Diving
This page is dedicated to my interest in diving. I’ve enjoyed free & scuba diving across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.
Videos
Rye Pier, Victoria, Australia, February 2022.
Blairgowrie Pier, Victoria, Australia, May 2022.
Photos
“The Boil” 3-25m 3km offshore, Te Motu-o-Kura, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, December, 2016.
Octopus, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 2011.
Squirrelfish, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 2011.
Charts
This table show how depth and air can influence the buoyancy of dive equipment.
This charts helps you understand how buoyancy of dive equipment tends over the course of a dive.
Gear
Buy vs Hire
The following chart illustrates a point of financial return at around 40-60 dives. I’ve included ongoing costs with buying to account for air-fills and maintenance. Entry and ongoing costs will vary.
Free Diving
| Item | Year | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cressi Technica 5mm Wetsuit | 2010 | $375.50NZD |
| Cressi 5mm Diving Boots | 2011 | $0.00USD |
| Cressi Pro Light Fins | 2011 | $39.95USD |
| Mares Tana Snorkelling Set | 2020 | $49.95AUD |
Total: $440.00AUD
Scuba Diving
| Item | Year | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cressi Ellipse Black MC5 Regulator | 2011 | $199.95USD |
| Cressi Ellipse Octopus | 2011 | $81.95USD |
| Cressi Start BCD Medium | 2011 | $189.95USD |
| Mares Puck Air Computer Console With Compass | 2011 | $349.95USD |
Total: $1,061.64AUD
Weight
| Item | Year | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5kg Leadshot Bag x2 w/ BCD | 2021 | $120.00AUD |
| 5.5kg Lead Weight w/ Belt | 2021 | $60.00AUD |
| Belt | 2021 | $49.95AUD |
Total: $229.95AUD
Total
I feel this setup was relatively good value. It would cost more than double to buy the computer domestically with geographic pricing.
Total: $1731.59AUD
Maintenance
| Item | Year | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Battery CR3032 | 2018 | $10.00NZD |
| Gear Postage | 2021 | $230.00NZD |
| Cressi Computer Lid Replace | 2021 | $5.00NZD |
| Cressi Computer O-Ring | 2021 | $15.00AUD |
| Battery CR3032 | 2021 | $10.00AUD |
| Cressi Fin Strap x2 | 2022 | $49.00AUD |
| Neoprene Repair Glue | 2022 | $25.00AUD |
| Din to Yoke Valve | 2022 | $25.00AUD |
Log
| # | Date | Location | Log |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-10 | 2009-2009 | Rarotonga | Pool & Boat dives supplied by Cook Island Divers for PADI Open Water certification. |
| 10-14 | 2011-2011 | Rarotonga | Cook Island Divers supplied several boat dives. |
| 15-21 | 2011-2013 | Wellington | Shore dives in the harbour with new gear and various dive crews. Solo scallop diving. |
| 22-41 | 2011-2019 | Hawkes Bay | Boat dives off Te Motu-o-Kura over Summer Holidays almost every year. Crew. |
| 42 | 2022-01-22 | Flinders | Pier dive. 53min. 4.8m max depth. 19’C. Observed first Sea Dragon. Dads dive crew. |
| 43 | 2022-02-12 | Rye | Pier dive. 50min. 4.9m max depth. 16-20’C. Observed Flathead, Puffer Fish, Longfin Pike, Goat Fish, Leatherjacket, Wrasse, Magpie Perch, Southern Hulafish. Solo. |
| 44 | 2022-05-20 | Blairgowrie | Pier dive. 48min. 5.4m max depth. 15-16’C. Observed Ray, Giant Australian Cuttlefish, Blue Warehou, Moonlighter, Globefish, Wrasse, Magpie Perch. Dads dive crew. |