Scuba Doctor Holiday Gift Guide 2018
For a more up-to-date gift guide, please see Scuba Doctor Holiday Gift Guide 2021 for the latest Xmas Gift Guide.
A Christmas Gift Giving Guide for the Family, Friends and Colleagues of Divers
Santa Lloyd and his Elfin Assistants are loading up the sleigh and fattening up the reindeer for a delivery of a slew of the hottest diving gifts to give (and get) for this holiday season! Geoff, Hannah, and Michelle have been bringing Christmas cheer to the dive shop, and then we have Peter as our resident grinch.
Yes, it's that time of year again. Family, friends and colleagues know you love scuba diving but have no idea what you already own (apart from 'everything' if you ask other halves). They generally have even less idea what they should buy for a diver. Here we've got the perfect gifts for the Scuba Diver, Snorkeller, Freediver or Spearo to pass on as a gift guide.
Our Top Staff Requests For Santa This Year
Our staff get to play with all the diving toys so we asked them, "What do you want for Christmas?" Here are their top picks that are mostly within a reasonable budget. And for those of you who don't already have the extensive range of dive gear each of our staff members have, we also asked them about their top recommendations.
Toys
Lloyd still wants this dive watch because he doesn't really trust his replica US Navy Canteen Diver's Watch in the water. The Seiko Prospex PADI watch is water resistant to 200 metres, plus has a rather cool, vintage inspired look. It's also a special edition watch made by Seiko in partnership with PADI.
Safety in Diving
Nautilus LifeLine Marine Rescue GPS
Our Price: $335
Geoff is setting up his new dive boat. With more boat diving in the pipeline he'd like to be safer out on the water with this fantastic, simple to use, safety device.
Always Travelling
Fourth Element Expedition Series Duffel Bag Orange - 90 lt
RRP: $164, Our Price: $159, You Save $5 (3%).
Hannah seems to be always travelling somewhere to dive and is still wanting to be given this tough, durable and brightly covered carry bag. While Hannah always stands out in a crowd, this will make sure of it.
LED Dive Light
i-Torch Fish-Lite V12 Video / Focus Light - 1200LM
RRP: $189, Our Price: $179, You Save $10 (5%).
Michelle wants another one of these super bright 1,500 lumen video/focus lights to improve her underwater image setup.
Absolute Beginners
For absolute novices that are either about to embark on qualifying, or have just qualified, as an open water diver, then the essential pieces of basic kit are a dive mask, snorkel and fins. Remember you can normally colour coordinate these three items, so if the recipient is keen on their appearance, you may earn extra brownie points for this. If you are unsure try this short test, ask them what car they drive. If they answer with an answer along the lines of 'a blue one' then you should aim to colour coordinate!
Diving and Snorkelling Masks
A mask with a quality, soft silicone skirt will generally fit all face types. Cheaper masks made using siltex won't conform as well to the diver's face and thus may be more prone to leaking. But we don't sell any silitex dive masks, so fear not!
Tusa Freedom Ceos Mask - Black or Indigo Skirt
RRP: $147, Our Price: $145, You Save $2 (1%).
This is the twin-lens mask we strongly recommend and sell the most of for divers with petite to medium sized adult faces. It has one of the best fitting, most comfortable skirts on the market. Plus it's available with corrective lenses.
This is the twin-lens mask we strongly recommend and sell the most of for divers with medium to large sized adult faces. It's a real winner for comfort and style. Plus it's available with corrective lenses.
Tusa Freedom Elite Mask
RRP: $172, Our Price: $155, You Save $17 (10%).
A low volume, single lens mask that offers a clear, wide view to the underwater world. This mask securely fits a wide variety of faces, and suits divers with petite to medium sized adult faces.
Apollo SV-1 Diving Mask
RRP: $119, Our Price: $109, You Save $10 (8%).
Lloyd prefers to dive with a single lens mask, so he likes this mask for it's great view. It's what he currently dives with because it works well when wearing a helmet. It suits divers with medium to large sized adult faces.
Cressi Action Mask with GoPro Mount
RRP: $99, Our Price: $89, You Save $10 (10%).
This mask lets you get into the action of the underwater world and bring back action video or still pictures with your GoPro camera. The built in Go-Pro camera mount offers divers a great way to shoot incredible video while diving in addition to keeping your hands-free.
Why Black Skirt Diving and Snorkelling Masks Are Better
Clear skirts on diving and snorkelling masks are popular because they minimise the claustrophobic feeling some people get when they wear a mask. Nevertheless, clear skirts actually interfere with vision. Extraneous light entering through the clear skirt makes it more difficult for the eye to focus and causes reflections that obscure vision. Demonstrate this by looking out a window from a lighted room at twilight. You will see better by cupping your hands around your eyes as you press your face to the window. For these reasons, knowledgeable divers and snorkellers seeking the best possible vision prefer masks with black skirts. And we do too!
Corrective Lens Dive Masks
If the diver usually wears glasses while on their surface interval (that's when they're not diving), then it would be wise to get them a gift voucher so that they can get a dive mask with corrective lenses. We have a good selection of Corrective Lens Mask Packages available.
'Bifocal' or 'Gauge Reading' Lenses
If the diver usually needs reading glasses, then they could benefit from a dive mask fitted with 'gauge reading' or 'bifocal' corrective lenses.
Tusa Freedom Ceos Mask with Corrective Lenses -+B
RRP: $303, Our Price: $295, You Save $8 (3%).
If you need a bifocal mask and have a petite to medium width adult face then this is the dive mask we recommend. This is a top quality mask suitable for scuba diving, snorkeling, freediving and spearfishing. It fits a wide range of face shapes, plus has the greatest range of normal and bifocal corrective lenses available.
Apollo SV-2 Diving Mask with Corrective Lenses -B
RRP: $279, Our Price: $259, You Save $20 (7%).
For those divers with a medium to large width adult face who need bifocal corrective lenses, we recommend this great dive mask. It's our top selling mask and comes in a great range of colours with both clear and black skirts.
Freediving and Spearfishing Masks
Tusa Panthes Freediving Mask
RRP: $62, Our Price: $46, You Save $16 (26%).
Designed specifically for freediving and spearfishing enthusiasts requiring an ultra-low volume mask with exceptional field-of-vision.
Cressi Calibro Mask
RRP: $139, Our Price: $119, You Save $20 (14%).
An ultra low volume mask for for advanced freediving and spearfishing. It's designed to provide the diver with a feeling of total freedom and comfort. The small outer dimensions mean minimal drag through the water and low internal volume for easy clearing and equalisation. It features the new Cressi patented FOG STOP system.
Diving Snorkels
Scuba Diving Snorkels are very much one size fits all, the only exception being younger teens and petite ladies who may prefer a smaller mouthpiece. Some divers prefer as simple a snorkel as possible. Others prefer a snorkel with devices to help stop water getting in, or to easily purge any water that does get in.
Apollo SV Dry Flex Silicone Snorkel
RRP: $50, Our Price: $45, You Save $5 (10%).
This is our value for money diving snorkel this year. It's high quality, and low cost. It has a splash guard that eliminates 90% of any water entering the snorkel while on the surface, plus a purge valve for easy water clearing once surfaced. You can pay a lot more money and still not get a snorkel this good. Plus it's available in a great range of colours.
Tusa Hyperdry Elite II Snorkel
RRP: $91.50, Our Price: $82, You Save $9.50 (10%).
This is the best features of TUSA's snorkels combined into one top-of-the-line model. With a low-profile dry top and angled purge chamber, staying dry has never been easier.
Aqualung Snap / Nautilus Roll-Up Folding Travel Snorkel
Our Price: $36
If you rarely use a snorkel, but like to have one handy just in case, then this is the snorkel for you. It rolls up into a compact 85 mm diameter by 40 mm wide shape that can easily fit into almost any BC pocket.
Freediving and Spearfishing Snorkels
Apollo SVS Pelagio 'J' Spearfishing Snorkel
RRP: $40, Our Price: $36, You Save $4 (10%).
The "J"-style tube is built from a special polymer with amazing memory properties that allow the snorkel to bend against objects and then spring back into its original position.
Cressi Corsica Snorkel
Our Price: $44
A classic "J"-style snorkel that has been tried and true, designed specifically for deep spear fishing and free diving.
Diving Fins
You will need to know the persons foot size to purchase dive fins. However the first choice is whether to go for full foot fins or adjustable heel fins.
For warm water diving (i.e. where you get in the sea without screaming or taking a sharp intake of air), your diver will appreciate a pair of full foot fins.
Tusa Solla Full Foot Fins
RRP: $129, Our Price: $116, You Save $13 (10%).
These are our preferred choice of full foot fins as they combine good propulsion and are light for traveling, which makes them a great choice for both scuba diving and snorkelling in the tropics.
In cooler waters, or where the shore diving is rocky, they will probably need some neoprene dive boots and a set of adjustable open heel fins. There are a wide range of dive boots, from thin 'sock' like ones through to all terrain rock boots. The thickness of the dive boot used effects which open heel fin size is required.
Apollo Bio-Fin Pro Fins with Spring Straps
RRP: $395, Our Price: $335, You Save: $60 (15%).
We prefer open heel dive fins with stainless steel spring straps and these our our favourite. They are rated the world's number one dive fins for very good reasons. And when Apollo provide a FREE mask and snorkel valued at $169 when you plunk down your money on a pair of the Apollo Bio-Fin Pro Fins with Spring Straps, you're getting a great deal.
Cressi Frog Plus Fins - Open Heel
RRP: $149, Our Price: $134, You Save $15 (10%).
These fins are a perfect choice for both scuba diving and snorkelling. They use a revolutionary new blade material that is both extremely durable and nearly indestructible.
If the diver you're buying for already has a set of open heel fins that have the more common rubber straps, they might really like the gift of a set of bungee or steel spring straps to convert their dive fins to this safer, more easy to get on and off setup.
Freediving and Spearfishing Fins
Cressi Reaction Pro Full Foot Fins
RRP: $109, Our Price: $99, You Save $10 (9%).
These fins have been designed not just for and spearfishing and freediving, but also for snorkelling, swimming and scuba diving. They will surprise you with their fantastic performance.
Cressi Gara Modular Full Foot Fins
RRP: $199, Our Price: $179, You Save $20 (10%).
These fins are a perfect choice for deep freediving and spearfishing. The modular design means you can interchange foot pockets and different stiffness fin blades.
Snorkelling Fins
Cressi Pluma Full Foot Fins
RRP: $64, Our Price: $60, You Save $4 (6%).
These are by far our best selling fins for snorkelling. People just love the terrific performance and great value for money.
Newly Qualified Divers
If you are buying for a relatively new diver then (rather worryingly) dive knives are very popular. Generally new divers will have the basics, but will be yet to accumulate the extras. Other good accessories include a dive bag, dive torch, or if you want to really impress, a dive package.
Dive Bags
Dive bags are quite easy to buy as there is really only one decision to be made, is it transporting your gear for travel, a wet dive boat bag, a dry bag, or a catch bag?
Dive Travel Bag
Cressi Moby 5 Bag with Wheels - 115 lt
RRP: $399, Our Price: $359, You Save $40 (10%).
This nicely sized and spacious dive travel bag features a large main compartment, side fin pockets, plus two smaller front compartments.
Dive Wet Bag
If the recipient wants a wet bag, where they keep their kit together on a dive boat but it can drain easily after the dive, then go for mesh bag. This one is our favourite because it's spacious and tough. It also comes with carry handles and a shoulder strap for easy carrying. This is by far our best selling mesh dive bag.
Catch Bag
Seaka Catch Bag - Spring Loaded - Premium Quality
RRP: $99, Our Price: $89, You Save $10 (10%).
If your diver wants to be able to grab you a feed of scallops, abalone or a crayfish, then they'll need a good catch bag. This is our favourite because it's simply the best catch bag available. It's a no brainer. If your diver doesn't have one, they need one.
Dive Torches
A dive torch is a simple but really great gift. Underwater colours disappear quickly as you go deeper, but by using a dive light a seemingly dull grey rock can spring into view under the beam as a vibrant red or orange coral. They are also useful in and around wrecks to see hidden marine life.
We think this makes a great primary dive torch for the new diver. And if the diver already has a dive torch, it also makes for an absolutely brilliant backup dive torch. So you can't go wrong with this value for money gift.
Scubalab Testers Choice 2016, its beam is plenty powerful, and the sliding zoom head lets you adjust it to any width from 100-degrees to 12-degrees. The magnetic switch couldn't be simpler, and it fits in anything but a very small BC pocket.
An LED diving torch that outputs 300 lumens of light in a focused 4.6° beam. It features a novel magnetic dimmer switch that's totally intuitive and offers the widest possible range of power settings. Operation is simplicity itself — slide it forward for on, and the more you slide it, the brighter it gets. It has a rechargeable battery with a dual charging system (car or home).
Light & Motion Sola Dive 2500 Spot/Flood Light
Our Price: $799
Most powerful rechargeable Sola underwater dive light, featuring 2000 lumens in a 60 degree flood beam with a 600 lumen 12 degree spot beam. Waterproof to 90 metres. This dive light has the sort of design and build quality that reminds us of the space program.
Dive Packages
We offer a few different package combinations:
- Regulators ̶ the bit with all the hoses you breathe through underwater
- Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) ̶ the 'bladder' which keeps them afloat at the surface and deflates to allow the diver to descend.
- Complete Scuba Packages ̶ which include regulators, BCD and gauges.
- Freediving and Spearfishing Packages ̶ great value for money and top performance.
- Snorkel Sets and Packages ̶ for all budgets and sizes.
Regulators
Dive Perfect Matilda Streamlined Sport Diver Regulator Package
RRP: $1,199, Our Price: $1,009, You Save $190 (16%).
Every detail of this product has been carefully designed to deliver a complete regulator package of the highest quality with improved safety. These regs meet the tough CE EN250 European standards, and are cold water and Nitrox ready.
Cressi T10-SC Master Regulator Set - DIN or Yoke
RRP: $979, Our Price: $859, You Save $120 (12%).
This top-of-the-range Cressi regulator package, with its environmentally sealed first stage, has been designed for the more extreme cold/temperate water diving environments, but it's equally suitable for warmer waters. This regulator set delivers outstanding flow rates and superior resistance to freezing, plus it's extremely comfortable to use. Fantastic performance, stunning finish and exceptional value for money.
Cressi MC9-SC XS Compact Pro Regulator Set - DIN or Yoke
RRP: $699, Our Price: $649, You Save $50 (7%).
This great Cressi regulator package, with its environmentally sealed first stage, has been designed for the more extreme cold/temperate water diving environments of both technical and recreational divers, but it's equally suitable for warmer waters. This regulator set delivers outstanding flow rates, plus it's extremely comfortable to use, all essential qualities for any regulator.
For recreational divers seeking value for money regulator performance we recommend this regulator set. Lightweight and compact, this is an ideal reg set for the rigors of local diving, plus great for the traveling diver.
BCD Options
Eventually they will need the Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) too, but your budget will determine if you can include this. Don't worry if you can't, all BCDs are compatible with all regulators, so they can easily be added later. One note here, if you are buying for a lady make sure you get a package with a ladies BCD.
For both new and experienced divers we strongly recommend you look at a rear-inflation jacket BCD. This one is a truly great choice. Rear-inflation BCDs provide better stability and allow the diver to obtain better trim in the water. Unfortunately Cressi has discontinued this model and we don't like its replacement. But we still have some of these in size XS left.
Scubalab Travel BCs Best Buy 2016 plus Testers Choice 2016. A back inflation style buoyancy control device that is extremely lightweight, weighing in at a mere 2 kg (4.4 lb) in size medium, making it great for the traveling diver. Again, Cressi have chosen to discontinue this award winning BCD. We still have some left, or you can go for its travelling partner below.
Cressi Travelight BCD, Blue
Our Price: $759
Another Scubalab Travel BCs Best Buy plus Testers Choice. This jacket style buoyancy control device is very lightweight, making it great for the traveling diver. It's available with Blue or Pink trim.
While you can buy a wide range of traditional jacket BCDs with wrap around inflation bladders online, our favourite is still the Cressi R1 Weight Integrated BC. It's made rugged and durable to take the rigors of frequent diving, and is more feature packed than comparable jacket BCDs.
Someone You Really Love
This section also is applicable for people buying for divers who have incriminating information or photos on you. You really need to prove your love so unfortunately (for you, not us or them) you will be required to invest some serious cash (read plastic). Seriously, there are some really great items in this category and you'll be relieved to know this is possibly the easiest category to buy for:
Dive Computers
The first thing to suggest would be a dive computer. It allows them to stay under water longer and provides greater safety.
Cressi Leonardo Dive Computer - Nitrox Wrist
RRP: $449, Our Price: $349, You Save $100 (22%).
For a new diver, plus the experienced recreational diver, this dive computer has got all of the essentials, yet is simple to use and ideal for those who 'just want to dive'. This value for money, dive computer was awarded Scuba Diving ScubaLab Best Buy 2014.
This elegant watch style dive computer supports Air, Nitrox, Freediving and Gauge modes. With optional Air Integration, an easy-to-use 4 button interface, 9 colours, and a User Changeable Battery, what's not to like.
Suunto EON Core Wrist Dive Computer with Tank POD
RRP: $1,100, Our Price: $990, You Save $110 (10%).
A more experienced recreational diver, or beginner technical diver, would be better off with a mixed gas dive computer with a large colour display. The ScubaLab Testers Choice 2018 award winning EON Core is designed for serious divers, and covers Air, Nitrox, Trimix and CCR diving. We like the large, easy-to-read colour display, plus the ability to have up to ten tank pods to monitor the pressure in your own muliple cylinders, plus the cylinders of other divers.
Shearwater Research Perdix AI Dive Computer
RRP: $1,540, Our Price: $1,499, You Save $41 (3%).
This full colour display dive computer is the choice of serious technical divers. It won Testers Choice for air-integrated wrist dive computers during ScubaLab's 2017 dive computer review.
Garmin Descent Mk1 Watch Dive Computer
RRP: $1,399, Our Price: $999, You Save $400 (29%).
This watch style dive computer has GPS, and the mapping/navigating capability is cool and handy (man-overboard locator!). It has a heart rate monitor, and tracks everything from running and swimming to playing golf and skydiving. More to the point, as a dive computer, it's top-notch.
You may have noticed that we prefer and recommend wrist mounted dive computers. However, we also have both the Cressi Leonardo, Cressi Giotto and Suunto Zoop Novo dive computers available in two gauge consoles with a matching surface pressure gauge (SPG) to also tell you how much air you have left.
Freediving and Spearfishing Computer
Suunto D4f Black Freedive Apnea Watch Computer
RRP: $500, Our Price: $450, You Save $50 (10%).
This watch style, wrist computer is designed specifically for freediving and spearfishing. It's the ultimate computer for ALL freedivers: depth training, static and dynamic apnea, spearfishing. If you don't need scuba diving functions, this is the dive computer for you!
Dive Cylinders
Evey divers needs a good dive cylinder to go underwater. And every diver can always make good use of another dive cylinder.
Faber Steel Cylinder - 232 bar - 12.2 litre std - DIN/K Valve
RRP: $790, Our Price: $699, You Save $91 (12%).
For any diver, but especially those diving in cool and temperate water, this Faber steel cylinder is the ideal choice. It has a DIN/K valve and cylinder boot, plus is Nitrox ready. Technical divers going deep and wanting longer run times often twin up two of these cylinders.
Catalina S80 Aluminium Cylinder - 11.1 litre (80 cuft) - 207 bar
RRP: $525, Our Price: $500, You Save $25 (5%).
The 80 cubic foot aluminium cylinder has been the staple cylinder in the diving industry for many years. This cylinder is used by more divers, dive operators and retail dive stores than any other type of cylinder available. A great choice for those on a budget, or diving in warm water.
Underwater Images
Another brilliant gift is a dive camera or video unit. They range in price from about $500 upwards, but make for a superb present. These waterproof cameras or video units allow underwater images and memories to be captured forever.
Underwater Action Camera Video Solutions
For a simple underwater video solution, we'd suggest you get them a GoPro HERO7 Black edition. You really can't go wrong with this choice, plus it can be used to take photos as well. But to take it deeper than 10 metres, you'll need an underwater dive housing like the GoPro HERO7 Super Suit which covers you to depths up to 60 metres.
To really enhance underwater videos taken with an action camera you'll need an effective lighting solution.
Light & Motion Sidekick Duo Spot/Flood Light
RRP: $225, Our Price: $202, You Save $23 (10%).
Scubalab Best Buy 2016 for Video/Photo Lights. This game changing light is lighter than the GoPro and designed to leverage existing GoPro mounts with a simple adapter. The adjustable spot and flood modes give you the flexibility to control the amount of light to create the perfect POV footage.
Light & Motion Sidekick Action Camera Tray Kit
Our Price: $223
Combine this Action Camera Tray Kit with two of the above Sidekick lights and you'll have a brilliant entry-level lighting solution for your GoPro, or other action camera.
Underwater Video / Photo Lights
Underwater LED lights for video and photos have rapidly improved in recent times, and we have the best available. Chances are the diver you're buying for would love a new high quality light for their new or existing photo or video setup.
Light & Motion GoBe S 1000 Wide Beam Dive Light FC
RRP: $279, Our Price: $251, You Save $28 (10%).
A versatile light and a great option for divers who want a compact, lightweight light at a good price point. It's not only a great light in water, but one of only a few lights that can be operated out of water. It has a rechargeable battery. Smooth 60° flood beam and 1,000 lumens of light.
Light & Motion Sola Photo 1200 Light
RRP: $519, Our Price: $467, You Save $52 (10%).
Perfect focusing and modeling light for underwater photography. 1200 lumens of white light, 60° flood beam. 300 lumens of red light, 60° flood beam.
This 90° flood beam video light hits a sweet spot for price and performance. It's a great value for the amount of light you get, maxing out an incredible 2,000 lumens. It has three different power modes and a run-time up to 45 minutes on high. It's great for the GoPro or compact shooter wanting to fill more of a wide angle scene, or an entry-level option for SLR shooters.
A staggering 3,800 lumens of white light with wide 90° flood beam to cover all of your regular lighting needs, with 3 different power levels to choose from. It's a powerful travel-friendly underwater video light.
Ultimate underwater imaging light for the serious pro! Whopping certified 8000 lumens, wide 90° flood beam. Fast Charge in 1 hr 45 min. Waterproof to 100 metres.
Underwater Strobe Lights
Sea & Sea YS-03 Solis Underwater TTL Strobe Package
RRP: $749, Our Price: $674, You Save $75 (10%).
This compact and versatile strobe mimics the light intensity of the camera's built-in flash. Not necessary to manually adjust output. A favourite of compact camera underwater photo shooters.
For the serious underwater photographer the Sea & Sea YS-D2 Strobe offers exclusive features like no other strobe in the world. The YS-D2 is a powerful compact strobe that can be used for all applications from wide-angle to macro photography.
Experienced Divers
You are going to need to come up with something either new, or non essential, as the chance is the diver in question has everything they already need to go diving. Good options in this category would be the safety items, books, and stocking stuffers that follow.
If you are unsure, a good option in this category is to consider a gift voucher as it allow the recipient to choose what they want.
Safety
You want you loved ones to come back from their dive adventures safe and sound. Given most divers tend to overlook quality safety devices, giving them as a gift is a great way to let them know you love them.
Our Favourite
Nautilus LifeLine Marine Rescue GPS
Our Price: $335
This is our favourite diving safety item. If you're diving from a boat, sailing on a yacht, out on you SUP, jet ski, or kayak, then you really should have one. Simply undo the latch and open, turn on, remove the red distress cap and press the red button to notify all ships and boats in your area that you need help.
The Basics
AP Diving Buddy Self-Sealing Delayed SMB
RRP: $99, Our Price: $90, You Save $9 (9%).
This is our favourite surface marker buoy. It features closed-circuit (one-way valve) construction, which prevents air spill at the surface. Inflate on the surface to attract visual attention, or use as redundant flotation. Inflate at depth to send up as a surface marker. You can chose between all red, all yellow, or combined red and yellow coloured Buddy Self-Sealing SMBs.
AP Diving Ratcheted Pocket Reel with 45m (147ft) Line
RRP: $179, Our Price: $162, You Save $17 (9%).
This reel is the perfect solution to the problem of bulky and cumbersome SMB/navigation reels. Weighing in at only 205 gm, the Buddy Pocket Reel can be easily stowed in your BCD pocket or clipped unobtrusively to a D Ring.
Suunto SK-8 Wrist Strap Dive Compass (SH)
RRP: $100, Our Price: $95, You Save $5 (5%).
Being able to find your way and navigate properly on a dive is always good. This is the world's most popular dive compass, and the one we all use as well.
IST Proline Multi-Page Wrist Slate
RRP: $30, Our Price: $25, You Save $5 (17%).
Whether you are a new diver or a dive instructor, or anywhere in between, a dive slate is great when you need to communicate underwater. This multi-page wrist slate is curved to fit-comfortably on your wrist. The three-pages give you more than enough writing space to get your message-across.
Ocean Hunter Inflatable Torpedo Float w Line & Alpha Flag (Ylw)
RRP: $49, Our Price: $46.50, You Save $2.50 (5%).
This is great for a scuba diving surface marker, or as a surface platform for spearfishing and free diving. It will help to keep your loved one safe by telling everyone on the surface where the divers are.
Diving Knives
IST Proline 7 cm Tech Diving DIR Knife with Sheath - Chisel Tip
RRP: $40, Our Price: $35, You Save $5 (12%).
This is our favourite small, compact, stainless steel dive knife. It has a cutting edge and a serrated edge with line cutter combined with a chisel tip all in a webbing sheath. Everything you need!
Tusa FK-11 Blunt Tip Diving Mini-Knife
RRP: $58, Our Price: $52, You Save $6 (10%).
This is our best selling dive knife, because of its multiple mounting options. It can be fixed with a stainless steel clip on your BCD, or with the includeed hose keeper on your gauge or inflator hose.
Ocean Design Predator SQR 420 SS Dive Knife - Chisel Tip
RRP: $49.50, Our Price: $45, You Save $4.50 (9%).
Considered by some to be the ultimate compact BCD or safety knife for scuba divers. The chisel tip blade is made from super strong 420 Stainless Steel. The Secure Quick Release (SQR) locking mechanism is the most effective available today.
Trident BC Titanium Knife - 75 mm blade
RRP: $175, Our Price: $158, You Save $17 (10%).
This is our favourite small, compact, titanium dive knife. It has everything you need in a safety diving knife and is made from high quality, corrosion resistant Titanium. Both Lloyd and Peter use this divers knife.
Spearfishing Knives
Ocean Design Predator SQR 420 SS Dive Knife - Pointed Tip
RRP: $49.50, Our Price: $45, You Save $4.50 (9%).
The ultimate compact spear fishing kill knife. The pointed tip blade is made from super strong 420 Stainless Steel. The Secure Quick Release (SQR) locking mechanism is the most effective available today.
Ocean Design Apollo SQR 420 SS GB Dive Knife - Point Tip
Our Price: $79
A popular choice with spearos, plus commercial, military, and rescue divers. The Secure Quick Release (SQR) locking mechanism is the most effective available today. The neoprene leg harness provides comfort and automatic compensation for wetsuit compression.
Tusa X-Pert II Titanium Dive Knife - Pointed Tip
RRP: $224, Our Price: $202, You Save $22 (10%).
When only the best will do, this is the spearfishing kill knife you want. It's made from high quality, corrosion resistant Titanium. The knife has a serrated edge and a line cutter on one side with a full straight edge on the other side.
Emergency Air Source
If you ask any commercial diver for a tip on how recreational divers can dive more safely, they typically reply that we should all have an emergency/redundant air source. These two EAS setups are great for when you're in recreational diving mode.
H2Odyssey Extra Air Source with Catalina S13 Cylinder
RRP: $759, Our Price: $685, You Save $74 (10%).
This is great emergency air supply solution for divers not going beyond 30 metres deep. Carry it for use as an emergency supply of breathing gas in the event of a primary gas supply failure. Ready to use with Nitrox up to 40%.
H2Odyssey Extra Air Source with Catalina S19 Cylinder
RRP: $799, Our Price: $719, You Save $80 (10%).
This is great emergency air supply solution for solo divers and those doing non-decompression dives up to 40 metres deep. The extra air capacity enables you to safely get you back to the surface in the event of a primary gas supply failure. Ready to use with Nitrox up to 40%.
EAS setups like these are great for improving the safety of solo divers. And we all know you're diving solo if you or your dive buddy is more focused on taking underwater photos, shooting the next great underwater video, or hunting for scallops, crays and/or abalone.
Dive Books
Our favourite books include:
Shore Dives of Victoria (3rd Edition)
RRP: $32, Our Price: $31, You Save $1 (3%).
This excellent book by Ian Lewis covers some 120 dive sites from Cape Otway to Wilsons Promontory, including Port Phillip and Western Port. Site descriptions and historic information of wrecks adds to the value of the book. Quite superb.
There are several guides to Australian fishes, but none to compare with this excellent comprehensive reference book which covers some 950 species, all with a colour photograph, most showing the fish it its natural habitat.
The Porpoise - Australian Diving Technology the World Copied
RRP: $79, Our Price: $69, You Save $10 (13%).
Forget about that French chap Cousteau — what about our own true-blue Aussie Ted Eldred, the man behind the Porpoise regulator, the world's first single-hose regulator. This is the history of the two-stage pressure reduction system that is now in common use worldwide with standard compressed-air sport divers.
This book by Bill Silvester is packed full of adventures, involving life-threatening experiences on shipwrecks in Southern Victoria. Using explosives to wrench non-ferrous metal in highly dangerous currents, this book will hold your attention as it recalls a diver's life in the 50's, 60's and early 70's using the primitive equipment available at that time. We cannot do anything like this now!
Great Stocking Stuffers
These items are just great for giving as simple little gifts, confident that any diver would appreciate receiving them.
Suunto Clipper L/B Dive Compass (SH)
RRP: $35, Our Price: $33, You Save $2 (6%).
Clip this small, yet fully functional compass to the strap of your dive computer or watch and you to find your way both under water and on land. Whether you're scuba diving, hiking in the mountains, or rock climbing in unfamiliar environments, the Suunto Clipper Compass is a great way to keep track of your whereabouts. It's also water resistant up to 500 metres.
Best Divers Magnetic Octopus/Regulator Hose Holder
Our Price: $50
This is the quick and easy way to secure your octopus or dive gauge console. There are similar but inferior products on the market. Most use low strength magnets and thus the hose breaks away when you don't want it to. The high power magnets in this product ensures they perform the way you want them to.
IST Proline Mini Multi Tool
RRP: $49, Our Price: $46.55, You Save $2.45 (5%).
This is one tool that does it all. Need a hex key, you got it. Need a screwdriver straight slot or Phillips, you got it. Need a Schrader Valve Tool, or O-ring Pick, baby you got it. This is one handy All-in-One Multi Tool for your Save A Dive Kit.
IST Proline Mini Tank O-ring Kit with Brass Pick
RRP: $20, Our Price: $18, You Save $2 (10%).
Comes with four common O-Ring sizes for valves. The threaded cap of the tank has an O-ring Pick to remove old O-rings with ease. This is a must for your Save A Dive Kit.
Sonar Abalone Tool Pro with Square/Blunt Edges
RRP: $60, Our Price: $55, You Save $5 (8%).
Help the diver in your life put food on the table as a more efficient hunter gatherer, with this specialist abalone tool with a webbing sheath and leg straps. The sheer size of the blade provides plenty of cranking leverage to make even the biggest of abs come away effortlessly.
Underwater Kinetics Exposure Suit Hanger 5.0
RRP: $63.50, Our Price: $57, You Save $6.50 (10%).
They are designed to hold open drysuits, wetsuits, vests and gear for improved air circulation while drying. Easy rinsing. Faster drying. It eliminates stress in the shoulder area allowing garments to hang to their natural shapes. It's also great for use with other heavy garments like motorcycle leathers, foul weather gear, leather coats etc.
Underwater Kinetics Super Hanger Package - 3 Hangers
RRP: $84.50, Our Price: $74, You Save $10.50 (12%).
This set of three hangers meets all your dive gear needs when it comes to properly hanging and drying your complete life support system and exposure suit system. We use them in the dive shop for our scuba rental equipment.
Northern Diver Steel Cylinder Tank Carry Handle - Fixed
RRP: $33, Our Price: $27, You Save $6 (18%).
Yes, this seems like a strange thing to be giving someone as a gift. But trust us, they'll really appreciate it. Once you've used one of these fixed tank handles on a steel scuba cylinder, you'll want to have them on all steel cylinders you have to carry. That's why we put them on our hire steel tanks. These are simply the strongest most durable tank handles available. Don't even think about the flimsy alternatives most other places sell — they're rubbish.
IST Proline Hi-Viz Glow LED Dive Beacon
RRP: $15, Our Price: $12, You Save $3 (20%).
A great signal cylinder/tank light on night or cave dives. Also suitable for plenty of other night-time sports applications like jogging, camping, fishing, and kayaking.
Ocean Design 40m Waterproof Dry Canister - Medium
Our Price: $22
This dry can is suitable for sunglasses, mobile phone, keys and other bits and pieces. It's rated as waterproof to 40 metres.
Sonar Inflator Hose Air Blower Gun Deluxe
RRP: $25, Our Price: $23, You Save $2 (8%).
Connects to a standard BCD low pressure inflator hose. Use your dive cylinder air to blow dry and clean your underwater camera, lighting and dive gear.
Novelty Gifts
The Scuba Doctor also has a great range of Novelty Gifts for scuba divers.
Trident Parking For Divers Only Street Sign
RRP: $38, Our Price: $19, You Save $19 (50%).
Lets everyone know that only divers should park in this car spot. It makes a great gift for scuba divers, dive shops, dad, family or friends and thank you gifts. Adds a fun touch to gaming rooms and the garage. Makes a great gift for any diver with a car!
Everybody's favourite Floridian wants to brew you a nice cup of tea and share a slow, calm, relaxing moment. This product is made of pure food grade Silicone Rubber and is a great conversation starter. Even non-divers like them.
IST Sports Shark Shaped Bottle Opener and Keychain
RRP: $7, Our Price: $5, You Save $2 (29%).
This key chain is a great conversation starter and useful tool. It combines a handy lightweight aluminium key ring and bottle opener in the shape of a shark.
Sonar Bali Silicone Mask - Clear Skirt
RRP: $46, Our Price: $39, You Save $7 (15%).
Give your loved one a chance to experience vintage diving or snorkelling with this traditional oval mask. This mask is often used on models by underwater photographers. You can see more of the model's face throght the large oval tempered glass.
Things Not To Buy
Unless you are absolutely sure what size the diver is, avoid wetsuits and drysuits. You have more chance of guessing the lottery numbers than someone's suit size.
Still Not Sure? Get Them Gift Certificates
The Scuba Doctor Gift Certificates - $5 to $1000
If you still can't decide on a gift for the diver in your life for Christmas, then why not give them a Gift Certificate from The Scuba Doctor. You may think they already have all of the dive gear they could possibly need, but they WILL be hankering for something. This way they get to choose what's most important to them.