PDCs ADD TO DIVE SAFETY… BUT PLEASE DO YOUR HOMEWORK Recently, there have been a few social media posts that send mixed messages about the roles and benefits of personal dive computers to recreational divers. It could be that the winter layoff in the northern hemisphere has ‘rusted’ familiarity with PDCs for some divers, and they have forgotten the basics, but we figured a quick recap might do some good. Let’s start by saying that RAID is a strong advocate for PDCs. We require students to understand and use them from OW20 on. (Although standards do allow basic divers to substitute depth gauges/bottom timers and traditional dive tables, PDCs are recommended even at beginner levels nevertheless.) Secondly, regardless of how many dives you have, how long you’ve been diving, or which PDC you use, if it and you have been dry for a month or two, a good plan is to reread the owner’s manual! Especial

FOR THE PROFESSIONAL, IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHAT WORKS FOR THEM Some choices simply seem odd to those of us looking at the world from a different vantage point. For example, I have never developed a taste for the ubiquitous Canadian morning eye-opener, a “double-double” from Tim Horton’s. For those readers unfamiliar with the Tim’s franchise — a nationwide operation — a “double-double” is a large coffee with two shots of cream and two spoons of sugar. And although I understand that denouncing Tim Horton’s coffee in a public forum, puts my Canadian citizenship in jeopardy, I can’t drink it… not even one mouthful. Sorry, Canada (and many franchises operating in a handful of North-eastern states), I find it awful. It isn’t to my taste. Obviously, since Tim’s is popular enough to be the brand of choice for Canadians from sea to sea to sea, there are more than a few people who’d disagree and I expect

THERE’S MORE TO IT THAN ASSIGNING BLAME… Playing around water is risky. It really makes very little difference whether the game is freediving, recreational diving on a shallow reef, or navigating through the twisted remains of a battleship sitting in the dark at 80 metres. It can be dangerous, and if something goes wrong, it’s human nature to look for someone to blame. However, assigning blame is very different to actually fixing the problem. In fact, blaming ‘some clown’ for an accident or a near miss is as far away from fixing a issue as one can get. The goal of every RAID instructor regardless of what they teach, is fixing problems. In fact, the goal should be to manage the risk before a problem shows its ugly head. Here are some simple steps to help make that happen. ASSESS.This is about identifying the risk or hazard. What type of risk is it? Equipment, environment, lack of training or n

THIS BLOG POST IS AIMED AT DIVE PROS...THE DIVER VERSION IS HERE>>> Promoting RAID programs, in particular ones that are brand new and have no history, is exciting, but presents a challenge too. Independent Diver is a stand-out. It’s something totally new and while it offers a really useful and interesting addition to the RAID lineup, we thought you might appreciate a few tips on the best ways to get its special message out to your customers.  Here are eight ideas that you’ll find helpful. Identify Your Target Audience: This program is an adventure. It opens up all kinds of possibilities with massive appeal to experienced divers who sometimes dive with less experienced buddies. Create Compelling Marketing Materials:  Hit your email list with a campaign to introduce Independent Diver and its benefits to your customers. Let them know it’s available through your shop. That will give them a reaso

RAID STATIC APNEA PROGRAM We are thrilled to announce the launch of our innovative Static Apnea Program. This groundbreaking initiative represents a significant development in our offerings, and we have high hopes for its success and impact within the diving community. This specialty program can be taught by all active RAID Freediving Pool Instructor. (This program is restricted to activity in pool or pool-like conditions.) It is the ultimate guide for anyone looking to master the mentally demanding discipline of static breath-holding in freediving. ​ Whether a student is a beginner or an experienced freediver, this comprehensive manual provides step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and detailed tables to help them increase their breath hold time and achieve a personal best. ​ Learn relaxation techniques, visualization strategies, and the important role of a buddy in static apnea. ​ With th

ANNOUNCING RAID ADVANCED FREEDIVING COURSE So, what’s this course all about and why you need it? This whole course is structured to build on the comfort level you achieved during your RAID Freediver course and refine the core skills of freediving to become a more confident and proficient freediver. Improving your equalization techniques and learning new skills will empower you to overcome barriers and advance safely. The confidence you gain through knowledge and skill development will add to your in-water performance and safety / buddying skills. Expect to explore experiences of static apnea and free-falling and develop your dive reflex to be quicker and stronger, giving you the edge to safely take your freediving career further. You will also work on dry land techniques to stretch and increase lung capacity through simple but effective exercises. Most important to know is that your instructo