Beyond Blue Magazine

Welcome to the new face of Beyond Blue magazine!

Issue 4 is now available in PDF and ultra-cool Imag editions (see our previous issues page for full details), and showcases Beyond Blue's brand new identity. From the moment Issue 3 was published, our design team at Oceans Interactive got to work on developing a style which would allow us to both add extra depth to the magazine, while also helping us stand out as unique and individual.

With this new facelift comes a variety of new content, including some of our most interesting features and articles to date, and a simply awe-inspiring portfolio of underwater photography featuring the ever beautiful Marlins.

We also have a new web site, complete with community elements such as blogs and online forums, allowing our readers to share their thoughts, suggestions and opinions with one another.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up to the Beyond Blue web site now to gain access to all our amazing features and content.

Thanks for your time, we look forward to hearing from you on the forums!

Beyond Blue Magazine

World Ocean Day

8 June is World Ocean Day and you can join Project AWARE Foundation in celebrating our ocean planet and the personal connection divers have to the sea. Conceived in 1992 during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, World Ocean Day is the perfect opportunity to recognize the importance of the underwater world.

Whether you live at the water’s edge or far from the sea – your everyday actions can affect the 70 percent of the planet covered by water. From the food we eat to the air we breathe, the oceans shape our lives.

The world ocean faces serious threats including over-fishing, pollution and habitat degradation. What can you do this World Ocean Day?

1. Change Your Perspective – As a diver, think about the escape and adventure the ocean provides. What does it mean to you and how would you like it to be for future generations?
2. Learn – Discover how you’re connected to the ocean and how it affects your life. Learn about the diversity of the sea and how to protect it.
3. Change Your Ways – No matter where you live or what you do, your actions are carried downstream. Making small efforts in your home and community contributes to ocean conservation.
4. Celebrate – Take time to organize or volunteer for environmental events that protect and celebrate the ocean.
5. Donate– Join the Project AWARE Foundation. Your support helps conserve underwater environments from inland waters to the ocean floor.
   

World Ocean Day

Fiji Is The Soft Coral Capital of the World

Fiji Is The Soft Coral Capital of the World

"Another popular diving site in Fiji is Astrolabe Reef which is situated in the southern area. There you can find a beautiful variety of coral and reef but the dive sites are small and are accessible by boat. The weather is sometimes humid there, but you will not have big problems with scuba diving because of that."

Fiji Is The Soft Coral Capital of the World

Broadreach | Teen Scuba Summer Adventure Program in Fiji, Solomon Islands.

With world-class diving, beautiful islands, rich history and unique cultures, the South Pacific is a destination like no other. Dive on breathtaking reefs, pinnacles, walls and WWII wrecks, with guaranteed sightings of big rays, sharks, sea turtles and intensely colored corals. Above the waterline, the islands offer cool rainforest hikes, idyllic beaches and rare glimpses of cultures forgotten by time. Fijians are known to be the friendliest people in the world, and you'll quickly discover why. Learn to weave palm frond baskets, hike to waterfalls, challenge villagers to a soccer match and learn ceremonial dances at a Fijian celebration.

Fiji firsthand

The views as we arrive in Fiji give us a taste of what's to come — crystal clear water, brightly colored coral and lush mountain rainforests. Ready to dive Fiji's best? We start with Kadavu's Great Astrolabe Reef, the fourth largest barrier reef in the world and home to a resident population of manta rays. Off the beaten path, the diving is pristine. The rich nutrients passing through the strait make this one of the best places in the world to observe astounding coral growth and plentiful marine life. If you can take your eyes off the brilliant soft corals, you'll find giant humphead Napoleon wrasse, banded sea snakes, majestic manta rays, black tip and white tip reef sharks and turtles. A closer look reveals the colorful nudibranchs and pipefish that hide out on the reef along with the lionfish and odd-looking crocodile fish.

Outrageous colors and lots of fish

After two or even three incredible dives a day, there is still time to play volleyball, enjoy the beach, check out the sea kayaks or just hang out with new friends. We also explore this tropical paradise. Take a guided eco-trek up to majestic waterfalls, walk along the rugged Kadavu shores and hike through dense jungle terrain with towering rubber trees. Visit a Fijian village where gracious locals treat us to a proper welcome with a "lovo", a traditional Fijian meal cooked completely underground. Share a bowl of "kava" with the village chief. Listen in awe as they share stories about the headhunting days.

Broadreach | Teen Scuba Summer Adventure Program in Fiji, Solomon Islands.

How to be an Eco-Friendly Scuba Diver | eHow.com

How to be an Eco-Friendly Scuba Diver

By Jennifer Harvey

While scuba diving is an inherently eco-friendly sport, there are many steps you can take to protect the reef and its inhabitants. Learn how to protect and maintain this priceless resource.

Things You’ll Need:

• Octopus clip
• A keen eye

Step1

Make sure you have a low diving profile. Ensure that all of your equipment is secured and as close to you as possible. Invent in an octopus clip. Secure your octopus before you ever jump in the water. This will keep your equipment from dragging and damaging the reef.

Step2

Do not touch the coral. You can undo hundreds of years of growth in a second. Do not molest the sea life.

Step3

If you see any trash, such as plastic bags, bottles or cans, pick it up and put it in your BC pocket(s). Throw it in the garbage once you get back on the dive boat.

Step4

By being a good example to other divers, you are teaching others to be green. Keep up the good work!

Tips & Warnings

• Scuba diving is an inherently dangerous sport and should not be attempted by a novice.
• Do not handle fish or sea life. You can remove protective coatings, leaving them vulnerable to disease and parasites.

How to be an Eco-Friendly Scuba Diver | eHow.com

Eco dilemma: Is it OK to scuba dive? | Travel | The Guardian

This winter, thousands of British travellers will visit coral reefs all over the world, from the Red Sea to Indonesia and the Great Barrier Reef. Yet the world's coral reefs - the "rainforests of the sea" - are under imminent threat. According to the World Wildlife Fund, 27 have been destroyed and, if present trends continue, 60% will be lost in the next 30 years.

While the most significant threat to coral comes from pollution, over-fishing and climate change, bad scuba diving practices can cause significant damage to these fragile ecosystems. The key to all good diving is buoyancy control - the more in control you are the less likely your fins, hands, knees and scuba equipment will bump against the coral and damage it. On average, it takes 25 years for coral to recover from a diver's single clumsy brush against it. Too many divers at a site can also cause disturbance to fish and the coral, so check that your dive operator avoids the busiest dive sites. Responsible dive operators should also have a policy of anchoring only to permanent buoys (attached by concrete to the sea floor) rather than dropping anchors on or near reefs.
 
PADI (padi.com) runs a course on protecting the marine environment and a Peak Performance Buoyancy course, which both count as "speciality" courses required for the Master Scuba Diver certification. It also runs Project Aware (projectaware.org), which organises underwater conservation activities.

And you can put your dive holiday to good use by contributing your underwater observations to the Global Dive Log (earthdive.com).
· To ask a question or offer advice, go to greentraveller.co.uk.

Eco dilemma: Is it OK to scuba dive? | Travel | The Guardian

Anyone been to Kadavu?

TripAdvisor

sandfly22

Fiji

"Oh and by the way NZConny....Matava is the place to be if you want to dive the Astrolabe...they have numerous dive sites along the astrolabe..drift diving is popular as most of their dive sites are channels....and the dive team there are very flexible,you can arrange special dive trips with them.When I was there they can have like two dive trips a day and this one girl wanted to do a night dive coz they were leaving the next day and actually took her again thst night...I mean she was the lone diver. They had like 2 dive instructors and 2 dive masters when I was there(Dec. 2007)..whether it be 2 dive trips a day, or one day trip and one night dive or 2 day trips and one night dive...they have the manpower to accomodate your diving needs"

Kadavu Island forum: Anyone been to Kadavu? - TripAdvisor

Introducing MISS-SCUBA.com

New website designed exclusively for FEMALE divers

Hello from Miss-Scuba.com:

In the six months that we've published female-friendly travel information, we've received wonderfully encouraging notes from around the world. Thank You! We felt encouraged and implemented a few new features. We believe it will be to your liking.

First, we want to introduce FIND YOUR FEMALE INSTRUCTOR, STORE OWNER, GEAR EXPERT OR DIVE BUDDY AROUND THE WORLD! Here you can find information about girls from all over the world. We had several requests to introduce dive girls to each-other as one from LA was traveling to Costa Rica, read a story about it at out web site, and wanted to contact the author with further questions. From now, you can post your contact info as well as a link to your website, if you have one. Please link back to Miss Scuba in that case. Just drop me an e-mail! See who is there already at http://www.miss-scuba.com/szilvia_web_aboutus.html

Next, we call for entries for our first monthly Photo Contest. Let us showcase your work! We invite you to submit your favorite image to our competition. The subject: FEMALE DIVERS One entry per person please, so pick your best one! The grand prize winner will receive an Xcel rush-guard with UW protection and the latest Atomic Frameless mask.

We ask again for your most inspiring travel stories to SHARE YOUR FABOLOUS TALES with other girls from all over the world. The Number One submission in July will receive a really practical Ikelite flashlight and a travel valet. Send stories that might make us cry or laugh, just make it unique and informative! If you have a picture to go with it, even better! See samples at http://miss-scuba.com/szilvia_web_journeys.html

There are great new TRAVEL TIPS from readers all over the world (including how to avoid ending up without swim wear at your long awaited vacation). Share your travel tip and win a Miss Scuba t-shirt! http://miss-scuba.com/szilvia_web_tips.html

FORWARD THIS NEWSLETTER TO JUST ONE MORE WOMAN! If you DO forward this newsletter to someone, please CC us in it, so she can receive our next Newsletter as well and you automatically enter to win. We will pick ten of these emails at random; winners will each receive a red DAN luggage tag. Please do it right now so you won't forget!

Enjoy, everybody! Looking forward to see your pictures and add your stories to Miss Scuba!

Szilvia Gogh
www.miss-scuba.com

PS: I am forwarding a request: Ladies Only scuba diving trip aboard the Utila Aggressor July 26 - Aug 2, 2008. $1700 Retail value $2195 Air Fare NOT included; additional $370 plus tips due on board at end of charter. Must be in San Pedro Sula by 2:00 p.m. July 26. Return flight to the US should be booked after 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. on Aug 2. Releases required.

Includes: on board lodging, double occupancy; up to five (5) dives per day Sun-Thursday, max 2 dives Friday; all but one meal, morning and afternoon snacks. Trip insurance available for additional charge. Contact Patty at plseery@hotmail.com or call 315-641-1861

21st annual SCUBA Show, Long Beach, USA

SCUBA Show exhibit space is 92% sold out

Don't be left out. Largest scuba event in the United States promises to be bigger than ever in 2008!

The 21^st annual SCUBA Show, taking place June 21^st and 22^nd at the Long Beach Convention Center, has already sold out 92% of its 76,000 square foot exhibit hall. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with some of the most active divers in the nation.

Now the largest consumer dive expo in the United States, The SCUBA Show was created to give scuba businesses valuable face-to-face time with potential customers. Started by the publishers of California Diving News, the SCUBA Show has consistently brought in over 10,000 eager consumers from all parts of the west coast and the southwest.

Last years attendance was over 11,000, and the producers have begun a marketing campaign to capitalize on last year’s attendance. Next week, over 30,000 past attendees will receive brochures detailing the weekend’s activities and encouraging them to pre-register for the weekend. This will also coincide with the launching of a newly designed ScubaShow.com, which will include an interactive floor plan, links to exhibitor websites and complete details of the weekend.

In the coming months, consumers will read about the SCUBA Show in California Diving News, and begin to see advertisements in various scuba magazines throughout the country. Discount coupons will also be available through California, Arizona and Nevada dive stores and clubs. SCUBA Show has also purchased various billboards around Southern California’s busy freeways.

For more information about exhibiting please call 310-792-2333 or visit www.ScubaShow.com

Fiji forums: Head about to explode girl who is going to fiji next week - TripAdvisor

Fiji forums: Head about to explode girl who is going to fiji next week - TripAdvisor

"-Kadavu Island. Great island! Rugged, untamed, adventurous. Matava is wonderful - they have a dorm, also a private bure with shared bathroom facilities for a great price.

They have the best on site owners/managers, wonderful staff, the most awesome food, and they'll take you gamefishing, snorkeling, kayaking, picnicing.

It's not a real backpacker type place, so that might fit the bill for you.

They don't have a white sand beach, but if you paddle a few meters away, there's a private island with a great beach and they'll pack you a lunch you can take with you.

ENJOY!"

Fiji forums: Head about to explode girl who is going to fiji next week - TripAdvisor

Ayoumi and Taki

Domo arigato to Ayoumi and Taki for being such fun on their recent trip to Matava.

Here on their honeymoon, the fearless couple decided to try out scuba diving with a PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience. It was a big enough challenge just to get the wetsuits on, after a bad case of sun burn from the previous day, along with Ayoumi’s 3 inch fingernails which had been specially done for the wedding. But after only 2 hrs we were suited up and ready to go.

Having only snorkelled for the first time ever on this trip, it was pretty brave of them to be scuba diving. After the initial panic’s were over, they were looking more comfortable and they were both clearing regulators and masks like professionals - so we headed down to 12m to check out the fish. Ayoumi didn’t let go of my hand for the entire dive and Taki looked like he was flying.

After we surfaced I asked them if they enjoyed it. I will remember their responses forever. Ayoumi just said, “I need to pee!” – But after a quick visit to the toilet, she told me she loved it. Taki’s answer might be the best I’ve ever heard.

“It was like being in a dream!”

Couldn’t put it better myself.

Final Thoughts: A discussion on diving and air consumption

I have discussed 13 aspects of our sport where I believe you can make a difference in your air consumption. Some may only yield tiny results, some larger or none at all. I am convinced however that if you are concerned about high air usage and address all of these areas you will see a continued and significant improvement.

I hope that divers reading this will have their own views and other suggestions that I have missed – it would be great to hear your comments.

This is where we come full circle in the discussion on improving your air consumption underwater. Diving is like many sports, the more you do, the better you get at it and the easier it all becomes.

As things become second nature you can relax your body and mind allowing you to take full advantage of the air that you take underwater with you in your tank.

Matava is an eco adventure getaway

Matava is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in Fiji.

Experience the true underwater beauty of Fiji with Matava Resort. You’ll benefit from our exclusivity because you’ll hardly ever see another diveboat! You’ll also be able to explore all of the diverse passages and outer reef sites the Great Astrolabe Reef has to offer. The hard corals are stunning, the fish diversity is enormous and encounters with pelagics and sharks are the norm rather than the exception. Of course, The Manta Dive is a must! Dive with us and our PADI dive professionals will ensure you have a fun and an unforgettable diving holiday.

Part 11: A discussion on diving and air consumption: Photography

‘Well what about it?’ I hear you ask.

And my answer may be unpopular with a lot of people. In my opinion most divers take cameras into the water before they have sufficiently honed their diving skills. Destruction of the reefs aside (as out of control diver/photographers crash into it) this is a discussion on air consumption.

A camera is another piece of gear to cope with. It causes drag, is a distraction and can task load someone who still has skills such as buoyancy to master. All of these factors will cause an increase in air consumption.

With the revolution in digital cameras and housings, underwater photography is within reach of many divers and of course it is great fun. If you are concerned about your air consumption and dive with a camera, do an experiment. Leave the camera on the boat for 1 dive and see if it makes a significant difference. If so (and I believe even the most experienced photographers use more air when taking photos than diving without a camera) you have a simple decision to make – enjoy the fun of photography or enjoy extra dive time.

In time you will be able to do both but maybe leave the camera behind sometimes so you can hone your diving skills.

Of course that’s going to be the dive when you bump into a school of hammerheads, 20 mantas………..

Part 13: A discussion on diving and air consumption: Breathing techniques

Note how far down the list I have put breathing techniques and this is the one people feel holds the magic answer. I firmly believe that if you address all the previously discussed headings, relax and get the basics right, you will see an improvement in your air consumption.

Again, yoga teaches breathing techniques as part of relaxation and there are some things you can try underwater. It is widely accepted that in diving, breathing should be slow and deliberate (as in yoga) using the full normal range of the lungs. I and others have found that reversing your normal pattern of breathing can really help you use air more efficiently hence conserving it.

At rest, your normal breathing pattern will be; breathe in, breath straight out, pause with empty lungs for second or 2 and then repeat.

Try reversing this by breathing in slowly, pausing at the top of the breath, breathing out slowly then immediately in slowly again with no pause at the bottom of the breath. I find I adopt this pattern automatically when diving – try it and see if it works for you.

Part 12: A discussion on diving and air consumption: Physical Fitness

It would seem to make intuitive sense that good cardiovascular fitness would lead to better air consumption. It is however a difficult one to prove as there are so many variables at play. I can’t find any strong studies on this subject and think that it would be fascinating to conduct one.

On one hand you have fitter people being able to make better use of air relating to exercise but on another you have increased muscle ratio and higher metabolism burning more calories at rest.

Yoga has certainly shown many benefits in diving; it helps stress management, improves mental alertness, teaches you how to relax, improved use of senses, increases flexibility and concentration on breathing techniques.

Overall it would seem to make sense that as in any sport, a diver should maintain some degree of physical fitness.

Part 10: A discussion on diving and air consumption: Pace / kick style / movement

Divers often show their personalities in the way they dive – there are those who are very busy buzzing about the reef and those who are laid back and going with the flow.

Guess who normally lucks out on air consumption? During training, I often get my students to see if they can increase their dive speed by just 50%. Sounds easy however the effort required leaves them and me gasping for breath after about 30 seconds. That particular dive doesn’t tend to last very long!

Obviously all movement cannot be cut out on a dive else you would never go anywhere. It is very important therefore that movements should be as energy efficient as possible. Because of the density of water, slow steady movements are most efficient – there is no use fighting water, it will win every time and rob you of your air to boot.

Pace your dive and try to develop an efficient fin kick which allows you to kick and glide, kick and gliiide, kick and gliiiiiiiide – you get the idea.

Part 9: A discussion on diving and air consumption: Arm movement

If you’ve ever done an aerobics class, there’s a reason the instructor makes you do all those arm movements until you feel that they are going to drop off. It’s exactly the same reasoning that made your diving instructor want to tie you arms to your side during your first dive course.

The introduction of upper body movement can increase your metabolism by up to 30%. Great if you want to burn calories in an aerobics class, disastrous for air consumption on a dive – enough said!

Part 8: A discussion on diving and air consumption: Trim

If you get yourself neutrally buoyant but find that you fall forwards, backwards or to one side or another then your trim needs adjusting (imagine everyone on a small plane suddenly standing up and all moving to one side!).

You can correct yourself in the water, (using movement, energy and therefore more air) as many times as you wish however you will always fall back unless you correct the cause.

The solution is normally as simple as shifting a weight slightly. It won’t fix itself - don’t put up with it!

Diving with Diabetes – an update

Following on from my previous blog item posted in February, the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Society (UHMS) and the Divers Alert Network (DAN) have published consensus guidelines resulting from their 2005 co-sponsored workshop, ‘Diabetes and Recreational Diving: Guidelines for the future.

What was historically considered an absolute contraindication to diving is now being openly supported for those who are medically evaluated and who carefully monitor their condition and meet certain criteria. The view held by the medical community on people who have insulin-dependent diabetes was relaxed and those using dietary control for their diabetes should easily be able to meet the guidelines.

Note that the report has issued guidelines and not rules and should only be used as toll for the physician when evaluating a person with diabetes for diving.

The full ‘Diabetes and Recreational Diving: Guidelines for the Future’ can be ordered by contacting DAN Americaswww.diversalertnetwork.org