I am asked this quite often. Normally it is by someone who already has a jacket style BCD (where the air goes into the back along with the wings), or by someone who has a friend who is trying to encourage them to buy a back inflate (where all of the .. Read More

For most people, the sport of freediving is an intimidating pursuit. Although I would typically argue that it's an accessible activity for everyone, the trip I embarked on one year ago was not for the timid or inexperienced. In February of 2019, .. Read More

With much of the world under quarantine there isn’t a lot of diving going on right now. We have put our training, traveling, and diving on hold until we can inevitably flip on our fins once again. Fortunately, there is plenty to do from the saf.. Read More

At Ocean First, we were inspired to add the reef saver to our retail offerings after seeing them used in Thailand years ago. Unable to find wholesale manufacturers that were up to par, our very own Mark Duvall researched and developed the sticks you .. Read More

Can you imagine what it would have been like to be dive certified at age ten? While most of us get certified well into adulthood, SSI standards allow for kids to get certified by the time they reach double digits. Depending on the ten year olds you k.. Read More

I'm writing this blog series because my gear is dry and I desperately want to travel to the tropics but I don't have a trip anytime soon. Maybe you are in the same boat and can use come additional ideas, tips & tricks. As the buyer for Oc.. Read More

Part 2: Exposure Protection In the last blog, I spoke about using your camera prior to your trip in order to achieve the shots you've always wanted. From my experience, there are quite a few ways to utilize your exposure protection that you purch.. Read More

Do you want to get Scuba Certified but have been holding off because you don't have a trip scheduled (and have no idea when you will)? Even without the uncertainty of the current pandemic, this has been a problem that has prevented many people fr.. Read More

"How long is Seven Mile Beach?" a passenger shouted from the back of the bus. It was spring break 2015 on Grand Cayman where I took my first job as a Caribbean scuba instructor. I had just loaded 12 wide-eyed, smiling, cruise shippers into .. Read More

2020 was a tough year for divers near and far. Divelust became stronger than ever, with a growing desire to breathe humid air and feel the saltwater on our skin. We've finally made it to 2021 and there is a shining light for scuba diving and trav.. Read More