California Diving News

Extra Air Source
The Extra Air Source (EAS) removes existing limits on redundant air currently on the market and allows you to configure a redundant air source tailored to your diving needs. It is compact but you can attach the size cylinder that best suits your redundant air needs. Whether you’re cave diving or diving shallow reefs the Extra Air Source will get you to the surface and even provide you with enough air for a safety stop if configured correctly for your maximum depth.

The EAS features a balanced piston 1st stage with two low pressure ports and three high-pressure ports. The 2nd stage comes with a horizontal and vertical swivel. It can be screwed into any standard 3000 psi cylinder and will be available with a 6, 13, 19 and 30 cubic foot Luxfer aluminum cylinder.

For more information and a dealer near you, visit H2Odyssey’s web site at www.h20dyssey.com.

Snorkelmate™
Designed as a safety device, Snorkelmate™ delivers visibility, protection and identification for snorkelers and swimmers at the water’s surface. The premise, according to creator Mark W. McConnell, is that when snorkeling, “to be seen is to be safe.” McConnell, an avid snorkeler himself, developed Snorkelmate™ after learning of an associate’s tragic accident with a boat while snorkeling on vacation.

As snorkeling has grown in popularity so has recreational boating and jet skiing. In many locations these activities take place in close proximity to each other. The unfortunate result is that a growing number of snorkelers and swimmers have met with accident or injury as a result of not being seen by boaters due to their low profile in the water. McConnell saw the need for a product that would give snorkelers protection and peace of mind as well as offer charter operators, resorts, cruise lines and other commercial enterprises a product to help manage the risk of their guests and visitors.

In addition to safety, Snorkelmate™ was designed with the snorkeler’s comfort in mind. The two-inch dive quality nylon belt securely weaves through a custom designed-ergonomically correct base that fits firmly into the small of your back. From the base, a detachable mast supports a brightly colored, highly visible alert flag. Standing a full 12 inches above the water, the flag increases a snorkeler’s visibility many times over. “We also designed Snorkelmate™ to travel underwater with no drag or discomfort” claims McConnell.

One of Snorkelmate’s™ highly desirable feature is the option of adding custom graphics to the alert flag. Snorkelmate™ is uniquely packaged in a mesh bag that doubles as a collection and storage bag complete with drawstring. While underwater, the bag clips securely onto a small hook on the belt for hands-free exploring. Belts are available in both child and adult sizes.

For more information, visit http://www.Snorkelmate.com on the web or call 908-647-6475.

Mask Saver™
How many times has your diving instructor told you, “Please, don’t put your mask on your forehead!” You know you shouldn’t, but it’s always the easy option. Well, up to now it was, but now there is the Flex-o-Buckle Mask Saver™.

Mask Saver™ is an ingenious invention, developed in Thailand by Aqua Line Oceangoods Co., Ltd. Mask Saver™ allows you to loosen your mask strap so you can drop it safely and comfortably around your neck without upsetting your mask’s permanent personal adjustment. Hence, no more lost or damaged masks.

Most mask straps can only be adjusted through a relatively complicated strap loosening and tightening procedure, and as a result you seldom reach the exact adjustment and mask problems such water leakage can occur. Permanent adjustment of the “Mask Saver“is simply achieved by utilizing the Velcro ends.

Conventional mask straps can also be uncomfortable, twist and entangle hair, ears or jewelry. Mask Saver™ is made from high quality neoprene, which is very comfortable while also eliminating entanglement and twisting.

Mask Saver™ also comes with a special saver buckle so you can attach your mask to your buoyancy compensator, so it is never lost or accidentally damaged.

For more information, e-mail ssinclair@in-depth.org.