Gear Patrol

Most landlocked divers recall with a shudder the pool sessions that were required to learn skills for open water certification. Often conducted in an over-chlorinated high school pool, they’re more a rite of passage than an inspiration. Well, for divers in Brussels, Belgium, pool sessions have a whole different meaning thanks to John Beernaerts’ NEMO33,…

“Dolphins!” someone shouted and Captain Jack, his dreadlocks poking out of the back of his baseball cap pivoted our dive boat, the Mulac, around and swung into the path of the pod of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins who were arcing their dorsal fins out of the water in unison, their powerful exhalations audible a hundred yards…

The idea of SCUBA diving at night can seem absurd, dangerous and terrifying to someone who hasn’t tried it. But for those who have done it, it can be exhilarating and downright addictive. The ocean becomes a different place after dark and a whole new set of creatures emerges from daytime hiding places – shape-shifting…

The Bladefish 7000 Turbo ($1,735) is designed to help any underwater explorer keep pace with the surrounding marine life. If you’re last name happens to be Bond, it’ll probably work just as well as a taxi to various underwater missile silos. As the top of the Bladefish line, this high-powered version features a “Turbo” gear…

You know that laid-back vibe that pervades among dive boat captains, fishing guides and surfers? It’s a sort of smug contentment that comes from being able to spend most days on, in or under the water in a warm climate. Well, that vibe is a little hard to emulate when you’re digging out from one…

There are few places more worthy of high-definition video than the underwater world. Sure, photos are great. But SCUBA diving is such a dynamic, otherworldly experience that still photography has always seemed a bit two-dimensional as a means to convey the experience to landlubbers or to re-live adventures back home. Coral reefs teem with thousands…

The new Korsbek Oceaneer is another high-quality dive watch emerging from the growing boutique market. We’ve touched on this trend before here at Gear Patrol, introducing you to companies like BaliHa’i and Zinex. These lines are a great place to find yourself a watch on par in quality with any well known brand; plus, you’ll…

It’s always a good omen when you see a shark on your first dive. We had dropped down to 80 feet on Palancar reef when I spotted the distinctive dorsal and pectoral fins of a five-foot blacktip. I banged my tank to get my wife’s attention and made the vertical hand-to-head signal for shark. The…

Editor’s Note: No, this isn’t from last night’s Lost premiere. Recently, Gear Patrol crew member (and adventure junkie) Jason Heaton ventured off to the Dharma Initiative Submersible Headquarters Jules Undersea Lodge. You’ve slept everywhere: the European hostel circuit, Everest base camp, countless beaches, and world-class ski resorts. What’s next? How about 30 feet underwater? In…

Dive Watch Fanatics, Your Grail Has Arrived Gear Patrol Contributor Jason Heaton showing his approval for the Doxa SUB 800Ti. In the late 1960s, Doxa, a venerable Swiss watchmaker, developed one of the most enduring and unique designs in a purpose-built dive watch. The Doxa SUB was like nothing else, with its distinctive orange dial…

Submarine Grade Steel On Your Wrist Swiss and Japanese brands tend to dominate the conversation when it comes to watches. However there are other brands out there that deserve praise. Take for instance Sinn, a German watch company known for its many exclusive technologies, unique designs, and expert craftsmanship. One of their most popular models…