Whether it’s a durable dry suit or a high-performance pair of split fins, there are certain things that every scuba diver needs to stay safe while exploring. But it doesn’t stop with the basics. Enthusiasts also need an array of support gear to get the most out of every dive.
In recent years, scuba gear manufacturers have stepped up their game by turning their eye to the world of tech, offering consumers some of the most cutting-edge gadgets the diving world has ever seen. For veteran divers, this has served to expand the notion of what’s possible, and it has also helped make the sport more accessible to a new generation of scuba enthusiasts. Here are four cutting-edge gadgets and apps that are transforming the scuba diving community.
Nautilus Lifeline
Surface signaling devices used to be an expensive luxury for many divers, but Nautilus has made it an affordable standard. The Lifeline combines a GPS receiver and a VHF receiver to allow divers to stay in communication with the surface from up to eight miles away. It also constantly broadcasts the divers’ GPS coordinates to nearby vessels for added safety. The Lifeline’s polycarbonate casing is rated for dives down to 425 feet and it can last for 24 hours on a single charge, which is not bad for a handheld device.
iPhone 6 Plus
The iPhone 6 Plus’ 8-megapixel iSight camera and 1080p video capturing capabilities make it a worthy documentarian for any diving adventure. Divers need to invest in a submersible diving case cover to provide the protection it needs to come along for the ride. The polycarbonate, waterproof housing is rated for 130 feet and resists temperatures as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit. The anti-reflection window lens is specially designed to allow for high-quality pictures and video in low light. It also has an extra grippy hand strap to keep the phone secure as divers explore.
PADI App
Now that a smartphone has been invited to the party, it’s time to get the most out of it. ThePADI Scuba Diving Essentials app truly lives up to its name. It’s like Yelp for divers because it helps them locate dive spots and shops in their area as well as up-to-date weather conditions. It also has a number of useful tools for making checklists, tying knots and performing hand signals. Scuba Diving Essentials can even link divers to PADI Courses, where they can brush up on diving knowledge and sign up for a course at one of its many dive school locations.
Aeris Accel
Since they appeared on the market in the late ’90s, split fins have been the standard for many serious divers. The Aeris Accel is making a strong argument for a return to a single-fin design. This back-to-basics fin is light and compact while still providing tons of low-fatigue propulsion. The flexible design puts a modern, ergonomic twist on a decidedly old-school open-heel fin. Whether a diver is heading out on his or her first dive or the hundredth, the Accel is sure to provide a perfect balance of speed and maneuverability. Welcome back, single fin.