[ad_1] Photo by Richard Segal: Scuba diving is an adventurous travel activity that allows for exploration under the sea. To survive in these depths, scuba equipment has allowed humans to gain a new perspective on the world. However, scuba gear was not always so advanced. The underwater regulator and safety device we know as scuba
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Photo by Richard Segal:
Scuba diving is an adventurous travel activity that allows for exploration under the sea. To survive in these depths, scuba equipment has allowed humans to gain a new perspective on the world. However, scuba gear was not always so advanced.
The underwater regulator and safety device we know as scuba is an acronym. S. C. U. B. A. stands for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. Invented by Jacques Cousteau and Emile Gagnan, the dive gear did not appear on the market until 1952.
Until then, divers were creative with how they explored the depths of the sea.
Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about the history of scuba gear and diving!
Early divers would use snorkels as their main form of scuba gear. The Greeks made their snorkeling gear from hollowed plants, particularly hollowed reeds.
The next advancement in underwater sea exploration came during the time of the Greek philosopher Aristotle. He described the regulator gear as “diving bells.” Divers would flip a bowl upside down and lower it into the water. This motion would trap air in the bowl.
Once under the water, the divers would put their heads in the air pocket while surveying the open water. However, these “bells” would only work for a few minutes. After this, the air becomes dangerous to breathe.
Scuba diving became a little more advanced with the creation of early masks. The Persians took tortoise shells, thinly slicing and polishing them. This would make the shell more transparent. It served as a makeshift scuba mask.
Nowadays, masks are much more advanced, but they originate from this early idea from the 13th century.
England and France saw enhanced diving suits for water exploration in the 1500s. Inventors made the body of leather to withstand more pressure as they descended. The helmet and its mask were made of metal for this purpose.
During the 1800s, John Lethbridge invented the first scuba gear not connected to a form of air supply. The diving engine, as people called it, allowed the diver to enter a barrel-like contraption.
Their arms and legs would not be contained, allowing them to explore the surface freely. This invention helped inspire the scuba BCD (buoyancy control device), a piece of equipment used in the 1970s.
Scuba diving gear continued to develop throughout the 18th century. Interestingly, the former President of the United States Ben Franklin invented scuba fins. As a child, he enjoyed swimming and exploring the water as a diver. He wanted to find a way to be more efficient.
As a result, he invented fins that would help him glide through the water. The device consists of two ovals that would attach to the hands using string. He used a similar concept for his feet. Today, modern scuba divers utilize fins for their underwater travel.
While developers continued to fine-tune scuba masks, fins, and suits, the air pump came to play in 1772. A British engineer connected the person diving to a barrel by a hose. This led to a rebreathing device that would unfortunately fail. Nevertheless, it would pave the way to the modern scuba tank.
The 1800s did not see many breakthrough scuba inventions. Indeed, inventors and researchers released new tanks and ways of feeding air to the divers.
Nevertheless, underwater cameras came to the scene in 1893. These devices would lead to the enhanced investigation of the ocean and create new forms of art.
Research became imperative to the betterment of diving gear. The times had outgrown the snorkel and mask technique. It was the age for extended underwater travel.
Technical diving was critical in the 1900s. Researchers started to understand the effects of water pressure on divers. As a result, this century saw the introduction of regulators, air pumps, and tanks.
The scuba regulator helps maintain the proper level of breathing gas for the diver. Air pumps would become more advanced, and the world came to know the official term S. C. U. B. A with the invention of the Aqualung.
What’s more, the technology that started to shape culture—i.e., computers—would start to play a major role in diving. The use of the dive computer became more prominent, helping regulators transmit data during underwater travel and exploration.
As a result, computers enhanced the safety of diving gear by notifying people when certain chemical levels were low.
Scuba diving gear has changed for the better throughout human history. Today, the activity is much safer, as it requires more gear and dive computers. A set of scuba gear would commonly contain the following:
Wetsuits are a must when navigating cold water below 80s degrees. It can be dangerous for bare skin to be in a wet environment that cool. As such, divers must seek the help of wetsuits during their dives.
More advanced divers would go for a dry suit. This form of gear is ideal for extreme cold. There is no need to seek a dry suit if you have little diving experience.
A snorkel is another necessary piece. Likewise, masks make navigation much easier. Plus, it allows you to experience another world with your own eyes.
Other accessories have become common for the equipment. Gear bags and rash guards help make the diving experience enjoyable and more efficient. The bags allow divers to store their equipment better. Meanwhile, the guards prevent discomfort from the equipment.
Scuba tanks, of course, help provide an air source to the diver. The tank is smaller than the first air supply device, making modern scuba better.
It is safe to say that the history of scuba has allowed modern exploration to be much easier. New ideas will not work without the existence of old devices. Simple inventions, such as the scuba diving mask, the snorkel, and the air pump, have paved the way for today’s innovative scuba concepts. Who knows what lies ahead for the future?
One of the most frequently asked questions is about finding the right gear. There are so many brands when you walk into the store. Buying scuba gear does not have to be a mind maze. Some trusted brands for scuba diving gear include:
You can shop in the physical store or the online store. If you choose the latter, be sure to look out for free shipping.
Then, you can be on your way to the nearest scuba dive center to learn to dive or season up your skills.
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