Archive for July, 2007

Scuba Diving at the Eiffel Tower

Wednesday, July 11th, 2007

A scuba diving initiation offered to visitors of the monument

A 230 m² heated swimming pool located at the North Pillar of the Eiffel Tower will allow visitors to experience their first scuba dive.

In an underwater environment, forty certified instructors (FFESSM : Fédération Française d’Etudes et de Sports Sous marin) will be on hand to take venturesome visitors down to the bottom of the pool, decorated with photos of fish.

The heated pool with its depth of 1.20 meters is suitable for young and old (no children under 8 will be allowed to participate and all minors must have parental permission).

The diving equipment – wetsuit, fins, mask, and tank – will be supplied.

Once equipped and following a short lesson, divers will spend 20 minutes underwater with their instructor. Each diver will receive a certificate.

This exceptional offer is free of charge to all those visiting the monument; just present your entrance ticket. To sign up, before you visit the Eiffel Tower, go to the swimming pool welcoming tent.

“To turn each tourist into an active guardian of our natural environment, while having fun through a constructive experience, is a goal as high as the Eiffel Tower!”

Through this promotion, Mr. Jean-Bernard Bros, Director of Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel, wishes to convey a strong message in defence of the planet: “At a moment when environmental matters are becoming more and more important, the ones who need to be informed about the future of the Earth and Oceans are the tourists, those travelling across the world exploring it. What better means than this introduction to scuba diving to discover the underwater environment, its beauty and above all its fragile nature?” That is the intent of the Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel.

This exceptional event has been made possible thanks to: Salon de la Plongée Sous-Marine, Plongée On Line, Fédération Française d’Etudes et de Sports Sous-Marins (FFESSM), PADI, Aqua Lung, Scubapro, Cressi, Subaqua, Coltri Sub, Axa- Cabinet Lafont, Aquarev, Blue Lagoon, Bleu Marine Loisirs, Déclic Bleu Méditerranée, Restaurants of the Tour Eiffel.

Using Scuba Diving Gear

Wednesday, July 11th, 2007

Just as a golfer has his clubs, and a skier dons his skis, scuba divers have their own set of scuba diving gear that is required to enjoy their sport. Scuba diving gear comes in many varieties and the choices between them depend on your level of skill, logistical needs, and frequency of use. But the universal truth is that scuba diving gear is designed to ensure the safest of dives for everyone – and everything – involved.

First and foremost, the wetsuit is one of the prime pieces of scuba diving gear. Made from synthetic rubber, and lined with nylon fabric, the wetsuit offers a protective barrier between the scuba diver and the varying temperatures that can be found in the water. The primary role of the wetsuit is to keep moisture away from the skin and maintain the body’s temperature, thus protecting it from hypothermia in colder temperatures. It is most important that any wetsuit you use fits snug to your body at all times.

Obviously, the ability to breathe underwater is what makes scuba diving possible. Therefore, the most essential part of scuba diving gear, is the oxygen tank. Strapped to the diver’s back, the oxygen tank provides different amounts of oxygen depending on their size. Based upon the length of the dive you choose to make, you will carry an equivalent sized tank; most come equipped with gear that allows you to measure the amount of oxygen you have left so you can safely resurface when appropriate.

The oxygen is pumped directly into your face and eye mask – another essential piece of scuba diving gear. It is important that your mask fits snuggly over your face to ensure proper oxygen circulation and the ability to see without restriction. In addition, most divers will also don flippers as part of their scuba diving gear.

Diving safely and responsibility is the only way to scuba; so be sure to use appropriate scuba diving gear when heading underwater.

Visiting A Scuba Diving Resort

Wednesday, July 11th, 2007

When it comes to vacationing, nothing equals the ability to customize a trip to your very personal ideas of fun and relaxation. For scuba enthusiasts, visiting a scuba diving resort can be the epitome of a vacation, where they can relax, enjoy themselves, and participate in as many scuba related activities as they want. A scuba diving resort offers a chance for divers to focus exclusively on what they love to do and there’s no greater vacation than that.

Scuba diving is popular worldwide; the experiences differ depending on the region you visit. Choosing a scuba diving resort begins with your regional preference. If it’s winter where you live and you’re craving the warmth of the sun, then head to any of the multitude of places that are conducive to scuba year round; the Florida Keys, South America, and the Caribbean.

Be sure to examine the scuba diving resort in which you are interested to determine if they have the features you require. For instance, if you want to have a certified scuba professional guide you through a particular dive, then you need to seek out a scuba diving resort that offers that service. If you want to rent scuba equipment rather than bring your gear, then find a scuba diving resort that offers rental services.

The Internet is clearly a great place to start when it comes to doing comprehensive research. You can find listings of resorts, the amenities they offer and their range of prices. In this way you can comparison shop to ensure you get what you want while staying within your budget guidelines.

Scuba-related magazines may also offer tips on finding the perfect scuba diving resort. You’ll undoubtedly find first-hand reports by scuba enthusiasts that examine the benefits of particular resorts. Whichever scuba diving resort you choose to visit you will surely have an experience to remember.