some friends and I are interested in purchasing a used, largish inflatable,
>>preferrably with a hull of some kind.  Any info you have regarding where we
>>could get one (surplus?), or other experiences of the sort.
>>

>I don't know if this helps . . . But, I thought it was interesting . . . 

>The Seven Seas Crusing Association puts out a publication on cruising 
>equipment . . . The most recent one (available for about $10) identifies Avon
>inflatables as being one of the most highly rated inflatables and ranks the'
>Zodiac as being one of the lowest rated.

>Somewhere in between were the West Marine brand inflatables.

The Red Knight inflatbles made in New Zealand look impressive.
They are considerably cheaper here in Aus compared to Zodiac and Avon.

I had a go in a rigid hull model last year, it was equipped with a
centre console and 40HP Mariner.

It handled well and seemed well put together.

-Jonathan.

********************************************************************
** These views are my own and do not reflect upon the policy *******
** or views of the University of Wollongong, only of a young *******
** welshman in a land down under ---Cymru am Byth ******************
********************************************************************
Phone +61 42 213018     Fax +61 42 213112       Email J.Lloyd@uow.edu.au
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: dunbar@boulder.Colorado.EDU (S Dunbar)
Subject: Re: Court TV and Club Med Diving
Organization: University of Colorado, Boulder
Date: 25 Jan 93 19:34:16 GMT

waldo@cybernet.cse.fau.edu (Todd J. Dicker) writes:

>Has anybody else been watching Court TV (a cable channel that goes into 
>courtrooms and reports on various trials) and the case of the woman dive 
>instructor who is suing Club Med for a diving accident?

>Apparantly, according to the testimony I watched, she was a dive 
>instructor diving in St. Lucia.  She was given permission to enter the 
>water from the stern, then the boat backed over her and she suffered 
>serious lacerations and broken bones from the screws.  She then testified 
>that they pulled her from the water and promised that a helicopter had 
>been called, but took her by boat instead on a trip over half an hour to 
>the nearest hospital.


I would like to hear more about that article I thought that the diving
at club med moorea was very unsafe too.

scott
 
Scott\      /\/\  /|email: dunbar@boulder.colorado.edu
  /***\  /\/*/**\/*|Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
 /  /\ \/**\/    \ |University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO  80309-0347
From: f_harris@oz.plymouth.edu (Frank N. Harris)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: Re: ScubaPro + Equip Purchase
Date: 23 Jan 93 21:13:58 GMT
Organization: Plymouth State College - Plymouth, NH.

>The dive shop that I frequent has an interesting gadget to hold your safe
>second.  It's a piece of velcro that attaches to the hose with a loop of
>small line.  The other end is attached to a D-ring on the BC.  The hooks
>of the velcro form a sandwich over the pile piece (attached to the second
>stage).  This is very stable doesn't come loose unless you tug on it and

I have one of these, I believe they are called "alligator fasteners"
(due to the alligator mouthlike appearance of the hook end). I have
had mine on for quite some time and I am finding that as time rolls
on it loses it's grip. BUT for $3.50........ what the heck!!!!
I also use a silicone snorkel keeper from time to time and I REALLY
like that.

Just my 2cents worth !!    _B-))))

Frank

P.S

Congads to all those Zeagle owners for their posts !!!!! _B-)))))))
-- 
Xref: sparky rec.scuba:7206 rec.boats:9525
From: wtwitty@netcom.com (Pacific Systems)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba,rec.boats
Subject: Re: From Avon to Zodiac
Date: 27 Jan 93 20:53:35 GMT
Organization: Netcom Online Communications Services (408-241-9760 login: guest)

In article <C1FpBF.Hvv@bcstec.ca.boeing.com> spady@bcstec.ca.boeing.com (Robyn Spady) writes:
>In article <lluamqINN5sf@exodus.Eng.Sun.COM> emartini@karoshi.Eng.Sun.COM (Edward William Martini) writes:
>>
>>Some friends and I are interested in purchasing a used, largish inflatable,
>>preferrably with a hull of some kind.  Any info you have regarding where we
>>could get one (surplus?), or other experiences of the sort.
>>
>
>I don't know if this helps . . . But, I thought it was interesting . . . 
>
>The Seven Seas Crusing Association puts out a publication on cruising 
>equipment . . . The most recent one (available for about $10) identifies Avon
>inflatables as being one of the most highly rated inflatables and ranks the'
>Zodiac as being one of the lowest rated.
>
>Somewhere in between were the West Marine brand inflatables.
>

Some of the West Marine inflatables are actually Zodiacs.

-- 
  

  Bill Twitty                                    Voice      (408) 479-0850
  Pacific Systems Inc.                           Fax        (408) 479-0595
  Software Developers and Consultants            Internet   wtwitty@netcom.com
  Santa Cruz, California                         Applelink  PACSYS
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: peterson@hpl.hp.com (Chris Peterson)
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Bad Back
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1993 00:10:34 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Laboratories, Palo Alto, California

In article <1993Jan25.022918.449652@magic-bbs.corp.apple.com> Michael_J._Thomas@magic-bbs.corp.apple.com writes:

> Lyle, have you tryed calling Diver's Alert network (DAN)?  They should be
> able to give you some definitive answers.  
> I beleive you have to be a member but It can't hurt to try and call.  
  ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
	One of the great things about DAN is that you DON'T HAVE TO
	BE A MEMBER to get help and advice from them.  
	
	They are available to all divers anywhere in the world, seven
	days a week, 24 hours a day.  They really care about their work.
	This is just one *more* reason to support them.

> The number for membership is 1-800-446-2671 or you can try to call
> (919)684-8111
  ^^^^^^^^^^^^^
	-8111 is their *emergency* number.  For more routine calls for
	information, use the following number.

		(919) 684-2984.

> 
>Good Luck, Mike
>
>***********************************************************
>The views expressed in this posting are those of the individual author
>only.
>***********************************************************

	May you never have a *real* need for their emergency services...

	...but just in case, send them a couple of bucks :-).

-- 
Chris Peterson                      
Research Computing Services                      e-mail: peterson@hpl.hp.com 
Hewlett-Packard Laboratories                           phone: (415) 857-6432
Palo Alto, California USA                                fax: (415) 857-5686
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: rigg@valeron.che.wisc.edu (Tim Rigg)
Subject: Rename rec.scuba to rec.outdoors.scuba
Organization: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Chemical Engineering
Date: 25 Jan 93 11:38:50

Recently, an official RFD (Request For Discussion) was posted to
several group suggesting that several groups be moved to the
rec.outdoors. hierarchy which currently contains just
rec.outdoors.fishing.

If you have any comments about renaming this group, please post them
to news.groups.  Followups to this group and email will not be
considered.  The guidelines state that the official discussion must
take place in news.groups.

tim
--
    ...  Then they came for me,
	   and by that time there was no one
	     left to speak up for me. (Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945)
From: bangs@cs.utk.edu (Alex L. Bangs)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: ScubaPro/SeaQuest/Zeagle Summary
Date: 27 Jan 1993 14:38:16 -0500
Organization: CS Department, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: duncan.cs.utk.edu
Keywords: scubapro seaquest zeagle summary bc regulator

Well, thanks to the many responses from my questions. I have been trying
equipment and have not yet made up my mind, but I thought I would post results.
FYI, my original postings were to north america, so folks outside na will
be seeing this for the first time.

I originally asked for info on the ScubaPro stuff, and I was particularly
interested in the difference between the 250 and 350 regulators. Also, I
was interested in the opinions re: front-adjustable vs. the scubapro
full jacket BC's.

On the regulators, there is no consensus. People seem to agree their stuff
is good (but expensive). Some like the 350 for simplicity, others prefer
to have the adjustments on the 250. Others have said why not the 200, who
needs adjustments anyway? I am a tweaker, so I think if I buy ScubaPro,
I will go with the 250/Mk 10.

On the BC's, only one person made a comment prefering the non-front-adjustable
types. What I found very interesting, tho, was that several people said they
liked their SeaQuest BC's. So I started looking into those. The Spectrum 4
is a well built BC and probably the most adjustable one on the market. 
It is also made of very heavy material (2x the normal thickness, I think),
which I do not like, so I am probably going to buy a Spectrum 3.

I also tried a Zeagle, after hearing the many positive comments about them from
folks here. My experience was negative. I did not like the effect of the 
extra weight on handling the BC + tank combo. I also did not like the back
bouyancy; I could not float confortably on my back on the surface. Others might
like these, but it was not for me.

My current dilemma is what to do about regulators; I am torn between the 
ScubaPro 250/Mk 10 combo and the US Divers Micra/SEA combo. See my next post...

Thanks again,
Alex

p.s. I am going to try to get the three files I have collected posted into the
ames archive.