Change and evolution in the lowly snorkel has been both sporadic and predictable.  Sporadic because changes are few and far between and predictable because those changes are typically just cosmetic.  Little REAL variety exists in snorkels.  There are the simple tube type wet snorkels and there are a variety of snorkels with dry-top mechanisms.  Roll-up snorkels are now popular, designed to get them off the mask and into the pocket.  But, one thing never changes; a snorkel will always breathe like a snorkel breathes.  Or, is it possible to REALLY change the performance of a snorkel?  Is there a design that can radically change the way this basic device works?  Maybe the new Kapitol Reef Kadence dry snorkel is a change.

I first heard about the Kadence Technology dual-tube snorkel from Kapitol Reef about three years ago.  I believe I read about this snorkel in an airline magazine.  At the time, I was pretty astounded by the price, and I didn’t subscribe to the belief that you could actually do anything to change what a snorkel does and how it does it.  So, I dismissed the Kadence as just another example of new marketing words and a new promotional campaign, designed to sell a cosmetically retooled device, with few changes beyond appearance and color.  So unimpressed was I that I actually forgot completely about the Kapitol Reef snorkel.

About three months ago, I got a phone call from a very nice gentleman from Kapitol Reef Aquatics.  They are making a push to have the Kadence Technology snorkel presented to avid snorkelers through professional dive stores.  They offered to send one of their snorkels for our personal testing.  I said sure, send it on.  When it arrived, I gave it to Jonathan and he took it out to the local rock quarry.  His report was mixed. He said it certainly was easier to inhale and easier to exhale, but it made little “gurgles” during the exhale.  After discussing the snorkel, we phoned Kapitol Reef and talked it over with them.  Their explainations and the information on their website convinced us that this just might be the real deal for avid snorkelers.  But just to make sure, we give it to Brad to test.  His reports were the same….very easy to breathe and pretty easy to exhale.  So, we made the decision to get a few in the store and see how our customers react.  There is no doubt, this snorkel is different.  Click the link below and visit our website with all of the “scoop” on how and why the Kapitol Reef Kadence snorkel works.

Kapitol Reef Kadence Dry Snorkel - Available at DiveSports Only $74.95

We think this just might be the real deal for avid snorkelers.  We have these available and encourage our customers to give it a try.  We realize that the price is high, but we think the technology might just make this one worth the extra money.  If you have any questions about the Kapitol Reef snorkel, give us a call at (800) 601-3483.

Phil Ellis

Low Price and Great Variety in Scuba Diving Equipment

For the past 9 years, our local customers have had a blast on our Dry Tortugas liveaboard trips.  Captain Rick Pitts and the crew of the Ultimate Getaway always seem to put us on the best spots for the best diving.  With expansive coral reef pinnacles, impressive swim-throughs, 100’s of varieties of tropical fish, and plenty of large sea life, the Dry Tortugas is absolutely the best warm-water diving in the United States.  Located about 75 miles west of Key West, Florida, this chain of 7 small islands is sorrounded by one of the largest coral reef systems in the world.  The waters are warmed by the Gulf Stream, so diving here is comfortable all year long.  The Ultimate Getaway is a solid live-aboard vessel, with room for 20 passengers and 5 crew.  The supply of food is plentiful, the crew is absolutely great, and living and diving with 20 friends of common interest is simply fun.

For 2009, we have scheduled two dates for this extended 5 day live-aboard on the Ultimate Getaway.  Our May 13-17, 2009 Dry Tortugas trip will feature almost all of the dives inside of the Dry Tortugas National Marine Reserve.  The sights are amazing in this protected area and the diving is wonderful.  Our August 26-30, 2009 Dry Tortugas trip will include diving inside of the reserve, with several days of diving outside of the park, in the lobster grounds that produce so many lobster and game fish.  No matter which trip you choose, we can guarantee you some world class diving and lots of fun.  Click the links below for the details of each of these great trips aboard the Ultimate Getaway with Dive Sports.

Dry Tortugas - May 13-17, 2009 - Photography and Recreational Diving

Dry Tortugas - August 26-30, 2009 - Diving, Lobster Hunting, Spearfishing

We are currently taking deposits for both of these trips.  Only $300 will hold your space, and we expect them to sell out quickly.  Act now to reserve you space aboard the Ultimate Getaway with the crew from Dive Sports.  Group dive travel with Dive Sports is fun!  We promise you good service, great diving, and a good time.

Phil Ellis

www.divesports.com