Dive Shop Services - Blog by Team DSSDive Shop Services - Blog by Team DSShttps://www.diveshopservices.com/blogs/author/dssWed, 25 Mar 2026 19:31:33 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Why we choose the XCCR]]>https://www.diveshopservices.com/blogs/post/Why-the-XCCRWhy do we Dive the XCCR?]]>

There are a lot of rebreathers out there and we are fortunate to live in a time where we have so many awesome, functional units to learn on. The XCCR stands out from the crowd, and is the rebreather I primarily represent. I have dove others, some only as try-dives and others for hundreds of hours. I am an instructor on other units but the XCCR is still my primary recommendation. 

Quick Connect Fittings

Quick connect fittings are a huge benefit of the XCCR for convenience and safety. Mistakes are going to be made when CCR diving. It’s paramount to be vigilant but good design and no-tool assembly makes assembling and disassembling the XCCR more like popping together legos than constructing a life support system. Units that don’t have a design like this tend to fall in to human factors traps where the user doesn’t take the time needed to properly check or disinfect their units. Even the sensors are COAX style connectors which are incredibly easier to deal with compared to molex.

Robust components

The XCCR has a lot of metal and delrin components. Those components are tough as nails. I’ve seen them break, but I’ve seen way more examples of situations where ABS units would snap or get crushed. The design and quality of parts on this unit are very tough and that’s an important part of the purchasing decision for me.

Simple Configuration

The XXCR is a simple design that ends up with clean routing and assembly. It integrates into a traditional DIR style harness with ease and doesn’t get in the way of bailout, cameras, scooters etc. The X looks like many other standard backmount units and it is - but the simple configuration and build make the unit a breeze to integrate on any level of diver.

The XCCR is not the perfect tool for every job. It is a great tool and it serves its use very, very well. There is lots of reef, wreck and cave that can be explored using this unit and until engineering and design improve it’s the unit I plan to continue to promote, sell and teach.
Learn more about CCRs
]]>Wed, 09 Nov 2022 11:09:47 -0500<![CDATA[You're choosing your gradient factors wrong...]]>https://www.diveshopservices.com/blogs/post/you-re-choosing-your-gradient-factors-wrong...Choosing your gradient factors (GFs) is a contentious subject for new and experienced technical divers. . If you do, and you’re not confident in the n ]]>

Choosing your gradient factors (GFs) is a contentious subject for new and experienced technical divers. . If you do, and you’re not confident in the numbers on the computer, then, welcome to the club! I want to break down some common misconceptions about what constitutes a good idea when choosing gradient factors.


If you don’t have a good grasp on what a gradient factor is check out this resource:

Learn about GFs

“Someone else does it [and isn’t getting bent]”

“Not getting bent” isn’t a great metric for choosing a gradient factor. In fact, it's a horrible metric as it can easily lead to serious normalization of deviance. Another person not getting bent is an even worse metric. How many successful dives (no DCS) were made on Haldane, Workman or Buhlmann tables? Lots! How many “extreme” dives have been conducted with no ill effects on “aggressive” profiles (higher gradient factors)?  Conversely, there have been plenty of “normal” dives done on “conservative” profiles (lower gradient factors)*. There’s more at play than just a choice of gradient factors

“I feel better after the dive now that I use XX/YY”

There is obviously a range in which this phrase is valid. If a diver is extremely fatigued after every dive and they do more decompression and they are no longer fatigued, that sounds like the right move. But, this statement in general is attributing a change in arbitrary feeling to gradient factors, when that probably isn’t the major contributor. In my experience this is typically the result of someone deciding to change their GFs and then, because they just changed something, begin to pay more attention to how they feel after a dive. Other variables, like predive fatigue, hydration, thermal stress and diet probably play a much bigger factor here. The other problem with this line of thinking is that we’re using our bodies as test dummies. While decompression isn’t an exact science, the idea that you can use a nonspecific highly variable factor as a test parameter is pretty silly.

“As you dive more you figure out the correct gradient factors”

See above. Unless you’re getting bent after diving (and considering the amount of different stressors, even then really) this idea of dialing GFs as dive experience increases doesn’t make any sense. As dive knowledge increases is completely reasonable, but not as dive ability increases.

The discussion on GFs always leaves a key component out. Decompression algorithms are not the holy grail of mitigating risk. They are a piece of the puzzle, and not necessarily the largest piece.


Is selecting a GF important? YES. 

Is understanding the logic behind GFs and decompression models important? YES.


But the other stressors are too often ignored. Fitness, fatigue, hydration, thermal stress and exercise are components that are a consideration for every single technical dive. Having hours of discussion on GFs and no consideration for the other factors is seeing a tree, but not the forest. It’s just as big of a blunder as high technical skill proficiency without any non-technical (human factors) proficiency. Further, picking any two (i.e. GFs and hydration) is missing the point.

Decompression Stressors

How should you choose a gradient factor?

Here is the ultimate question. The short answer is: Eh, there’s nothing set in stone.**

The long answer is: You need to be educated on what a GF is, what it’s based on, and the research that backs up low VS high methodology without ignoring the other factors.  It’s every technical diver’s responsibility to understand these factors and mitigate them to the best of their abilities. 

*Aggressive and conservative profiles are in quotations as a lower gradient factor isn't necessarily a more conservative profile.
** While nothing is set in stone, there are important recommendations to mitigate risk. This sentence is not designed to imply that GF selection doesn't matter.
]]>Sun, 20 Sep 2020 12:26:35 -0500<![CDATA[Florida Springs Travel ]]>https://www.diveshopservices.com/blogs/post/Florida-Springs-TravelWinter time diving in the North East is not for everyone, especially for brand new divers in their open water class. Exposing divers with dreams of Ca ]]>

Winter time diving in the North East is not for everyone, especially for brand new divers in their open water class. Exposing divers with dreams of Caribbean diving to the cold and dark wintertime quarries not only mismatches their wants, but it could discourage them from diving locally at all!

Some students will prefer to travel and complete their training as a referral, but ideally the students can complete the entire course with their local dive store. Completing the course with their local shop not only keeps sales local, but also ensures they have a great experience, start to finish. Dealing with a random island instructor to complete their certification may not give the students the experience that will encourage them to continue scuba as a hobby. The Florida springs are like quarries without the termoclines and seasonality.

The North Florida Springs are excellent dive sites for NE dive centers to use as wintertime training.

These sites are:

  • Constant temperature, year round
  • Simple dive logistics (no boats or tides)
  • Little weather influence
  • Access to lodging, fills and food.


Tips on Where

We don't list all the locations, but a few of our favorites that match the easiest logistics.

Panhandle

The Florida Panhandle is an excellent choice for training and fun diving.


Dive Sites:

Vortex Springs

Morrison Springs


Lodging

Vortex lodges and cabins

Hotels in PCB, Dothan, Marianna, etc


Upgrade Tips:

Day 1 in the springs and Day 2 on a boat trip out of PCB or Destin, FL makes for a fresh+salt water weekend adventure and opens the possibility of more and different training opportunities.

Panhandle

North Central Florida is better known for cave diving, but has plenty of sites appropriate (and fun) for open water training.


Dive Sites:

Orange Grove

Troy Springs (our favorite)

Royal Springs

Blue Grotto

Divers Den


Lodging

Air bnb in Gainesville/High Springs

Hotels in Williston, Ocala, Gainesville, etc


Upgrade Tips:

Hoping on a river charter is the perfect way to wrap up a fun trip to this area. Rainbow and crystal river have operators that see manatee, or just fun drift dives.

Tips on How

1. Build the need
Schedule these trips well in advance, and package them with your open water training courses. This builds the need for the trips as it pairs them with the most popular training and introduces it from the beginning of training as an option.

2. Market
Hit your newsletter list of previous students and give them the opportunity to "escape the cold" and hop underwater.

3. Specialties
Offer upgrades for specialties and continued training. This gives potential attendees another reason to join on the adventure.

4. Don't exclude
You know who may love a springs trip? Your normal international travelers! A simple, US based trip to hop in the water during the winter, especially at a low cost, might be the change they want.

Florida Springs trips are low cost trips that can easily be completed on a long weekend. They don't rely on boats, waves or many of the other hurdles that accompany an ocean based trip. If you want details on pricing and budgeting to run your own Florida Springs trip contact us!

]]>Sun, 20 Sep 2020 11:40:01 -0500<![CDATA[What to Expect: Efficiency]]>https://www.diveshopservices.com/blogs/post/WTE_EfficiencyMost accidents that happen with technical divers can be traced to lapses or stressors at the surface which snowball to problems underwater. It doesn't ]]>

Most accidents that happen with technical divers can be traced to lapses or stressors at the surface which snowball to problems underwater. It doesn't matter how good your underwater skills are if the non-technical skills are not dialed in. Predive checks, honest post dive debriefs, and a low distraction prep environment are the keys to reducing missteps at the surface that lead to problems underwater. It is impossible to overstate how important non-technical sills, (also called human factors) are for technical divers.


“Low distraction prep environment” is, at many dive sites, completely impossible. Large groups scrambling, loud boat engines, swimmers asking questions constantly, etc. So, do we only dive in small groups at quiet sites? Obviously no, however feeling “rushed” to prep equipment or get in the water is the most overlooked danger in technical diving environments.

The best way to maximize success in these situations is to be extremely efficient. Arrive to the dive site ready to rock. That minimizes the impact of distractions on equipment prep and delays. Most important, being efficient allows us to avoid being rushed, which is extremely dangerous in the technical diving environment.


How to be efficient

Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance (the 5 Ps)

The days before diving are the ones that matter the most. Organize equipment by the order it’s used in and store appropriately for the diving environment. For example, if the last thing you use is a wetsuit, that should go at the bottom of the bag/box. When diving consecutive days set aside  time in the afternoon devoted to prepping equipment for the next day.

All the extras but none of the luggage

Every technical diver needs backups and backups for backups. Make sure these backups on backups are in the fewest bags/boxes possible. Every item having a separate container will make for difficulty loading, unloading, and finding. We suggest a few UK boxes to keep spares dry, stored inside of a milk crate or mesh bag. If boat diving, make sure whatever you have is easily stowed below the bench, in the v-berth, or wherever gear is stowed on the vessel.


Minimum trips
Your goal should be the fewest possible trips to the water to drop equipment off while staying comfortable and not over exerting yourself. This applies to loading gear on the boat as well. Making fewer trips from the car to the boat gives you more time to relax and is more organized.

Examples of efficient storage solutions.

Maybe this information is “common sense” to you, and that’s great. Being rushed or not organized can quickly snowball into stress that will affect you underwater. That’s being efficient at the surface is a critical skill as a technical diver - just as important as any underwater skill.

]]>Sat, 04 Jul 2020 09:57:25 -0500<![CDATA[What to Expect: Tech Class Rituals]]>https://www.diveshopservices.com/blogs/post/WTE_DebreifingTaking the jump to technical training opens up the depths and far reaches of the underwater world. It's truly an adventure, and one of the coolest hob ]]>

Taking the jump to technical training opens up the depths and far reaches of the underwater world. It's truly an adventure, and one of the coolest hobbies out there. The training we offer for technical diving is unique not only in general, but also in this unique community of instruction. You will find differences in program intensity, structure and detail compared to recreational or even professional programs you may have been apart of in the past. 


Each course is custom tailored to the group, but you should expect a few things to be universal across all groups and courses. Some of the most important parts of a technical training dive are the "rituals" that happen before and after each dive. You should expect the rituals as part of your training program and fun dives afterwards. We call them rituals not only because they're universal across all groups, but also because they' performed religiously, every. single. time. 

Instructional Briefings

Before each day, activity, and dive, your instructor will run through the most important aspects of the activity. You should always have a clear understanding of the team roles, mission, and timeline. If you forget, or need clarification, always ask. The instructor's goal is to set you up for success and this information is vital for that.

Predive Checks

Before each submersion you, your team, and your instructor will go through personal and team predive checks. Personal predive checks are what each individual does to ensure all of their equipment is functioning, the dive mission is clear, and they're mentally prepared to go diving.  The minimum number of personal checks is two. The first personal check should happen before any gear is assembled. Ask the question "do I have everything I need?" If the answer is yes then ensure none of your teammates have a problem that might require assistance. If it's no, then you should solve that problem before doing anything else. The second personal predive check should take place after assembly and donning in the form of a a head-to-toe checklist. The "pre-assembly" and "post-don" checklists are minimums for every diver at the technical level.

Team Checks

Team checks are the evaluation of your equipment functionality and mental preparedness by the team. In some areas, like quarries and springs, personal checks take place at the picnic table and predive checks happen standing in the water. When diving from charter boats, the personal checks typically happen at the car and the predive happen on the boat bench. Divers give a short head to toe checklist that allows them to verbally and visually confirm the function of all items. Teammates should pay attention and provide verbal communication for each step. Once this is complete it's time to dive!

Debrief

The debriefings are always led by the team of students and are required to have a few elements. Ideally the briefing is done right after the dive. If there's a situation that prevent this, like a diver needing to use the restroom or the dive site closing, it's important to jot down notes to review later with the team. In a situation where we're rushed to leave the water or the site we may forget important elements from the dive and questions we have. 

1. What was the purpose of the dive? Did we accomplish it?

2. What is one thing you loved and should not change?

3. What is one thing that was not ideal and needs to change?

Everyone, including the instructor, will give a brief rundown of elements 2&3. 

An example of this debrief style would be something like "We reached the wreck - which was the mission. It was really cool. My trim and buoyancy felt perfect so I'm keeping the weighting just like it is. I had trouble deploying the marker because I let the line foul which took too long so I've gotta dial that in by rigging it more efficiently."


After the team concludes their debrief, which will at a minimum contain items 1-3 above, the instructor will provide feedback. This is ideally done in water and reinforced later with video feedback. The purpose of this feedback is to make changes and improvements dive-to-dive. 

1. Feedback items for the team

2. Feedback items for individuals

Attitude

During technical courses you should expect to run into situations where you struggle some and your comfort zone is extended. While we should actively try to avoid mistakes it's expected in technical training and important to identify and fix them. To facilitate this process we encourage an open platform for discussion throughout the course and especially in the debriefs. You should feel comfortable saying "I didn't do this task well" without fear of judgement from teammates. However, you should never say that phrase, or any phrase like it. The correct thing to say in that situation is "I didn't do this task well, if it happens again I will do XYZ to correct it". Diving is fun, and focusing on failures is not only lame, but it's also not productive. Success is the ability to identify and overcome obstacles. 


Technical diving courses are not inexpensive. These rituals and the open communication of the team/instructional environment are part of what you're paying for. Successful predives and postdives are tools to mitigate risk. 


]]>Wed, 17 Jun 2020 15:15:19 -0500<![CDATA[2020 Sea & Sea Strobe Guide]]>https://www.diveshopservices.com/blogs/post/2020_SeanSea_StrobesCheck out what Sea & Sea has brought to the strobe world this year!]]>

Adding strobes to your camera setup is like adding a motor to a bicycle, the game is changed. Strobes offer lots of light, instantly, and can be positioned in lots of clever ways to light the subject appropriately or even add an artistic element. Not all strobes are created equal. Sea & Sea makes the best strobes out there and the competition knows it. Mimics pop up from time to time and can never match the quality of the Sea & Sea brand.


Which Sea & Sea strobe is best for you? Check out the guide below and find your local Sea & Sea dealer to make a purchase!

Benefits of Strobes PDF
Sea & Sea Strobes

YS-02

The YS-01 Solis has been redesigned for 2020. The original version was the most popular strobe in its class and the redesign will not disappoint.  This light uses the same circuitry as the high end models with simpler design and options. 

  • DS-TTL II circuitry
  • Variable intensity
  • 40% brighter target light
  • Very even wide angle
Read more

YS-03

The YS-03 Solis is functionally the same as the YS-02. The 03 Solis only offers TTL, making it perfect for beginner underwater photographers who want the reliability of a Sea & Sea strobe in the most simple package possible.

  • Universal TTL support
  • One button operation
  • Very even wide angle
Read more

YS-D2J

For years, the YS-D2 has been considered the best of the best. The release of the D3 may have changed that slightly, but the proven track record and international love of the D2 was well earned.

  • Really bright (GN32)
  • Fast recycle time
  • Sync cable compatible
  • EV adjustment
  • Slave function 
Read more

YS-D3

New to the market and boasting a pile of firsts the D3 is on the forefront of strobe technology. The aspherical optical troidal lens provides an even distribution across the angle and super condensers have 0 recharge time at half power and only 0.8sec at GN22.

  • GN33
  • Ultra fast recycle time
  • EV adjustment
  • Slave function


Read more
]]>Fri, 12 Jun 2020 12:56:37 -0500<![CDATA[YS-D3]]>https://www.diveshopservices.com/blogs/post/YS-D3New and improved from Sea & Sea]]>

No matter the camera or housing they use, professional photographers prefer Sea & Sea strobes. They're tough, reliable and packed with features. The YS-D3 is the latest in the Sea & Sea family and it doesn't disappoint. The YS-D3 provides even, bright light with a fast recharge time. The electronics are superior than previous models and outperform the competition all day long.


Stats:

  • Guide number at surface: 33
  • Aspeherical optical troidal lens (this makes the light even across the entire area)
  • Revamped recharge circuitry and condensers
  • Standard beam angle: 80°x105
  • Color temperature: 5500K
  • Target light is bright enough to use as a dive light.

Recharge ability

The YS-D3 can fire bursts in rapid succession, even at high power. This means photographers can capture the perfect moment without the fear of a missing strobe ruining the shot.

  • At a guide number (GN) of 16 (half power) and less there is no recharge time for firing. 
  • At a GN of 22 the recharge time is 0.8 seconds.
  • At a GN of 33 (full power) the strobe recycles to 22 and alerts audibly and visually, then alerts again once GN33 power has been reached.

Aspherical optical troidal lens

Modes

Accessories

Dome Diffuser

  • For fisheye photography
  • Changes beam angle to 150°×170°

Snoot

  • For Macro photography
  • 25mm opening with integrated prism

Slave Prism

  • For using fixed strobes
  • No cable required
]]>Wed, 03 Jun 2020 13:54:23 -0500<![CDATA[How to T-Wing]]>https://www.diveshopservices.com/blogs/post/How-To-TWingA properly sized harness is like a custom made glove. The scuba unit is snug and comfortable, no other style BCD dives  with  you like a backp ]]>

Why A Backplate and Wing?

A properly sized harness is like a custom made glove. The scuba unit is snug and comfortable, no other style BCD dives with you like a backplate and wing does.

How to Use

Sizing

A well fitting harness is the best part of the T-Wing. It's a custom contour fit! You want to customize two things:

  • D-ring placement
  • Buckle location

D-Rings

The T-Wing's quick adjust system makes the shoulder straps easy to don and doff compared to a traditional system. To initially size the system you'll want to put the unit on and since the waist strap until it's tight. Then mark the proper d-ring location on the webbing and move it.

You should be able to comfortably reach the d-rings by bending your elbow.

Buckle Placement

The T-wing has plenty of extra waist strap material for divers of all sizes. That means you'll need to adjust the buckle placement for a customized fit.

Getting in and out

The T-Wing is quick and easy to put on and take off. Simply loosen the shoulder straps and slide out!

1
2
3

Weights

The T-Wing uses weight pockets, on the waist belt or cambands, to customize weight placement for better trim.

FAQ

Can you use a backplate and wing in recreational diving?

Yes! The T-Wing is designed for recreational diving.


Can you travel with a backplate and wing?

Yes! The T-wing is lightweight and packable for easy travel.


Can a new diver use a backplate and wing?

Absolutely. The simple and sleek design makes it more comfortable for new divers to own, and even learn in.


Are the crotch straps uncomfortable?

Nope! The crotch straps make the unit fit snug to your body.


Does a backplate and wing make you float head down at the surface?

No. If you fill the wing enough to float comfortably, and the harness is sized properly, it will not force you head down. However, if the harness is loose and the wing is full it won't be as comfortable. Remember that scuba BCDs are not life jackets (it even says so on the tag inside).

]]>Sun, 09 Feb 2020 11:30:11 -0500<![CDATA[WHYde Angle Lenses]]>https://www.diveshopservices.com/blogs/post/WHYde-AngleWide angle lenses are the staple for underwater production, but why? Do you really need one? As we go underwater the natural light diminishes, even on ]]>

Wide angle lenses are the staple for underwater production, but why? Do you really need one?


As we go underwater the natural light diminishes, even on shallow sites. Using external lighting, video lights or strobes, drastically improves images. It helps add in lost colors, provides proper contrast, and captures the real beauty of the critters. For still photography, strobes are preferred. They provide lots of light in an instant, more than video lights can provide, and have other features, like TTL, to adjust how the camera and flash work together.


You can see how the image on the right is capturing more at the same distance from the lens. Both images were taken with a Sea & Sea DX-6G

The problem with lighting is that it can only be so bright, and only go so far. Once you get in close enough for the lights to be effective you're stuck with a closeup shot that may not have everything you'd like in frame. This is where wide angle lenses come into play. A wide angle allows you to use external lighting, get close enough for the lighting to be effective, and have more in your frame.

Some camera systems only have one lens, and that's what's used in all situations. More experienced photographers who want the most of their time underwater will use a dual system to capture different kinds of images on one dive. This is typically accomplished with a "wet-lens". A wet lens is a wie angle lens that can be attached to the camera during a dive. The Sea & Sea DX-6G wide angle is a perfect example of this.

Want to learn more about cameras and lenses? Contact us for a photography workshop!

]]>Sat, 08 Feb 2020 16:08:12 -0500<![CDATA[DX-6G Settings]]>https://www.diveshopservices.com/blogs/post/DX-6G-SettingsThe Sea & Sea DX-6G is the perfect tool for capturing images underwater without the complexities of a more advanced and expensive setup. Settings f ]]>

The Sea & Sea DX-6G is the perfect tool for capturing images underwater without the complexities of a more advanced and expensive setup.

Photos were taken with a DX-6G

Clownfish
Pacific Ocean
Turtle

Settings for the perfect photo vary slightly depending on conditions but we've found the below settings are the best way to get started on your journey to take awesome photos!

Mode

  • Power ON
  • Press MODE
  • Toggle right and down to Underwater (1/2)
  • Press OK to select and exit MODE

Quality Level

  • Power ON
  • Press MENU (Rec. Mode) (1/4)
  • Toggle down to Recorded Pixels (1/4)
  • Toggle right and up or down to select your preference
  • Press OK to set
  • Toggle down Quality Level (1/4)
  • Toggle right and up to select 3 stars (best quality)
  • Press OK to set

Auto Focus (AF)

  • Toggle down to AF Setting (1/4)
  • Toggle right to Focusing Area
  • Toggle right and down to select Center Focus
  • Press OK to set
  • Toggle down to Auto Macro
  • Toggle right to uncheck the box
  • Toggle down to Focus Assist
  • Toggle right to uncheck the box
  • Toggle up to Focusing Area
  • Toggle left to MENU

Sensitivity

  • Toggle down to Sensitivity (2/4)
  • Toggle right and down to select 125
  • Press OK to set

Detections

  • Toggle down to Face Detection (2/4)
  • Toggle right and down to turn OFF
  • Press OK to set
  • Toggle down to Blink Detection (3/4)
  • Toggle right to uncheck the box
  • Toggle down to Digital Zoom
  • Toggle right to uncheck the box

ISO

  • Toggle down to AUTO ISO Range (2/4)
  • Toggle right and up to select ISO125-200
  • Press OK to set

Memory

  • Toggle down Memory (3/4)
  • Toggle right to Face Detection (keep checked) (1/3)
  • Toggle down to Flash Mode (keep checked) (1/3)
  • Toggle down to Drive Mode (keep checked) (1/3)
  • Toggle down to Focus Mode (keep checked) (1/3)
  • Toggle down to Zoom Position (keep checked) (1/3)
  • Toggle down to MF Position (keep unchecked) (1/3)
  • Toggle down to White Balance (keep checked) (2/3)
  • Toggle down to Sensitivity (keep checked) (2/3)
  • Toggle down to EV Compensation (keep checked) (2/3)
  • Toggle down to AE Metering (keep checked) (2/3)
  • Toggle down to Digital Zoom (keep unchecked) (2/3)
  • Toggle down to Display (keep checked) (2/3)
  • Toggle down to File No. (keep checked) (3/3)
  • Press MENU to set

EV Compensation

  • Toggle down to EV Compensation (2/4)
  • Toggle left to select between -1.0 and -2.0 (when using a strobe)

Flash

  • If using a strobe:
  • Power ON
  • Press the Flash icon on the Four-way controller
  • Toggle down to Flash Mode/Flash On
  • Press OK to select and exit
]]>Sat, 08 Feb 2020 14:41:12 -0500