It's interesting that a state primarily associated with swamps, alligators and spring break excess is also a divers' paradise. And we're not talking the ocean but the massive freshwater underground aquifer in northern Florida that makes for a large number of crystal-clear rivers, springs, sinkholes and also magnificent caverns and nearly endless caves. [Read Florida Springs] -- Posted Saturday, March 29, 2008 by chb
Waterproof Panasonic Camcorder 
Taking a cue from Olympus and others who have been launching waterproof cameras, Panasonic introduced the SDR-SW20 waterproof camcorder. It's a babystep for now as it's only rated for a depth of five feet, but it's a start and loads of fun for snorkeling. The US$399 SW20 has a 10X optical zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD, and records to SD Cards. A 16GB card allows for over 13 hours of shooting. The camcorder is also shockproof and can handle drops from four feet! -- Posted Wednesday, March 19, 2008 by chb
Congrats to Rocky Mount Pro Scuba Center!
20 years is a long time in the scuba business, and that's how long Pro Scuba Center in Rocky Mount, North Carolina has been in business. During that 20 years Pro Scuba Center earned the coveted PADI 5 Star Dive Center certification, the PADI Excellence in Retailing award which placed them in the top 10% of the world's dive centers, the John James Award from Stony Creek Fire/Rescue, and an Appreciation and Recognition Award from the city of Rocky Mount for extraordinary services rendered to the city and its residents. Congratulations to founders Joey and Ronnie McLamb, and here's to many more years! -- Posted Wednesday, March 19, 2008 by chb
Light & Motion case compatible with new Hi-Res Sony camcorders 
Light & Motion announce that its updated Stingray HD video housing will ship March 21st, the same date as the highly anticipated new SR11 and SR12 Sony Camcorders that can do full HD 1920 x 1080 high definition video and store on an internal hard disk drive. [see Light & Motion Stingray HD housing] -- Posted Monday, March 10, 2008 by chb
Great Lakes Ghost Ships Festival
Shipwreck enthusiasts will gather in Milwaukee this weekend for the Great Lakes Ghost Ships Festival. This is the ninth year for the festival, which covers all aspects of Great Lakes shipwreck research, from the history of downed ships to the scientific explorations that attempt to locate the wrecks and the practical challenges of salvaging discoveries. This year, the festival will feature discussions about the H.L. Hunley, a Confederate submarine and the first sub to sink a ship in battle. [see Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Foundation] -- Posted Friday, March 7, 2008 by chb
Be a research assistant on a Manta Network expedition 
The Manta Network is conducting its first exploratory expedition to Panama on board the 100-foot Lost Coast Explorer. You are invited to participate as a research assistant and aid our scientists in the collection of important data that will lead to effective manta protection. We plan to deploy our underwater video camera on manta cleaning stations as well as conduct photo identification field work. We are offering a 6 day/7 night expedition to Coiba on the Lost Coast Explorer. The departure date is April 5 from Panama City returning April 11, 2008. The expedition cost is $3,295 plus airfare. [If interested, contact manta.org] -- Posted Sunday, March 2, 2008 by chb
Help AWARE conserve underwater environments
Until 31 March, Project AWARE Foundation's corporate partner, Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), is laying cash on the table in support of the Foundation's conservation efforts. Your gift of US $25 or more will be matched - dollar for dollar (up to $40,000). Please support underwater conservation during International Year of the Reef 2008. [Support Project AWARE] -- Posted Saturday, March 1, 2008 by chb