Ewa-Marine Rain Capes - Hurricane Hoods

Hurricane Hoods for Photos in the Rain

I was reading some posts on the web regarding Ewa-Marine rain capes / hurricane hoods and saw some of the following baloney.

Has anyone had any experience using the Ewa-Marine Rain Capes in bad weather? I'm planning a fall photo trip to the Scottish Highlands and rain will probably be a factor. Anymore ideas for equipment protection?

If you expect bad weather you might want to take along a few waterproof one-time-use cameras. Around here they sell for under $10.00. I don't chuckle at the idea of putting away the SLR for a disposable camera since one of my favorite shots I ever took was in a Maine fog with a disposable Point and Shoot.

There's a number of fairly good and inexpensive Point and Shoot cameras are showerproof. (doesn't sound like a good idea to me) Not a bad idea to have one along just in case.
I've always found the rain hoods to be a bit of a pain. It's better to have an assistant with an umbrella if possible, as long as the rain is falling vertically, not horizontally like in a hurricane!

They go on and on about wrapping gear in plastic dry-cleaning bags and other wrapping mediums to protect their digital and digital slr cameras. I don't believe these cheapskates!

You can pick up an Ewa-Marine economy model rain cape for as little as $19.00 which thoroughly cover slr or digital slr cameras - protecting it from rain coming in any direction but straight up from below the camera. You can use the camera with your hands or use a tripod. Also Featured on Chuck Lantz site as a really inexpensive "performer".

The cape is made of special double laminated PVC and has notches at its top which allows the normal use of the camera carry strap. The lens is protected by means of a PVC flap which can be pulled over it and adjusted to the required length. Beats the daylights out of disposables and dry cleaning bags!

Ocean Kayaking

Big Island Ocean Adventure

These guided tours offer local color and history to enhance your kayaking experience. There's nothing like a quality guide to bring an otherwise mundane experience to life and tickle one's imagination with tales of local lore and legend.

The tour features open-deck kayaks: boats uniquely designed for your enjoyment in Hawaiian waters. Stable and easy to enter and exit, these boats are ideally suited for ocean paddling and snorkeling.

Marine Mammals commonly seen on the trips include Hawaiian spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and humpback whales (winter).

The conditions are typically better in the morning with more sun and less wind. Snorkeling is incredible! Brightly colored tropical fish will delight you, and the water is warm. Occasionally an endangered green sea turtle or spinner dolphin is encountered while snorkeling - we will maintain a proper distance away from the marine life to ensure we do not disturb them and this fragile ecosystem.

Morning 3 hour Guided Snorkel & Kayak Tour: Includes kayak gear -- double kayak, paddle, PFD, seatback, mask, fins, snorkel, drinks and snacks. (wetsuits available). Call 1-800-662-7055 to make reservations. A friend rented his kayak here and said it was spectacular and that the local merchants were very nice and gave him a super deal too!

Bare Necessities Cruise

You May Need a Lot - Maybe Not?

After doing much research on the web for "Cruise Necessities", I was appalled at the majority of informational websites that came up using this and other queries. At least 80% of the sites that came up offering advice and/or cruise vacation plans - were listed with the words "bare necessities" and upon clicking through to the websites I was greeted with page after page of nudist cruises. What? So that's why all of those people would put up with cramped, semi-sanitary conditions, the possibility of cruise line illnesses (a fact), sinking and other related disasters. To be free and nude like they were born. That's real freedom they mention but actually I couldn't picture myself exposing my chunky butt on board a cruise ship bound for "nude places" - while thinking the whole time "please put some clothes on" - for the love of mike!

For those who will actually be taking "normal" cruises there are reams of material from packing Tuxedos right down to your favorite polo shirts, boxers and socks. Am I going to in some way duplicate their lists of "must have items"? Heck no, if you're an adult and can afford cruise ship tickets - then you certainly don't need me to regale you with lists of suggested clothing to pack for a 7 day cruise. If you can't figure out what it takes to make it through a week and pack it into a couple of suitcases, or have trouble imagining scenarios requiring special clothing or gear, "Google it!" There are tons of results with "packing lists" - some very thorough and proceed to finish packing.

I would recommend that you bring along your camera for those unforgettable moments and if you have any plans on watersports, including diving, jet-skiing, or boarding - you won't have to buy (more expensive onboard) or haul any of those cheap waterproof throwaways. Just pick up a waterproof case for digital, digital slr cameras or compact cameras. You'll get as many photos as you want to take with digitals and the photo quality of a good camera in a high quality underwater housing is no comparison when stacked side by side with a waterproof throwaway.

Don't forget to drink bottled water to enjoy as much of your cruise having fun instead of having to remain within running distance of the nearest bathroom. For all of their tropical splendor, the water available at cruise ship stops just doesn't seem suited to the inner workings of vacationers!

Protecting Your VHF Radio

Why Spend Big Bucks on Waterproof Handhelds?

I was looking at current prices for handheld VHF radios. Wow, was I surprised to see the price difference when "waterproof" was added to the description! I saw some models at "MSRP" of nearly $700 with cheaper ones available at about $200. There were a couple I ran into as cheap as $100 - $150 before shipping. Those models were a bit overpriced on the one hand and the cheaper ones were a little underpowered.

You can purchase some nice handheld VHF radios for $59 - $99 dollars and find a waterproof solution that's a little more reasonable. A good waterproof VHF radio case can be had for as little as $27. This offers the sportsman a solid PVC pouch for their radios (waterproof or not) with a tested hearing loss of less than 5% while talking and listening through the case. I have read remarks that one should always have one on board their boat. This makes a lot of sense due to the unpredictable nature of weather conditions on various bodies of water. They need them to get quick weather forecasts or to talk to their pals and find out where the fish are hitting hard. After an 8 yr. stint as a charter boat captain on the Great Lakes, this writer can definitely state that we put a lot more fish in the cooler and in much less time when talking to our fellow "skippers" who were really on top of large schools of fish.

Even if you were to sink you could use these radios to call help and save your life! The reason I prefer a waterproof cover on my handheld is simple - they float if dropped in the water. Try that with your new $400 VHF radio - go ahead and drop it overboard and watch it sink to the bottom faster than the Titanic. Bye bye radio and bye bye warranty too.

If you've ever spent a lot of time in the woods on a hunt (where legal) they are a handy way to keep abreast of not only the weather channel but to stay in touch with hunting companions working the same general area that you're hunting. It would be a little dangerous to be caught downwind of a high power hunting round or shotgun slug. It's good to know where people are at in the woods, besides being a lifeline if you become lost. Pick up a waterproof VHF radio case if you don't have one already - and be sure your radio will be at hand and working when you need it most!

Avoiding Shark Attacks!

What's in A Name?

The word shark in any language brings about thoughts of "Jaws" and the rise of primordial fear so deeply embedded in our DNA that one can't help but get nervous if in the water and someone mentions, or yells "shark"!

Sharks are a carnivorous ocean going or brackish water fish with almost 400 different sub-species grouped in over 30 families. Some sharks, like the great white shark, are notorious among the shark population because they have attacked people repeatedly, causing severe injuries and death. In general, sharks are much like lions and other large carnivores who will not attack prey species unless they're hungry and looking toward feeding or sometimes if they're provoked.

Sharks have been in the sea since prehistoric times. Their fossils indicate that sharks have still maintained their basic shape (or profile) for millions of years. Sharks are efficient in maintaining the balance of prey species and keeping the oceans clean (in the role of janitor). And, although some say they are intelligent and even compare their capability to learn is on par with land animals, that seems highly unlikely. I believe that they are as intelligent as their hardwired brains allow them to be - less than a honey bee or a fire ant. Sharks are garbage disposal units and only attack and eat the dead, sick and young in most cases if possible. I believe it's hogwash to compare the intelligence of any fish - yes even those pesky sharks - to that of a cat, dog or horse. Sharks don't make very good pets, and they'd gladly bite off the hand that feeds them.

Sharks are found worldwide where they live in cold and cooler water, as well as warm tropical seas. Some sharks are more likely to be found in deeper water and others favor shallow water (there's a big overlap so it's really a mixed bag at any depth). Sharks that are known for hanging around in shallow water may attack if they mistake the human swimmers and divers for prey species or injured fish. Swimmers would be well advised to avoid areas known to hold sharks and to be aware and cautious in their aquatic surroundings. If a person is attacked by a shark while swimming, diving, surfing or other waterports, experts advise victims to fight back in any and every way they can think of.

Many is the life that's been saved by actually shoving fingers in the eyes of sharks. Also, some sharp prodding in the snout area with a spear gun or any hard object such as a camera housing, knife or bang stick will also help chances for survival. The gills slits are another sensitive area to attack, with hands or other hard objects - as mentioned above. Their instincts don't prepare them for fighting with their supper so don't hesitate and let it all hang out if you're attacked!

Surfing News

Get the Latest From the BSA!

The BRITISH SURFING ASSOCIATION (BSA) was founded in 1966 to promote the sport of surfing and represent the interests of all surfers in Great Britain and the Channel Islands. The BSA is recognized by the Government as the National Governing Body (NGB) for surfing and is a member of the International Surfing Association (ISA). Providing an open and democratic NGB with over ten thousand members, the BSA is a non-profit organization with all income used for the advancement of British surfing.

Surfing is defined as those sporting activities, undertaken individually and collectively, taking place within the surf line, but excluding those activities that incorporate the use of paddles, sails or motor power. Hereinafter known as "the sport."

The BSA website is loaded with sections on events, schedules, competition results, surf schools and in fact about anything one would think of in regard to "the sport." If you have any interest in surfing, this UK based organization has compiled a lot of useful information for any surfer or surfer wannabe! Have a a look at their site for a complete database of all things regarding "the sport." You won't be disappointed- Check it out here for more information!

Packing For The Beach!

It's Better to Over-Pack!

If you're off to the beach for the day, you'll need some essentials that will make your outing comfortable and safe. You'll want to start with a good body lotion with a high enough sunscreen to give you adequate protection. I'm guessing SP15 or more, depending on your skin type will be adequate to keep you from the lobster effect. C'mon, we've all had a bad sunburn or more to appreciate the advance in sunblocking lotions and being spared the pain of a moderate to severe sunburn. Don't forget to plaster the nose and lips with a good balm, to block the sensitive areas from painful burns.

Naturally, if your hair is thinning (for sure) or not, it's a good idea to bring a nice wide-brimmed sun or beachwear hat to protect those good looking faces from sun damage. Boy, a baked nose is a horrible thing to live with and others to look at until it peels like an onion and is replaced with a new version - this can take a long time so wear the hat or grease that nose and use sun block on the rest of your face. A pair of "shades" is also a must have item. They cut down on squinting (crows feet) and afford your delicate retina from UV rays. There are so many styles available that you will probably trip over the right pair for your tastes almost immediately. You may want to carry a silk shirt and some lightweight trousers (I do) in case you start to get chilled as the sun winds downs. Silk shirts are very affordable, soft, cool and very comfortable. Get a couple you won't be sorry!

Don't forget the bag of fun toys like Frisbees, Nerf balls of all configurations and similar stuff that all ages can enjoy. I've even seen some awesome kites flying when the breeze is blowing off-shore. We've got a local kite club and they have some very intriguing designs and beautifully handmade and painted kites. A very relaxing past-time.

Remember to pack an adequate supply of water and even some snacks if it's going to be a long visit to the beach. You can't depend on the concession stands for your essentials and staying properly hydrated is an essential part of living and even more likely when exposed to harsh elements like sun and saltwater for starters. Bring a blanket or some type of groundsheet/beach towel combo so you can stake out your spot on the beach and keeping warm when getting out of the water brings on the shivers. If you have to bring along your keys and cash or a passport, tickets or compact camera let me recommend a waterproof all purpose pouch to seal these items in and protect them from the sand, suntan lotions and water. You can even take them in the water if you don't care to cache them under your towels or blanket. They even float too. Be sure to check with your physician if you are on any medications that are labeled "avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight" - we don't want you getting sick from an unforeseen chemical reaction. I'm sure your Doctor will be only to happy to advise you. If this sounds like a lot to remember than you're probably not a regular visitor to the beach. These items are all essential in having a great time and a safe time at the beach. See you there!

Snorkeling in La Jolla

My last snorkeling trip was to CA while on a visit to see an old friend. It had been quite a few years but anticipating a dive or two before I left to come home.

Of course, I had packed my swim fins, mask and snorkel. I couldn't wait to hit the water with my Canon S45 in a new Ewa-Marine digital camera case. I hoped to get some nice shots with my new compact digital camera and what better time than now?

I met my old buddy in his living room when he got home from work. I'd been waiting a couple of hours since my flight came in early that morning and checkout and car rental were a breeze - not my usual experience as of late. I had 3 nights and two days to spend as a houseguest so I broke the news right away that we had to go for a dive at least once before I headed back. Bob (my host) said sure let's head over to La Jolla and snorkel the kelp beds a bit. I agreed.

Bob took the next two days off to reacquaint me with the area - things change so quickly when you've been gone for an extended period of time. So the balance of day one was spent being a tourist and seeing the sights. Yes, time had sure marched on since my last visit but it was nice to be back in CA with an old pal.

On day two, Bob let me know after morning tea that we'd be heading for La Jolla and to throw my gear in the trunk of his car. I think my driving made him a bit uneasy? I loaded my small kit of gear into his car as he came out and added his. We drove out to the Pacific, filled with anticipation but were disappointed when we arrived to feel strong wind and some pretty stout surf breaking into the rocky shoreline. We had driven this far and by golly we were going diving. Bob is pig headed like me in these situations, so we carried our gear (sans camera) down the rocky ledges, to where the surf was breaking hard into the razor sharp rocks.

I recall, as we slipped our gear on that maybe today was not such a great day for snorkeling, but kept that to myself in the face of Bob's grinning wink as he headed in. A strong base dive got us out far enough to swim into calmer water. Well, this isn't bad at all I remember thinking as we made our way through the forest of nearby kelp. After popping my head up and looking towards shore, I could see that the action on the shoreline was picking up IMO anyway and looked to be a dangerous undertaking when we decided to "pack it in".

Visibility was very poor due to the churning of the wind and sea and I couldn't see much further than 20 - 30 feet tops. This was not so much fun since the currents were so powerful and the kelp looked like a forest of willow trees bending and swaying to the motion of the water and aquatic life was not to be found other than a few small, darting fish amongst the kelp.

Surfacing about 100 yards offshore, we both decided that the dive was "a wash" and that we'd need all of our strength for swimming safely up to the rocky shore where the current was still increasing. We slowly made our way to shore against the heavy undertow and as we reached about 20 yards from shore it became apparent that we were going to be dashed into chopped liver if we continued in and broke free of the current and let the waves deposit us into the rocks.

Change of plans. Bob and I agreed to let the undertow draw us back out and try for a different landfall. We just floated along and allowed ourselves to be carried South for a bit with no letup in sight. We did spot a finger of rock jutting out into the water that was quite near and not taking quite the beating as our entry point. We decided to go for it. You only live once and here was our best bet for a crash landing with minimal carnage. So we again began to swim strongly against the currents and just as I would pull myself gingerly up and onto the rocky little sliver a wave would crash around me and pull me right back in. After three attempts I was able to finally pull myself out of the deep blue sea and lay gasping for air on the sharp, barnacle encrusted piece of land.

My life didn't pass before my eyes or anything like that - but that was one of the hairiest dives from shore I'd ever been on. Bob had the same problems but made it in two attempts, where we both sat laughing and bleeding from our hands and feet (minor cuts, bumps and bruises). We didn't speak much on the way home until we showered and drained a few beers. Bob (a much more experienced free diver) said "you know, I had doubts that we would make it in without getting really trashed dude"! I know buddy, I definitely know!