See you in the water this summer!

After completing two dives tomorrow – showing proficiency in a number of on-the-surface and underwater skills – they’ll be all set and ready for more!

Click on any image to enlarge, and scroll through.

Have a computer you don’t want any longer? Trade in any used computer, working or not, into credit towards a new Suunto computer at Scuba Shack!

Made for the serious diver as well as the outdoor enthusiast, Suunto’s stylish and functional line up provides a perfect fit. Wireless air integration, electronic 3D compass, trimix capability, and PC & Mac compatible software are just some of the features you get with your Suunto computer

Visit Scuba Shack before July 31, 2012 and Trade Up with Suunto!

Miflex high pressure hoses can be identified by a black nylon braided outer covering on the hose, with a hose diameter of approximately 1/4 inch (6mm), and a manufacturing stamping on the female fitting “MFX.”

Click on the image to see a larger size. If you have one or more of the recalled hoses, you should immediately stop using it. If you are unsure if you have one of the recalled hoses, we suggest you stop by Scuba Shack and we will check to see if your hose is included in the recall. Customers who purchased the product(s) from Scuba Shack have been contacted if we have your contact information on file.

Follow these simple instructions to receive a factory-authorized replacement high pressure hose or call (888) 249-5404 weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST. A return and replacement process is in place.

• Download a return form
• Fill out on your computer and print a copy
• Include the form with your hose(s) and return to XS Scuba (address located on form)
• Replacements will be sent to you in about 2-3 weeks

As many of you know, we’ve been selling used and over-stocked diving and snorkeling gear on eBay for some time, but we’ve been walking around the showroom and storage areas and found a lot more stuff. Spring cleaning equals great savings for you this weekend!

If used and over-stocked gear won’t get you to stop by, we’ve also thrown in an awesome DUI drysuit deal, a special on the Buoyancy & Control class, and a raffle to win a dive light!

Super Specials Saturday & Sunday ONLY:

• Save an additional 5% off all DUI Drysuits when you order and pay in full.
• Normally 15% off – Now 20% Off!
• Get a $25 Gift Card when you sign up (paid in full) for the Buoyancy & Control Class.
• Spend $25 and get a raffle ticket to win an Aqua Lung Alu Solo dive light – a $195 value! (Winner selected Sunday at 3 p.m.)

Used Dive Gear – Completely Serviced

• Used Halcyon BC Systems starting at $275
• Used jacket-style BCDs also available – Great pricing!
• Used Regulators serviced and ready to go starting at $350
• Used Tanks, filled with current hydro and visual starting at $75
• Used Wetsuits cleaned and ready to go
• Other Great Deals – In Stock Stuff
• 25% Off all T-shirts, sweatshirts and bathing suits – T-shirts starting at $13
• DAN Rescue Packs 20% Off
• Akona duffel bags and roller bags 20% off
• Deals on Sea Life cameras
• Current PADI training DVDs and books – CLOSE OUT PRICES!
• Top quality Storm Cases

More Stuff: Knives, Cutting Tools, Masks, Snorkels, Fins, Boots, Hoods, Gloves, Neoprene Mask Straps and more!

See you this weekend!

If you have questions, you may contact us online or give us a call at (860) 563-0119.

The Traveler merges the simplicity and lightweight appeal of small jacket systems with the performance of back-mounted BC systems. The Traveler’s unique PA6 Nylon backplate has an integrated single-tank carrier and Cinch quick-adjust system, providing a secure, lightweight, and easily adjustable BC system. These integrated design features are specifically designed for single tank diving, eliminating the single-tank adaptor and keeping the tank close to the diver’s back. These unique features are combined with a number of other weight-reducing features, allowing the Halcyon Traveler to weigh in at a mere 5.6 pounds (2.5kg).

Many divers will be able to use this BC for diving in New England, and we’re excited about the price and quality. This BC is priced about $300 less than the Halcyon Infinity, offering many of the same features but with the non-removable Nylon backplate exclusively designed for the most popular single-tank configuration.

The non-releasable weight attachment system can be configured to hold between 2 and 12 pounds and is distributed along your back to reduce or eliminate the need for weight around your waist. This new system holds firm, ensuring your tank and buoyancy system will not shift around while diving.

We will always try to stock at least three or four of these systems, but we expect the Traveler to be a very popular product in 2012 … so you may want to stop by the store and check out the demo model we have been testing, and consider pre-ordering as expected shipping dates are in mid-May.

Key features:

• Ideal for travel; weighs only 5.6 pounds
• Black, hardcoat anodized aluminum D-rings; reduces weight with a stylish look
• Unique weight attachment systems (see image); add up to 12 pounds of almost any style weight
• Integrated Cinch quick-adjust system (patent pending) with nearly instant adjustability
• Easily adjustable while in or out of the water; snug, stable fit with easy removal
• Seamless use of included hip D-ring or optional weight pockets/light holder
• Padded shoulder and back pads; provide unparalleled comfort
• Available in 30lb (14kg) lift capacity; 1000-denier Cordora bladder
• For use with single tank only

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4cX2EPt2zE

From Fox News…

Called a brinicle (or brine icicle), cameramen Hugh Miller and Doug Anderson used a time-lapse camera to capture this awe-inspiring event beneath the Antarctic ice shelf for the upcoming Discovery Channel special series, Frozen Planet.

“We were just blown away by how beautiful they were,” producer Kathryn Jeffs told FoxNews.com. Jeffs was in Antarctica with Miller and Anderson to capture the unique event. “We were exceptionally excited and we knew we had something that had never been filmed before, never been seen before. No one has really seen the formation of a brinicle.”

This magnificent yet terrifying phenomenon is caused by brine, or naturally occurring salt water, which tends to be denser than the surrounding seawater and has a lower freezing point. When super cold brine trickles down, the warmer seawater surrounds the cyclone with a brittle layer of ice.

The weather was absolutely beautiful all week with air temperatures in the low to mid 80’s and water temps 72-75 degrees. We started diving the afternoon we arrived with a deep dive on the wreck of the 510 foot long Spiegel Grove. The rest of the week featured dives on the shipwreck of the 329 foot Coast Guard Cutter Duane and more dives on the Spiegel Grove.

Another popular destination were the many beautiful shallow reef dives at Molasses reef and a visit to the bronze statue of Christ of the Abyss, which was a great photo opportunity.

On Saturday many of the divers completed five dives in one day including a night dive on the shipwreck City of Washington. Sunday was a day off from diving for many, with a drive down the beautiful Overseas Highway to Key West for a day of shopping, relaxation and entertainment.

Instructors Joel Toohey and Denis Finnegan joined us on Monday for some GUE training with Ed. Another year and another safe well organized trip with the professional staff at Scuba Shack. Join us in March or April for another trip south to the Florida Keys!

Here are some photos from our February trip.

We dive with Cape Ann Divers, and have booked the Cape Ann Diver II for all of trips. The Cape Ann Diver II features a heated cabin, head, walk-through stern to a water-level platform for easy entry and a stable ladder for getting back on the boat. She also features a warm, fresh-water shower on deck.

If you’re interested in going on one or more of these adventures with us, reservations must be made with Scuba Shack by stopping by the store in Rocky Hill or giving us a call. Payment in full is due at booking and is non-refundable. If Cape Ann Divers cancels the trip – usually no earlier than an hour prior to departure – a full refund will be provided. Tanks and weight are not provided by Cape Ann Divers, you must bring all of your diving gear. Please read additional details below.

*Divers meet at Cape Ann Divers no later than noon to complete waiver, present certification card and get directions to the dock. You must be at the marina no later than 12:30 p.m. and have yourself and all gear on board no later than 12:45 p.m. Dive sites are not guaranteed and may change depending on conditions.