by Seb Ainsworth
on October 16, 2017
If you don’t currently dive with a computer, you may have noticed many do, and there’s a reason why!
Coming in all varieties of size, colour, displays and specifications suited for your level of diving, there’s a perfect computer for everyone and maybe more affordable than you think. From glamorous small face computers which have the added benefit of doubling up as a casual watch, making it more than convenient for holidays; or the large face computer option which has a large and easily readable display for those without good eye sight as well as diving in poor visibility, and more usable with gloved hands in temperate waters.
But why splash the cash and dive with a computer?
For starters, your computer has an array of sensors which can provide information such as depth, temperature as well as bottom time; and from this calculates how long you can safely spend at a given depth without having to do compulsory decompression stops before you surface. We call this a ‘No Decompression Limit’ (aka NDL) and is determined by constantly monitoring your exposure at an increased pressure of an inert gas. Because of this computers allow us to be more flexible with our diving allowing us to do multilevel profiles, as apposed to the traditional U shape profile tables offer.
The safety factor computers offer is also important as if for any reason your dive doesn’t go exactly to plan it will constantly recalculate your NDL, but also if limits were exceeded it will provide the information on how to safely surface. Most computers also have ascent rates displayed and alarms if limits are exceeded, reducing the risk of accidental rapid ascents.
Ever found logging your dives a slight burden?
Well you needn’t worry once you get a computer, as they log your dives for you! With some brands and models offering an interactive logged dive profile, seeing variations in depth and time. Some brands also provide an application for computers where you can dock your dive computer and upload all the information from previous dives, allowing you to add additional information where necessary such as dive site, dive buddy, and additional notes.
All in all dive computers are the way of the future and make your leisurely diving that bit more relaxed!
Here at Evolution we offer computers from right at the start, when you do our PADI Open Water course to get you truly familiar with their use at an early point, and even offer a choice of 2 brands to see which one you like.
When you are next here, come and inquire about our Suunto and Shearwater stock we carry.
by David Joyce
on October 5, 2017
One year ago today our beloved Thresher Sharks were moved to Appendix II by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. This means that in the Philippines it is no longer legal to fish them under Philippines Republic Act 10654. A twelve month moratorium was announced and that officially lapsed yesterday, October 4th 2017.
Evolution happily represented the Malapascua business and conservation sector today at a press conference at the Capitol site of Cebu where the press and interested parties were informed of the new changes and what they mean for fisherfolk around the country and especially in Malapascua.
The challenge now is to improve protection, education and enforcement for these amazing creatures to ensure generations to come can enjoy a unique interaction with them here at Malapascua.
by Mette Hallum
on September 19, 2017
Trash from land will be carried into the ocean with the wind. In the ocean it will eventually wash up on land. This is a bad cycle. A cycle we do our best to break by removing the trash from both the ocean and land.
The 16th of September 2017 was International Coastal Clean Up Day. A day where people all over the world can make an effort to join in and remove some of the trash polluting our precious coasts. Of course, this is something that we at Evolution are very passionate about.
In the morning we started with our famous Light House / Mandarin dive site and Los Bamboos; two of the most frequently visited dive sites. Sadly, these sites are also prone to trash drifting in from the mainland and the local villages. We sent 12 divers to cover the biggest possible area, and within just an hour they had collected 25kg of trash!
In the afternoon we joined the island beach clean up at Barrio beach. This beach as well as the dive sites, is also prone to rubbish being washed in from the mainland and the main village on our island. Our team of 25 people picked up trash from the north part of the beach, and had quickly filled more than 8 large rice sacks with trash!
With the help of locals, we aim to keep spreading the message to keep our beautiful island free of trash, and reduce the amount of non-recyclables such as plastic bags etc!
Today was a great effort, and we’d like to give a big shout out to everyone who helped.
by Seb Ainsworth
on July 10, 2017
In December of 2016, the Holmen family (aka ‘The Holmen Clan) first showed their faces at Evolution, being relatively new to diving. With keen enthusiasm, the family of four have excelled in terms of competence and certification since.
After being put off diving by previous experiences, youngest family member Peggie learned to dive with Evolution when they first arrived, and soon found a passion for it. But as for the rest of them, the addiction had already begun. Upon arrival Magnus, Anna and son Zeb went on to immediately complete their PADI Advanced Open Water.
From Sweden, with Viking blood flowing through their veins, they embarked on the great journey that was a full-on family rescue course, which they tackled with great ferocity and a yearn to learn like true Vikings would.
From day 1, when they were first introduced to self-rescue skills and dealing with an array of situations at the surface, all the way through until their final scenarios, the drive to improve and become better divers never lessened.
Through extensive skill practice, repetition and out of the blue ‘instances’ the improvement day by day was more than evident. Search patterns at a popular training site originally named Los Bamboos but re-dubbed ‘Lost Bamboos’ after extensive missing diver procedures, and Magnus getting renamed Hoff, all aiding for a very memorable few days. All in all the course for both the instructor and students, it was an incredibly enjoyable experience (but slightly more tiring from the rescue candidates side of things.)
The family have been awesome and everyone at Evolution looks forward to their return. Congratulations to all of them and especially Peggie for being one of our youngest Evolution Rescue Divers!
by David Joyce
on June 30, 2017
The provenance of Evolution and our name is all about moving forward, striving to improve and considering ways to do things better. This is the foundation of our business and percolates in to everything we do, including our comprehensive Divemaster Training Programme.
When you sign up for your ‘DMT’ with Evolution you can expect a really thorough month or 6 weeks of training in a busy Five Star dive centre. But you can also expect to be involved in other aspects of our life here on the island, such as all important environmental projects and community projects.
Recently we started our Kids’ Book Club with the goal of promoting reading as fun amongst the school kids of the island. We are asking our guests to bring books from home and donate them to our ever growing library. Several times a month we read to a class of enthusiastic children in the school and offer some books as giveaways in an effort to show there children books are joyful and not just for ‘boring’ school work.
This week our two DMTs Christina from the US and Allan from Scotland came with us to the school and both delivered a great narration to different packed classrooms. Each session ended with a competition and a book giveaway.
With no fans and 40+ kids in the classroom it was a sultry affair but a lot of fun and a great way for our guests to see a slice of the provincial Philippines up close.
If you want to donate to our Kids Book Club then please do as every single book will find a use. Thanks to Allan and Christina for taking part and thanks to everyone who has donated so far.
To learn more about our Kid’s Book Club contact us on info@evolution.com.ph
by David Joyce
on June 19, 2017
Four years ago a brash New Yorker strode in to Evolution and demanded to speak to someone in charge. With great trepidation, David stepped forward to see what this brassy wiseguy wanted. Joey G proceeded to shake down David with questions about why he should choose Evolution as his dive shop to complete his Divemaster training. Fast forward 4 years and Joey G is now an annual visitor with a great DM under his belt but more importantly, he also graduated to the highest standards with TDI’s Advanced Nitrox, Decompression Procedures, Extended Range, Trimix and Advanced Wreck.
Badabing! Joey’s a made guy!
This year Joey G was back for some great tech diving and made us an offer we couldn’t refuse. With his very nice new GoPro5 set up with great video lights he set about documenting his dives with us. Joey’s passion is for wrecks, so the Mogami Maru got the Scorcese treatment and the results are just great as you can see here for yourselves. The Omertá on one of the best dives in the Visayas has been lifted.
The Mogami Maru is our very own Japanese WWII wreck, sunk by an aerial attack off Malapascua in 1944 and has been dived by Evolution over 500 times! This video is just one of those dives on a glorious day in May. Tell me about it!
The Mob diving with Joe included Don David and Julia ‘The Tooth’ and nearby with Don Matt were Mikey ‘Bagpipes’, brothers ‘Mini’ Martin and ‘Tiny’ Thomas being watched by Capo Andy and finally in there also were ‘Not so Fat’ Tony’ and adding some muscle was Dannie ‘The Plugger’ Holmstedt. Hey, forget about it!
To learn more about cosa nostra here on Malapascua contact us on info@evolution.com.ph
Disclosure: Joey G is of Irish, English and German descent and was born in New Jersey but we just can’t help enjoying the whole NYC goombah thing every time we see him.
