All posts by Kevin Alexander

Does your Scuba Certification ever Expire? Basic PADI scuba certifications for open water dives are given by scuba instructors such as By The Shore Scuba Instruction where you are enrolled in a scuba instruction course and you learn all the important modules to turn Scuba dives into a lifelong skill or potentially a career. The instructions in these classes are in depth and give you the full picture of what you will need. Courses included in a resort stay or special vacation package usually are Discover Scuba certifications. Make sure you inquire about your certification around the time you start or finish your vacation so you can make the appropriate choices regarding the future of your certification.

If you are wondering if you should brush up on your certification or retake it here are some things to consider:

• How long have you been out of the water? If you have not been scuba diving for a few years, it might be time to retrain with a PADI instructor. By the Shore Scuba
  Instruction offers a refresher course and recommends it if you have not been diving for 6 months or more. If you feel confident in your skills, you can try on and test the current equipment in an available pool.
• Make sure you test out how you feel in your buoyancy control device, wet-suit, and other equipment. Even if you went on an excursion recently, it is wise to test out
  your equipment. Make sure you feel comfortable wearing it in the water.
• If you took a junior certification and were under the age of 15, you do not need to take an additional class.  You can contact PADI or By The Shore Scuba Instruction to issue a new card.  There will be a charge for this.  Or you can take another class with us like Advanced Open Water.  Then you can use the new Certification Card when you go diving.  Or lastly, you can just use your existing junior card and show identification that you are over 15 years old.
• Even with a complete PADI open water certification, you will probably still want to add on other skills if you plan to dive in caverns, dive as enriched nitrox diver, night dive or wreck dive there are different courses offered for those and many other areas of specialty.

You have been away from the water for some time and would like to get back in the water. Refresh your course first and then keep these other points in mind.

• If you have been away from the water for some time. Test the waters and scuba gear so you can see how your body feels. You may find that you feel different in the water. Consult your physician with any concerns.
• Run your equipment by a PADI instructor to ensure it is properly working. Trying on your equipment is a great idea, but a professional instructor may be able to check out the condition of your equipment.
• Ensure you are staying in shape even if the doctor clears you. Consider that training in a pool is different from the long amount of time or water tension you will
  endure in open water. Keep up with swimming. Stay around swimming 200 feet total in laps. That is ideal for open water diving.
• If you are traveling abroad SSI and PADI certifications are interchangeable. All diving organizations worldwide accept PADI.

Even though your basic open water PADI certification does not expire, you can still add modules on. Regular training and refreshing will keep your diving skills sharp and your body able to adapt to the different water pressures. If you are traveling to a new destination in the water, check the dives out and plan your courses accordingly. If you are not sure you are ready to commit to an official PADI open water course, trying a discover course is a great way to see if diving is for you. By the Shore Scuba Instruction can help you find what modules are needed for your dive.

You are interested in taking Scuba diving lessons, but where do you start? Let’s first start by saying if you are reading this article you are probably considering By the Shore SCUBA Instruction.

Next, you are probably ready to buy your scuba equipment. For a basic PADI open water diver course you will start with the basics. To start your class, you will at the very least need the following:

• diving masks
• snorkel
• fins
• regulator
• buoyancy control device
• diving tank

There may be additional equipment needed if you are certifying to be a night diver, or other specialty diver.

There is a lot of products on the market, but you do not want to waste your money on equipment that will not work for you, your excursions or your instructors’ requirements. By The Shore Scuba Instruction offers wet suits for men, women and children. Online retailers such as LeisurePro, Amazon, Simply Scuba and Diver’s Direct offer a variety of different brands on the internet that are high quality with no manufactures warranty

If you are starting out here are some ideal choices for your classes and first scuba dive.

• Buoyancy control devices enable you to control how much you float or submerge below the water’s surface. DiveRite, Xcess Scuba, Hog Scuba start are basic devices that are affordable and recommended for beginners.
• The Xcess Scuba and Sherwood are ideal buoyancy control devices for women that find regular devices float to the surface to easily. They are designed specifically with women in mind who are looking for something less buoyant and want the device to fit their unique body shapes.
• Xcess scuba-VU mask is ideal for beginners who need a basic mask to discover what the best fit is for their face. They are inexpensive on Amazon and have positive ratings. Keep in mind you are looking for a Scuba mask and not a snorkel mask which is not high quality.
• For snorkels look for something with an adjustable mouthpiece so that you can accommodate your unique bite and grow accustomed to what works best. Tilos has booth replaceable mouthpiece while and angled mouthpiece for a variety of mouth shapes.
• As far as brands are concerned for fins, Tilos Saber requires minimal effort and adjustable straps which is ideal if you are unsure how your foot will fit into the fin. Once you figure out what your feet need in a fin consider how wide or narrow your foot is, how much muscle you can use to propel forward and how big your foot is in scuba gear.
• Regulators such are ideal for beginners as they are inexpensive and have high ratings. It is important that you start out with a high-quality regulator so that you do not waste money.
• For dive tanks you probably want a supplier close by with a reputable rating and business to prevent shipping costs or damage to the tank. By the Shore SCUBA Instruction being in Raleigh. They will be able to refill your SCUBA tanks and do the visual and Hydro Inspections.

If you are interested in other areas of diving such as cavern diving or deep-water diving, ask your instructor what type of equipment they would recommend for your more advanced dives. More personal items such as fins, buoyancy control devices, snorkels, and diving masks consider online sources where you can narrow your search results down. For more basic equipment like tanks, regulators and dry suits talk to local businesses. Wet suits and drysuits can be tried on before purchase. Make sure to try on your equipment far ahead of your excursions and be sure to purchase items that you can easily return if they don’t work or fit. If you have more in-depth questions about your different scuba classes ask Kevin Alexander of By The Shore Scuba Instruction to make recommendations or offer advice on searching for equipment.

Call us to get fitted with the correct SCUBA Gear. By The Shore SCUBA (919) 247-0356

Have you considered diving off the coast of Mexico in the well-renowned Cozumel? There is a variety of natural beauty to explore throughout the area. With rich coral reef communities in the Caverns of Punta Sur, the Cenotes in the Yucatan, or Carmen de la Playa’s wildlife, it’s no wonder that Cozumel offers a beautiful getaway for beachgoers and divers alike. The 2019 trip By the Shore SCUBA Instruction took covered 5 days in a private boat diving with a PADI Master instructor and accommodations at Hotel Cozumel. The blue-turquoise waters and diverse reefs of Cozumel invite many from the diving community to come to enjoy its splendor. Here are some great aspects and tips to look forward to in Cozumel.

• The friendly locals – Cozumel has a very safe and accommodating environment. Many of the individuals have gone out of their way to learn English, so they can communicate with the large number of American tourists. The food and the nightlife are something to be savored for those traveling to the culturally open town.
• The variety of coral reefs – The reefs of Cozumel are the largest reef system in Mesoamerica and wrap around the island. With clear water flowing through high-voltage drifts and lush walls, the clear waters house 26 different species of coral reef and over 500 different species of fish. All of these are protected by the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park which ensures the reef continues to flourish.
• The different diving levels available – You can be anywhere from beginner to Tec divers. Do not be intimidated if you are just starting out. It’s recommended to take courses such as the Deep Diver, Drift Diver, and Peak Performance Buoyancy courses for exploring the walls. Be sure to take the cavern diver course for the exploration of caves. These are all available through By the Shore SCUBA Instruction.

When planning for your reef explorations, there are some important tips to keep in mind. This will ensure that you will be prepared for your trip to Cozumel as well as your dive.

• Water – Along with bringing your passport, bottled water is necessary when arriving at Cozumel. Even the locals drink bottled water. Avoid opening your mouth in the shower as the water is not suitable for drinking.

• Cash -Tips are not always included in your diving package. Keep in mind even with meals the friendly locals are deserving of gratitude. Bring a safe amount of cash on your journey or withdraw and exchange your cash at any bank for pesos. No need to worry about whether your cash is any good. American dollars are used as currency frequently in Cozumel. However, exchanging dollars for pesos is recommended as not all businesses keep the dollar amount updated with the peso’s value.
  
  
• Scuba equipment and certification – Most companies do not include basic scuba gear. (By the Shore SCUBA Instruction usually includes tanks weights and belts.) Other than tanks, weights, and belts, you must bring your regulator as it protects your life. You will need your wetsuit (1-2 mm short wetsuit for summer and 5 mm full wetsuit for Winter). If you have prescription glasses bring a prescription mask. If you have a dive computer, bring it along if it is small like a wristwatch otherwise you can rent one in Cozumel. Bring along a couple of underwater lights and directional reels as well. You might also want to bring your underwater camera in its housing. You can pack or rent flippers depending on where you are staying in Cozumel. Most importantly, do not forget your certification and all the necessary paperwork you will need to board the diver boat.
  
  
• Safety equipment – If you are in the backcountry you will need a bug repellent that is at least 30% DEET. You will also need at least two knives if you are planning to explore the cenotes.
  
  
• Consider packing light – If you are flying to Cozumel ensure you have your regulator first and foremost followed by your mask. If you really want your divers to watch and camera in housing can be packed. Afterward, pack your wetsuit, clothes, and small toiletries to ensure your luggage is under 50 pounds.

Booking your trip and classes with By the Shore SCUBA Instruction will ensure you get the most out of your scuba experience. Our PADI Master Instructors will be available on the dives to ensure you safely get the most out of your Cozumel experience. Call us today 919-247-0356 and email
https://www.scubadivingraleigh.com/contact-us/

PADI DSD or Discover SCUBA with By The Shore SCUBA Instruction

Well, a couple of weeks ago we did the following discover scuba with 19 possible divers. A discover SCUBA allows you to try scuba and see if you like it. What a get time we had. Check out the happy group with By the Shore SCUBA. If you would like to do this give us a call at 919-247-0356. Thanks to the follow Folks for all of there help Ken VanPelt Adam Ring What is a Discover SCUBA and the requirements Have participants complete the following skills in shallow water: Exception: Only BCD inflation/deflation required for pool-only experience. • Breathing underwater • Regulator clearing • Regulator recovery • Mask clearing • Equalization techniques • Inflate and deflate a BCD at the surface If participants will go on an open water dive, and shallow water for skills practice is inaccessible, an instructor conducts the skills session from a boat, dock or other surface support station by using a decent line, horizontal bar or platform that is within 2 metres/6 feet of the surface. The ratio is 1:1 when using the descent line option. We Run these Once a month check with us for those dates on our web site. https://www.scubadivingraleigh.com/discover-scuba-with-by-the-shore-scuba-instuction/