What is the best dive gear for adaptive divers? We get that question a lot, but no one piece of gear meets every diver’s individual needs. However, over the last decade, we’ve encountered some spectacular dive equipment that we recommend for most adaptive divers. In this ongoing series, we’ll discuss some of our favorite pieces of adaptive dive gear.
To start off, let’s tackle one of our all-time favorite BCDs, Sherwood Scuba’s Avid BCD. Sherwood Scuba has been kind enough to donate several complete sets of gear to our divers over the years. The Avid was the BCD we used to train Bryan Anderson, triple amputee and US Army veteran, and it performed like a dream. Read on to learn more about what makes Sherwood Scuba’s Avid BCD an outstanding BCD for adaptive divers of all mobility levels.
Legacy of Reliability
Quality gear comes from reliable manufacturers, and Sherwood Scuba proves that experience makes the difference. Over six decades in diving, Sherwood Scuba earned their well-deserved reputation for crafting safe, durable, and reliable dive equipment. Sherwood Scuba’s Avid BCD is a prime example of the brand’s dedication to quality craftsmanship. We’ve used Sherwood Scuba’s equipment for dive training since day one, and it has never let us down.
Adaptive Dive Gear for Optimal Performance
A BCD has one purpose. It lets you control your buoyancy—hence the name. Yet, many factors affect a diver’s stability in the water column. The Avid addresses them all. The BCD features a 3D-designed air cell that wraps around the body, providing exceptional control. Additionally, four-point air release valves make buoyancy management convenient from all sides. Likewise, Sherwood’s industry-leading CQR-3 weight system is a secure and easy-to-load solution for emergency weight release.
Dive Gear Comfort Redefined
Designed in a jacket style, the Avid BCD offers easy body positioning underwater. The diver can switch between horizontal and upright positions without fighting the gas in the BCD’s bladder. The oversized weight release grips contribute to ease of use, allowing divers to ditch weight on both sides effortlessly, even when using only one hand. Additionally, the neoprene-wrapped collar reduces irritation and prevents the hot spots that can occur when diving without exposure protection. Also, the BCD’s design ensures divers do not struggle to stay upright on the surface. This stability is critical to the comfort of any diver with limited mobility in one or multiple limbs.
Adaptive Diver Gear Designed for Accessibility
The Avid BCD caters to divers of varying abilities. Large inflator and deflator buttons, air dump toggles, and strategically placed D-rings make it easy to operate underwater. These are still easy to find with gloves or by touch alone. The full-size low-pressure inflator hose adds an extra layer of accessibility, ideal for divers with limited arm mobility. For example, when training Bryan Anderson, the large air dump toggles were easy to operate even while wearing a webbed swim glove.
Exceptional Durability
Durability is a huge factor when selecting a BCD. Pool training, shore diving, and even cramped boat dives take a toll on dive gear. Sherwood Scuba’s Avid can handle the dive lifestyle. Our instructors and Affiliates have used the Avid for themselves and in their rental lines since its initial release and can attest to its durability in the field. That’s one of the reasons we love teaching in the Avid. We know it’s a BCD that keeps divers diving.
Every Diver… Everywhere…
Sherwood Scuba’s Avid is an outstanding BCD for the adaptive diving community. Its versatility, durability, and comfort make it a testament to Sherwood Scuba’s vision statement, “Every Diver… Everywhere… with Pride, Passion, & Performance.” With their innovative designs and commitment to scuba diving’s inclusivity, Sherwood Scuba’s dive gear lines are outstanding choices for adaptive divers everywhere. To learn more about adaptive dive gear or to support PFDD programs, contact us online or via email at jeff@patriotsfordisableddivers.org.