No matter what you are doing, you should have as many tools stacked in your favor or in your toolbox as you can to help back up your gauges and also make it easier on you. If all else fails, you can use your depth gauge and the depth around the target to find out where you are and where you need to go. It can be as simple as swimming with a reef on one side on the way out and the other on the way back.

Contour lines are used on charts and maps to represent the shape of the land and the ocean’s bottom. By using these lines, you can get a three-dimensional picture of what the bottom should look like.  It is hard to overstate the importance of contours when it comes to navigating. This can also be said about using the background from the water looking towards the land as a form of contour navigation. Knowing things that can help you tell where you are, like the piers’ compass heading, what direction does it go. What will the background look like behind your target, even the silhouette of the buildings? The movement of the moon will be in front or behind the target. If you have to use contour navigation, what would that look like?

You can also use the direction of the waves to find your way back to shore (along shorelines, waves will usually move in the direction of the shore) or using the contours of the bottom to make sure you’re moving in the right direction.

Good navigation begins long before you get into the water. You and your dive buddy should do a target and map/chart study to become very familiar with the target and surrounding area. Valuable information about the site, its features, depths, currents, moon phases, and surrounding features will help build a good dive plan. Discuss constitutes for your profile and which safety precautions you’ll take and agree on a primary route—lastly, walking thru what the dive will be like and what to do if you are lost or come up to different points.

Search for landmarks so you can reset yourself. Distinct underwater features can be found, including coral formations, objects, or differences in the bottom contour. Make sure to note any insights that stand out, and make sure to document every detail. Use what you have learned from the harbor’s contour or where you are diving as you pass through one of the following thresholds: 10 feet, 15 feet, or 20 feet, also. How is the bottom running? Remember to look for landmarks also along your dive route. Follow the light, look for lights, and even the moon if it is out. Check the angle of the moon at the start of your dive or if it hasn’t come up yet, which way will it raise and try to confirm this when you begin your descent. Before you go under, if you are turtle backing, you can use the moon or stars to help you navigate, so you don’t have to look at your navigation board continually. Before I went to BUD’S, I was a boat guy, and I learned to use the stars and moon to help me navigate, many times in the water and on land; this helped because I didn’t always have to be taking my compass out to make sure I was going the right way.

Depending on your dive computer, some like the SCUBAPRO Galileo 2 (G2) allows you to store pictures, so you can store a route card or a picture of the bottom, you can look at what the bottom should be looking like or have a picture of other things around the target to help. The G2 can also be used as a navigation/ attack board. Lastly, don’t be afraid to slow down a little. There is no reason to rush to be further lost than you are. Stop, and come up with a plan and then work that plan.

Rash guards were initially made to help prevent chafing on your skin against a surfboard, but it slowly made its way into almost every water sport. On land, rash guards can be used for everything from underbody armor (if worn under armor, make sure it is fire retardant none of SCUABRPOs rash guards meet the FR standards) mix martial arts to looking cool in the gym. (I can’t pull that last one-off, and to be honest, I would want to). Rash guards serve a couple of purposes in the water; they help make donning and doffing your wetsuit easier. They help protect you from the cold and sea life. Depending on the type/kind you use and how it’s made, it will help you keep warm, protect you from the sun, and, if made with some type of compression, it can help with craps and overall fatigue. DFND USA compression clothing provides medical-grade compress that adds in recovery and enables you to warm up faster. It is also great for long flights.

The SCUBAPRO UPF Collection Rash Guards are designed for diving but are suitable for other water sports. The long sleeve rash guards are made from high-quality polyester fabric, are form-fitting, comfortable, and dry quickly. They also provide UPF 50 UV protection, which puts them in the excellent UV protection category.  

The UPF 50 rating blocks 98% of UV radiation. Polyester is comfortable and abrasion-resistant, and it does an excellent job of retaining its shape after repeated use. A high neckline prevents uncomfortable chafing. The material dries quickly to enhance comfort between dives. If you want to add some thermal protection, not much can beat neoprene.

SCUBAPROs Everflex 1.5mm neoprene Rash Guards keep you warm while protecting you from scrapes and stings. The high-tech materials ideal for tropical diving, snorkeling, or pool training, these thermal tops are made with a special water-repellent, high-stretch Everflex neoprene on the outside and a combination of fleece and plush on the inside. They offer warmth, comfort, and lots of range of motion, plus they dry quickly and are great for layering. There are two styles of rash guards, tight and loose.

Neoprene is lightweight, durable, water-repellant, and a highly efficient insulator for heat retention. They are assembled using solvent-free glue, a 100% green process. High-tech plush and fleece lining reduces water flow and provides both comfort and extra warmth. Design helps block water intrusion to reduce convection. This design can also help keep you warm on the surface.  High-stretch neoprene is easy to don and doff and offers an excellent range of motion. They are designed to be worn by themselves, or you can use them as a base layer.

If your groups would like items like this without the reflective markings on them or you want special order items, please contact SCUBAPRO Customer service.