Gender roles underwater

Adult stoplight parrotfish

A lot of time is spent talking about the LGBTQIA+ community and the different gender roles we play. Those of us of a certain age may have been asked “Are you the husband or the wife?” And so many pundits…

Volunteering won’t hurt, we promise

woman at beach wearing a tee shirt that says "volunteer" on it

Andre and I have been so excited by the speed with which Out Scuba has grown. We’re approaching 20 card-carrying members and almost 30 people on our mailing list. The excitement seems to grow weekly as we get approval for…

Flotsam and Jetsam

Co founder Andre Saade picking up jetsam on a dive

Flotsam and jetsam are terms used to describe types of debris or wreckage found in the water, like ocean pollution or after a shipwreck. While both refer to discarded materials in the water, they differ in how they end up…

Fitness for Scuba Divers

Allison Parnell

Scuba divers’ physical fitness directly impacts their safety, performance, and overall enjoyment of diving. Physically fit divers have the strength and endurance needed to navigate through various underwater conditions, handle equipment, and manage the physical demands of diving. It also…

Scuba divers are certifiable

Certification

Let’s face it, we do things that “normal” people balk at. We go deep, we explore underwater cave systems, we penetrate wrecks, we swim with sharks and other animals that movies are made about, and we have a blast the…

There’s a new liability waiver in town

One of our goals since we first imagined Out Scuba was to make sure that we ran a tight ship, following all laws and regulations, and of course keeping everyone as safe as we can. And as active scuba divers,…

Do I have to get recertified?

Scuba Diver performing Skills

The quick answer is “no, but….” A scuba certification is for life. Once you earn it, you have it. However, every major training agency recommends that anyone who has not dived in a year or more take a refresher training.…

Buying Used Equipment for Scuba Diving

Used Scuba Gear for Sale Online

This is one of those topics that comes up frequently among scuba divers, and it has a lot of grey areas. Is it safe to buy a used mask online? Probably, but you may lose your money if you don’t…

Buoyancy 101: A critical skill 

Diver with Excellent Buoyancy Skills

Mastering neutral buoyancy is one of the most amazing experiences of scuba diving. You’re not rising, you’re not sinking, you’re stable and can control your position in the water effortlessly. And though every diving program stresses the importance of buoyancy…

Shore Diving Dos and Don’ts

School of Lookdowns at Anglin's Pier

Shore diving in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida offers an incredible opportunity to explore vibrant marine life and stunning underwater landscapes without the need for a boat. However, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it’s essential to follow some…

Portuguese Man-o-Wars are Back!

Portuguese Man-o-War on Fort Lauderdale beach

Portuguese Man-o-Wars are a seasonal visitor to South Florida’s beaches, typically appearing during the late fall and winter months. They are an attractant for two of our sea turtle species and presage the sea turtle nesting on South Florida beaches.…