Cove 2 Jan 18 - New Gear Checkout Dives

[dlh]

I just got delivery of a new Rebreather unit, and spent the weekend getting it configured and dive ready. I've been diving a Sport KISS system for over 8 years now, and it's treated me well. It's still is good shape, but I decided it is time to get a new and improved unit. There was a great deal on the KISS Spirit LTE unit late last year so I decided to upgrade. It's pretty slick, VERY lightweight even though I chose a steel backplate, breaths great, very well designed. Of course I could not wait to dive it!

Monday was a day off me so I made the best of it by venturing out to Cove 2 for a couple of dive in the afternoon. Did two dives, first with my wife, then met up with DerekCS for a night dive. Derek really wanted to attract and dive with the Harbor Seals, and they did not disappoint! Three dust devils photobombed us then entire dive.

I didn't take too many photos as I was getting used to new gear, and brought my macro setup to keep things simple. Derek shot WA so I am sure he got some great poses.

Here are a few pics from Cove2 this weekend:

Harbor Seal whisker shot!

One of my favorite parts of diving Core2 is the Seattle Skyline!

[Tangfish]

Great shots! Please post your impressions once you get some more hours on that KISS Spirit LTE, it looks really streamlined and lightweight!

[dlh]

Will do. So far it's really nice. I just ordered a bunch of clips to get the weight pockets to sit right on the waist webbing of the harness, and need to get some small solid lead that I can use for trim weights at the top of back plate. I have ankle weights velcroed on right now. The thing trims out much better than the Sport as it uses waist wrapped counter lungs instead of back mounted.

I need about 20 lbs in the waist pockets (less than I had on the Sport) but I wonder if it might be better to use a weight harness system. Anyone have experience with on of those?

More to come...

[derekcs]

It was a great dive, Dave! Thanks for posting the recap. Here are my photos. The five foot viz did not make it easy.

https://derekcs.smugmug.com/Underwater/ ... 016-01-18/

[dlh]

You got some great pics Derek!! The harbor seals are not camera shy, that's for sure! I really like the one with the Sea Cucumber flying up in the wake of the seal. Super fun diving with these pudgy sea-dogs!

[Scubie Doo]

Yes, great pics of that seal. Looks like you had a great time.

[Gdog]

Great shots!

[YellowEye]

I need about 20 lbs in the waist pockets (less than I had on the Sport) but I wonder if it might be better to use a weight harness system. Anyone have experience with on of those?

Hi Dave
I have a DUI weight harness you can try. A lot of people like those.

Cool pics from the both of you!

[ScubaJess]

Great pics guys! I'm glad you found the seals!

[carlk3]

Derck,

What are we seeing in your second picture? It looks like a reflection.
http://derekcs.smugmug.com/Underwater/S ... -V7dKWbK/A

- Carl

[Penopolypants]

I love seals!! They really are the puppies of the sea.

I have a DUI weight harness and love it.

[Scubie Doo]

DLH, I'm heading out of town Monday for 4 days if you want to try my DUI harness. I also dive with 20lbs in it

[derekcs]

Derck,

What are we seeing in your second picture? It looks like a reflection.
http://derekcs.smugmug.com/Underwater/S ... -V7dKWbK/A

- Carl

It's one of the big pilings you run into before reaching the Honey Bear. I was shooting on a fisheye lens, which creates the distortion.

Here's another example from a couple years ago.
https://derekcs.smugmug.com/Underwater/ ... /i-QfMrMsH