What are the proper uses of webbed power paddle gloves. Diving? Swimming? Surfing? Bodyboarding?

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webbed gloves

The answer is yes to all of the above.  But how are these gloves made? What’s the difference between bodyboarding, surfing and divers when it comes to glove choice?
Webbed, fingerless, power gloves are constructed of lightweight neoprene, usually 1.5mm and Lycra, with webbed fingers to propel yourself through the water much like ducks.  Bodyboarders and surfers will catch more waves with them,  Bodyboarding is like skateboarding or surfing (especially shortboard surfing) – it’s all about the 360s, the 360 reverses, getting airs – which requires time and practice. For instance, trying a 360 air on a beach break wave is for sure less dangerous than on a reef break, especially since you will probably encounter fewer board surfers on the beach break wave, and no sharp reefs or rocks, as well.
Even though bodyboarders, surfers and divers will all use fingerless webbed gloves, surfers and the like will not use dive gloves since they are thick and will act contrarily to providing speed.

Which brings us to another difference between bodyboarders or “spongers”. Surfers and spongers do not really get along with each other. Bodyboarders sit closer in to the beach, and catch the wave later than surfers. That means surfers are usually on the wave sooner, and see bodyboarders as nuisances that get in the way and cut them off. Try and stay with other bodyboarders, and you will have a much more pleasant experience.  The surfers, usually a localized and surly group, will leave you alone.

Surf gloves are used by 80% of the bodyboarders out there for a reason. You’ll have much more fun on account of being able to catch many more waves. And, as a side benefit, surf gloves will help keep your hands and fingers warm. If you want to try surfing, bodyboarding is much easier than surfing. Bodyboarding is lots easier to learn than surfing, and also a lot less expensive, too.   But if you do graduate to surfing, you will be glad you did for a number of reasons, not the  least of  which you will find surfers to be a much classier group of sportsmen.

Suddenly, sharkskin suit has a new meaning.

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shark-diving

The northern islands of the Bahamas are great for shark diving, but believe it or not, you will need a heavy wetsuit, at least 6mm because the water is actually very cold.
Just as you want to dive close to sharks, you’ll also want to choose the right wetsuit, at least 5mm or 6mm for the occasion. You’ll want to choose your location and dress properly; sharks insist upon it. A little known fact is that sharks  are quite discriminating when it comes to dressing properly for dinner.

Sharks are now protected within the waters of this island nation, so close encounters are guaranteed. If you go shark diving in the waters of the northern Bahamas, a close encounter of the shark kind is guaranteed.  Caribbean reef sharks can grow to a substantial size. Contrary to popular belief, even though they are called Caribbean reef sharks, these northern Bahamas are not in the Caribbean, nor is the water even tropical.  There are reefs, however. The water is cooled by the Gulf Stream, and can be downright chilly.

So you’ll need a thick-gauge wetsuit, as mentioned earlier.  Just in case you are misguidedly thinking shorty wetsuit, or even less, forget it now.  Not only will you have to dress for the cooler water, but you’ll need some protection as well. The sharks in this part of the world like to come up close and personal so you’ll need something substantial between your skin if there is a chance collision with a passing shark.  You’ll be glad for the neoprene if there is a chance collision between you and the shark’s teeth, as well.

Shipwreck Divers make Red Sea favorite scuba destination.

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red sea wrecks

The Red Sea is an excellent shipwreck dive destination, but because of all the sharp and jagged surfaces, don’t forget to get heavy-duty, thick-cut dive boots.
The Red Sea and The SS Thistlegorm are ideal dive destinations, especially when you plan ahead and buy the right equipment. The SS Thistlegorm wreck is one of the best dive sites in the world and is actually considered by many as the best wreck dive in the world! The  is a World War II ship wreck located in the North of Red Sea in the Strait of Gubal. It is a 128 meter long British transport ship sunk in 1941 after a German air attack.

What is really great on the SS Thistlegorm wreck are the artifacts that you can see underwater. There are two locomotives, two tanks, army trucks, jeeps, motorbikes, boots, stacks of rifles, and various spare parts for planes and cars. It is like diving within a piece of history! There are so many things to see that you need at least two dives to explore the entire shipwreck! It is really the perfect spot if you like wreck diving. You’ll be glad you bought thick boots!
Jacques Cousteau’s explorations of the Red Sea aboard the Calypso earned it the moniker “corridor of marvels.” Its rich, vibrant reefs and clear, pristine waters have been a favorite destination for European divers for decades but amazingly enough,  few North Americans have ventured to this land of antiquities and underwater wonders. Access to its incredible dive sites can be reached from land-based resorts and top rated dive operations or by luxurious live-aboard dive vessels. Diving is based out of three main areas, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Safaga and Marsa Alam. Experience the majesty of Egypt’s ancient civilization on extension tours including Nile cruises, trips to the pyramids, archeological sites and museums.