Rebreather conference Ponza Island Italy , October 2011

October 7-9, 2011

While I was in Italy for a business and family trip I was gladly invited to the rebreather conference @ Ponza Island, organized by Ponza Dive center .

What follows is a little report of the event as it was fun and very interesting at the same time.

A friend of mine (Simone Iaria) was heading down with Marco Barlocco to perform a SUEX scooter demo during the week end for the participants of the conference.

The organization and hospitality of Ponza Dive Center was remarkable and enjoyable, special thanks to Andrea and Daniela (DC’s owners).

There were around 40 divers from all over Italy, with a big presence from Padova and Rome.

We arrived at Ponza island Friday the 7th late evening, as the boat was delayed by a very rough Mediterrean sea, where we were immediately welcomed (as we always do in Italy) with a huge dinner and white wine in a nice little restaurant in the harbor area with all the other members of the conference.

The following day we started around 10.30 am (Italian time.... ehehehe) with different presentations in a nice terrace overlooking the Sea, the subjects of the conference were: 

• Oxygen sensor for rebreather, life and mechanism, by an electrical engineer 
• Suex scooter introduction of different models, by Simone Iaria, Suex sales representative
• History of the use of different types of rebreathers in the history of cave diving exploration, done by the most famous Italian cave explorer Gigi Casati.

It was very interesting to see old pictures of Casati and his team during exploration and to listen to his reasons of the use of different kind of rebreathers for different purposes and at different times.

In the afternoon they all went diving, in the boat we had Sentinels, Copis Megs and the voyager’s one. Also Simone and Marco offered the divers the opportunity to try different kinds of SUEX scooters they brought with them for the event (Enjoy, XK and Zeuxo).

After diving and just before dinner we enjoyed the movie “The Ocean” that Roberto Bordin(who participated on some of the video shoots, together with the photographer) , brought up for us, just after the movie we enjoyed the usual super dinner and social.

Sunday morning was time to see some deep cave diving explorations video from Casati, exploration done in Greece and Italy, amazing dive sites and very difficult explorations were done by him and his team.

I was very glad to meet him as he is part of cave diving exploration history in Italy and internationally too, as he was the principal explorer of many deep caves around the world as well as setting records in depth while exploring caves.

We had the last social with all the members while enjoying a glass of wine and some freshly cooked pasta on the boat before we started to head home.

We had 2 1/2 hours boat back to Formia (Naples) and 7-8 hours drive up to Milano in front of us. We arrived home around 2.30 am and I was getting ready the other luggage to go back to Mexico the next day.

I am very glad I could participate to this social conference (thanks again to Simone Iaria for inviting me) as I could meet interesting people/divers and also look around new equipment and different style of configurations. As a dive professional I believe is important to stay updated all the time and keep the vision open at other equipment and style of diving.

I am very happy to be back in Mexico and diving Cenotes again after almost 2 months trip to Italy where I enjoyed my family company, rock climbing in the Alps and went around to meet some divers and introduce me and Cave Heaven Tulum to the Italian cave and tech community.

Dive safely

Emanuela Bertoni

Ela & Gigi Casati

Cave diving Mexico - Caveheaven sidemount at Kalimba

UTD Cave Week in Mexico, Feb/Mar 2011

We had the great pleasure of hosting our first UTD Cave Week, which has just finished.

We centered accommodation in Puerto Aventuras, to simplify logistics, since our dive center in Tulum is not yet quite ready for operations (Easter should see the grand opening of the store, fill station and support facilities!).

We had a wide range of divers, from cavern to Expedition, and the diving was awesome .... Dos Ojos, Taj Mahal, Mayan Blue, Jailhouse, The Pit, Pet Cemetery, Dreamgate, Angelita, Gran Cenote, Carwash, Temple of Doom - accommodating all tastes, all the way from cavern to the Blue Abyss and the Pit (deep), as well as lots of cool dives in between.

It was great to put faces to names and meet more members of our UTD community, we all had a blast both in and out of the water!

A special thanks to those attending - John Bailey and Sergio Boccia from Ontario, and our own Jeff, Kim, George, Nick A, Brian and Jeanna!

We are already planning a second cave week in November this year, based out of our new Cave Heaven dive center in Tulum - details will be posted as we crystallize the format. Please let us know if you are interested, for sure the numbers will see a sharp increase!

This week we are preparing Z-system sidemount educational material and updating training standards - the benefits for you will be published soon!

hasta luego amigos, dive safely

Ela & Adam

Light Monkey safety spools

Check out the video and see the variety of Light Monkey safety/jump spools - in three sizes, 25 feet, 100 feet and 150 feet, solid delrin construction with double ender and line included.

The new 25' spool is ideal for shorter cave diving jumps and gaps, practical without filling up your pockets/D-ring.

We have all three sizes in stock.

dive safely,

Ela & Adam

CAVE HEAVEN FIRST DAY OF CONSTRUCTION

Gang, this is amazing news.....WE FINALLY STARTED OUR BUILDING IN TULUM, today the first few rocks were moved around, the land was cleared and properly marked......Grace already marked her new territory!!!
We will update the blog every week with some new pictures just to share our experience and see the progress, hope you enjoy and hopefully see you soon @ CAVE HEAVEN Tulum!!!

Have fun

Ela & Adam

Z-System Trim Device Is Here!

Finally, minimalist sidemount divers have a trim device!
Yesterday we tested the Z-trim and its 20 lbs of lift were more than enough for 2 AL80s and had no trouble when twin stages were added.
The power inflator and over pressure valve are both located on the inside of the device, as are two zipped weight pockets.

Get yours today!
We have the trim devices in stock in Puerto Aventuras at a retail price of USD 360, all taxes included. Call us on 984 128 5485 or 984 142 4588 to order your Z-trim device

Z-system
The trim device is just one part of the Z-system .... try out the Z-harness, you can also add the manifold and QC6 hoses for quickly changing gases without need to change regulators.

CAVE HEAVEN AROUND THE WORLD

Hi guys we are starting a new concept: CAVE HEAVEN AROUND THE WORLD!!!
We want to collect pictures of you with our logo shirt in as many places as possible and in an ADVENTURE MODE .... our motto since we opened our company 4 years ago and that we put on the T shirt is "REACH BEYOND, REACH WITHIN". This motto really expresses our philosophy/feelings behind cave diving, knowing ourselves in depth and accepting our limitations in an environment that is not really our natural one, respect for the environment and understanding our own limitations will allow us to cave dive for a long time, and be ready to go and explore new caves around the world.

In one year's time we will do a competition to choose the best 3 with some prizes.

This idea started with a Quebecois who give us a picture of himself skiing with our shirt on...pretty funky to see on the mountain....

Please send us pictures at: info@caveheaven.com if you wish to participate.

Enjoy, dive safely

Ela & Adam

Check this link with some of them:


http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=41057&id=110467915632039

Or:

http://www.unifiedteamdiving.com/photo/album/show?id=2666155%3AAlbum%3A77983&xg_source=activity

SPEECH AT PEZ MAYA WITH GVI

Last week Cave Heaven went to Pez Maya, inside the marine reserve of Sian Kaan to give the monthly speech about the Cenotes to the volounteers that are based there and are studying Reef conservation with GVI .

Adam was in charge of the talk and Ela was taking pictures and trying to help Adam on replying the volunteer questions.

The talk started with an introduction about us, who we are and what are our goals and projects here in the Riviera Maya, follow by a little introduction of how the Cenotes are formed, Mayan beliefs, a bit of local archeological interest surrounding the caves .
After that we focused on how we can make cave diving safe and what we can do to preserve this beauty as divers and as individuals.
The volunteers were very interested on the exploration part so we focused a bit on that , explaining our exploration projects, the aim of exploration and not least the experience and equipment needed for a safe cave exploration.
We showed them some of our pictures in the cave and outside, and we also talked about how they could enjoy a Cenotes swim , dive or cave diving training in the Riviera Maya.

We have been doing these talks for about one year and the GVI volunteers in Sian Kaan and Mahahual have always been very enthusiastic and ready to learn more of the local Cenotes, they always been very welcoming to us, that is why we really appreciate going there and doing these presentations.

We also think that we help a little by explaining to people the beauty but also the importance for us as cave divers and as locals to be respectful and try to preserve caves as much as possible.

Cave diver training definitely focuses on techniques for the safety of the diver but also the conservation of the caves, we believe that offering high quality training will help the community to conserve this environment.

Thanks to GVI for their conservation efforts in the area, special thanks to Daniel Ponce Taylor, GVI regional director who always supported our approach.

Emanuela Bertoni & Adam Korytko

Tulum project , the first few steps!!!

Today the project began with drilling to check that the land can bear the weight of the building (IE , that there are no Cenotes/dry caves below), called "mecanica de suelo".

The land is a lot of 10 mt/ 30 ft by 30 mt/100 ft on the Avenida Tulum-Coba and the builder suggested to do 10 holes... basically they drill those holes 10 mt/30 ft in depth and they write down how long time they took every 25 cm/10 inches, depending on that (1,2 more or less minutes each 25 cm/10 inch segment) they can determine how solid the ground is, or at least that
was the explanation of the foreman!!!

We were very excited that we could see things
moving on our land, we will continue this as the
project progresses!!!

As we were looking around our the area we noticed that there are already several interesting places close by such as a pole dancing bar (very nice eh?.....), a Mexican restaurant, an Italian restaurant which by the way is great quality food and wine there, a tour company, Kite surf shop, the only super market in Tulum so far (the S.Francisco), Hertz rental car, bank, various small Hotels...all within easy walking distance (no more then 2,3 minutes....). Of course apart from this,
we are on the road for Carwash, Camillo, Gran Cenote, Temple of Doom, Vaca Ha, etc....at
no more then 5 minutes driving ....not to bad!!!

CAVE HEAVEN IS COMING TO TULUM, HASTA LUEGO!!!

Emanuela Bertoni & Adam Korytko

Cave diving equipment configuration considerations for the Riviera Maya, Mexico

The caves of the Riviera Maya in Mexico are complex low-to-no flow caves, requiring a competent level of trim, buoyancy and navigational precision.

Equipment should be as tidy and streamlined as possible, be readily accessible and in good working order for every dive.

Below are some Hogarthian configurations that are appropriate for cave diver training and the majority of backmount cave diving in the Riviera Maya.

TANKS

Nearly all double tanks locally are aluminium 80s with an isolator. Fills rarely go beyond 3000-3100 psi (200 bar). Most dives are no deeper than 50-100 feet / 15-30 metres. Depending on the profile, we use EAN 32 or helitrox 25/25. Trimix is also available for qualified divers. All stage and/or deco cylinders are rigged in UTD/DIR configuration.

BACKPLATE, HARNESS AND WING

A single bladder wing with 40 -55 pounds (18-25 kilos) of lift is ideal for Mexico. Bungeed bladders will not be allowed for training and cave diving, since, should the bladder be punctured, the bungees can deflate the wing and are a potential entanglement hazard. Aluminium tanks are narrower than many steel ones, so a narrow profile wing design is suggested.

Aluminium backplates requiring no extra weighting are sufficient for most wetsuit divers. Drysuit divers should consider a steel backplate.

A single strip of webbing is best. Plastic harness clips are unnecessary and not recommended, being a potential failure point.

REGULATORS

How to configure

In order to minimize drag, hoses should be the correct length for your body and be routed down and in. This means that the hoses should not be outside the profile of the tanks/wing.

Convenient first stages are those with 5 LP ports and a swivel turret (for example, the Scubapro MK 25), allowing the end port to be used, thereby crossing the hoses without obstructing the gas flow.

"Flathead" first stages (for example, some Apeks designs) are equally suitable, with hose routing again being down and in.

Types of regulators

The water is a constant 77° F (25° C) and most dives do not exceed 90 feet, with a vast amount of dives at no more than 50 feet. Depth here is not the issue it is in Florida, for example.

Therefore, simple, mainstream balanced piston first stages are suitable for most backmount cave diving in the Riviera Maya. Environmentally sealed first stages are equally appropriate - just be aware that some regulators may be more difficult to service promptly. Remove any plastic covers that may (and invariably will!) dislodge in the caves. We believe divers should be in the overhead environment with DIN connectors only, since yokes can shear off under contact with the cave.

Simple second stages that can be opened underwater without tools are preferred, thereby allowing cleaning.

Hoses

Unless unusually large or small, most divers use a 7 foot (210 cm) hose for the primary regulator, which allows single file air sharing, routed down from the right post to the right hip, then diagonally across the chest, around the left side of your neck, with the second stage breathed from the right. A small dogclip should be attached to the end of the hose with cave line or O-rings - no metal to metal attachments! - for clipping off when not in use.

The backup regulator hose (22 - 24 inches / 55 - 60 cm, depending on body size) is routed from the left post behind the diver and is breathed from the right. The second stage should be attached to a suitably sized bungee necklace and hung around the neck.

The LP inflator hose (15 inches / 38 cm) crosses from the right post behind the diver's neck. The corrugated hose should be bungeed to the harness to avoid it slipping behind the diver's back.

The HP hose routes directly down from the left post. It can be attached either to the left hip D-ring (24 inches / 60 cm is a good size for most divers).

Hose protectors should be removed - they allow dirt to build up and can hide damage and small leaks.

Gauges

The submersible pressure gauge (SPG) is all that is required. No consoles, no rubber boots (see hose protectors above). A small dogclip should be attached to the end of the hose with cave line or O-rings - no metal to metal attachments! - for clipping off when not in use. Gauges may be calibrated in either psi or bar.

PRIMARY LIGHT

A canister primary light attached to the waistband at the right hip is the preferred choice, providing a convenient "holder" for the primary hose. A 10W HID or 12W LED light is sufficient. Burntime should be at least 1.5 times the planned dive time. Avoid unwanted sliding of the canister by attaching a second beltclip to the waistband webbing. You should be able to remove the canister underwater. A Goodman handle is suggested, thereby allowing both hands to be free to use reels, markers, etc.

Dive lights and batteries are rapidly evolving for the better. Both HID and LED technologies are making rapid improvements in burn time and output. It is not unreasonable to imagine primary lights soon becoming the size of current backups.

BACKUP LIGHTS

Your two backup lights should be chosen with a view to attaching them to your chest D-rings and secured with bungee along the chest webbing for streamlining. If placed in a pocket, you/your team may not notice them if they accidentally switch on. A small dogclip should be attached to the end of the light with cave line or O-rings - no metal to metal attachments, which if entangled can spell disaster! - for clipping off when not in use. LED lights are becoming increasingly popular for their high performance in terms of output and relatively long burn time.

CUTTING DEVICES

A small (blunt-tipped) knife or Z-knife (needs to be checked regularly for rust) is required in the event line needs to be cut. For such an essential safety tool, we recommend two cutting devices, stored separately, should you lose or be unable to reach one of them. Waistband and pocket are two suitable choices.

SAFETY SPOOLS

Two safety spools with at least 100 feet (30 metres) of line is required and are stored in pockets.

PRIMARY REEL

Each dive team should bring one sidewinder primary reel (minimum length 300 feet / 90 metres).

JUMP/GAP SPOOLS

Cave diving in the Riviera Maya often involves complex navigational decisions. Ensure you bring enough spools (and no more) to complete your dive plan.

POCKETS

Thigh pockets (whether attached to the divesuit, strapped on or on neoprene shorts) are convenient locations for your accessory equipment. They should all be streamlined and provide easy access. Pockets should have internal D-rings and/or bungee cord for attaching your accessories.

DIVE PLAN SUPPORT

We suggest one wrist bottom timer (or computer in gauge mode), along with a backup timing and depth device. A compass is also required. We suggest attaching bottom timer and compass with rubber mounts and bungee cord, being much less bother than straps.

WETNOTES

While many divers use slates for dive planning, we recommend wetnotes, which allow for detailed dive planning as well as acting as a logbook, without the need to rewrite the details. No mechanical pencils!

EXPOSURE PROTECTION

While the water is a constant 77° F (25° C), cave training and diving can keep you in the water for extended periods, therefore we recommend a drysuit (Cave 1 training requires at least one dive in a drysuit) or at least a 5-7mm full wetsuit with a hood (for protection and securing long hair). No gloves are required since you should not be touching anything other than your equipment, your buddies and the guideline.

FINS

Cave diving finning techniques make split fins impractical and they are not permitted during training. Many cave divers use short, rubber fins (for example, Scubapro Jetfins or Turtle fins) with springs, for cave training rubber straps are not allowed. Freediving fins are not appropriate, since they are too long for cave diving.

MASK

Two low-profile masks are required, with fabric mask straps.

PERSONAL MARKERS

For training, 12 markers are required - 6 directional markers (line arrows) and 6 non-directional markers (cookies), attached on a bungee with dogclip.

GENERAL NOTES

Whether you are a trained cave diver or are signed up for cave diver training, feel free to contact us regarding purchases of new equipment or choosing the best equipment for the job.

The above guidelines are our recommendations for cave diving. The choices are our personal way of diving, are based on being a thinking diver and are consistent with UTD/DIR principles.

Please contact us for any information you may require.

Dive safely and have fun!

Ela Bertoni (UTD #37 & NSS-CDS # 363) and Adam Korytko (UTD #38 & NSS-CDS # 364)

CAVEHEAVEN

Puerto Aventuras, Riviera Maya, Mexico

http://caveheaven.com

info@caveheaven.com