I started adding links to the sidebar on the site and realized it was going to be way too much to display there so here’s a collection of sites on scuba diving that I’ve found interesting. For any vendors, I’m only going to post links of places where I’ve used their products/services.
Gear
Be very careful purchasing used. There’s a lot of obsolete stuff for sale out there that cannot be serviced and made safe to use. I did a lot of research before buying and when I took stuff in for service, I knew exactly what the service shop could and could not do based on age of the items. Of course, you still don’t know what problems might be there, but at least be sure it’s something they can still get parts for.
Note that sizes between manufacturers are not the same. For example, a Henderson 3XL is for a waist size of 41-44 inches while an Aqualung 3XL is for a waist size of 42-46 inches. Be sure to read the sizing charts.
- Scubapro – I’ve used mostly Scubapro gear so far (rentals, class) and it’s all been pretty solid stuff.
- Aqualung – I don’t have much other than my dive boots, but I have a few things on my wish list. This is the French company founded by Jacques Cousteau. If you don’t know who he is, go read about him, quickly.
- Atomic Aquatics – just have a snorkel from them.
- Akona – Akona makes exposure suits and their 5XL 5mm is nice.
- Henderson – Henderson makes exposure gear (wetsuits), and seems to be one of the three that fits us . . . larger folks.
- Bare – Another exposure gear company. They have some larger sizes although it looks like they might be stopping the 4XL (their largest size). I’ve used a rental wetsuit of theirs and liked it quite a bit.
- Hollis – They make one of the best masks.
- XS Scuba – Don’t know much about them but I did get an octopus (backup regulator) from them for my used primary regulator.
- scuba.com – This is an online seller of gear from a variety of manufacturers, and they make a couple of items themselves. I got my Henderson skinsuit from them (before I discovered my local shop can order them – I’ll use them in the future), and I got a triple gauge console from them.
Training
- Diventures in Springfield – my local training center. They are nothing short of awesome. I’ve had interactions with instructors Molly, Jerod, and Will in my training, instructor Doug who went diving with my son and I and was outstanding and helpful, and John, who was along on our certification dives. My son and I did a cleanup dive with Shyanne. In the shop, I’ve been helped by Will, Maddy, Stephanie, Noah, Josh, and Callie with questions, rentals, and purchases. Callie has tremendous patience – good for someone working in a retail environment. The store manager, Joey, is easy to talk to and has a great attitude about diving as well.
- SSI (Scuba Schools International) – SSI is the certification organization that Diventures uses. I’ve been very happy with their material, app for logging dives, and training program.
- Diver’s Oasis – another local training center. Their certification organization is PADI. They seem to be some really great people. PADI and SSI both follow international ISO standards for their training, so the courses and skills are similar. I’m very happy with SSI, but there are great people and teachers in other organizations as well. I had some used gear that is a brand my dive shop doesn’t service so I took it here and they’ve been great so far. Met some new friends there as well.
Diving Charters/Guides
- Bull Shoals Spearfishing and Dive Charters – OK, I haven’t actually used their paid services, but I did do my first boat dive out of their boat at a volunteer event, and they were great people. I definitely have a charter with them on my list for next year.
History
- Blu Times Scuba History – The site’s not always easy to navigate but it’s got a ton of good information on it.
Industry News/Reviews/etc.
The Environment
- Missouri Stream Teams – The Stream Teams are volunteer teams that do cleanup activities in Missouri streams, but the organization is responsible for the watersheds. I’ve exchanged some emails with Jeff, their volunteer engagement specialist for Southwest Missouri. He’s been very helpful.
- Clean the Lake – They started out doing cleanup around Lake Tahoe and have expanded. Their founder and CEO Colin has been helpful in providing information on lake cleanups and I have future contacts with him planned to look at how what they do can be replicated in the Ozarks.
- H2Ozarks – H2Ozarks works on water quality in Missouri watersheds. Their site has been a good source of information as I learn.
- Ameren’s Adopt the Shoreline – Ameren controls Lake of the Ozarks. They run this program to do shoreline cleanup.
- Lakes of Missouri Volunteer Program – This is a volunteer program for citizen scientists who do data collection and submit it to researchers on lakes and water quality.
- Missouri Water Center – This is a research center at Missouri State University on water quality in Missouri watersheds.
- Mizzou Limnology – Limnology is the study of inland aquatic ecosystems.
- Missouri Department of Conservation – Lakes, Ponds, and Reservoirs – The Missouri Department of Conservation has a lot of information on watersheds in Missouri including the lakes. This is a sort of overview page.
- MU Aquatic Ecology Lab – at Missouri State University.