Holidays Cancelled Due to Swine Flu Outbreak

According to the Cyber Diver News Network (CDNN), many airlines and tour operators have elected to cancel upcoming flights and trips in and around Mexico due to the recent outbreak of swine flu. Officials in New York  have confirmed that a group of students in had contracted the disease while vacationing in Cancun. The students carried the same strain which killed 19 people in Mexico. Health agencies from around the world have already warned against traveling to Mexico and the US for fear of further spreading the infection.

The swine flu epidemic comes as a major blow to Mexico’s already struggling tourism industry, which has been flailing due to the global economic crises and domestic drug and gang-related violence. According to business organization, Mexico may have already lost $1 billion dollars since the news of the illness broke.

Take Your Tunes Up to 300 Feet: iDive 300

So you’re taking in the sights under the the great blue sea and you realize you need some soothing sounds (or rockin’ tunes) to serenade you while you drift along. If you’ve ever wanted to listen to Beethoven, the Beach Boys or the Beatles while diving the Great Barrier Reef, then your wish has come true.

The iDive 300 is a water proof case and speaker system by H2O Audio that is compatible with most iPod models and even the iPhone (though the phone and applications function won’t work underwater). The plastic itself is made of tough polycarbonate and built-in earphones are specially designed to fit around a mask or under a dive hood. Macworld.com’s Rob Griffiths reviewed the iDive 300, and remarked that despite some issues he was “… very impressed with the iDive 300… It’s amazingly well-engineered, solidly built, and worked exactly as advertised…”.

For recreation divers who can only go up to 120 feet, there’s probably no need to invest $299 for this case. However, for deep divers making lengthy decomp stops, watching a couple of episodes of your favorite TV show while waiting might not be such a bad idea.

Have you used the iDive 300? We’d love to hear your thoughts and comments!

Scuba Program for Veterans

A program at Bethesda Naval Hospital and Walter Reed Army Medical Center uses Scuba diving as part of their medical program for disabled veterans. Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba (SUDS) is an all-volunteer program that teaches wounded soldiers scuba diving to increase mobility and accelerate the rehabilitation process.

“It’s a wonderful therapy because it helps you build your self confidence. It helps you remember that you are still an independent person. You don’t have to rely on help for everything. The program is just, it’s amazing. The instructors do a great job.” Says Sgt.Shane Heath, a participant of the program. For the complete video of the entire ABC News feature, go to http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=7143416

For more information about SUDS, visit their website at http://www.sudsdiving.org/

DiveShops.com Blog

Welcome to DiveShops.com Blog!

Everyday, we’ll be providing you with the latest news and information about scuba diving from all over the world! DiveShops.com, the #1 diving information source on the web, with the latest scoop on diveshops, dive instruction, travel deals and much more from around the web and the world!

If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact us!