Diving Equipment Garage Sale at Dive World

On October 15th at Dive World’s Annerley shop (318 Ipswich Road), starting  garage sale where you can find heaps of second hand equipment for sale in silly prices, regulators and other diving gear. The sale starts at Saturday 15th October for more details ring Dive World.

http://www.diveworld.com.au/

Do you love scuba diving, freediving and spearfishing. If the sun prevents you from going riding, jogging or on a nature walk, why not learn to dive? How do you start to dive in the sea? The complete guide

“Dive World is a finalist in the Workplace Health & Safety 2011 Safety Awards and will be attending the awards ceremony in Cairns…!”

Redlands Kayak Tours - Open day @ Thompson Beach, Victoria Point

Tours operating 11am, 11.30am, 12pm, 12.30pm, 1pm, 1.30pm.

Great way to introduce the family to kayaking or a beginner!

No experience is necessary as each session involves basic instruction, a safety briefing and all equipment.

Redlands Kayak Tours are led by an Australian Canoeing accredited and qualified guide and experienced staff, who are happy to cater for individual requirements.

The underwater world is seduction | Photo: Dive World Brisbane

The underwater world is seduction. The distance from the noise and bustle, coolness and transparency of the water, rays of light penetrating the water and fauna seems to colour it all in oil paints to attract fans and even solid ground fans. After all, how many opportunities do we have to experience something really different, a different world disconnected from other life?

Despite all that, diving to many looks like something out of bounds - a task reserved for adventurers and not for the commoners. But it’s actually not the case: The Sea opens the depths for everyone and despite the need to learn to distinguish between the nose and mouth, to know the surroundings in three spatial and to pay a little over four hundred dollars in hard cold cash - it is still one of the shortest ways to a different reality.
Here is a detailed guide to the world of water.

You know that most people can dive, but you are questioning if you are among them because you can’t swim, didn’t work out in a year and recently started to wear glasses. Here are the limitations that are problem under the water and those whom are not:

Limitations that are problem under water:

Despite a huge supply of excuses, there are also limitations that should make you consider to be tested and require consultation or special attention.

Fear of water: Almost trivial to say that whoever is afraid to go to sea should think twice before he gets into a wetsuit. While there are diving courses designed to treat anxiety and the anxiety of diving in particular, someone who is terrified of water should enter the water gradually rather than jumping immediately into the deep end.

Claustrophobia: a slight tendency to look at the elevator alarm button should not prevent you from enjoying the depths, but if you are among those who choose to climb the stairs to the seventh floor, too, maybe you should not find yourself 20 meters below sea level.

The wrong reason: If you find yourself in a diving course because of peer pressure and not following your true wishes, it’s time to reconsider. Most people who start the course finish it, but one of the most common reasons for non-course success is lack of motivation.

Certain health problems: Not all health problems prevent you from diving, but if you suffer from health problems, consult a physician regarding the extent of the risk in diving. Health problems that may be problematic in diving include asthma and respiratory problems, special ear problems, heart disease and pregnancy. You can get to a diving physician through the dive clubs or through an association.

Limitations that are not a problem under water:

Vertigo: hate to look down from the top of Soleil Tower? Do not worry, the depths are not high, and fear attacking you on the 30th floor will not find greater conditions at a depth of 15 meters.

Seasickness: If you’re one of those people turning green ??against background of the blue depths, know that diving does not cause nausea. The only thing that could make you sick is sailing to the diving spot, if you need to go to it.

Age: there is no maximum age for diving (some people learn to dive even after 60 years of age), but if you’re over 40, you must perform a stress test (Ergo-metric) with a physician before the diving course.

You are not fit: even if you have not embraced any sport, the lack of fitness is not an issue underwater.

Sharks: Despite what you’ve seen in Jaws, it turns out that humans are not the shark’s favourite prey, and sharks dine on humans only (or almost only) in the movies. Even if you’re still worried, you will find that the worry will pass after the first dives.

Vision problems: Wondering how you’ll find the shark if it came close to you? Underwater, everyone sees bigger and closer, and if you have a high number, you can purchase an optical scuba mask.

Disability: If you are dealing with any disability, usually underwater it matters less than on land. If needed there are also diving courses for the disabled being held with trained instructors.

Overweight: Being overweight will not stop you from sinking into the depths, except in cases of obesity that causes health consequences like high blood pressure or heart problems (which could be a problem in diving).

Lack of knowledge in swimming: there is no link between swimming and diving. In Deep-water the diver uses only the legs and there is no need to move his hands or to schedule the movements of the head. One can certainly learn to dive even if can’t swim do not swim.

Decided to learn to dive?

Matching expectations, there is no maximum age for diving | Photo by: Dive World, Brisabne

Matching expectations: Diving is an experience unlike anything you have known. Flora and fauna under water, the new space accompanied with a sense of a weightless body, meditative and anaerobic respiration feelings takes over the diver – they’re all a surprise. Before you dive into the depths, you should read about the experience and discuss with people who dive so you’ll know what it is store for you.

Introductory dive: An introductory dive is the best for coordination of expectations – a half-hour dive with an instructor whom operates the equipment, and the diver learns to descent, to work with hand signals, to prevent pressure from the eardrum and more. You’ve finished the dive satisfied? You are ready to dive course.

Another option to get to know the feeling beneath the water is Snuba dive, where the diving equipment carried on the raft over the diver. In this type of diving the diver does not reach great depths and experiences fewer elements while under water, but still experiences the world below sea level.

A physician checkup: Before starting the dive course you will be asked to fill out a medical questionnaire. If one of your answers to medical questions is positive, you will have to be examined by a physician. Do it as soon as possible and not just before you intend to get into the water, to leave enough time for analysis if necessary. A physician check is required in Australia for the level of scuba diver and greater. (See farther in this articles for which level to choose)

Course demands: Preparation for this (and your family too) that the course requires a review of the material and class attendance.

Ask yourself before the course

Who is the right partner for you? Many divers learn alone and come by themselves, it is great way to meet new people. However one of the pleasures of diving is the integrative experience that occurs when you can talk to at the end of the silent experience, so you should consider organizing a group dive or join an existing group. When you are organizing a group for diving, you are the ones who control the schedule and quality company.

Which dive club/instructor to choose? Like many other areas, even here you should find out about recommended dive shops.

Recommended dive shop in Brisbane | Photo by: Dive World Brisbane

Which level?
Scuba Diver Course
As a Scuba Diver, you can dive up to 12m with a Dive pro. A great way to start diving.

Open Water Dive Course
The Open Water Scuba Diver course is completed over 3.5 days. Usually this is one part day for theory and three days practical (confined and open water dives).

Advanced Dive Course
The Advanced Open Water course is designed to strengthen and reinforce the practical skills and Knowledge of an Open Water Diver and can be completed directly after completion of the Open Water diver course.

Ask the instructor before the course
How do you handle your equipment? Neglected dive equipment can cost lives, and therefore the way you treat equipment is actually how you treat yourself. Examine the area where the equipment is, check that there was no dirt, grease or oil stains, make sure that each regulator has a second regulator, and note if the tanks peeled or discard.

What else do you need? Textbook, workbook exercises, dive log, dive table (Recreational dive table), certification form and temporary certification at the end of the course. Also to equip you with compressed air, buoyancy control device, diving mask, fins, weight belt and diving suit. (Also you should ask, but know it’s not required, insurance for the course.)

What happens if you can’t continue the

course? It is sometimes necessary to stop the class (because of pressure in the ears, rough weather or personal reasons). Find out what you are guaranteed that each of these issues (refund, reimbursement rates etc.).

The course itself

From the moment you started the course you are escorted by a professional instructor, so the best tip we can give you is to listen to his or her advice. Still, we’ll give you some tips:

Tidal moments: You may have moments of frustration and depression. Remember that if you come to learn to dive, you do not know how to do it. To be sure you feel like a fish in water, sometimes it takes time to learn the technique.

When a student does not give you air: If one of your partners rushes you in class, competes with you, is not reliable or triggers your insecurities, you should share your feelings with the instructor and make sure there is a solution. Your partner under water should be reliable, otherwise it might be dangerous.

When you and the instructor do not speak the same language: although usually the course will make you appreciate the instructor, in rare cases the chemistry is not working. Whatever the reason, try to change the conditions to make the most of course.

Be attentive: If you feel bad, stop the dive. Particularly pay attention to the ear pressure, which occurs due to the water weight pressure on the eardrum.

Ill? Do not dive! If you are ill during the course, it is important to update the instructor and not take any medication without informing him. Certain medications (especially anti-congestion) can cause real damage to the ears while diving.

Do not party the night before: Alcohol increases the risk of diving accidents as de-compression. (A phenomenon you suffer from sometimes if you went beyond the time and depths limits of the dive).

Drink water: One of the risks of diving is dehydration, because you are out but prevented from drinking water, and mistakenly think the wet and cool environment will prevent you to dry. Before each dive drink two – three glasses of water.

And after the course?
At the end of the course you are already divers “with certificate”. Now you can experience diving safari (trip of several days on a diving yacht) or sign up for technical diving courses, scuba photography, become a pro and more. Why you should pay attention now?

Purchase diving insurance: Any diver must be insured Diver (through insurance companies, diving shops or diving organization).

Use the certification: as diving instructors say, not only the certificate is gathering dust – so are you. It’s easy to lose the skills, so you should continue to dive. After a certain period you will need to do refresher dive as well.

Carefully check who your partners are: Now, after the course, you are the ones who choose your partner, and it may affect your life and experience. It is important that you choose a reliable and good partner: Does he check the equipment? Plan the dive following known conditions and does not take it lightly? If so, chances are that he will not abandon you underwater. Consider that your life partner is not always the ultimate dive partner for you, and it is likely that each of you will be able to reach different depths, and one of you is not ready to.

Take care: Be sure to drink plenty of water before you get into the water so you don’t find yourself in danger of dehydration, do not drink alcohol and do not eat heavy meals. Keep in mind all the rules you learned in the course, and remember: every diving accident has broken a rule. If you do not break the rules, you are safe.

About diving accidents

Common diving injuries are mainly non-life threatening injuries, such as minor injuries in the eardrum, sinus squeezing, dehydration, sunstroke and vulnerability to underwater animals.

Although it is usually not life-threatening, injuries require cessation of diving, immediate treatment and doctor’s decision regarding the possibility of returning to dive.

Accidents with serious injuries like pressure, de-compression and depth intoxication (poisoning gases) typically happen to only those whom are not careful, inexperienced and  rush to the depths without following strictly after all the rules of safety.

The writer has Bs.c in Marine Science and 10 years diving instructor.
Participated in preparing this article:

• Ray Crampton – a Royal Australian navy reserve, navy diver, the operation manager and owner of diveworld.
• Andy Wellsted – Course director at Dive World

Through good times and bad, the Brisbane River plays a big role in all our lives. At more than 340 km in length it can be difficult to take it all in, but here are our favourite places to sit back and enjoy a small part of our mighty river.

Brisbane River from Kangaroo Point | Photo by: Lisa McKinnon

Kangaroo Point Cliffs – River Terrace, Kangaroo Point

The Kangaroo Point Cliffs are one of Brisbane’s most popular picnic spots. The early morning views are fantastic but it’s at night that this spot shines brightest. The illuminated cliffs, the twinkling river and the CBD backdrop are a sight to behold.

New Farm Park – corner Brunswick Street and Oxlade Drive, New Farm

New Farm Park is much-loved and with good reason. Kids go bananas in the huge fig trees, linked by wobbly bridges and play platforms; dancers practice their moves in the rotunda; plenty of room to throw a Frisbee or kick a footy with friends; couples laze on picnic rugs and everyone enjoys the beautiful gardens.

Brisbane Powerhouse – Lamington Street, New Farm

The former power station near New Farm Park has become an iconic Brisbane venue. Not only is the building itself quite

Brisbane Powerhouse | Photo by: dellvink (Chris and Amanda)

stunning, the Powerhouse is a hub for theatre, music, comedy, exhibitions, festivals and more.

Simpsons Playground – Graceville Avenue (near Nadine Street), Graceville

A late afternoon picnic at Simpsons Playground will offer you a uniquely Brisbane experience. Just across the river is Indooroopilly Island – home to one of Brisbane’s largest flying fox colonies. Sit back and watch the show as they awake from their daytime slumber and take to the skies at dusk.

South Bank Precinct – Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane

If Brisbane has a place to meet then this is it. South Bank offers entertainment, inviting lawns, weekend markets and year-round swimming at Streets Beach. It’s a must-see spot for visitors and a place that residents of Brisbane return to again and again.

City Botanic Gardens – Alice Street, Brisbane

City Botanic Gardens – Alice Street, Brisbane

Brisbane’s oldest park used to be a zoo and was the site of Queensland’s first sugar cane crop. Today, the paths along the riverfront are popular with rollerbladers, cyclists and runners. Check out the mangrove boardwalk, or just claim a patch of grass in the Gardens and take in some fresh air in the middle of our city.

Source: ourbrisbane.com facebook page

For arts and crafts…

South Bank Markets – Every Friday night, Saturday and Sunday

The weekly South Bank Lifestyle Market offers an eclectic array of beautiful crafts, fashion, health and lifestyle products, jewellery and homewares.

FRIDAY 5pm – 10pm

SATURDAY 10am – 5pm

SUNDAY 9am – 5pm

http://www.visitsouthbank.com.au/attractions/markets

And the Riverside at the Pier Market is one of Brisbane’s first markets and still one of the best places to find well-priced original pieces of jewellery, paintings, and other local and imported handicrafts.

For fresh food…

Jan Powers farmers markets – Home page

Jan Power’s Farmers Markets – at Brisbane Powerhouse, Manly, Mitchelton and the Queen Street Mall: offering an A to Z of delectable goodies, all made, caught, dug, plucked, picked, bottled or baked by the person serving you.

• Weekly Queen St Farmers Market
• Mitchelton Farmers Market
• Powerhouse Farmers Market
• manly Farmers Market
• Stones Corner Market (Spring 2011)

http://www.janpowersfarmersmarkets.com.au

Permaculture in the heart of Brisbane

Northey Street Organic Market: this is where you can buy fresh certified organic produce, dairy and dry goods, right beside Brisbane’s own city-farm.

http://www.northeystreetcityfarm.org.au/

The Home of The Brisbane Markets

The Saturday Fresh Market at Rocklea and the mid-week Twilight Fresh Market on Wednesdays: The perfect spot to experience a lively market atmosphere and pick up your weekly fruit and vegies. (The MarketPlace also hosts the Sunday Discovery Market offering a range of new and second hand treasures.)

http://www.brisbanemarkets.com.au

For fashion…

We love the Valley Markets, long the showcase for Brisbane’s young and talented designers as well as a firm favourite for vintage apparel.

http://www.valleychamber.com.au/valley_markets.html

Young Designers Market – Southbank

On the first Sunday of every month the South Bank Young Designers’ Markets showcases cutting-edge garments, accessories and designs across a range of exciting fashion, jewellery, prints and much more from up to 80 of Brisbane’s most talented young designers.

Upcoming Market Dates:

• 7 August 2011
• 20 & 21 August 2011 – special YDM event during MBFF
• 4 September 2011 – cancelled due to Riverfire Event
• 2 October 2011
• 6 November 2011
• 4 December 2011

http://www.southbankmarket.com.au/ydm.html

For a bit of everything…

Fruit & veg, fashion and gifts under a canopy of glorious giant fig trees

We love the cosmopolitan West End Markets, which has organic produce, fresh and homemade food along with a wonderful mix of stalls offering everything from pre-loved clothing to bric-a-brac.

http://www.daviesparkmarket.com.au

Markey Markets – Vinyl at The Hi-Fi

Marky Markets takes over West End’s Vinyl (out the front of The Hi-Fi) every third Sunday of the month with stalls selling clothes, records, books, shoes, fabrics, knick-knacks, crafts, homewares and more.

When:
Every third Sunday of the month
125 Boundary St, West End, Bne

http://www.markymarkets.com

For an old-fashioned flea market bargain, we recommend the Chandler Markets with over 300 stalls to choose from.

http://www.chandlermarkets.com.au

Source: ourbrisbane.com facebook page

It’s about Lifestyle

Planet Cycles - Woolloongabbe

At Planet Cycles, our philosophy is simple –“Help people enhance their lifestyle by promoting the lifestyle advantages of cycling to as many people as possible.” We all ride bikes – road, track, trail, jumps, berms – for fun, fitness, competition and touring. We are happy to offer any advice we can to enhance your riding pleasure.

It’s about Love

We ride bikes, we love bikes, we KNOW the motivation to be gleaned by being in love with your bike so our ultimate aim is love! We know that if you enjoy riding your bike, you will ride it more. We know that comfort, fit and performance are the cornerstones to your cycling enjoyment. That is why we have expert staff who can advise your product choice, we have bike fit experts who can fit you perfectly to you bike and a cutting-edge workshop which will have your bike performing to its highest level possible.

It’s about Family

We are a family store. We are here for the long haul – owners Mark and Bronwyn have seven children and would love to see one or more follow them into the business. We employ family. We support local business if at all possible. We know the importance of and support the local community – after all, we live in it! We respect the needs of our staff’s families – that’s why we don’t trade on a Sunday.

It’s about Cycling

The new generation Planet Cycles is more than just a bike shop – it is a place where all things cycling are embraced and

Planet Cycles - It's about Lifestyle, Love & Family

the virtues of this fantastic sport extolled! Sit back and relax with a coffee whilst you are flicking through a bike magazine or watching the latest footage on one of our big screens. Watch a video on bike maintenance or cycling tips or attend one of our information sessions. Catch up on any race or club information in our community services area. Browse our two floors of bikes, clothing and accessories for a bargain or the latest in cutting-edge products.

Dive World - Scuba Diving, Spearfishing, Free-Diving

Welcome to Dive World! They love scuba diving, freediving and spearfishing in South-East Queensland and invite you to join them.

At Dive World’s Annerley shop (318 Ipswich Road), you can find Brisbane’s best range of scuba diving equipment, freediving equipment and spearfishing equipment. Dive World really are the dive training specialists, offering PADI Scuba Diving Courses from introductory dives (for complete beginners), right through to Instructor courses. And yes, we even do kids courses from the age of 8!

Dive World - Brisbane's Dive Shop

Freediving or spearing more your interest? Then why not improve on your freediving skills  with Australian Record Holder, Ben Noble. Dive World and Ben deliver the AIDA 2 Star Freediving course.

So what are you waiting for? Diving in South-East Queensland is fantastic – so give us a call and get diving today!

They will even take you to Ex. HMAS Brisbane.

Related: How do you start to dive in the sea? The complete guide

Cuddle a koala anytime of the day and have your photo taken. After purchasing a photo, you are welcome to use your own camera as well. There’s a large range of photo products available, such as postcards, calendar and more. Proceeds help to build new enclosure, plant eucalyptus trees and contribute to the research and care for the animal.

Visitor Activities & Animal Talk

Visitor activities & animal talks by wildlife keepers can make your visit an educational experience. Please see signs within the sanctuary for more details on time and location of talks and activities.

Feed Kangaroos

You can feed over130 kangaroos and wallabies in the free range enclosure. Kangaroo feed is available at the general store

Many more animal

Lone Pine has a larger variety of Aussie animals, such as wombats, birds, reptiles, dingoes and more.

Surf Connect – Wind and Kite-surfing Specialists, North Brisbane

Surf-Connect is personally run by the owner. Lessons are done individually one on one by qualified and experienced instructors. The reputation for safe and great service on land and at sea keeps surfers coming back.

Location/accessibility: right on the water, accessible by public transport (half hour direct train ride from Brisbane City), accommodation, kitchen, hot showers & toilet, internet, hotels & airport pick up also available.

Come and paddle in the beautiful Moreton Bay with like minded enthusiasts. Bring your own board or hire from the club.

Liquid Force – Kiteboarding

Lessons, Rentals, Repair centre, new & used equipment, trade-ins welcome. Liquid Force test centre and school, first aid and boat license courses.

Can you tell us about this place?? (no need to be registered or logged in – if you are registered please log in)