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GOING DOWN IN STYLE

With a diving buddy like this, who wouldn't want to scuba?  The sport has become more popular in the past few years, thanks to streamlined equipment, easy instructions for beginners and an increase in destinations that cater to divers.  Titanium is the metal of choice for regulators (the gizmo you breath through underwater).  It's light and comfortable -- important attributes, considering you'll be stuck holiding it in your mouth.  Split fins, modeled after whales' fins, are preferred because they increase speed and mobility.  Readouts from the latest dive computers provide information on depth safety and how much air is in your tank.  But the really good news is that the clammy, rubber wet suits like the one Lloyd Bridges wore on Sea Hunt have been deep-sixed in favor of colorful, zip-front syles.  They're easier to get on and off and provide protection from the tropical sun.  It's a look that has us clapping like seals.
Right: Aeroskin's zip-front polyolefin diving suit is available in a variety of colors ($100). Perched on our model's head is Oceanic's transparent-blue Light Vision 3 mask, which is ideal for night diving ($125), and a matching Pocket Snorkel that folds away for storage ($35).  The camera is Canon's PowerShot A40 digital model ($400), inside Sea and Sea's WP-40 underwater housing unit ($240).  The YS-25DX digital light package ($589) is also by Sea and Sea. They are a good pair for shooting below sea level.
Far Right:  Scubapro's Twin jet adjustable fins ($189 per pair), an all-titanium T1X regulator from Atomic Aquatics ($1,596) and Sherwood's Outback Buoyancy Compensator, which enables divers to float underwater ($600).  An optional BC Pro Kit ($100) with several accessories, including a flashlight and knife, is also available.
Above Right: Uwatec's Air Z Nitroc hoseless dive computer (with transmitter) is worn like a watch ($1,260); the Blue Tang corrosion-resistant titanium dive knife from Underwater Kinetics will cut you free from fishing line and other underwater debris ($90).