Lower Body Strength

Lower-body muscular strength and endurance are necessary for scuba divers. Read more about building a strong and balanced lifting program while learning two key moves.

Close-up photo of a man performing a squat

Anacapa Island, California

Anacapa Island, California, offers divers pristine coral reefs, undersea arches, abundant fish and playful pinnipeds — allwithin 14

Pink garibaldi swims over pink plants

Alger Underwater Preserve

Even in the worst weather, Alger Underwater Pass in Lake Superior has reliably good diving — and great shipwrecks. Red more about diving at Alger Underwater Preserve.

Rusted propeller of a very large, sunken ship

In the Nick of Time

An underwater filmmaker encountered problems when his right ear felt plugged. He powered through the work only for the ear to become worse. When he finally saw a doctor, he was told he may never regain hearing in his right ear. Read more.

Dive photographer uses a giant camera to shoot a freediver

Backplate Buoyancy Systems

More-experienced divers prefer the backplate buoyancy system because of its rock-solid stability and simple harness system. Read more about backplate buoyancy systems.

Drysuit diver surfaces and is wearing a backplate buoyancy system

In Denial

Small, easy-to-ignore symptoms are often the first signs of decompression sickness. Read more about one diver’s incident.

A liveaboard boat, that looks like a pirate ship, at sunset

Dolphins to Port, A Diver in Trouble

In a rush to enter the water, a diver did not check the tank valve, leaving them in a dangerous spot. Read more about the incident.

An old man in a purple tank top and white ball cap and a woman, comfort a person wearing an oxygen mask

Shooter: Howard Hall

Underwater cinematographer Howard Hall had humble beginnings and is now known for his spectacular underwater IMAX movies. Read more about Howard Hall and his career.

Giant jellyfish with thick, purple tentacles

Digital Effects Using High Dynamic Range

High dynamic range (HDR) is a clever digital process that will allow you to generate exceptional detail in still photos by combining the best elements from multiple shots into a single image. Read more about this practice.

Two couple stand on deck at sunset