Down Under Dive Shop

  Spring Diving Update: Everything You Need to Gear Up Welcome to spring at DUDS, where the dive season is not just returning, but bursting into life with unmatched opportunities and gear for every underwater enthusiast. From novices taking their first breath underwater to professionals shaping the future of diving, we've got you covered. You don't want to miss our  PADI Instructor Development Course , a rare gem in our area, perfect for those looking to elevate their diving career to new heights. But that's not all! Our  PADI Open Water  course is now even more enticing with special spring deals for newcomers. For the adventurous souls, our  PADI Advanced Open Water  courses  April 13-14  promises to unlock new mysteries of the deep, and don't miss the chance to enhance your safety skills with our  PADI Rescue Diver Course  on  May 4 . But wait, there's more! Warm weather brings our snorkeling trips, the ideal start to the season. Schedule yours today! Plus, we'

Greetings divers, Bryan here. As a seasoned PADI Instructor with years of diving experience, I can't help but emphasize the importance of advanced scuba diving courses for enthusiasts looking to delve into the depths off the Alabama Gulf Coast. While the shallow reefs offer their own charm, there's a whole other world waiting to be explored beneath the surface. First and foremost, mastering the Deep Diver Specialty Course is paramount. This certification opens up opportunities to explore wrecks and marine life at greater depths safely. Understanding the effects of pressure, nitrogen narcosis, and proper gas management are crucial elements for any diver venturing beyond recreational limits. Next on the list is the Wreck Diver Specialty Course. Along the Alabama Gulf Coast lies a treasure trove of submerged history, from sunken ships to artificial reefs teeming with marine biodiversity. Learning proper techniques for navigating and exploring wrecks not only enhances safety but al

Nestled along the sandy shores of the Gulf of Mexico, the Alabama Gulf Coast offers a hidden gem for scuba divers of all skill levels. While not as well-known as some other dive destinations, such as the Caribbean or the Great Barrier Reef, the underwater world off the coast of Alabama boasts its own unique charm and allure. Diving off the Alabama Gulf Coast provides adventurers with the opportunity to explore a variety of underwater landscapes, from amazing shipwrecks, artificial reefs, to natural limestone formations like Sherry's Shelf. Looking for something shallow?  Then check out one of the most popular beach dive sites in the area is the Whiskey Wreck, a hundred plus year old sunken ship resting on the sandy ocean floor only a one-hundred-fifty yard swim south of West Beach, just a short drive from the dive shop.  Another highlight of diving in this region is the chance to encounter a diverse array of marine species. From huge schools of fish to elusive octopus and majestic

We have some exciting news from NOAA.  Sightings of the highly endangered Rice's whale, a newly identified species that inhabit the northeastern Gulf of Mexico have increased.  We first encountered them alongside the dive boat in the winter of 2009.  The gentle giant swam by and surfaced next to us.  Truly an amazing experience. Appearance Rice's whales, like Bryde’s whales, are smaller than sei whales. Unlike other rorquals, which have a single ridge on their rostrum, Bryde’s and Rice’s whales have three prominent ridges in front of their blowhole, though this feature can be difficult to observe at sea. Their body is sleek, and their pectoral fins are slender and pointed. Rice's whales are uniformly dark gray on top with a pale to pink belly. The head of a Rice's whale makes up about one quarter of its entire body length. The whale has a broad fluke, or tail, and a pointed and strongly hooked dorsal fin located about two-thirds of the way back on its body. Like other b

  In Scuba diving we often encounter various types of tank valves, each serving distinct purposes to ensure a safe and efficient underwater experience. The primary valve types include K valves, DIN (Deutsche Industrie Norm) valves, and DIN adaptable valves. 1. **K Valves:**    K valves, or yoke valves, are widely used in recreational diving. They feature a yoke-shaped attachment that clamps onto the tank's neck. These valves are easy to use and compatible with most regulators. However, K valves have a limitation in terms of pressure handling, typically up to 232 bar (around 3,365 psi). This makes them suitable for standard recreational diving but less ideal for higher pressure requirements. 2. **DIN Valves:**    DIN valves are a European standard that threads directly into the tank's neck, providing a more secure and airtight connection. This design allows for higher pressure ratings, typically up to 300 bar (around 4,350 psi), making DIN valves preferable for technical diving

Scuba diving in saltwater environments is an exhilarating experience, but it comes with the responsibility of proper gear maintenance. Saltwater can be corrosive and damaging to scuba equipment, so taking the time to clean and care for your gear after each dive is crucial for both safety and longevity. Here's a guide on how to clean and maintain your scuba equipment after saltwater dives: 1. **Rinse Immediately:** After your saltwater dive, the first step is to rinse your gear thoroughly with fresh water. Use a hose or a large container to wash away the salt and debris from your regulator, BCD (Buoyancy Control Device), mask, and other equipment. Pay special attention to the areas where saltwater can accumulate, such as the regulator mouthpiece, hose connections, and BCD inflator/deflator buttons. 2. **Soak in Fresh Water:** Once you've rinsed off the initial salt, soak your gear in a container filled with fresh water for a more detailed cleaning. Allow it to soak for at least