So, finally you have been lured in! Scuba diving is a sport-leisure that will surely give you the right rush of adrenaline. Here are our 3 easy steps you can follow to become a certified underwater explorer:
The Open Water Diver Course is your gateway to the underwater world. Once you are considered medically qualified to be a scuba diver, the OWD is your rocket ship to the vast and majestic underwater.
The Open Water Diver Course allows you to learn the fundamental skills and techniques to navigate comfortably and safely underwater. It will also help you learn the proper way to use your dive equipment.
2. Know Which Dive Gears to Buy and Rent
Scuba diving requires you to use a full-set of dive gears. As a new underwater explorer, you can purchase the personal items first, such as a wetsuit, a pair of fins, snorkel, and dive mask. But in the long run, it is important to remember that having your own equipment will contribute to a more successful dive as you can be sure of your gear’s function, comfort, and quality.
3. Expand Dive Knowledge with a Theory Class
Scuba diving doesn’t stop when you descend into the deep and marvel upon its beauty. Scuba diving is also a commitment to protect and preserve the territory that welcomed you. You can do this if you have a deeper understanding about its creatures and biodiversity. All of this you will learn by signing up for a theory course. There are a bunch of theory courses to choose from — whether you want to delve deeper on the behavior of sharks and how they are often misunderstood or you want to explore the lives of sea turtles, there is a theory class for you.
Our first breathe underwater is like being reborn into a new life.
Having good buoyancy control is critical for diving. Owning the right equipment will allow you to glide swiftly and effortlessly in the sea, while looking good!
This year, KL Divers is proud to introduce V.Dive into our extensive collection of scuba fins!
V.Dive has committed to provide internationally competent and ergonomic diving equipment since 2000. Since then, this Taiwan-conceived brand has manufacture masks and fins for popular diving brands like Mares, Poseidon etc, which further ascertain V.Dive’s commitment to always focus on design, quality and functionality.
Here are KL Divers top picks for you =)
1. V-Dive V.fin PRO
V.Dive V-Fin PRO
Material: Japanese TPR/PP material
Functionality:
– Great propulsion; 21-degree-angle fluid mechanics design
– Quality material ensuring your comfort and fit
– Great for snorkelling or scuba diving
– Comes with a variety of colors to choose from
V-Dive V-Fin PRO Colors
2.V.Dive Fin [F776]
V.Dive F776 Rubber Fins
Material: Full Rubber
Functionality:
– Boasts an ergonomic bending angle; which means power with each effortless kick
– Lightweight
– Attractive colors to suits each personality
V-Dive F776 Fin Colors
3. V.Dive F998 Long Fin
V.Dive F998 Free Diving Fins
Material: Japanese TPR/PP material
Functionality:
– Long, comfortable and sturdy
– Boasts an ergonomic bending angle; which means power with each effortless kick
– Striking colors to attract all the attention you need
V-Dive F998 Fin Colors
To check out the fins— Simply hit us a message, or check them out at KL Divers’ Booth at Malaysian International Diving Exhibition (MIDE) 2018 —the largest gathering for diving connoisseurs, and marine conservationists.
Our first breath underwater is like being reborn into a new life.
Like how a baby open their eyes and got welcomed by their anxious parents, our first sighting in a new world is always memerizing.
My first breath underwater is at the training pool. It was 7 years ago. At that time, I was using a rented scuba mask that was a little too narrow for my face. It was a dual lens mask, at the point where the split lens in the middle, i felt that my nose extended to block my view a little. As my eyes was also sensitive to light, the transparent skirting of the mask have proofed to be really irritating to my eyes especially during sunny days.
Right after pool, I decided to purchase my own mask. Than I realised there are mask made to fit onto different faces.
Immediately, the GULL Vader mask caught my attention.
Gull Vader Mask
The reason is clear – black skirting, single lens, total cool look.
After trying on I found that the skirt was soft and comfortable, the fit was distinctively better than the pool mask.
However, after checking out the price – which should be about rm520 base on my memory. I decided I should look for an alternative.
Next, I saw the Aropec Frameless mask. Simple and neat looking, having all the requirements I need, price was a good rm150.
Aropec Frameless Mask
The other type of masks available were. Dual Lens Mask
V.Dive Xtreme Mask
This is necessary for those who needed prescription lenses to be fitted on on them. For example, the V.Dive Xtreme mask is prescription capable. Suitable for those who need the additional visual correction. Besides that, the mask is design to be lower volume than usual, therefore providing a wider viewing angle, overcoming the issue with the usual dual lens mask.
Low Volume Mask
V.Dive F01 Low Volume Mask
Low volume mask, one of the demand by Free Divers so it takes lesser effort to clear the mask. The V.Dive F01 is a low volume mask designed for Free Divers.
Transparent & Opaque Skirting Masks
V-Dive F-1 Low Volume, Clear Skirting Mask
There is a difference between transparent or opaque skirting masks. The viewing angles.
While clear skirtings are good for people looking for a broader view. My personal choice will always be the opaque skirting ones because it protects my eyes from exposure from excessive light.
So after looking at all the different types, the best way to buy a mask is to go and try it personally. As different shape, different faces, different made will affect comfort levels.
Another important thing to take note, it don’t mean an expensive mask means a good mask. A Fitting Mask Is A Good Mask!
The mask is definitely the first gear to consider. Besides having a comfortable fit, having your own mask also ensures improved hygiene on every use.
Because, not known to the non-divers, many divers spit in their masks to defog. Just imagine how much spits went through the rented mask!
My scuba mask, which was my first scuba gear, lasted longer than 3 year when the skirting started cracking. 3 years of comfort, hygienic wear – Definitely a worthy buy.
Now my next mask will definitely be a V.Dive Vitro Mask!
V.DIve Vitro Mask
Black skirting, single len, wide viewing angle, comfortable material, stylish looking. Not hard to understand why that decision.
Our first breathe underwater is like being reborn into a new life – this “reborn” we mentioned here definitely seems strange to you now if you have not tried Scuba Diving. It brings the sudden impulse to put out this article as I chance upon my first dive logbook while tidying my cupboard.
A good old diary that kept secrets to all my events during my school days… Back then, scuba diving is pretty uncommon. I was lured by the wonders of the seas.
Indeed, it ended to be a journey of no return – The Mega Step I took to become an Open Water Diver.
The Theory (o_O)
SSI Dive Table
I was a nerd & hermit, unaware of the world besides my textbook. After signing the course, I was suddenly unsure whether I am in my right frame of mind!
The theory session consist of a video and an instructor elaborating on the video. The 3 hours session teaches us the names for our gear, what’s on the left or the right, reading of dive table, correct posture during dive and unwanted behavior during diving. I was awed, totally – by the new lingo and what goes where, the do’s, the don’ts etc. I must be crazy to sign up!
The Pool Session
Following course requirements, I presented myself at the pool session. First up, is the swimming test. I have not been in any swimming pool for more than 10 years after a close drowning incident! So OMG…. but my ego tells me that’s not so cool to back up now. I took a huge breath and slowly but gradually, I manage to complete the swimming test which followed by a 10 minutes float. Trying my best to keep my head above water, I was panting breathlessly but amused that I had done it! Hooorray!!!
For the rest of the pool session, we practice the skills shown during theory class. Clearing our regulator & mask, one at a time and place it back, removing of water that have got into the mask, buoyancy in water as well as ESA and EBA (Emergency Swimming Ascent & Emergency Buoyant Ascen). All ends pretty well and skills are amazingly easier in practical than in theory for me. However, there are some who are not able to complete the pool session within the day and for their safety, the instructor arranged an additional practice session before they could move on to the Open Water Dives.
The dive trip (>_0)
My Open Water course was done in Pulau Aur, Johor. We boarded the boat from Mersing and began the 4 hour journey to the island. The excitement got us talking non-stop. When we finally quiet down, and sitting alone at the bow of the boat, I felt a kind of tranquility that I never had by just staring at the endless sea under a starlight sky.
We woke up early for our first dive, feeling like a school excursion trip with all your school mates around. We are divided into 2 groups and in the sea, we are to do the skills what was done in the pool….. now with the salty seawater!
As there are 10 of us in each group, while the instructor was looking at others doing drills, we self entertain ourselves with the fishes passing by and attempts to touch it. Its absolutely cool to watch nemo sway left and right, while a moving sea cucumber seems different from those in the claypot =P.
Nemo swaying
Lucky for my group, our last dive is a leisure dive! We were all wildly amused by the most common fish like the colourful parrotfish, the powderblue surgeonfish pouting and the daring batfish. However, it soon become obvious that buoyancy is the most crucial; whether to prevent kicking up fine sands and obstructing view, to killing of vulnerable and fragile corals, to the safety of the diver unwillingly floating to the sea surface (read more https://kldivers.com/our-first-breathe-scuba-courses/).
Before we ascend, I was trying to capture the whole scene into my memory when I saw a group of staghorn glowing in blue color…. Its the most beautiful thing I saw! Till now, after numerous dives, I still remember how I felt when I first saw it…. a group of staghorn glowing with a beautiful blue aura. Beautiful!
All in all, we had 5 dives before we board our boat back the next day and talk about what we have seen for the past 2 days and eagerly getting tips from the instructor on how to get our buoyancy right. Indeed, buoyancy is a common issue among most divers and the main reason why at KL divers, SSIperfect buoyancy is strongly recommended for all divers and it can be practice right at the pool! (https://facebook.com/kldivers/videos/286200715248322/).
Being a diver
Conservation
Ever since my Open Water Course, I have since embark into making several dive trips each year and making friends all over the world. Gradually, my interest metamorphosis to observing the marine life and how each of us can do to conserve our sea.
You can do your part too! It is as easy as bringing your own bags for grocery, say “no” to straws (https://kldivers.com/our-first-breathe-helping-mother-earth/), whenever possible, bring your own mug/bottle to “tabao” your drinks. A little step each time goes a long way!
Dive Course
We are divers too! Here in KL Divers, the instructors are experienced to handle different situations. We understand that being homosapiens, we are used to land than water; hence we do pool sessions at your comfort level and at your pace. Safety is the utmost importance, hence we are keeping the ratio small in the sea each time, ensuring ample attention and supervision.
Safe Diving is Fun Diving. We are consist of a team of approachable and bubbly nature divers and would love to hear from you!
Diving Careers
KL Divers also offers Diving Careers for those who wants a change from the routine city life.
We are experienced and proficient in providing quality training to prepare you to becoming a Scuba Diving Professional.
So come and check out what we have for you, from Dive Courses, Dive Careers, Dive Equipment and Dive Holidays!
Who knows, you might be able to grab some of our hot deals lining up for you!
(Post written by KL Diver Team Member – Peiyu. The unforgettable memories of her taking The Mega Step – Her Open Water Course)
Our first breathe underwater is like being reborn into a new life, it’s like being given a Passport to travel into a new world.
For example:
Our Open Water Certificate is the passport to travel into the underwater world; Nitrox is like the ‘visa’ to be using higher Oxygen mix; The stamp on the dive log book is the proof of travel.
Unknown to many, the Dive Professional Certificate is the passport to a life changing career.
Guess everyone know Nicholas very well already. We’ll skip him this time. However, let us introduce Sammi – KL Diver’s Guest Instructor from Taiwan!
Sammi was in a normal job, working on a normal routine, living a normal life. After 6 years in her job, the inner calling of being under the sun or in the sea got stronger. So strong she decide to left her job in search of answers to her inner calling. At that time, she was at a junction where she either move into surfing, or she becomes a Scuba Instructor. So, becoming a Scuba Instructor was her choice.
Since then, her life is only filled with sunshine, sea water, generous divers and friendly marine life.
Dive Instructor’s OfficeDive Instructor’s Colleagues.Sammi In Maldives
Not only that, the job itself is an enrichment process where it immerse one into different cultures, making new friends and trying out now activities.
Here are some of the “stamps” on Sammi’s passport.
Wreck DivingSammi Parasailing with JoanDrone Flying – One skill Sammi learntSammi Taking FlightSnorkelling with MantasFriends from Taiwan visits Maldives對面的男孩看過來.. (Guys on the other side look over..)
The above are just a glimpse of what she have went through. Still want to know more about Sammi? No problem!
Come by KL Divers Booth at MIDE 2018. Come speak to Sammi, she will gladly share stories of her exciting career change!
Like to create new stories like Sammi did?
Looking for a different career?
Contact KL Divers for a career consultation today! tel: +60 18 768 6543 email: [email protected]
Our first breathe underwater is like being reborn into a new life. During this reborn, one of the most “common injury” we get – Sun Burnt.
To prevent that, a tube of sun screen is a common gear everyone put in their dive bag now.
Unknown to many, the tube of sun screen can became a killer of reefs and marine life.
It has been proven that one of the most common ingredient in Sun Screens – Oxybenzone, is capable of killing corals. While Oxybenzone is an active ingredient that helps in blocking off UV Ray, it is proven that sun screen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide will work effectively as well.
Therefore, consumers have been more conscious about choosing their sun screen, ensuring that the environmentally harmful ingredients are not used in the product.
This change in consumer demand have pushed manufacturers into making eco-friendly sun screens. Safe Sea is one of them.
With biodegradable ingredients and uniquely, jellyfish protection, Safe Sea has become a popular option among scuba divers as a sun block.
What is Jellyfish Protection? So how does safe sea works? Here is how it works:
In short, while having biodegradable sun protection, Safe Sea can also reduce the impact of meeting the jellyfish underwater.
With this information, KL Divers hope it can help you with choosing environmentally sun screens.
Of course, if you like to purchase Safe Sea, Safe Sea products are in stores now!
Contact KL Divers +60 18 768 6543 for get your sun protection today!
And, to our worst nightmare, it has been proven by scientist and researchers that rubbish in the seas actually ends up in our digestive system through microscopic methods:
It is depressing to see such, however, since it is a problems caused by humans, it is a problem that can be solve by humans.
At KL Divers, we firmly believe that habits of daily living can be changed to improve the situation. Good Habits can also spread and influence people around us to change.
When we change our habits, we also can influence businesses to change their mode of operating.
At KL Divers we practice Reduce and Reuse on a daily basis.
Reducing usage would be the most effective method and we’ll talk about it today.
Effective Reducing Methods can be:
Taking public transport;
Dining in;
Carrying a water bottle;
Carrying a reusable shopping bag;
Not using straws to drink
Looking out for and support businesses that uses eco-friendly packaging like paper bags.
and the list can go on.
While it is definitely challenging to start, it becomes easy to uphold once it becomes a habit!
The trademark water bottle of KL Dive Crew – Nicholas
It is also definitely easy for us to change ourselves, it’s always harder to convince people around us about the change.
One of the biggest challenge we at KL Divers faced – to have no straws in our drinks.
It is a customer service habit. Service crew subconscious will put in a straw in our drinks as part of the service.
While many of us know we should bring our own reusable straws when we dine in, many times, we still get a straw in our drinks.
So we, KL Divers, like to ask help from everybody – Starting today, Add a “No Straw” request for your order.
No Straws Please!
YES! Sipping with our mouths is very eco-friendly, using reusable straws as well.
Experience tells us, during the first few attempts, straws will still appear in your drinks anyway. It’s fine, continue using the straws that is already in your drink.
But let’s remember – We can change our habits which in turn influence others to change theirs.
Let’s start off from ourselves. Experience has also told us, after numerous attempts, eateries we frequent often will actually remember such requests! Which prove our point that we can influence others to change.
Today, KL Divers need help from everybody. Challenge Yourself! Challenge Your Friends! Be proud! Share with Us if you remembered to Request “No Straw!”
Our first breathe underwater is like being reborn into a new life.
The thrill of excitement, the adrenaline rush and the memories captured belongs to you and your dive mates alone.
We at KL Divers can’t empharsize enough–> Buoyancy buoyancy buoyancy! The most important skill for divers across all levels. We shared on SSI Perfect Buoyancy Specialtypreviously and it received an overwhelming response to join us in this course
At KL Divers, we believed that we should train people around us with skills that are, practical, useful and fun!
WAIT! SOMEONE LOOKS UNCONSCIOUS!! THINK THEY NEED SOME HELP!!
Unconscious Person
Unconscious Person Spotted!
“HELLO HELLO!! YOU SLEEPING? CAN WAKE UP??”
ZZzZzzzzz…
Pulse available? (Yes) Any breathing? (Snoreeeeeee)
Phew that’s really lucky..
Imagine how much panic seeing an unconscious person will result, lest in an environment where you can’t shout for help or dial the emergency numbers from the mobile.
This situation will be handled differently for someone who is trained to do so. As such, KL divers would like to brought forth SSI React Right Specialty Course.
So what exactly is SSI React Right Specialty Course??
It is a medical emergency handling program consisting of Primary Assessment, First Aid & CPR Skills, Primary Stabilization Techniques and Automated External Defibrilation (AED) Basics.
CPR-AED-1ST-AID
There are similarities to the First Aid courses offered by St John Ambulance or Red Crescent here in Malaysia. Although not the main certifying body here in Malaysia, The SSI React Right certification is being recognised worldwide.
What’s most important are skills and knowledge being taught during the course! Being a program cater for scuba diving, Emergency Oxygen techniques and knowledge are also taught during the course. This is what makes the difference from the usual commercial courses – since emergency oxygen is usually not available publicly.
EMERGENCY OXYGEN KIT BY DAN
Most importantly, having the individual participant equipped with the right skillset and knowledge will come in handy at critical moments.
Fortunately, Nicholas, who is our Instructor at KL Divers, comes with real working experiences in the Medical Centre. From assisting doctors in emergency surgeries, to patching up blood and bones, he sure have the knowledge, skill and stories from real action.
Being equipped with the right skills and knowledge to take action is important during times in need. As a React Right Instructor, the fulfilment of having your victims coming back to take up the React Right course because they had been in the receiving situation before, they know is important, they know they can make a difference to someone else when time comes.
So get yourself started now! Contact KL Divers to sign up for your React Right Speciality Courses today! Course fees from rm399 onwards. tel: +60 18 768 6543 email: [email protected]
This video has demonstrated 2 of the most fundamental and important part of diving
1) Buoyancy Control – the key to staying in control and enjoying your dives.
2) Breathing & finning – ties hand in hand with buoyancy control, allowing you to move with effectively and efficiently like a fish so they will make friends with you..
Why we need good buoyancy control?
So that the photos we take will not be shaky;
So that we want don’t want to end our dives prematurely because of bad air consumption;
So that we are have better confident level for our dives;
So that we can get closer to marine life without scaring them away;
So that we can maximise every dive trip and dive course – because buoyancy is everything;
So that we can pose for a photo like this >
Despite being the most fundamental and crucial skill, it has very often been paid insufficient attention to. Especially after the Open Water Course where divers pay a lot of attention to basic skills, many divers felt the lacking in proficiency for buoyancy control.
KL Divers would like to deliver SSI Perfect Buoyancy Specialty Course with convenience for busy people like you!
Why the pool?
Training in pool is not easier as many would thought. But it allows better focus on getting the right technique while building awareness of your kicks, breathe and posture.
1- Its a time saver, since it can be learnt in a swimming pool
2- KL Divers is committed to the safety of all our divers. The pool will allow you to focus on getting it right in a controlled environment
3- Shallow water training is more challenging. Indeed, many experience involuntary floating to surface during safety stop, which is dangerous with speedboat roaming. In the pool, skills are sharpened with controlled depth without compromising on safety.
With the above being said, the course is being designed with proper framework and the certification is being internationally recognised.
What do we cover during the course:
1 – Breathing Techniques. Breathe…… properly… So you can maximise your dive time. Suck, Blow, Suck, Blow needs lots of practicing.
2 – Finning Techniques & Movements. Like to make friends with the fishes for a photo? First behave like a fish…
3 – Weights & Trim adjustments. “I cannot descend!! I need more weights” – This sentence is not true! Let’s learn how to descend with minimum weights or, no weights!
4 – Equipment Familiarisation. Ever wonder how many senses are involved whenever you like to reach for your equipment? You can find out here. =)
Why choose KL Divers?
1- We are good problem solvers. We recognise that humans are individuals made differently, hence we provide suggestions to solve your individual problem; be it mask clearing, floating to surface etc…
2- We are good observers. While its not rocket science on how to dive properly, it is our job to share with you on how to sharpen your skills in diving.
3- We are good supervisors. Practice makes perfect, this is only true if you are practising the right thing and building into your muscle memories. Otherwise, old habits will be hard to eliminate.
4- We are good tutors. Heard of Scuba Diving homework? Yes we have some secret recipe for our divers. These secrets can be done anytime, anywhere and it act as reminders even after the course.
Finally – We are Safe & Fun!! That’s why we dive and that’s why we are here to share this passion with you!
Hope the above have explained why it is recommended to do the Perfect Buoyancy Course with KL Divers.
If you like to Dive with KL Divers, contact +60 18 768 6543 or email your enquiry to [email protected]
Getting close for a photo at Sipadan Island, Sabah, Malaysia
