MUDGEE'S ONLY DIVE CENTRE

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MASKS, SNORKELS AND FINS

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Snorkeling Tips

Boy Snorkeling Animation

  • Buy decent snorkeling gear for everybody, even the kids. Kids and adults alike will give up if the experience is made unpleasant by cheap equipment.
  • Keep hair out of the mask. It'll cause a leak.
  • A well-fitted mask should "stick" to your face without the strap. 
  • Take the family to a pool to practice before you go into the sea.
  • Make sure everybody slips, slops and slaps.
  • Drink plenty of water.

Snorkeling Boy Swimming Animation

  • Snorkel in the morning when the sea is usually at its calmest.
  • Bring extra food: snorkeling makes everybody hungry.
  • Use a bright beach towel to mark the entry spot on the beach.
  • Always stay together.
  • An inflated inner tube tied to Dad can act as a rest spot for the entire family.
  • For your first family snorkeling adventure, invest in a disposable underwater camera. The photos will be hilarious.

MASKS

Although it is perhaps one of the most simple pieces of diving and snorkeling equipment it is easy to realise the masks importance. Without a quality mask that provides optimum visibility and comfort it is 
almost impossible to enjoy the underwater experience to its fullest.

What to Look for in a Mask

When selecting a mask for yourself the most important things are fit, comfort and easy adjustment. A mask has a good fit when it seats comfortably on the face, seals well and does not leak.

All quality scuba masks have a silicone skirt, the softer and more comfortable the better. Do not confuse softness with thinness of the skirt material. The best masks have a thicker, more durable skirt 
while maintaining comfort. Once the style has been established fitting the mask is the most crucial part.

An Explanation of Mask Features:

Mask Frames

Single
Some people prefer a single lens because they believe the bar on two lens masks across the bridge of the nose will be distracting. 
This is generally not a problem because unless you deliberately try to look inwards you will not see it. Once you forget the bridge is there you will not notice it.
The true benefit of a single lens mask is that they tend to be higher volume, which suits people with larger noses or a protruding forehead.

Double
Double lens masks are generally able to fit closer to the eyes, which allows greater visibility. The two lens mask has a low internal volume which requires little effort to clear.

Side Windows
The side windows on a mask provide enhanced side vision. A mask with side windows does have a larger internal volume, which will require slightly more effort to clear.

Mask Skirts

Rubber
Rubber is rarely used in modern masks as other materials listed below offer either lower costs or greater comfort and durability.

PVC
PVC is a very inexpensive plastic material that is generally used on very inexpensive masks. It tends to be relatively hard and uncomfortable against the face and can lose shape quickly.

Silitex
Silitex is a combination of silicon and PVC. It is softer and more comfortable than PVC and is suitable for the casual snorkeler or holiday maker.

Silicon - Black or Clear
Silicon is the best material for a mask skirt. It is very soft compared to other materials making for a better fit and greater comfort. Silicon holds its shape very well and is extremely durable. 
Black silicon is the product of choice for some snorkelers/divers although clear silicon is more popular. They are generally the same quality. 
Black silicon lets in less light, which some people find less distracting and is more popular with spear fishermen. Some people prefer the more open feeling and the cosmetics of clear silicon. 
Clear masks also have a wider range of colour choices for the mask frames.

NEED OPTICAL LENSES FITTED?
There are many styles for those divers or snorkelers who also require special optical lenses fitted.

MASK CARE AND MAINTENANCE

 

The following Care and Maintenance information is provided for products that do not have a specific owner's manual and is intended as a general guide for basic care and maintenance of your Scuba Equipment.

 

Care Before the Dive:

During the manufacturing process, a thin film of silicone will develop on the glass lens. This film of silicone will cause rapid fogging that is resistant to conventional anti-fog measures. 
It is important to remove this film of silicone from the lens prior to your first dive. To remove the film you will need to scrub the lens inside and out with a mild abrasive. 
A paste toothpaste is ideal but a liquid scrub will also work. Rub the cleanser into the lens with your fingers several times and then rinse clean thoroughly.

Mask fogging is a normal occurrence, even after the film of silicone has been removed. Normal fogging can be easily prevented with aftermarket anti-fog agents or saliva. 
Rub onto the lens and then rinse. Your dive will now be fog free!

Some after after-market anti-fog agents contain formaldehyde, alcohol, or other substances that may damage the plastic materials used in your mask. 
If unsure, avoid prolonged exposure of the anti-fog agent with the plastic parts of your mask.


Care During the Dive:

When entering the water either from a boat or a beach, place a hand over the lens of your dive mask and hold it securely in place. 
This will help ensure your mask stays in place during entry and will help deflect any direct impact of water on the lens caused by the jump into the water or any approaching waves.

A typical dive staging area is a dangerous place for dive masks. Care should be taken to not leave your mask in a location where it might be exposed to dropping weight belts or tanks.

It is best to avoid putting your mask on your forehead at any time during the dive. Several factors can cause the mask on your forehead to be dislodged and subsequently lost. 
If you want to temporarily remove the mask from your face, place the mask around your neck.


Care After the Dive:

Soak in warm fresh water (not over 120°F) to dissolve salt crystals.
Rinse thoroughly with fresh water and towel dry before final storage.


Storage:

Store in a cool, dry and protected place out of direct sunlight.
Store separated from other dive gear as the black pigmentation of other equipment may discolor the clear silicone skirt of your mask.


Chemicals/Solvents:

Avoid any contact with alcohol, oil, gasoline, aerosols, or chemical solvents.
Do not expose any part to aerosol spray, as some aerosol propellants attack or degrade rubber and plastic materials.
Do not use any type of alcohol, solvent or petroleum based substances to clean or lubricate any part.
Do not store your equipment near any oil, gasoline, chemicals, or solvents.

AQUA LUNG / TECHNISUB MASKS
AQUA LUNG / TECHNISUB MASKS
NEPTUNE MASKS

PELAJ MASKS

 

SNORKELS

The snorkel is another relatively simple piece of equipment that offers the convenience and relaxation of breathing at the surface indefinitely, without needing to lift your head out of the water. 
This allows you to view the underwater world uninterrupted. It is also considered a standard piece of equipment for scuba diving, since it allows you to conserve the air in your tank while 
swimming on the surface.

Selecting Your Snorkel

Snorkels are made from a combination of materials, usually the upper bore is made from a rigid or semi rigid plastic while the lower portion or mouthpiece is made from silitex or silicon.

Bore

Contouring the snorkel to the head is a common feature of better snorkels. The larger the snorkel diameter the easier the breathing, but the greater the difficulty in clearing it of water. 
A small bore will restrict the flow of air but is easier to clear, this style is more suited to children. The larger bore is more suited to adults.

Mouthpiece

As with masks, the mouthpieces on snorkels come in a variety of sizes and material. The material varies from Silitex to Silicon. The silitex is a little hard on the mouth after extended use, 
whereas the silicon is much more comfortable and favoured by people spending extended periods in the water.

Length

The length of a snorkel should not exceed about 43cm, any longer than this and it becomes more difficult to clear, and if too short it will allow water to continually enter.

Purge Valve

The purge valve is found at the bottom of the snorkel and is designed to allow the snorkel to self-drain to reduce the effort in clearing.

Snorkel Keeper

Snorkel keepers are used to attach the snorkel to the mask strap, they are normally a soft loop style that slides over the snorkel or a clip-on plastic keeper. The keepers are supplied with the snorkel.

Dry Top

The dry top on a snorkel is designed to restrict the entry of water through the top of the snorkel without reducing the flow of air.

With close to thirty snorkels to choose from, for kids to adults there is sure to be a snorkel suit your individual tastes and preferences, either for diving or snorkeling. 
There are even snorkels with built in radios and special sockets for asthma puffers!

 

Snap

Snap Snorkels                                               ***CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE***

 Unique foldable design - perfect for storage in BC pocket when not in use.

 The incredible pocket snorkel! The Snap easily folds or rolls up into a small compact package that fits easily into any BC pocket and snaps back into action with ease when you need it!

 Features:

 
Type: Foldable

 Tube: Anatomic

 Mouthpiece: Anatomic

 Material: Thermoplastic & Silicone

 Retainer: Quick Fixing

 Vent System: Yes - Integrated


AQUA LUNG / TECHNISUB / NEPTUBE / PELAJ SNORKELS

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FINS

It is the invention of the fin that has allowed us to dive deeper to explore the world beneath the surface with grace and speed. The selection of a fin begins with deciding between a full foot 
design that is intended primarily for snorkeling, or an open heel, larger blade design that is better suited for use with SCUBA. Although an open heel design will serve you equally as well for 
snorkeling and SCUBA, it is designed to be worn over a neoprene boot. For this reason, many snorkelers prefer the convenience of a full foot fin.

Selecting your Fins

Open Heel

The open heel fin is usually used in scuba diving but can be used for snorkelling. Open heel fins are designed to be used with dive booties. One exception to this is the US Divers Uniflex fin, 
which is an open heeled fin designed to be used without booties. Open heeled fins have an easy to use quick release buckle system for ease of donning and removal. When fitting an open heeled fin 
there should be little sideways movement. The toes should not touch the end of the foot pocket as this will cause rubbing and discomfort.

Closed Heel

The closed fin is designed to fit directly onto the foot. They are normally lighter than open heeled fins and suited for snorkelling or swim training. They need to be comfortable (not too tight, not too loose).

HF Buckle System

Bending over, fully laden, to find a small release buckle on your ankle can be a struggle. The new, revolutionary design of the Hands Free (HF) Buckle system allows the strap to be released at 
any time without using your hands simply put your heel on the red button and push gently: the buckle opens and your foot is free to exit from the foot pocket. Particular care has gone into providing 
for strap adjustment -quick and easy- requiring less force and being more precise and secure than traditional buckles. The strap slides smoothly and evenly without catching. 
The buckle is anatomically shaped. Rubber covering increases comfort, protects the heel and prevents the strap from slipping on the boot.

The strap slides smoothly and evenly without catching. The buckle is anatomically shaped. Rubber covering increases comfort, protects the heel and prevents the strap from slipping on the boot.

FIN CARE AND MAINTENANCE

 

The following Care and Maintenance information is provided for products that do not have a specific owner's manual and is intended as a general guide for basic care and maintenance of your Scuba Equipment.

Care Before and During the Dive:
     1.    Avoid standing your fins on the tips of the blades for any extended period of time. 
     2.    Avoid hot temperatures and hot surfaces as these can damage the fin.
     3.    Avoid placing the fins in a car trunk on hot days as the temperatures inside car trunks can exceed the temperature tolerances of the fin and the blades may distort.

 

Care After the Dive:
    1.    Rinse thoroughly with fresh water and towel dry before final storage.

 

Storage:
     1.    Store in a cool, dry and protected place out of direct sunlight.

 

Chemicals/Solvents:
     1.    Avoid any contact with alcohol, oil, gasoline, aerosols, or chemical solvents.
     2.    Do not expose any part to aerosol spray, as some aerosol propellants attack or degrade rubber and plastic materials.
     3.    Do not use any type of alcohol, solvent or petroleum based substances to clean or lubricate any part.
     4.    Do not store your equipment near any oil, gasoline, chemicals, or solvents.


 

 

New Slingshot Fins

 
 
 Slingshotset

 SlingShot Fins  RRP $299  GRANT'S PRICE $269  

          ANY DIVE, ANY DIVER. SLINGSHOT - THE RIGHT FIN FOR YOU!

Colours: Red, Blue, Silver and Pink 

Sizes: Sml, Med, Lge 

Regardless of experience, strength or the type of dive you are doing you will find the Slingshot is the right fin for you. 

Why?

The Slingshot takes its name from the high power silicone bands that store energy on your down stroke, and release this energy just like a slingshot. This mechanical advantage minimizes the energy you use to drive you through the water, meaning you get where you need to be faster and easier. The innovation doesn't stop there. We recognise that depending on the diver and dive conditions, maximum power may be required and at other times you just want to cruise.

A revolutionary 3 speed gear shift allows you to adjust the speed to effort ratio, even underwater.

This stunning Italian made fin continues to pile on the power with a mid foot pivot point that transfers the power from your entire leg to the blade relieving pressure on your ankles or toes, meaning more power and less chance of cramp or aching ankles.

With all this mechanical advantage the Slingshot is more than a just a fin -the Slingshot is a machine!

For a demonstration of the power of the Slinshot head to your nearest Aqualung dealer today...and make sure you bring your buddies, after all you don't want to leave them behind!

The Slingshot features three main innovations: Power Bands, the Gear Shift, and the Mid-Foot Attachment Points

POWER BANDS Known as power bands, these silicone straps capture all the energy of the down stroke (power stroke) and then immediately snap back, creating powerful propulsion that's much more efficient than other fins on the market and help divers save their energy.

GEAR SHIFT The Gear Shift gives the diver complete control of power under any condition. The diver can shift to one of three settings in order to choose the speed-to-effort ratio, allowing him to go from cruising speed in tranquil waters, to a forceful thrust in strong currents. The Slingshot adjusts, quickly (and underwater), to the various circumstances that can occur.

MID-FOOT ATTACHMENT POINTS The blade attaches to the foot further back on the foot pocket rather than at the toes, alleviating pressure on the front of the foot and reducing strain on the ankle, while allowing all the power to transmit from the leg to the fin.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                
 

Blades2_flex

 Blades 2 HF Flex Fins  RRP $199  GRANT'S PRICE $179

Colours: Black, Blue, Silver and Yellow

Sizes: Sml, Med, Lge 

Aqua Lung has again advanced safe and enjoyable diving with the introduction of the Blades 2 Flex fin. The new more flexible fin design is easier to kick, providing a more relaxed dive, while maintaining the same proven blade design as the Blades 2.

With a unique blend of materials that puts more elasticity and snap in the fin's blade, the Blades 2 Flex offers a more flexible fin to suit personal preference. The Blades 2 Flex also features the patented Hands-Free Fin Release Strap for quick removal with just the kick of a heel. 

Features

Stratification: Yes

Spring Effect: Yes

Material: Thermoplastic

Quick Adjusting: Both Sides

Weight: 998g

Total Length: 668mm

Quick Release: On the heel

Buckles: HF

Rotating: Yes 360 Degree

Type: Adjustable

 

AQUA LUNG HOTSHOT FIN

  

Hotshot Fins  RRP $199  GRANT'S PRICE $179


Colours: Silver/Green only 

Sizes: Sml, Med, Lge

This amazing fin has been engineered with the traveling diver in mind. It offers:

·       Unsurpassed comfort

·       Compactness for carry-on travel

·       Power for a fully-outfitted scuba diver


The foot pocket is designed to be worn with bare feet!

·       The top and sides of the foot pocket are soft against bare skin

·       Neoprene socks or thin-soled boots may be used for thermal protection

·       Unique, self-adjusting Comfo-strap is buckle free. This particular type of elastomer guarantees comfort

·       Mid-foot Flex Joint


The blade attaches to the sides of the foot pocket rather than at the front of the foot pocket.
Prevents hyper-extension of the toes and ankles
Maximizes the transfer of power from the leg to the fin

Compact and Light Weight

·       Measures only 53 cm overall length

·       Size regular weighs only 1.5 kg


Power

·       Due to the Mid-Foot Flex Joint, the entire length of blade flexes and provides forward thrust. With a traditional fin, the third of the blade in front of the foot pocket is considered dead space and provides no forward thrust. The result is that the HotShot provides the power of a fin that is 30% longer!

·       Geared with silicone slings (Power Bands). These pure silicone slings are loaded with energy during the power stroke, which they release prior to the upstroke

·       Twin-Speed Gear Shift

                   o The silicone Power Bands form the HotShot gear system
                   o The gear shift allows the diver to choose the best speed-to effort ratio
                   o Divers can change gear settings while wearing the fins

 

·       The blade is made of a semi rigid customized technopolymer. The result is an excellent spring effect and flexibility to maximize thrust.

·       The rubberized ribs are made of two different elastomeric compounds to provide the greatest elasticity


Other features

·       Comes in three sizes: small, regular, large/x-large

·       Anti-slip rubber pads on the bottom of fin keep divers safe on boat decks

·       Grooves along inside bottom of foot pocket prevent foot from being vacuum-sealed in foot pocket making doffing easy

·       Power bands are protected on the bottom to prevent contact with the ground

AQUA LUNG EXPRESS ADJUSTABLE
TECHNISUB EXPRESS FP FIN 

  

Express Adjustable Fins  RRP $TBA GRANT'S PRICE $TBA

Colours: Blue, Silver, Red and Orange

Sizes: Sml, Med, Lge (Available Summer 2010)

Also Available as 
Express FP Full Foot Fin RRP $120 GRANT'S PRICE $108

Colours: Blue, Silver, Red and Orange

Sizes: 36/37 38/39 40/41 42/43 44/45 46/47

 

CaravelleAdj

Caravelle Adjustable Fins  RRP $120 GRANT'S PRICE $108

Colours: Metallic Blue, Silver and Yellow 

Sizes: Sml, Med, Lge 

Latest generation materials for fins that owe their name to the great Technisub tradition. They are the direct descendents of those Caravelle's that in the early '60s turned out to be a tremendous innovation in the area of underwater thrust and the Caravelle fins retain the original design, made from two different materials that greatly influence the performance.

They are made from flexible technopolymer and rubber, the blade has an exceptionally effective and innovative thrust structure so with a minimum effort the diver can obtain extraordinary performance. The open foot pockets are soft and comfortable, anatomically shaped to get the best flexible response. The side closure, with traditional buckle, ensures the correct positioning of the fins and makes them suitable for the more demanding dives as well.

Features

Excellent entry level and all around fin

Lightweight blade reduces kicking effort.

Flexible blade provides an easy kick while blade snap provides ample power.

Blade reinforced

Anatomically shaped foot pockets enhance comfort and performance.

Extended heel pocket for additional support and power transmission.

Quick Release buckles

 FIN X  Fin X RRP $99.95 GRANT'S PRICE $89

* Great value for money entry level fin
 * Available in colours to match the new Neptune mask and snorkel range
 * Quality strap and buckle assembly
 * Supplied in mesh carry bag

  Colours:  
  Sizes: Sml/Med, Med/Lge, Lge/XLge # Excludes powder blue and pearl pink
  FINS-STRATUS-FULL-FOOT  Stratus FP Full Foot Fins  RRP $99.95 GRANT'S PRICE $89

 Colours:Blue, Black 
 
 Sizes: 4-5 6.5-7.5 8-9 9.5-10.5 11-12
 FINS-CARAVELLE-FULL-FOOT  Caravelle Full Foot Fins  RRP $69.95 GRANT'S PRICE $63

Colours: Metallic Blue, Silver and Yellow

Sizes: 3-4 5-6 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13

AQUALUNG / TECHNISUB FIN SPARES

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