WHY RAID
REASON #127 Sometimes people ask why we teach open water students not to kneel on the bottom. The answer is stunning.
Dynamic Apnea adds another dimension to breathhold
RAID ADDS ANOTHER JEWEL IN ITS ONE-BREATH COURSE LINE-UP We are pleased to announce the launch of our Dynamic Apnea program, following the recent introduction of our Static Apnea program. This new offering further expands our range of training opportunities for freediving enthusiasts, and we are excited about the possibilities it presents for divers looking to enhance their skills and experiences in the world of apnea diving. Dynamic Apnea training is a type of breath-hold training that focuses on improving a person’s ability to hold their breath while moving underwater, typically used in freediving and swimming disciplines. At its fundamental level, it involves swimming underwater for a distance or time without taking a breath. Dynamic Apnea training can help enhance breath-holding capacity, increase lung efficiency, and improve overall performance in all water-based activities including scuba diving. Description: The RAID Dynamic Apnea Specialty course is a comprehensive training program designed to provide freedivers with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in dynamic apnea swims. The course focuses specifically on dynamic apnea with bi-fins (DYNB) and dynamic apnea no fins (DNF). Participants will learn proper techniques, including buoyancy control, streamlining, and finning techniques. The course also covers important safety considerations, such as recognizing signs of hypoxia and performing rescue techniques. Additionally, the course emphasizes the importance of relaxation and mental focus, as well as the buddy system for supervision and support. Overall, the RAID Dynamic Apnea Specialty course offers divers the opportunity to improve their technique, enhance their performance, and enjoy the thrill of dynamic apnea. In freediving, Dynamic Apnea is a discipline where divers aim to cover the greatest horizontal distance underwater in a pool on a single breath, using fins for propulsion. This discipline requires both physical fitness and excellent breath-holding techniques. Divers streamline their bodies to minimize water resistance, use efficient finning techniques, and focus on relaxation and mental control to conserve oxygen and increase their distance. Dynamic Apnea training helps improve oxygen efficiency, lung capacity, and breath-holding ability, ultimately enhancing performance and safety during freediving activities. As with any activity in RAID’s curriculum, it’s important to practice Dynamic Apnea under the guidance of experienced instructors to ensure safety and proper technique. Dynamic Apnea at its highest level is a sport of records. The farthest freediving dynamic apnea with fins (male) is 301 metres, achieved by Guillaume Bourdila (France) at the 28th AIDA World Championship in Burgas, Bulgaria, on 24 June 2022. Bourdila surpassed the existing AIDA record of 300 metres, which had stood since 2016. Magdalena Solich-Talanda set a new DYN woman’s world record of 277 metres during a freediving competition in the Czech Republic, also in 2022. ASK YOUR LOCAL RAID DIVE CENTRE FOR MORE DETAILS>>>
Which brand is your choice?
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 to get messages to that effect any day now! But isn’t it great to have freedom of choice? What brought this to mind is an active thread posted on an online dive industry job market. Someone posted a “my-coffee-is-better-than-your-coffee” type of message. Of course, they were comparing certifying agencies and not coffee shops, but the intent and audience reaction were about the same. Very few people agree on which of the roughly 120 dive agencies in the world, really is the best. No problem identifying the biggest, but biggest is not the best. At least not for everyone. The argument that a single option is fine, the status quo is king, and universal brand recognition trumps everything, is… well… a bandwagon fallacy. It’s the same as saying that because Tim Horton’s coffee is the most popular in Canada, ergo, it must be the best. It ain’t! I wouldn’t even try to guess the reasons why a dive shop owner on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, chooses to certify through XYZ agency, while his sister, an instructor in Come By Chance, Newfoundland, prefers to work with ABC. That’s entirely up to them. As long as they understand that what makes sense to them, may not work for the shop down the street or one situated on the opposite coast. And in fairness, they have to accept that choice is good. It’s what keeps the industry vibrant. Without choice, standards, teaching methods, the way we adapt to new technology would become stagnant. That would be a disaster. Change and innovation are good. And I think it’s much harder for the established brand leader to try different things than it is for a smaller operation with more of a ‘bespoke’ approach. But, that’s just an opinion. When I lived in Maine, I bought a bumper sticker from a beautiful little coffee shop in a nearby college town, which read: “Friends don’t let friends drink Starbucks.” I have to bite my tongue sometimes, because I feel the same way about teaching for one or two of the major players in the dive industry. Truth is, I have strong views on the subject, but of course, I’m biased… and in the final draft, making a poor choice is anyone’s prerogative. I believe instead, it’s best to work to bring positive CHANGE to the dive industry, but respect another’s choice to stick… well, to stick in the mud. And if you ever find yourself driving through Toronto’s Little Italy district, there’s this little cafe… – Steve Lewis – #TheRAIDWay™
Risk Management
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. Unfortunately, we can never eliminate all risk from diving. Slippery poolsides, trips over an equipment bag left in a gangway, cylinders falling off a bench, the consequences of dehydration, bumping into firecoral or the sharp edges of a shipwreck’s hull: we cannot take them away. All we can do, as divers or instructors, is work at making the risks associated with this wonderful adventure, acceptable. And that’s what risk management is all about. #Theraidway™ MANY THANKS TO MHA CONSULTING FOR THE EXCELLENT GRAPHIC https://www.mha-it.com/AND KUDOS TO PASH BAKER FOR THE ORIGINAL IDEA FOR THIS POST
It’ll take your breath away
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 this manual, students will gain the knowledge and confidence to excel in static apnea and take freediving skills to new depths. Static apnea, what most of us would call ‘structured breath holding,’ is practiced for various reasons besides being an essential part of freediver development. These include health benefits for all water enthusiasts including scuba and rebreather divers! Some potential benefits of static apnea for health include: In addition, unlike other RAID diving activities, static apnea is a Competitive Sport where participants compete to hold their breath for the longest time possible. This adds an element of excitement and motivation for those interested in pushing their limits and setting records.And of course, static apnea training is one of the central principles of freediving, and during the coming months, RAID will be boosting its freediving program. The launch of this completely new, totally revamped, recreated static apnea program is one of the first steps. Static apnea for scuba divers Static apnea, or breath-holding, can be particularly beneficial for scuba divers as it helps improve breath control, lung capacity, and overall comfort in the water. Here are some specific benefits of static apnea for scuba divers: Increase in breath-holding time: By training in static apnea, scuba divers can improve their ability to hold their breath, which can be advantageous when diving underwater for extended periods. Enhanced relaxation: Practicing static apnea techniques can help divers stay calm and relaxed underwater, which is crucial for conserving energy and avoiding panic while scuba diving. Improved lung capacity: Static apnea training can expand lung capacity, allowing divers to take deeper and more efficient breaths, which can be beneficial for buoyancy control and overall comfort while diving. Better equalization: Breath-holding exercises can help divers improve their ability to equalize pressure in their ears and sinuses, reducing the risk of discomfort or injury during descents. It’s essential for scuba divers who practice static apnea to know the guidelines, and safely and gradually increase breath-holding times to avoid hypoxia or other risks associated with breath-holding exercises. Additionally, divers should always dive within their limits and be aware of safe diving practices. So, this course is a must-have. Overall, static apnea combines physical endurance, mental focus, relaxation, and competitive spirit, making it a unique and cool activity for those interested in breath control and challenging themselves. ASK YOUR LOCAL RAID DIVE CENTRE FOR DETAILS>>>
WHY RAID
REASON #259 RAID has full cavern and cave training delivered by real explorers.
RAID Makes You Look Like a Pro
GET THE BEST RESULTS FROM YOUR U/W ACTION CAMERA Exploring the underwater world is indeed a breathtaking adventure full of beauty and wonder! Whether it’s snorkeling or scuba diving… or simply floating around and observing marine life from the surface. There are so many ways to experience the mysteries of the ocean; and more ways than ever to capture its beauty. Underwater photography, especially shooting underwater video, used to require tonnes of expensive, complicated, and heavy equipment. It took patience too because before digital cameras, you’d wait for days—sometimes weeks—before old-fashioned film was processed and sent back from the lab. The real revolution has been to invention of the ACTION CAMERA. Move over super expensive, bulky, and difficult to use traditional gear; welcome a solution that’s affordable, fits in a carry-on, and doesn’t involve overweight baggage fees. Action Cameras are durable and tough enough to withstand extreme conditions, making them ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and SCUBA diving! They’re lightweight, small and compact so they can “go anywhere:” even mounted on a mask strap or other dive gear. For the dedicated user, there are useful accessories such as trays, lights, hardware to attach them to you or your gear, and tough underwater housings. The results are super high-quality producing clear video and still image capture. PLUS: with their standard wide-angle lens they lend a neat perspective on the action: fish, shipwrecks, coral gardens, whatever. And many action cameras are equipped with built-in stabilization technology to reduce camera shake and produce steady footage, even during high-intensity activities. Most of all action cameras are waterproof or come with a protective housing, allowing them to be used underwater. Even beyond recreational limits with special housings. Overall, the advantages of action cameras make them an excellent choice for capturing underwater adventures. RAID’s Action Camera program was developed specifically for the agency by award-winning image maker Jeff Goodman. It covers more than just the basics—including video editing—and is the perfect learning tool to make your underwater videos and images tell the real story about your passion. Tell your local RAID Dive Centre you want to move your underwater video and still images to a new level with an Action Camera course.
About Drysuits
The RAID Way™ DEEPER… LONGER… OFF THE BEATEN PATHDrysuit diving can seem a challenge and to some, used to seeing ads and stock photos of scuba divers in microthin wetsuits, just the thought might be intimidating. After all, drysuits are complex and costly… or that’s the perception. However, if you peel back the layers, you’ll find a world of benefits that make it an appealing choice for many divers. The biggest benefit of a dry suit is the ability to use it in various conditions, which makes it the better option compared to any wetsuit. This flexibility is because a diver can add or subtract undergarments to suit the water/surface conditions. Many divers use their dry suit year round, from warm water locations to under the ice in winter. IF YOU LIKE COMFORT, THINK ABOUT THISYou know that feeling when you put on a pair of well-worn jeans? The ones that fit just right and let you move around freely? Well, that’s kind of what wearing a drysuit feels like, but underwater. Sure, it might look a bit more complex than your favorite pair of denim, but let me tell you, a good drysuit delivers maximum comfort and mobility when you’re submerged. Unlike wetsuits, drysuits give you plenty of room to do your thing underwater. Whether that’s gracefully gliding around a coral reef or navigating through a narrow underwater cave, a drysuit fits the bill. You can twist, turn, and somersault to your heart’s content. No restrictions, no limitations—just you and the open water. And here’s the kicker—once your dive is over, you’re not all soggy and wet. Imagine finishing an epic dive and being able to get right back into your regular clothes without having to wrangle a wet wetsuit off or wait for it to dry. Now that’s convenience. So yeah, if you’re all about comfort and freedom when diving, it’s time to give drysuit diving a whirl. You’ll wonder why you didn’t switch sooner. THERE IS THE SAFETY ASPECT TO CONSIDERLet’s get real for a moment, shall we? Diving can be risky business. No matter how skilled you are, there’s always a certain degree of risk involved when you’re exploring the underwater world. But here’s the thing: with proper training behind you (LINK), drysuits can help keep those risks to a minimum. You see, they do more than just keep you warm and dry. They’ve got some pretty nifty safety features built right in. One of these is a buoyancy control device. This handy-dandy feature lets you control your ascent and descent underwater. So, instead of bobbing around like a cork, you can smoothly glide up and down. Not only does this give you more control over your dive, but it also lowers the risk of see-saw dive profils and the complications of decompression sickness. On top of that, the superior insulation provided by drysuits reduces your risk of hypothermia when you’re diving in colder waters. So even if you’re up for an epic iceberg dive in Norway or Canada, you can keep warm and cozy in your drysuit, minimizing the risk of getting too cold. Safety is always paramount in diving, and drysuits are all about safety. They’re not just about comfort or exploring colder, deeper waters, they’re designed with your well-being in mind. So, while you’re planning your next big dive, remember: a drysuit doesn’t just keep you dry; it keeps you safe too. Let’s call it the superhero of diving gear, shall we? It might not have a flashy cape, but it’s got your back when you need it most. Dive in with a drysuit and experience safer dives like never before. IT’S GOING TO LAST LONGERLet’s talk about longevity, friends. If a drysuit and a wetsuit were to go head-to-head in a durability contest, the drysuit would take home the gold, no question about it. Picture this: You’re suited up, ready to dive into the rough and rugged undersea landscape. You need gear that can withstand those conditions, right? That’s where the drysuit steps in. A modern drysuit from one of the several leading manufacturers supported by RAID dive centres around the world, are made from tough stuff. We’re talking neoprene, crushed neoprene, or some hardcore trilaminate. Sounds fancy, doesn’t it? That’s because it is! These materials aren’t just there to sound cool; they serve a purpose. They resist the wear and tear that comes with exploring those harsh underwater environments. But don’t just take my word for it. Ask any seasoned diver, and they’ll tell you the same. A well-cared-for drysuit can hang around your gear locker for years on end. So, while it might seem like a bit of a splurge at first, think about all those replacement wetsuits you won’t have to buy. Suddenly, that drysuit starts looking like a pretty smart investment. So, if you’re a diver who’s in it for the long haul, do yourself a favor and give drysuit diving a try. You’ll be thanking yourself dive after dive. BUILDING SKILLSHere’s a little secret: diving with a drysuit is a game-changer for your scuba skills. Think about it. Mastering a drysuit means you’re dialing in on techniques like buoyancy control, which is a major deal in the diving world. It’s like the fine-tuning knob on your dive control panel, requiring an extra level of precision and finesse. So not only does drysuit diving expand your underwater playground, but it also turns you into a more skilled diver. Double win! But hold on, there’s more. Becoming a certified drysuit diver with RAID also paves the way to more advanced diving opportunities. We’re talking explorations in untouched underwater territories, specialized dives, and all that jazz. So, buckle up, buddy! Diving with a drysuit is more than just an upgrade in gear; it’s a boost to your diving prowess and a passport to even more exciting underwater adventures. Time to up your diving game: are you ready? NEED MORE CONVINCING?Other than being dry at the end of your dive (well,
Comfort Reimagined
Diving with an OCEAN REEF Integrated Diving Mask is a totally new experience and brings a different vision to your underwater adventures. Full face masks offer greater safety and comfort, especially in cold or dirty water. For ice-diving, they are the closest thing to a ‘must-have.’ And they are often part of a public safety diver’s basic kit. But they have plenty of benefits for day-to-day sport diving as well. A IDM gives divers a clearer and broader field of view, and breathing with a full face mask is extremely comfortable because the diver can breathe more naturally than with a traditional scuba second stage—through their nose! Another benefit for instructors (and other divers too) is the option of fitting the OCEAN REEF IDM with communications. Being able to communicate with students, one-way or duplex brings a whole new dimension to confined-water training. Ask your local RAID dive centre about the RAID IDM program and the features and benefits of OCEAN REEF’s flexible, feature-packed, and revolutionary IDM. While you’re talking, ask about how easy it is to make your IDM fully customized with useful and functional accessories. #TheRAIDWay™
Renewals For Members 2023
Dear member: thank you for your support, and thank you for helping us to make 2023 so successful. This year, we have tried to make renewing your professional status easier than ever… READ HOW BELOW. And of course, Zero FEe-Membership really helps to make the process pain-free… we’re happy to help there too. QUESTIONS: CONTACT YOUR REGIONAL OFFICE HERE>>> or EMAIL ADMIN HERE>>> If you are not currently a professional member of RAID, CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WINNING TEAM, AND START SAVING MONEY>>>
