Good news for those of you that do more than just dive and manage to find time to run, swim, trek, ski, mountain bike, orienteer, climb or just go for a walk in the wild...

I'm pleased to announce that we are now selling the full range of Suunto Sport & Activity Watches and accessories. We are selling these in store and through a new website www.activenorthampton.co.uk .

While we don't have every unit and colour combination in stock, we are stocking the "Big 5" of the Core, Ambit3 Run, Ambit3 Sport, Ambit3 Peak and Traverse.

So pop in for a chat and chance to see the products.
​
Andy Hillier
ACTIVE Northampton
01604 586156
www.activenorthampton.co.uk

Well folks, our intrepid explorers are off again! This time round, Lou and Stuff are off to fabulous Costa Rica in April next year.

Costa Rica ("rich coast" in Spanish), is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Ecuador to the south of Cocos Island. It has a population of around 4.5 million, of whom nearly a quarter live in the metropolitan area of the capital and largest city, San José. Because Costa Rica is located between 8 and 12 degrees north of the Equator, the climate is tropical year round. Costa Rica's seasons are defined by how much rain falls during a particular period. The year can be split into two periods, the dry season known to the residents as summer, and the rainy season, known locally as winter. The "summer" or dry season goes from December to April, and "winter" or rainy season goes from May to November. Costa Rica is home to a rich variety of plants and animals, with many varieties being indigenous to the country.

They are organising a 2 week trip with a 7 night tour of the North, coupled with a 7 night stay at the Riu Guanacaste, and diving can be arranged during the beach part of the holiday.  This is an excellent opportunity for both divers and non-divers to visit a country rich in cultural heritage and diversity.

Flying in to San Jose on the 4th April 2016, the tour starts visiting The Pacific Coast, Rain Forest, Arenal Volcano, and Towns of the North (Rincon de la Vieja, Sarapiqui and Tortuguero). During our tour, we also get to experience River Tubing and Horse Riding, relaxing at The Hot Spring (Tabacon), a guided walk through the Rainforest (on the hanging bridges) and a boat trip around the canals of Tortuguero. We then head to the hotel Riu Guanacaste on the Pacific coast for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

The board basis of this holiday is Bed and Breakfast for the tour part, and an all-inclusive basis at the beach hotel. The current price of the trip is £2,371.95 per person based on 2 people sharing which includes flights, airport taxes, the tours, hotels and the board basis mentioned above.  

One of the best things about diving off the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is encounters with the big stuff!  It's not unusual to see whales and dolphins on the trip out to your dive site, you might even get to see them while you're diving! Diving is available at a cost of $410 ( about £210) for a 10 dive package with Scubacaribe (who are based at the hotel), but there are some other packages and options available on their website. We have contacted them already, but once we know how many people are interested in the trip we can go back to them to see what discounts they can do for us.  We can confirm at this point that there are no night dives available.

 Please let Richard and/or Lou know a.s.a.p if you are interested so they can get the ball moving. You can contact them on holmesandlloyd@yahoo.co.uk or through me at the shop.

Andy Hillier 
01604 586156
www.divenorthampton.co.uk

Bill Johnson, one of our Community Members, has organised a trip to Sri Lanka in June of 2016.

The WW2 aircraft carrier HMS Hermes was sunk off Sri Lanka by the Japanrese in 1942 and lies on her side,  reached at 44m,  on a 54m sea bed. Because of politics and conflict it has only become available to dive in the past 3 or 4 years and is still pristine.

Bill has organised 6 days diving on the Hermes, starting 26th June 2016, with a small group of wreckies that he dives with when he's in New Zealand. There are a few remaining spaces. The cost of US$ 2,095 (about £1,400) will include transfers to and from Colombo airport across the island to Batticaloa, where you will be based, basic twin room bed and breakfast accommodation plus unlimited air fills and O2. Helium will be charged extra if required. This is for 2 dives per day x 6 days. A third lightweight dive at very low cost can probably be arranged each day if there is a demand. Divers are responsible for organising their own flights to and from Colombo, Sri Lanka. Facilities and consumables are available for both Open Circuit and Rebreathers.

For more information, take a look at: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNQI2zEYTvY

https://picasaweb.google.com/118343039486425882607/HMSHermesSriLankaTechnicalWreckDiveApril2010FullAlbum

If you are interested and want to know more, contact Bill on bill.j@talktalk.net

Andy Hillier
 
01604 586156
www.divenorthampton.co.uk

Poseidon has officially launched a new website dedicated to Rebreathers
 
Poseidon are excited to announce that our new website dedicated to rebreathers, http://www2.poseidon.com/e/34852/2015-02-16/3g4h13/147268936 has officially been launched.

To date, there has not been an effective online resource for learning all about rebreathers. This has made it really challenging for a diver interested in becoming a rebreather diver to find helpful and practical information. Poseidon has just solved this problem by creating a website dedicated to answering the key questions people have about rebreather diving:
1. What is a Rebreather? Covers the basic aspects of what a rebreather is and how it works, as well as the differences between types of rebreathers.
2. How do I become a Rebreather Diver? Goes into detail about the steps to becoming a rebreather diver whether you are already an open circuit diver or have never dived before. 
3. Where can I go Rebreather diving? Contains a Rebreather Center Locator map for you to easily contact the Rebreather Center closest to you, and talks about the services Rebreather Centers have to offer.  
Additionally, the site goes into detail about the Poseidon SE7EN and what sets it apart from other rebreathers, and provides specialized support and resources for MKVI and SE7EN divers.

It’s that time of year again when we start to think about traditional Christmas things like... Parties! Yup, time to start pulling out the glad-rags and booking baby-sitters and taxis.

Every year we try to listen to what people want to do and come up with something. This year's brief was more tricky - we were asked for somewhere we could all hang around drinking and chatting, a bit of music for the old 'Handbag Shuffle', a chance to dress up a bit but most of all, keep it cheap. So what are we going to do? Easy, we're partying at the Cripps!

It's the DIVE Northampton Vicars & Tarts Christmas Party.
 
So what's the plan? We've got a buffet, including vegetarian and dessert options so that no-one gets hungry. There will be music to take us towards the witching hour. For those that like to dress up, the Theme is Vicars & Tarts so the guys can all follow Stuff's example and get shopping online for their costume and high heels. We've also organised some festive Real Ale to help get things going.

Anyway, the details: This year we are using the Stanley Hill Room at the Cripps. The party is on Friday 12th December and kick-off is 7:30pm. You all know where the Cripps is so finding it should be easy, there is a car park for those that will be driving and we are close enough to the centre of town that those with the stamina can head off into town afterwards. As usual, we will have a Raffle to raise money for the RNLI. If anyone has a Raffle Prize they’d like to contribute, feel free!
Tickets will be available from the shop and we’ve aimed to keep things nice and cheap this year and we’re only charging £10 for the evening. We are limited to 80 or so in the room so please don’t delay if you want to be sure of your spot!

I really hope as many of you as possible will want to come along – these events are always great fun and there are usually some interesting stories floating around afterwards.

Yo Ho Ho and all that.
 
Andy Hillier
 
01604 586156
07979 598740
www.divenorthampton.co.uk

Brenda Marshall, the Publicity Officer for the Rushden and District Photographic Society, would like to let you all know about the talk that they are having on 2nd December. 

Leigh Bishop has been to their club before and he is a fascinating speaker, not only about underwater photography but also about shipwreck diving. His talk is be entitled ‘Out of Africa - Vanishing warships’ .

The numbers in their hall will is strictly limited and tickets will be issued on a first come, first served basis after their members have been allocated seats. It is therefore important to book if you wish to go.

To book seats, please contact Brenda on bren.marshall@btinternet.com or via their website http://www.rdps.co.uk/LeighBishop.html

Andy Hillier
 
01604 586156
www.divenorthampton.co.uk

Suunto have launched their 2014 Christmas Special Offer. Get a discount or even a Free Transmitter when you buy any air-integrated Suunto Computer...

These are now in stock at DIVE Northampton or on our Online Store - http://www.ns-a.co.uk/divenorthampton/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9_10&products_id=1038

The Black Sapphire is a piece of Apeks diving history, a limited-edition anniversary regulator celebrating 40 years of technical excellence and precision-engineering. With new styling across both the first and second stages, the Black Sapphire features a precision-machined, aircraft grade anodised metal front cover, which retains the crafted machining marks created during its production. The first stage has a super-tough and luxurious Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) coating and features five ports as standard to allow for flexible hose routing. The Black Sapphire is packed in a special anniversary reusable case, perfect for storing your kit.

• Available in Yoke or DIN configuration.
  
• Precision-machined and anodised metal front cover.
  
• Luxury hard-wearing PVD finish on the first stage.
  
• 5 ports with heat exchanger as standard.
  
• Reversible second stage can be converted from a right-handed hose configuration to a left-handed hose configuration and can mount to either side of the first stage.
  
• The carbon-coloured hose features a swivel joint on both the first and second stage for maximum comfort and range of movement.
  
• Hydrostatic over-balancing first stage allows the medium pressure air in the hose to increase at a rate faster than ambient pressure, resulting in superior performance at depth.
  
• Comes as standard with an environmental dry seal kit which keeps water and contaminants out as well as making the model more resistant to freezing.
  
• Features the innovative Diver Changeable Exhaust (DCE) system allowing the diver to change from a large air exhaust to a smaller air exhaust. The larger exhaust provides the best exhaust bubble dispersion while the smaller exhaust is lightweight and compact. Both are included with the regulator.
  
• A two-stage progressive dual purge to allow the diver to choose the flow rate of the purge.
  
• The pneumatically balanced second stage has diver-adjustable controls that allow the diver to individually tailor the breathe of the regulator to meet his or her needs.
  
• Suitable for cold water use (below 10c / 50F).
  
• Supplied in a high quality anniversary case
  

Specifications
Connections - Yoke and DIN available
Type of first stage - Over-balanced diaphragm design, environmentally sealed
Body Type - One piece forged body
Number of HP ports - 2 (7/16" UNF)
Number of MP ports - 5 (3/8" UNF)
Environmental Dry Kit - Standard
First stage exterior - Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) Coating
Orientation - Convertible LH or RH
Coldwater Use - Yes
Type of second stage - Pneumatically balanced
Opening Effort Control Knob - Yes
Integrated Venturi Lever - Yes
Mouthpiece - Comfo-bite™
Exhaust tee - Diver Changeable - comes with 2 sets
Heat Exchanger for freezing resistance - YES
Hose type - Braided Flexi-hose

Hollis BTR-500 Dry Suit

Trade in a complete diving drysuit and you can purchase the new BTR-500 during the promotional period for £699, that is £200 of the official release price of £899!

We have one here at the shop to take a look at or visit our webshop - http://www.ns-a.co.uk/divenorthampton/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18_19&products_id=1037

The promotion will run until the 30th November.

Last 2 Spaces - Scapa Dive Trip 2015 - Saturday 22nd August to the 29th August 2015

The Scapa Trip next year promises to be brilliant. We were fully booked but have just had 2 spaces come free. So, if you fancy a trip to one of the world’s best and most famous wreck diving sites, get in quick.

Details:

Currently we have a provisional group booking for 12 divers and as far as I’m aware we’ve got 7 spaces taken already.

We initially were looking at Liveaboard diving but have now opted for Day Boat with accommodation on shore. We have people of all levels going from Rebreather and Twinset divers to those more traditional single cylinder & pony divers.

We are diving with Diving Cellar Scapa Flow  www.divescapaflow.com on the MV John L which is a 20 metre converted Tug. It’s the largest day boat diving out of Scapa, with tail lifts and air on board. 

Diving starts on Sunday 23rd August 2015 and we have arranged 2 dives per day with hot drinks provided during the day.

Total cost of diving and accommodation is £525 per person, including bed and breakfast in two town houses that sleep 6 each.

In addition we are looking at transport arrangements, including flights and transport of dive equipment & baggage by courier ahead of our arrival. Costs yet to be confirmed but estimated cost of transferring kit and luggage is £75 per person plus flights. This saves on the huge journey by car and ferry. Anyone going will be required to book their own flights or make alternative travel arrangements. We will of course let you know what our plan is so that anyone can join in with our plans.

The Dive Cellar are looking for a deposit of £150 per person by the end of October.  Their details are:

Diving Cellar Scapa Flow  
Pierhead Stromness
Orkney
KW16 3AA Tel: 0044 1856 850055
Web page : www.divescapaflow.co.uk
E-mail leigh@divescapaflow.co.uk

Requirements:

As you can imagine, there are some limitations imposed by the diving we intend to do. Scapa provides some great diving but does require some minimum levels of competence... You must be a minimum of a PADI Advanced Diver or equivalent, have a 50 dives minimum and both wreck and deep specialty certification and/or logged multiple dives of this sort to demonstrate ability.  Ability and confidence in using a DSMB must also be held.  Most diving is between 20 and 40 metres and thus twin set would be a suitable option or at a minimum, single cylinder with a pony or stage. 

Any additional training needed to meet the above requirements will be available for those wishing to go. The team going up are keen to ensure that everyone going has all the skills they need and will help make sure that anyone who needs development will get it! Contact me for more information on this...

Deposit:

The costs of the trip may also vary if we get less than 12 divers going. The deposit is non-refundable once the trip is confirmed. I will take your deposits and hold them pending confirmation of numbers. Once confirmed, please remember, once you've booked and paid a deposit, should you find yourself unable to go, you will either have to find someone to take your place, pay up in full and live with the loss or claim back on any insurance you may have. Once you have committed to go, you are obliged to pay the balance in full unless you can get someone to take your place. Do not book unless you agree to this.

The deposit of £150 is payable immediately here at the shop in cash and the balance, as confirmed at the time, will be payable a month or so before we travel.

So, get your bookings in if you’re up for some Scapa diving!

Andy Hillier
 
01604 586156
07979 598740
www.divenorthampton.co.uk