This is the first installment in a series that will run every Sunday. SCUBAPRO Sundays will focus on Dive Gear, Diving, Combat Swimming, Technical Diving, and Lessons Learned from all types of diving.
The history of SCUBAPRO
Over 50 years ago, SCUBAPRO was created with the idea that diving should be an adventure in fun. SCUBAPRO was founded in 1963 by two very innovative and entrepreneurial adventurers, Gustav Dalla Valle and Dick Bonin. They have since become known as real pioneers in diving. Their vision and commitment to quality gear is a constant reference for everyone working at SCUBAPRO.
The face of diving has changed dramatically since we came on the scene. It has evolved from an activity for the physical elite to a worldwide recreation enjoyed by men and women of all ages. And we at SCUBAPRO are proud of our leadership in this evolution: developing innovative products that have advanced the safety, reliability, and ease of use of today’s diving equipment.
Some product highlights:
• In 1963 SCUBAPRO created the Mark 2. So simple and reliable that it is still used today.
• The revolutionary Visionaire combined a full-face mask with a second stage. The faceplate became the regulator diaphragm.
• The SCUBAPRO Jet Fin was introduced in 1965 and revolutionized the way divers swam. Almost 50 years later, it is still used by military and technical divers.
• 1969 SCUBAPRO released the 109, first adjustable second stage allowing the diver to fine tune the inhalation effort to the requirements of the dive.
• Before 1978, divers used a horse collar BC, then SCUBAPRO engineers combined two of these, creating the Stabilizing Jacket, the first modern buoyancy compensator.
• SCUBAPRO invented the AIR2 in 1979, a smart concept that integrated the BC inflator with a second stage.
• In 1986, SCUBAPRO invented a radical new blade profile, optimized for efficiency: the Seawing fin
• The G250 brought together the most advanced technology and materials in a second stage that, combined with the Mark 10, became the benchmark for all balanced regulators.
• The original Aladin dive computer and its successive models have been sold by the hundreds of thousands since its conception in 1987, simplifying decompression for all types of divers.
• The Frameless was the first mask to use the lens as its structural support, which significantly increased the field of vision for divers. Twenty-one years later, it is still the first choice of military and technical divers.
• Air X was the first dive computer to measure tank pressure with a radio transmitter instead of a hose and to calculate Remaining Bottom Time.
• The Twin Jet fin was the first SCUBAPRO “split fin,” modeled after the flippers of marine mammals. This design delivered power with minimal effort.
• Based on scientific research and thousands of dives, Smart computers’ algorithm was the first to incorporate micro-bubble suppression.
• Galileo revolutionized dive computers in 2007, with hybrid air-oil filling, dot-matrix display and a maximum operating depth of 330 meters or 1080 feet.
• It’s also the first to have used the diver’s heart rate to estimate the workload.
• The Seawing Nova, successor to the 1986 Seawings, introduced a new streamlined blade design with a high-tech flexible joint.
The SCUBAPRO strategy worked because dive shops that became SCUBAPRO dealers developed quickly, thanks to their reputation as professional shops and ability to create demand by teaching new divers. What was a daring idea in 1960 is commonplace today. The SCUBAPRO tradition of carefully selecting only professional and full-service partners to carry our products, and advise on their use, has built diver’s trust in our brand. Thanks to our vast network of exceptional dealers you can find our products and reliable servicing anywhere in the world.
As we salute our forerunners, today’s team rededicates itself to carrying on the SCUBAPRO tradition. Because we are more than products; SCUBAPRO is people. Our engineering and testing teams are the pride of the company and set the standard for the industry. The last 50 years have seen SCUBAPRO continue a unique position of leadership in the diving industry. Professionals and demanding sport divers select our gear because they know they can depend on it in the harshest environments.
