Narragansett Pier Dive Shop

posted by pierdive on Aug 15

On August 2nd, 2008 forty-six competitors descended on Narragansett Bay for the 2008 RI Picasso Open freediving species meet. Freedive hunting is the only way to practice “Release before you Catch” rather than “Catch and Release”. A freedive hunter is given the opportunity to select an individual fish and let the rest swim by, rather than stressing and endangering several fish until a suitable one is caught.  The species meet was created to determine the most proficient FreeDive Hunter by establishing rules in which diversity, rather than total aggregate weight, of a catch will prove who is the best.

Narragansett Pier Dive Shop would like to thank all the competitors (& especially the gentleman from NC who brought us some tasty bacon-wrapped shrimp) and Picasso America for co-sponsoring this event.

Results:

posted by pierdive on Aug 6

Snorkel, Mask, and Fins are all you need to start exploring under the water. With these three items you will be on your way to observing many underwater attractions for extended periods of time with relatively little effort. These are also essential in scuba diving too.

A good mask, if fit properly to your face, should allow for maximum visibility and it should not leak. When sizing a mask you should first place it against your face and then be able to hold it there without a strap just by inhaling slightly. If the mask falls off it is the wrong size. Masks come in many shapes and sizes so if the first one does not fit you should try others until you are able to hold the mask in place with only your breath. Note it is often difficult to determine this level of fit based on size alone. For a mask not to leak you need to test it before purchasing.

Snorkels are simply a tube which allows a person to breathe through their mouth while floating near the surface of the water. Modern snorkels have a sump in the mouthpiece to allow a small volume of water to remain in the snorkel without being inhaled when the diver breathes and some have a one-way output valve in the sump, which automatically drains the sump as it fills with water. Additionally many snorkels come with splash guards to help keep waves from entering the tube and DRY snorkels have float-operated valves attached to the surface end of the tube to keep water out when the snorkeler submerges. Meaning you will never need to clear the tube of excess water.

Fins come in both full-foot or adjustable strap styles, paddle style or split. One advantage of the full-footed fin is that there is no strap to accidentally break while you are out on the water but adjustable strap fins can fit any foot which is nice if you share gear among family members. With an adjustable strap fin we always recommend you protect your heals by wearing a neoprene booty underneath.
When deciding between paddle and split styling it is most important to decide if your goal is one of relaxation or speed. If you need more force and speed or if your legs are not quite as strong as your partner’s then a split fin may be the right choice. Split fins push the water back instead of up and down which allows you to cover more distance with less leg movement.