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It's not just about adventures and amazing places to dive, but learning how to set up and maintain your ever-important scuba gear, plus tips, tricks, and cool finds.
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+ ABOUT +
I'm Jamie, divemaster and absolute sea junkie. I believe life is best spent underwater, and love experiencing scuba all over the world with my husband Nic. We live (and dive, of course!) in the PNW and have a passion for its beautiful waters and the innumerable wildlife they hold.
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Great video Jamie and Nic!
Informative and down to the point. Great job!
Found this video when was casually browsing on marketplace. Absolutely loved this video. I like the idea of buying used gear except one: when you are purchasing the gear from shop, you can be somewhat sure that it was well maintained. So I called it, since buying gear you life will depend on- is it a good idea?
Yes, that is SUCH a great question! Buying used gear is always a gamble. Thank you so much for watching and enjoying the video!
Very cool!
I was in Bonaire for 2 weeks in July of 2023 and then again for 2 weeks in November of 2023. The difference in the coral was frightening. One dive buddy described it best when he said, "It looked like snow." There was so much coral bleaching in less than 4 months. I looked around and kept asking myself, "Where am I?" I didn't recognize the place. It was heart breaking. I am hoping it has bounced back when I go in 5 weeks. I have a brief video of it on my channel. It is so sad.
Wow, that is so sad to hear :-( I know the SCTLD has spread since then. Hold on to the hope!
I always say, give me a pickup truck, 5 tanks and a sack lunch and I'll be at Salt Pier ALL day.
Heck yes, this spot has so much to offer!
Hahaha! I have a video of a barjack doing the same thing with one of our divers! On another dive, I had one hanging under me.
Dang, I have only seen dolphins racing our boat once but they did have a sweet little baby dolphin with them. Can't wait to actually see them underwater.
I hope you get to! This pod was right outside the Red Slave entry point around noon. After surfacing, we watched them swimming back and forth between around Sweet Dreams down to just north of Lighthouse.
@@thejamiecaldwell So cool! I have my figures crossed for this next trip!
So sad. Octopus have quickly become my favorite species to look for diving. I had a dive with one for 30 minutes that changed my life!
They are amazing - it never gets old, especially seeing the behemoths in the PNW!
@@thejamiecaldwell One day I have to make it out there to see them.
I've got some great videos of this type of filefish - I jokingly call them 'Pumpkin Piranhas'.
I am totally calling them pumpkin piranhas now!
@@thejamiecaldwell Usually, they take off but I had this one that just stayed and hung out. I was watching another channel and a guy who was at the resort a week before me, shot video of the exact same one. I matched up all the spots and markings! What are the odds!
Hey, I have dove Andrea 1-absolutely love Bonaire, I'll be back there in about 5 weeks.
Have a great time. Sounds like I'll just miss you! We return there in a couple of weeks.
@@thejamiecaldwell Thanks, you, too. I'll be there July 13-27 at Plaza Resort. Also at Plaza Nov. 16-30. I"ve dove a little more than 50 sites in Bonaire. The place is unreal!
@@Pete_R63 Oh yeah, we'll just miss you! We'll be there the second half of June. Do you think there are any underrated must-dives?
Absolutely love your video's and they deserve more attention. However, I think your guidance on how to fit a scuba mask is incomplete, most masks will stick to your face, even when they aren't a good fit for you. Before trying the suction test I think it's important to look up, tilting your neck far back, rest the mask on your face and have someone look for gaps between your face and the skirt of the mask, especially in the area of your eyes and temples. I found that out the hard way, I have a number of masks that will pass the suction test that still leak under water. The rest of the video is excellent though!
Thank you for your input, that's great advice!
Thanks for all the work you put into these video's. They are so much better than the size of your channel would suggest, I hope more people find their way here!
I appreciate that so much, thank you!
This definitely helps keep mine from stinking!
Haha I'm SO glad ❤️
Just a word of caution, when removing the dumps on older back inflates be careful not to cross thread or strip them . The newer versions have different threads and you will have a very expensive bill on your hands
☝️☝️☝️
Excellent video! Very underated topic! I have seen wing bladder punctured by salt cristals growing inside of it and several "sticky" inflators leading to uncontrolled ascents as a result of lack of rinsing in the tropical climate and ocean diving. I would try to dunk the BCD rather than hosing it so water gets into the space between bladder and fabric if conditions allow.
Great point! A dunk is a really good idea.
This information is on point! I've only been diving for about 9 months and i got a BCD a few months ago. Now I have a good idea on how to maintain it
Welcome to the dive community! I hope you're having a blast!
I put my reg on my small tank and soak it in fresh water i purge the second stages a couple of times, i let it soak for a couple of hours.
The not being able to pee in your wetsuit thing, what is that about? I have the very same issue, and can be painful on long dives.
Oh my gosh, I feel your pain!! For me, I think it was mostly feeling "clothed" and being so conditioned against that. The trick for me was learning that peeing requires you to RELAX your pelvic floor, and concentrating on that finally, erm... clicked. Trying to force it never worked! Some divers say it's easier if you bend your knees so you're kind of in a squat/sitting position.
I fitted a hanger above my bath, I hang my bcd upside down so all the water collects in inflater! So much easier
That's a great idea!
Lady in the vid is a cutie pie. Subbed for this reason.
One more tip if you remove the dump valve (don't screw it too tight and you'll be fine) is to put one of those tablets to clean fake dentals inside with water. It removes a lot of gunk. Also make sure to let a pro do maintenance of the inflator every few years.
I've never thought about dental tablets - but I always wonder if home remedies can harm the bladder. What are your thoughts or experience?
@@thejamiecaldwell If you don't use any aggressive solvents it should be fine really. There are specialized cleaning agents but I use a bit of medical grade Dettol with water for the rest of the gear. Been doing that for 10 years.
At the moment of writing, this video hasn't even 550 views. It should be way more. The video really conveys a sense of being there in the dark... 🙌🏻
Thank you so much! ❤️❤️❤️
Wow! What an amazing experience! I've been many times, but never gotten views from the inside 😮
It's a totally different experience and TOTALLY worth it!
The sturgeon are so cool!
2:53 As long as I wash it with soap, the fact it was used doesn't bother me. If it did, I don't think I could rent gear when I travel.
Everyone's got their own "ick" level 😅
@@thejamiecaldwellindeed
Great quality of these videos. You deserve more subs!!
Thank you, I appreciate that!
Awesome info! Thanks for the video!
@@joeseeberger672 Thanks for watching!
Another commenter stated nice voice. I'd agree and easy on the eyes too <3! I do have a question, though. Im currently finishing my OW in june, so im no expert, but i have watch alot of content. This is the first video ive seen that the primary 2nd and octo are on opposite sides.. perhaps camera trickery? I dont mean to queation a professional, but as a new diver ive only ever seen both 2nd stages over and octo under the right side. Is this just preference? Good to see because id have ALWAYS gone for that side in an emergency as that is all ive seen expecting that to be 'standard'. Once again, you've opened a few new doors for me to analyze and verify during buddy checks. Please keep the content flowing!!
No camera trickery, and great question! I'll answer your question in an upcoming video. :-D
New subscriber, I love your awesome content. Just finishing up my OW and these vids will come in handy!! oh...I love you're facial expressions, they're priceless! <3
Awesome! I'm so glad you enjoy them. What made you decide to get certified?
Don't forget to do this with your dSMB as well please. Consider washing all things you use for the dive at the end of the day. I pretty much bought a garden bin to soak everything (except regulators)
Yes, GREAT tip!
Yeah, you can clean your reg this way, or you can do it the way 90% of divers and shops/resorts do and dump it in a rinse tank for five to ten minutes 😂 😂 😂
Yep, that's a choice you can make 😂
Second the comments on a great video! Many dive operations/resorts don't have either a tank for pressurization or a hose for rinsing. Is it OK to soak the whole regulator set in a rinse tank -- as long as I don't press the purge button? 🙂
@@danflaherty1132 Sure you can! It won't get it as clean as a pressurized rinse, but it's okay to do it that way. I just wouldn't dunk the first stage. Rinse the first stage (with dust cap on!) under running water, but don't submerge it. Call me old fashioned, but I would never trust a dust cap that much. 😆
@@danflaherty1132 Yes
@@thejamiecaldwell Thanks! I have a DIN 1st stage with a threaded dust cap, so risk of water entry may be reduced while soaking.
You have an amazing voice, sounds just like professional voiceover.
Haha, wow thanks!! I've got some more stuff coming soon, stay tuned!
Good video 🎉
very to the point with a personal touch, expertise to trust thx
Removing the dump valve(s) allows you to inspect and make sure they are in good working order. If you are not going to do it every time, it should at least be done periodically to make sure everything is in good working order.
Respectfully disagree. Removing dump valves is unnecessary to determine whether they are performing properly, and accelerates wear and tear.
Great video! An awesome demo with appropriate explanations.
I see this as an absolute win.
You got my sub!!!! Please keep up the good work. I remove my dump valves inspect and give them a good clean also keep a spare one in my save a dive kit .
Thanks so much for the sub!! We've got some more tips & tricks coming soon. 😁😁😁
Loud, exactly! So don't blow the dust gap fall on! Plus how many dive centres have a hose pipe for people to use?
Very good info and great video Jamie!
Thanks Andy! ❤️
Nice video! How would you compare the diving between Bonaire to Cozumel? I have been to Bonaire 4 times the past few years. Went to Cozumel 24 years ago and planning a trip back there. I know there is not much shore diving in Cozumel compared to Bonaire. Thanks again!
Right! They are similar in the species of animals you can find, but some differences: - The biggest difference to me is that Cozumel is mostly drift diving from boats vs. Bonaire, where most of your (western) shore diving spots don't usually have much current. - Coz has tons of caverns and swim-throughs, which you don't get so much in Bonaire. - I'd definitely recommend trying Cozumel's blackwater dive! There is nothing like it. - The variety and color of sponges in Cozumel is absolutely astonishing! I personally love shore diving, and can get more dives in (and for cheaper) in Bonaire than in Cozumel. But there's definitely great reasons to visit both. I hope you have a great trip, and let me know what you think!
Hi, good video. Is there anything wrong with soaking the regulator in fresh water. I do like you mentioned about hooking up to a tank and using the pressure. This is something I have not done. I do rinse the regulator off as soon as I possible can, then I usually soak the regulator in the sink when I get home.
Nothing wrong with it really, it just doesn't work as well. Think about it: You're diluting any contaminants in the soaking water (bacteria, grime, acids from burping into it, etc.) and letting it sit. Icky!
Can you soak / rinse the first stage anyway if you don't have a cylinder? Do you keep the dustcap on?
As long as the dustcap is securely on, it's okay to rinse the first stage, but don't submerge/soak it. Dust caps aren't designed to be watertight, and may not keep the first stage completely dry.
awesome vid, editing, etc - planning my 5th trip to Bonaire this year!
Maybe I will see you there! We're going back in June!
Haha, it is addicting! I did 5 trips there in 16 months, basically every 4 months. I broke the cycle by not going this past March but I'll be there for 2 weeks in July (woohoo a little over 5 weeks from today!) and another 2 weeks in November. It took me almost 18 years to make 172 dives. I made 172 dives in Bonaire in 16 months. Love the place!
Excellent advice and a great demonstration on how to properly clean the inside of one's BCD. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it.
You need more subscribers. You deserve it.
Hey thank you! I really appreciate that. I'm open to suggestions!
These are underrated topics 🙏 thanks
Thanks, I'm glad you think so!
Thorough video. Buddy of mine always said I do too good of a job, but he has corrosion on his gear and I don’t
'Nuff said 😂
If you're unable to remove your DIN regulator, chances are the regulator is still pressurized. Make sure the cylinder valve is closed, and press the purge button to release the remaining pressure.
Good tip!
As a certified service technician with 38 years of experience, I would just like to say, that was a damn fine video, well done! Just get that label off your lpi, they're annoying and just use a towel for drying the dustcaps, avoids any mistakes. Dustcaps shouldn't even go in the water, not sure why we haven't created a better solution to all that yet.
Hey, thank you so much!! I'm so glad you liked it! I agree with the dustcaps, I wish there were a better solution. I work with a lot of OW students, and I swear, I wake myself up from a dead sleep yelling DRY YOUR DUSTCAPS! I hear you about the label on the LPI, it's a minor nuisance but I sometimes leave them on because I'm lazy.
There isn't a good solution for A-clamps. DIN dust caps don't come attached to the first stage, so you can just store them in a drybag or a sealed mask box when the regulator is attached to the cylinder.