vendredi 7 juin 2013

Try New England Scuba Diving For A Different Experience

By Ladonna Chambers


Many people think that the only great destinations for diving are tropical coral reefs like those of the Caribbean or the Pacific. These places are indeed wonderful for underwater explorers because they offer such a variety of colorful ocean creatures. However, cold-water diving is a wonderful experience too. New England scuba clubs know that their ocean and lakes offer unforgettable experiences.

New England is famed for its spectacular fall scenery. However, if you want to head for the water, the area also has an abundance of dive sites. The rugged coastline and many islands off Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut are home to a large variety of marine life. You can also head inland and dive in the lakes here, so even landlocked Vermont is a great scuba diving destination.

The variety of dive sites in the area means that you'll be able to find a suitable spot, no matter what type of thrill you're looking for or what your level of skill is. There are plenty of wreck diving opportunities or you can go ice diving or cave diving. It's even possible to go diving at high altitudes if you head for some of the inland lakes.

If you're interested in saltwater diving, be sure to head for Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island or Connecticut. New Hampshire has a small stretch of Atlantic coastline too. In these waters, chances are good that curious seals will try to come closer and you might also see sharks or whales. There are about 150 shipwrecks to explore, among them the World War 2-era Coimbra off Connecticut and the German submarine U-853 off Rhode Island.

New England has around 2,500 lakes and ponds. Many of these make for great freshwater diving. Vermont's Lake Champlain, for instance, is a popular destination for diving wrecks as old as 200 years. You'll also find several quarries to explore underwater.

Another option is to go aquarium diving. The New England Aquarium has a large and very active dive club. If this sounds too tame for you and you want to get out there during winter, you may want to try ice diving. This is challenging but there is a very special thrill to watching your air bubbles float up to the thick frozen ceiling above you.

The type of diving will dictate the equipment you will need. A wetsuit is essential, though, no matter where in the area you dive. Even in summer the water can be very chilly. In winter a drysuit over thermal undergarments is the best option. A dive light is indispensable in the murky water and you'll also need your usual safety equipment.

If you're planning on doing some diving in the area, first do some research on the best dive sites for you. There are several New England scuba clubs and dive shops that you can contact for advice. Then make sure that your camera works well under water.




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