The Dive Otter

Tips & Tricks I've Learned

I have made a bunch of mistakes or ineffective attempts to do things because I had nobody to whom to ask random questions. When I saw someone else do something amazing or I stumbled across a way that works for me...I'll put it here so maybe you can use it.

Finding a Buddy

It can be brutal trying to find someone to go diving with if you don't have a built in friend or loved one. Here's a couple ways I've been successful in the past.

YouTube Channels

Some are good. Some suck. Some have come and gone. This list will get you started and are reliable enough and well filmed enough to be enjoyable and educational.

Getting Into a Wetsuit

There has got to be a better way then yanking and pulling and fighting the fabric.

Your Ears

The absolute worst feeling is that pressure in your ears and you know you can't go any deeper until you solve that issue. What are some best practices?

Upside Down 1st Stage

Wait...I can do that? You sure can...and it can save the back of your head!

Hose Stick

I'm diving a long-hose setup and I don't want the hose to be a flappy snag hazard and I don't want to tuck it into my waist belt...what option do I have?

Cutting Webbing

If you dive a back plate and wing BCD you are going to need to trim webbing...so how do you do it? Certainly you just don't cut it and move on...right?

Giant Stride Entry

Do it right...with a step by step guide and pictures!

Shore Entry

I only have two hands...how do I carry all this stuff?!

Boat Diving in Florida and Mexico

Think compact. Think small. Think efficient.

Boat Diving on Lake Michigan

Think gear. Think cold. Think depth.

Flying with Gear

It can be awkward, heavy and expensive.