the north beach where we stay, baby nurse shark, jann's pipefish on yellow seafan & soft corals on the wreck..
.. ..

spread 'em... weights!

if you're the average diver with 3 - 5 weights, then try putting one on the tank strap next time. this way the weight is directly over the source of increased buoyancy (as you use the air in the tank) and every breath you take underwater won't result in the yo-yo effect.

this also means if you use an odd number of weights, you can now have even numbers on your belt, meaning no more one weight that hurts your lower back when the tank presses it. ask your divemaster to put the weight on to make sure its safe & secure!

LIFT that sea urchin..

everyone knows I abhor harassing wildlife, but if for some reason you are hindered by sea urchins, just lift them gently and put them to the side!!

HOW?!! you know those spikes with the reverse barbs? choose the middle most spike above it (closest to its anus. yes, that's its anus at the top...), close the tip of your thumb and forefinger a half-inch from the tip and GENTLY lift it up..

if you keep the fingertips firm and raise gently it will come up, and remember to put it down not too far away so it can still feed!

go slow..

fish are not only scared of your bubbles, they also sense the vibrations and electrical signals of your body and movements. the less you use your arms and legs the smoother the surroundings, which calms the fish.

also remember: fish move at an average 15km an hour (relative speed). you are NOT gonna catch that fish by chasing after it..

breathe..

next time you go down, try imagine breathing through a straw; visualise breathing in & out only as fast as a straw would let you sip!
you'll find it's much easier to control when breathing out rather than breathing in; this is because the increased pressure is pushing your chest diaphragm in as you breathe in. persist! work on both ends of breathing & your breathing control should improve over a shorter time!

blurred vision?

try the various "no tears" shampoos on the shelves today, rather than expensive anti-fog solutions you might not finish before the expiry dates! a lot cheaper & easier on the eyes than toothpaste, too!

and try breathing OUT slowly through the nose; this will help clear water from the mask before it builds up and regulate your breathing, improving your air consumption.

it's in the technique..

stop fighting mother nature!! don't use your hands to manouver when diving near walls, corals etc.

try finning one foot at a time, the one closest to the wall kicking more often. the slight vortex (depending on your fins) will keep you away from take you away from the wall, and the smaller propulsion easier to control! just be careful to keep your distance, and avoid kicking at the corals!!

gloves; touche?

personally we don't recommend anyone to wear gloves unless doing commercial or conservation work e.g. cutting up nets, collecting mussels etc. or diving in cold waters.

yes, there is always a danger of accidentally bumping into something harsh and needing to push away with protected hands. but the motivation to develop our buoyancy skills and awareness - which helps even more in the long run - is diminished, and serves to take away an ESSENTIAL part of our dive skills.

let it be an option on low visibility or night dives where hazards are increased; don't take it for granted. otherwise your skills will deteriorate!!

dive safe everyone!!!

"David and I just wanted to say thanks for a fabulous long weekend. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and came home feeling quite weary from all the sea air and exercise (for David!), but happy :-) You are very very good at what you do and your leadership certainly added to the enjoyment of the trip. Looking forward to our catch-up! Cheers -

.....................................david & jo, NZ - Perhentians trip April '04........

"Reeza was our Mother Hen - repairing cameras, organising our dives and making sure we saw the best that Sipadan and Mabul had to offer. By our last night on Sipadan, everyone wanted to be part of our small, exclusive group - "Reeza's Babes"!!. Started as strangers, and left as friends.. Thanks Skinny Brown One!"

..........................................................Kirsty Shepherd, UK - Sipadan trip Oct'03

"The best part was breathing underwater. I didn't feel afraid because the water wasn't deep and everyone was around. At first I wasn't comfortable but my teacher (Reeza) let me try it out again and again until it was all right. I don't swim very well and this is the first time I have worn a proper swimsuit but it was fun!"

.........................................Ruth Manju Rajandran, KL - Discover Scubadiving, aged 12

*All trips are offered as part of our EXCLUSIVE Educational Marine Conservation and Underwater Photography courses, and are not planned, conducted or placed as alternatives to outbound /inbound trips by dive retailers domestic & abroad.

** Voted "Top 3 Divesites in the World" (Scubadiving Magazine, Apr.01)

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