More than the chill of the water, it’s the allure of the unknown that gives ice diving its unique thrill – the challenge of exploring an environment whose depths shift from crystal clarity to mystifying shadows, where every movement is deliberate. The bond between divers is their lifeline. The experience, which is as much about introspection as it is about exploration, draws divers back, time and again, to brave the cold. And while the sport is a journey back to nature’s basics, the advancements in diving technology are opening new chapters in its story.

To the uninitiated, descending into icy waters beneath a solid ice ceiling may seem terrifying. Yet, the clarity of the water beneath the ice is unparalleled, with visibility that can extend up to hundreds of feet. This clarity reveals an undersea landscape painted with hues of blue and green that seem to originate from their own spectrum and that is dramatically different from any other diving environment. For those who practice it, ice diving is nothing short of magical.

Yet, the beauty of ice diving is strongly matched by its challenges. Communication, navigation, and safety take on new levels of complexity when you’re operating under a sheet of ice. The potential for disorientation is as high as the margin for error is slim. It’s a sport that demands respect – for the environment, conditions, and the inherent risks.

Crucial tips for safely navigating frigid depths

Diving in cold water requires distinct equipment and thorough preparation, setting it apart from warm or tropical water diving. Embarking on this adventure transcends gear selection, particularly when delving into icy depths.

• Enhancing your diving ensemble involves a well-fitted wetsuit (or semi-dry suit), warm gloves, a cap, socks, and reliable diving shoes or boots.
• In water temperatures below 10°C, opting for a dry suit is highly recommended.
• To go the extra mile, applying Vaseline to cold-prone areas – forehead, cheeks, hands, feet, and thighs – creates an additional insulating layer, fending off the initial chill.
• Adding lukewarm water to your wetsuit, shoes, and gloves enhances temperature absorption without the jarring transition from warmth to cold. Crucially, ensure you aren’t already cold before diving; a dry, not cold, wetsuit is your ally.
• A final cautionary note: abstain from alcoholic beverages before or between dives. Alcohol in your bloodstream accelerates heat exchange, heightening the risk of a faster cool-down underwater – a potential hazard leading to hypothermia.

As you gear up, each step becomes a narrative of preparation and safety, ensuring an unforgettable diving experience.

DPV: Your safety sidekick in icy waters

With each dive, the necessity of impeccable navigation and reliable safety measures becomes apparent. That’s where a Dive Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) finds its place as the guide and guardian in the icy depths. Dive scooters, particularly those as advanced as SCUBAJET, serve as underwater chariots, allowing divers to extend their exploration beyond the natural limitations of human stamina and breath. With SCUBAJET, divers’ range is not just enhanced; it is redefined. The powerful and controlled thrust enables divers to traverse large areas under the ice, turning a strenuous swim into a smooth glide.

In conditions where visibility can change from crystal clear to disconcertingly opaque, SCUBAJET’s integrated navigation assistance becomes invaluable. It’s like having a compass that not only points north but also propels you forward, ensuring that orientation under the ice remains constant and reliable – an invaluable quality in a world where the surface might not be one straight-up swim away and where every direction can look hauntingly similar. That’s why safety should be the top priority.

Ice diving should not be practiced as a solo sport. As with any other high-risk sport, it should be learned under the guidance of a trained professional and practiced with a buddy. If diving with a scooter such as SCUBAJET, divers should familiarize themselves with the controls and features of their device before slipping beneath the ice. It’s always a good idea to learn in controlled conditions to ensure that muscle memory can navigate the scooter’s operations, even with gloved hands. A propelling device will help to conserve energy during long swims under the ice. With SCUBAJET’s efficient propulsion, you can save your strength for critical moments of the dive or unexpected situations.

The story of ice diving is an ongoing narrative, a continuous thread that weaves through the fabric of adventure and the unyielding quest for discovery. With each dive, the thread tightens, strengthened by the trust in technology that allows divers to go further, stay longer, and connect deeper.

The true spirit of ice diving is not in the silent glide across the submerged wonderland alone but in the moments of awe shared by those who practice it together. The collective intake of breath as new vistas unfold is where the true connection happens. It’s a connection between the frigid deep and the souls of those divers brave enough to explore it. And as they emerge from the water, leaving the ice world behind, they carry the knowledge that the surface is just the gate to an unparalleled universe.

For parents, the onset of fall often brings a touch of nostalgia. It’s a time to look back fondly at those sun-soaked days when laughter echoed, water brought fun, and every moment seemed like a new adventure. But, even as the leaves turn golden and the temperatures drop, you can still have a piece of that pie of fun. The SCUBAJET NEO makes this possible. Designed with precision and ingenuity, this light-weight and compact underwater scooter is not just another recreational device. It’s a passport to a world where summer never ends. Whether your little explorer yearns to dive into the mysteries of the sea, make a splash in the pool, or is already a budding scuba enthusiast, the SCUBAJET NEO is here to make their aquatic dreams come true! Watch the joy in your child’s eyes as they embark on thrilling underwater quests, imagining themselves as playful dolphins or curious explorers uncovering sunken treasures. At the core of this fantastic experience is the SCUBAJET NEO’s state-of-the-art 500W jet engine, activated seamlessly with a user-friendly Dual Hand Controller. Its intuitive design ensures even the young ones can navigate with ease.  

Beyond the thrill it offers, the NEO’s SMART BATTERY ensures the fun doesn’t run out quickly. With up to one hour of continuous underwater exploration*, your child’s adventures can be as endless as their imagination. And for families with a penchant for travel, the SCUBAJET NEO’s fully airline-compliant 100Wh capacity makes it a faithful companion on global adventures. Its compact design effortlessly fits into carry-on luggage, meaning your family’s favorite underwater scooter can dive into oceans, seas, or pools anywhere in the world. 

*depending on the chosen speed level 

SCUBAJET NEO has got you covered

Every parent’s primary concern is their child’s safety, and the SCUBAJET NEO rises to the challenge. With its propeller-free design, the risks associated with traditional dive scooters are eliminated. Moreover, its robust precision aluminum housing, molded from the finest aircraft-grade alloys, speaks volumes about its durability and resilience. As your child delves deep into imaginative aquatic stories, you can relax, assured of their safety. Environmental responsibility is another cornerstone of SCUBAJET’s design philosophy. Its electric motor is not only emission-free but also ensures that the aquatic environments your child cherishes remain pristine and unpolluted. What’s more, a safety leash that attaches the SCUBAJET NEO to your child’s arm ensures that the waterjet won’t be lost in the water. 

The essence of childhood is wonder and exploration. As parents, the greatest gift you can offer is experiences that enrich this magical phase of life. With the SCUBAJET NEO, you’re presenting more than just a device; you’re unlocking a world of possibilities, ensuring every day can have a hint of summer’s joy. 

NEO’s product specifications:
 

• Motor Unit power: 500W (upgradable to 1,000W) 
• Speed underwater: up to 4.92ft/s | 1.5m/s 
• Battery type: Lithium-Ion 
• Battery capacity: 100Wh 
• Battery run time: 30 minutes (cruising speed 25%) 
• with “Double Your Power™ NEO to PRO Upgrade Kit” upgradable to SCUBAJET PRO with 1,000W and 200Wh 
• Depth rating: 200ft | 60m  
• Optional LED light (Beam™): 1,500 Lumen at 6,000 Kelvin with a 120 degree angle 

The benefits of using a DPV for diving

From the first diving bell in the 16th century to the modern-day scuba gear, diving technology has come a long way. The introduction of compressed air tanks allowed divers to stay underwater for longer periods, and advances in underwater cameras and lighting have made it possible to capture underwater life in stunning detail. The latest addition to this technological evolution are dive-scooters. Dive scooters offer a range of benefits for divers. Firstly, there’s something undeniably exciting about gliding through the water with an underwater scooter. It’s akin to flying, giving you a sense of freedom and exhilaration that’s hard to match. You can navigate through the water effortlessly, taking in the surroundings at a leisurely pace or zipping through the water for an adrenaline rush. Furthermore, they allow divers to explore new depths that were previously inaccessible. With the help of such underwater scooters, divers can cover more ground in less time, conserving energy and air supply.  
Furthermore, DPVs enhance underwater exploration by providing divers with improved maneuverability, enabling them to access greater depths and investigate intricate underwater landscapes such as caves and shipwrecks. They also reduce reliance on boats or motor-powered equipment, contributing to a more eco-conscious approach to diving. These electric dive scooters are emissions-free, offering an environmentally friendly alternative that minimizes the ecological footprint associated with traditional diving practices.

Dive into the World of SCUBAJET and enhance your diving experience

Whether you’re an experienced diver or a newcomer to the underwater world, it’s time to discover the SCUBAJET Dive Kit – the ultimate aquatic companion that transcends traditional diving boundaries. This exceptional underwater scooter is more than just a diving accessory; it’s a versatile water jet that can be attached to various watercraft, from stand-up paddleboards (SUP) to kayaks, propelling you through the water at impressive speeds of up to 2 m/s (6.56 ft/s) or an exhilarating 11 km/h (7 mph).  

The SCUBAJET Dive Kit is available in three distinct versions:

• NEO Dive Kit: Ideal for recreational water enthusiasts, the NEO Dive Kit offers a unique aquatic experience. With a simple button press, the 500W jet engine propels you at 1.5 m/s underwater. Its compact 100Wh Smart Battery™ is airline-compliant (carry-on approved) and provides up to 30 minutes of battery life.
• PRO Dive Kit: Crafted for adventure seekers and ocean enthusiasts, the SCUBAJET PRO features a powerful 1,000W jet engine, reaching speeds of up to 2 m/s. It’s powered by 200Wh Smart Batteries™, designed to elevate your scuba- or free diving experiences.
• PRO XR Dive Kit: Dive twice as long with the PRO XR Dive Kit, equipped with four 100Wh Smart Batteries™ for extended underwater exploration.

Safety Meets Performance: All SCUBAJET Dive Kits prioritize safety with features like auto shut-off, an emergency stop button, and a tilt sensor that automatically disables the motor if the device tilts excessively, ensuring reliability during your aquatic adventures. Additionally, an integrated very user-friendly display provides real-time information on water temperature, depth, speed, and battery life. The SCUBAJET PRO Dive Kits also offer an array of benefits to enrich your underwater journeys: 

• Mount your camera with ease: Stable video capabilities allow you to effortlessly mount an underwater camera (e. g. GoPro) on the rail of the waterjet to capture stunning underwater footage.
• Lightweight and maneuverable: Compared to other DPVs, the SCUBAJET Dive Kit is impressively lightweight and easy to handle underwater.
• Perfect for free diving: Whether you’re a seasoned free diver or just starting, the SCUBAJET PRO supports confident exploration.
• Efficient air conservation: Thanks to the SCUBAJET PRO’s powerful propulsion it allows you to propel through currents with ease while conserving your air supply.
• Customizable battery options: You can tailor your battery setup (choose between two or four 100Wh Smart Batteries) to match your specific needs.
• Single-hand mode: For added convenience, the SCUBAJET PRO Dive Kit offers also a single-hand mode, allowing you to dive with ease and freeing one hand for other equipment.

Want to know what independent experts have to say? Check out the in-depth review from divein.com at ScubaJet Pro for Diving – Review 2023 – DIVEIN 

SUP Yoga, a concept birthed in 2009, has revolutionized the practice of modern yoga as exercise. This hybrid form of yoga is typically practiced on calm waters such as lakes, with stand-up paddleboarding serving as the base. Beginners often start on the beach or in a swimming pool to build the requisite strength and flexibility needed to maintain balance on the board.

One of the pioneers of SUP Yoga, Rachel Brathen, hailing from the beautiful island of Aruba in the Caribbean Sea, has been teaching this unique form of yoga since its inception.

Physical and mental benefits of SUP Yoga

The benefits of engaging in SUP Yoga are manifold. It not only reduces stress but also improves core muscle function, balances breathing, and cools down the mind. Practicing yoga on a stand-up paddleboard in a water environment adds a new dimension to the traditional practice, challenging the body to adapt to the unstable surface.

SUP Yoga brings a whole new level of physicality to yoga practice. It requires constant engagement of the core muscles to maintain balance on the board, providing an intense physical workout. This practice helps improve balance, flexibility, strength, stamina, endurance, coordination, and core power while building confidence.

SUP Yoga also has significant mental benefits. The focus required to maintain balance and transition between postures helps control the mind and encourages practitioners to stay present in the moment. The soothing sound of the waves, the warmth of the sun, and the scent of the sea all contribute to a deeply relaxing and mindful experience.

The fusion of yoga and water sports

The SCUBAJET is a lightweight, compact device that can be easily attached to any SUP board. With its easy-to-use remote control, you can adjust the speed according to your preference, making your SUP Yoga session more controlled and enjoyable.

The SCUBAJET is also eco-friendly. It runs on an eco-drive that minimizes noise and does not emit any harmful gases, keeping the environment clean and serene, perfect for a peaceful yoga session. Try out these poses on your SUP, because they will not only challenge your balance but also provide a fun and unique yoga experience.

SUP yoga: Mastering the poses

SUP Yoga involves performing a series of poses on the paddle board. It requires careful attention to balance and posture. Here are some poses you can try:

1. Easy Seated Pose: Sitting on your board, rest your hands gently on your knees, and maintain deep abdominal breaths.
2. Child’s Pose: From a tabletop position, widen your knees, sink your hips back onto your heels, and rest your forehead on the board.
3. Downward-Facing Dog: From the tabletop position, slowly send your hips up and back, straightening your legs.
4. Plank: From Down Dog, shift forward, stacking your shoulders above your wrists. Create a long line from the crown of your head to your heels.
5. Cobra or Upward-Facing Dog: This pose involves lifting your head, shoulders, and chest while lying prone on your board.
6. Low Lunge Variations: From a tabletop or Down Dog pose, bring your right foot forward so your hands frame your foot.
7. Wide Leg Standing Forward Fold: From a low lunge, rotate onto the ball mounds of both feet while applying even pressure with your hands.
8. Modified or Half Camel: While kneeling around the handle of the board, support your low back with your hands before moving into Camel pose.
9. Sleeping Pigeon: This pose involves relaxing in the pose and listening to the sound of the waves.
10. Bridge Pose: Start on your back with your sacrum over the handle, knees bent, and soles of your feet on the board.
11. Savasana: The final resting pose involves lying flat on your back and relaxing completely.

SUP yoga: Why start now? 

SUP Yoga is more than just a physical workout – it’s a journey to mindfulness. By forcing you to focus on your movement and balance, SUP Yoga helps to connect with the inner self, bringing together physical exertion with mental relaxation.

In conclusion, SUP Yoga is a wonderful way to connect with nature, strengthen the body, and calm your mind. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi looking for a new challenge or a beginner keen to try something different, SUP Yoga is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors while improving your fitness and wellbeing.

SUP Yoga is an exciting way to combine the calming effects of yoga with the fun and adventure of paddleboarding. Adding SCUBAJET to the mix takes this experience to a whole new level, blending fitness, fun, and technology in one excellent package. So gear up, get your SCUBAJET, and step onto your SUP board for an unforgettable yoga experience on the water!

The appeal of paddling after dark

Night-time stand up paddling brings an entirely new dimension to the sport. The calmness of the water, the beauty of the starlit sky, and the serene silence create a magical and unique experience that cannot be replicated during the day. Night SUP is not just about peaceful paddling; it’s also about exploration and adventure. As dusk falls and the nocturnal creatures begin their nightly symphony, you’ll find yourself navigating through the water in an entirely new light. The sense of adventure is heightened, and every sound and movement are amplified, making night-time SUP a truly immersive experience.

Paddling after dark provides an opportunity to witness the nocturnal wildlife in its natural habitat, adding to the thrill of the adventure. Additionally, using a light during your night SUP experience can unveil hidden treasures – from captivating fish to other natural beauties that come alive under the moonlit water. Moreover, under the moonlight, familiar landscapes transform into mystical silhouettes, evoking a sense of wonder and discovery.

However, paddling after dark isn’t solely about adventure and exploration. It can also offer a meditative experience—a time to reflect and connect with oneself amidst the tranquility of nature. In the following section, we’ll delve into the essential equipment required for embarking on this nocturnal SUP journey.

The shroud of darkness brings forth a sense of mystery and excitement, unveiling a different perspective of the landscape you may have glided through during the day. Nevertheless, night SUP presents its own set of challenges. Visibility may be limited, and unfamiliar sounds might seem intimidating. However, with the right equipment and safety measures in place, night SUP transforms into an enriching and exhilarating adventure. This is where the SCUBAJET Portable water jet and its LED Beam take center stage.

Harnessing the night: The SCUBAJET SUP night experience

SCUBAJET brings a unique dimension to night SUP. The powerful e-motor for any SUP is equipped with a 1,500 Lumen LED Beam that enhances visibility and adds to the magical experience of night SUP. The lights not only guide your path but also reveal the mesmerizing underwater world, casting a fascinating glow on the aquatic life beneath you.

The water jet system also incorporates a remote control, enabling effortless management of the e-motor’s speed and direction. This ensures you can steer your paddleboard seamlessly, without fumbling in the dark, enhancing the safety and enjoyment of your night SUP experience. Furthermore, the SCUBAJET SUP’s e-motor guarantees extended paddling sessions, lasting up to 2 hours without fatigue. This empowers you to fully immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of the night. The robust water jet engine offers a more leisurely and enjoyable paddling encounter, catering to individuals of various fitness levels. With the SCUBAJET Beam, a world of new possibilities unfolds for night SUP, enabling paddlers to explore the waters in an entirely new light.

Moreover, the versatility of the SCUBAJET means that it can be used with various water sports equipment, making it a valuable addition to any water sports enthusiast’s gear. The introduction of products like SCUBAJET has brought a new dimension to this sport, making it more exciting and accessible.

Whether you’re an experienced paddler aiming to elevate your SUP journey or a newcomer excited to delve into this exciting water sport, SCUBAJET brings you a one-of-a-kind and thrilling SUP experience. So, prepare to gear up, seize the night, and embark on a stand-up paddling adventure like never before with SCUBAJET.

Collaborating with the leading figures in the film industry is always an honor. The recent collaboration between SCUBAJET and Hazmat Production for the documentary, “The Belly of the Beast: Feeding Frenzy,” is no exception. This riveting documentary spotlights marine biologist and Beneath the Waves CEO Austin Gallagher and his team of researchers journeying to South Africa. The goal was to study the behavior of the Great Whites in this area and also to find a way to tag at least one shark for further research.

The research team was inspired by the preparations of videos in which great white sharks were lured to feed on a whale carcass. Based on this, they constructed a life-sized whale dummy named EARL (Elasmobranch Aquatic Research Lure).  A transparent dome was fitted beneath the decoy, allowing Gallagher to guide EARL and watch the sharks. The objective was to attract as many and as large sharks as possible.

From the idea to implementation in less than two weeks

When SCUBAJET was approached by the film team in April 2023, we had a rough idea of how our SCUBAJET Portable Series water jets could assist. The plan was to attach SCUBAJETs to the whale dummy to navigate it through the water using the jet propulsion. Additionally, one of the jets was to be mounted in the mouth to mimic a blood explosion effect with the jet stream and thereby attract more sharks.

In only ten days, our team engineered a bespoke solution which was promptly sent to the film crew. The SCUBAJET R&D team suggested a custom-made solution, based on the use of five SCUBAJET PRO units, fitted with finbox adapters and positioned for maneuvering, propulsion, and to facilitate a blood system and explosion effect.

Additionally, a specially crafted control unit was positioned inside the whale dummy with cables. Gallagher, who positioned himself with full diving gear inside the belly of the dummy, was able to navigate EARL using the SCUBAJET control unit and trigger the blood/explosion effect. It was the first time such an experiment has taken place to study the behavior of great whites.

Spoiler alert: In an interview with Triblive.com Gallagher said:” We didn’t have to manufacture any action or thrills here. It was so incredibly intense, particularly that final act with that large white shark.”

SCUBAJET CEO, Armin Kundigraber, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to contribute to this incredible documentary, aired on one of the world’s most respected TV channels: “Being a part of this adrenaline-charged event with our high-quality products is an extreme honor for us and makes me very proud of the entire SCUBAJET team. Our technology played a crucial role in capturing unique footage of the sharks. At the same time, it motivates us to indirectly make a significant contribution to the protection of Great Whites.”

This collaboration is another significant achievement for SCUBAJET in the film industry, following previous partnerships with James Cameron’s Avatar sequel “Avatar: The way of water,” the 2019 Michael Bay production “Six Underground”, and “Our Universe” by Mauricio Handler for Netflix in 2022. “The Belly and The Beast: Feeding Frenzy,” premiered on July 23, 8 pm on Discovery Channel US.

Benefits of using underwater scooters while shooting

Dive scooters offer several benefits. Firstly, they provide a stable platform for filming and taking photographs. When filming underwater, it can be challenging to hold a camera steady due to the currents and waves. A water jet provides a stable platform that allows to capture steady footage without the camera shaking and also offers a high degree of control, which is critical for capturing the perfect shot underwater. Its smooth, stable propulsion allows for precise framing and composition, giving you the ability to carefully adjust your position relative to your subject.

Secondly, underwater scooters provide increased mobility and range. Cinematographers can cover more ground and explore more of the underwater environment with an underwater scooter. This increased mobility allows cinematographers to capture footage that normally you would not be able to get.

Thirdly, underwater scooters help cinematographers conserve their energy. Filming underwater can be physically demanding. Using a dive scooter helps reducing the amount of energy expended by a photographer. This reduced energy expenditure enables cinematographers to stay underwater longer and capture more footage. The ability to move quickly and smoothly through the water also makes it easier to keep up with fishes or underwater creatures, allowing photographers to capture natural and spontaneous shots within the same time.

Another advantage of using an underwater scooter for photoshoots is the ability to easily change locations. Without a scooter, photographers would have to swim or boat to different locations, which can be time-consuming and limit the amount of time they must capture shots. With SCUBAJET, however, they can quickly and easily move from one location to another, capturing a wider variety of shots and achieving better results.

Silent operation and extended shooting time

Moreover, multiple speed settings allow to adapt to different shooting scenarios. Whether you need to keep pace with a fast-moving subject or slowly approach a skittish sea creature, SCUBAJET can accommodate your needs. By reducing the physical effort needed to move around underwater, water jets significantly extend the shooting time. Traditional diving methods can be exhausting, limiting your time underwater. This is a great way to conserve energy and focus on the craft, leading to longer, more productive shooting sessions. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, SCUBAJET offers a new way to explore and document the underwater world like never before. It’s a game-changer in the field of underwater exploration and imagery.

With SCUBAJET, you can move swiftly through the water, minimizing the effort and energy required for propulsion. This enhanced mobility allows photographers and cinematographers to reach places that were previously inaccessible. One can swiftly dive into deep caves, explore the intricate crevices of a coral reef, or chase after a school of fish without disturbing their natural behavior. One of the biggest challenges of underwater photography is light. Water absorbs light and reduces visibility, making it difficult to capture clear and vibrant images. This is where the SCUBAJET Beam is the perfect companion. This 1500 Lumen LED light provides a powerful, concentrated light that can be used to illuminate subjects in low light conditions.