Scuba Diving during the lockdown!
It can be frustrating not being able to get out and about Scuba Diving during the current lockdown to combat the coronavirus. We take a light hearted look at some of the scuba related activities you could be doing during the lockdown to pass the time.
Check & assemble your gear
Having equipment that is reliable underwater is very important as your life depends on it, knowing where everything on your gear is just as important too. Ever fumbled around on a dive trying to locate a dump valve, or took time trying to adjust your camera only for the subject to creep back into its hole? We’ve all experienced it. So now is the ideal time to get to know your dive gear better and to ensure that everything is in good working order before your next trip! You can ensure that everything is properly washed, apply a layer of silicon grease if needed. Take time to assemble your BCD, check it still inflates and deflates properly - even assemble your underwater camera rig, check the o-rings are still in good condition as well. When will you ever get the opportunity to do a full check again without feeling like you have a million and one other things to be getting on with?!
Watch a scuba/ocean movie
Lockdown is the perfect time to be catching up on all those must see TV series on Netflix and movies that you seemed to somehow miss when life go in the way! How about watching a few scuba or ocean related shows as well to make sure you are still getting a dose of vitamin sea, however dilute it may be? Here is our list of recommended scuba related movies and shows:
The life aquatic with Steve Zizou
While not strictly about scuba diving, this Wes Anderson comedy is inspired by Jacques Cousteau, right down to the red beanie hats worn in the film! With a stellar cast including Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Angelica Houston and Willam Defoe amongst others its a perfect way to spend an evening on the sofa watching the hapless band of characters fumble their way through a series of bewildering and bizarre situations.
Chasing Coral
From the team that brought us Chasing Ice come Chasing Coral - follow a team of scientists as the rush to understand why the worlds coral reefs are disappearing so rapidly and why bleaching is happening. A must see film for anyone who cares about the oceans.
Last Breath
Set in the world of commercial diving this documentary tells the story of a commercial diver who is stranded on the bottom of the ocean with just five minutes of air and no chance of rescue for at least 30 minutes. Not one to watch late at night if you are of a nervous disposition or likely to have bad dreams!
The Blue Planet
Whether watching the first or second Blue Planet series they are difficult to beat - Sir David Attenborough’s narrates these critically acclaimed documentaries that delve into the marine environment that covers two thirds of our planets surface. Its impossible not to be transfixed by the stunning videography and remember why we all fell in love with diving in the first place.
Mission Blue
Mission blue is a documentary about the life and work of acclaimed oceanographer Slyvia Earle. Its a wake up call to the world to act now before its too late.
A Plastic Ocean
We’ve all heard and seen the plastic that ends up in our oceans, but do we really understand the scale of the problem? Craig Leeson discovers just how much plastic ends up in our ocean - a really call to arms to do something about it.
Anything by Jacques Cousteau
Do I need to say anymore? The godfather of scuba diving and the reason we all enter into the underwater world……
Make a Scuba bucket list
We all probably do this anyway, but now you can really spend time thinking about all those far off, hard to reach diving meccas that we want to visit but haven’t had the chance to make it to yet. The rules…. it has to be somewhere you haven’t been before, that’s it! I’ll share my top five to get you started…
Pulau - a diving paradise with something for everyone and the world famous Blue Corner site.
Layang Layang - a small sandbar island 300km off of Malaysian Borneo with he chance to see schooling hammerhead Sharks during mating season
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador - The chance to dive with hammerhead and whale sharks as well as following in the footsteps of Darwin.
Cenderwash Bay, West Papua - not too far from Raja Ampat, Cenderwash Bay is famous for its whale sharks and experience the wonder of Indonesia.
Bahamas - A world famous shark sanctuary with the chance to dive with hammerheads and Tiger Sharks. A must on any divers bucket list!
Search new gear online
Caution advised! With the amount of online shopping and delivery options available these days this could be dangerous, especially to your bank balance! But, we all love to dream about what new equipment or gadgets we’d like to buy next. Whether its searching for that new camera accessory of housing, new video light or even a new regulator you can view everything that the top brands and manufacturers have to offer. The are currently a lot of deals available on line, but beware, its often better to try something out before you buy it, you have been warned!
Make a baby Scuba Suit
One for those who are parents who are scuba mad. We’ve all seen those adorably cute pictures on facebook and instagram where people have made a scuba outfit for their kids or toddler. Ever wanted to try? Now is the ideal time! All you need is some cardboard, plastic drinks bottle and a flexible hose and you can get started! Follow this link to a great article on the Paid website for instructions on how to do it!
Go on a home scuba dive
When you start to get really desperate you can go on a home scuba dive - most effective for those that have a deep bath or even better a pool! Why not get fully kitted up and jump into the bath? It not be the real thing but there is no limit to what your imagination can achieve! Okay, we know this might sound a bit silly, but after a few weeks of lockdown this won’t sound quite so ridiculous…trust me!
Practise your underwater photography skills
Similar to number 7 above and can be done in full scuba kit or not. There are a few options available to you to carry this one out:
Put on one of the films in number 2 and try to photograph the various fish on the TV screen. Might not be quite like the real thing but it may help you to try out some new techniques!
Use a soft toy or model.
We realise again this may sound a little bit silly, but hey its a long lockdown and we are starting to go a bit stir crazy and had several dive trips cancelled now due to the coronavirus.
Anyway, we hope you have enjoyed these suggestions and fo let us know if you try any and how you get on! Happy (home) diving guys!