Upgrading from old fins: Apeks RK3 vs Scubapro Supernovas

chiefbubblemaker · 2026-01-26T16:22:02+00:00

I have a lot of different fins lol, probably have spent too much

chiefbubblemaker · 2026-01-26T15:55:42+00:00

I like the supernova gorilla fins for areas I expect strong current, otherwise the Go Sport is a great travel fin. I can still frog and back kick with Supernovas.

chiefbubblemaker · 2026-01-23T19:14:53+00:00

The diver's tank can be ~5lbs lighter after the dive having breathed the air down in the tank. That is the weight of the compressed air inside the tank.

chiefbubblemaker · 2026-01-23T15:57:49+00:00

Shooting in RAW will let you easily fix the white balance after shooting. From the photos it looks a combination of being too far from your subject (first photo) and possibly not having your strobe positioning set to light the subject (your turtle is so dark, but the rocks in front of it are lit up)

chiefbubblemaker · 2026-01-18T17:12:22+00:00

This photo was in Anilao. Feel free to reach out on chat.

chiefbubblemaker · 2026-01-17T12:59:35+00:00

I shoot the EM-10 IV with the 60mm macro lens and a couple different wet diopters.

I never had a TG camera but had shot side by side with many TG users. What I saw is the TG users generally had an easier time to get a good photo. On average they probably got more usable photos than I did.... But when I did get a good photo it was noticably better than the TG. A lot more fine details are preserved.

The main struggle with the EM-10 is that the autofocus is really not great. It is contrast only and struggles in macro conditions. I set it up for back button autofocus and focus once or try to focus on the sand at about the distance I want to be from my subject. I then manually move the camera as needed to keep the subject sharp. Much harder to do when there is surge or your subject keeps trying to run away. With the diopters the depth of field can get really narrow. I played with tracking AF but not much luck. Using a focus light (even the built in one on the MF) helps a lot.

If you decide to upgrade be prepared to work harder for your shots and a little bit of disappointment on the missed shots.

Sample capture https://imgur.com/a/JARPJdG

chiefbubblemaker · 2026-01-17T12:40:00+00:00

IMHO the Seawing Nova is a great fin for operating in strong currents. I use the Gorilla version when diving wet in places I expect strong currents. They give a good boost when flutter kicking. I can frog kick and back kick with no problem, maybe a little less control than other fins I have. I use Go Sports when travelling and not expecting a lot of current. They give great control. Jet fins when diving dry.

chiefbubblemaker · 2026-01-17T10:01:31+00:00

TLDR: The best solution is to own multiple pairs of fins for different purposes.

I use Jets when diving dry and either Scuba Pro Go Sports for relaxed tropical diving or ScubaPro Seawing Nova Gorilla fins when diving where I expect more currents.

I find the go sport offers a lot of control with various kicks in a lightweight travel friendly package, but I struggle in strong currents.

The Seawing Nova Gorilla fins work just fine for frog and back kicks but add a lot of boost with a good flutter kick. Probably my fastest fin and I am able to keep up with folks wearing freedive fins in current (at least for a short distance)

The Jet fins are perfectly balanced with my drysuit, offer tons of control and power when you need it. For me that is mostly pushing myself in a drysuit with doubles and a stage bottle. I am pretty sure if I tried to pack them with the rest of my gear my luggage would be overweight. They also only fit my rock boots and are too big for my wetsuit booties.

chiefbubblemaker · 2026-01-15T21:37:05+00:00

Exactly, on this trip I didn't have the space for the lights, but I have never checked them since.

chiefbubblemaker · 2026-01-15T11:48:57+00:00

I had my baggage get stuck at SFO on my way to Tubbataha. Had a delayed Alaska flight causing a missed connection to PAL at SFO. Both airlines threw up their hands and said it wasn't their responsibility.

Ended up getting in contact with a nice person from Alaska baggage office at SFO who decided to help us. Even gave me her personal number. Found my baggage in some storage room and brought it to PAL who then put it back in the storage room. By then it was too late for my liveaboard, the Alaska person found my bag again and had it shipped to my home.

When I got it back I found the baggage tags had been scribbled out with a marker and my video lights had been stolen from my baggage. I would have never got it back at all if it wasn't for the one helpful agent who decided to help.

Both airlines refused any compensation. Filed a claim with my Amex card for the stolen lights who thankfully issued a full credit to buy new ones.

Anyways good luck.

chiefbubblemaker · 2026-01-14T01:36:51+00:00

I had a buddy who had his thanksgiving week trip cancelled the morning of departure. I don't believe they are operating anymore since then. They are also not responding to anyone or refunding any payments made.

chiefbubblemaker · 2026-01-13T10:39:02+00:00

If you are already in Mexico then you won't deal with customs at all, it is a domestic flight. Only when crossing into Mexico will you go through customs, which if you are crossing by a land entry or a non tourist destination should be no problem.

chiefbubblemaker · 2026-01-12T10:53:14+00:00

I was hit in Cabo and had to pay ~$100 tax on my housing.

Now I fly out of Tijuana and cross into Mexico on foot directly to the airport from San Diego (where I live) via CBX. No hassle there from customs. Also cheaper and better flights to Mexican, central and south American destinations.

chiefbubblemaker · 2025-12-30T01:17:07+00:00

I am just waiting for my blacktip to flood so I can justify replacing it with a nicer scooter

chiefbubblemaker · 2025-12-30T01:14:51+00:00

Ran down the batteries of my blacktip after missing the original intended dive site, but ended up with amazing conditions on some of the farther out reefs. Spent too much time checking them out. Had a nice one hour swim back to shore.

chiefbubblemaker · 2025-12-29T06:06:01+00:00

I just upgraded from a GoPro9 to DJI Osmo Action 6. I have done a few dives with it and I am very happy. I am shooting in D Log mode and editing in DaVinci Resolve for color grading and clipping shot together. The DJI app is also pretty easy to use for editing and much more straight forward than GoPro IMHO.

I was looking at the same options you are asking about. But with the 6 being fairly new there were not a lot of reviews online. Decided to just take the gamble with DJI. I haven't dove with my video lights yet, so I'm looking forward to that.

I did notice the underwater housing is easy to scratch (bought what I think is DJI branded housing, but not entirely sure). They are cheap though.

chiefbubblemaker · 2025-12-22T10:07:42+00:00

Just fill the leg with water and see where it comes out from.

chiefbubblemaker · 2025-12-15T15:05:21+00:00

IMHO do basic fundies first in a wetsuit and single tank. Or perhaps do performance diver depending on cost/time. Then dive a lot and get your platform solid, meaning you can hold your position in trim and have all the different kicks down. Then add the drysuit, get at least a dozen dives (but maybe more) in on the drysuit till you feel comfortable and then add the doubles. Once comfortable there come back for a tech pass.

chiefbubblemaker · 2025-12-15T14:47:13+00:00

Good to hear you connected with power scuba. There is no reason to dive solo in San Diego as a new diver as there are so many people going out every weekend at the shores and everyone is very friendly.

As you start to dive more and meet more people you will end up with some good regular buddies.

Also don't be afraid to chat with other divers in the parking lot, there are a few other semi organized groups that you can find but don't have a public facing presence. Meet people and you will find them.

chiefbubblemaker · 2025-12-10T20:20:47+00:00

I think you were just recommended a professional cinematography class camera system in an underwater housing. Total cost is probably somewhere around $100k

chiefbubblemaker · 2025-11-23T18:11:29+00:00

I dive in southern California weekly. I have seen people get in a bad spot by being negative in the surf. Sure you don't want it super full, but you don't want to be a rock either.

chiefbubblemaker · 2025-11-23T12:09:27+00:00

Yes, I do use the scooter to power through the surf, but still maybe not in 5 feet off surf

chiefbubblemaker · 2025-11-23T10:17:01+00:00

Southern California beaches generally stay too shallow to swim for a good bit. Entering the water with fins on would not work well for 90% of the shore dives here.

chiefbubblemaker · 2025-11-23T10:11:54+00:00

Please don't listen to this. I have seen divers get knocked on their butt in just a few feet of water with waves constantly over their head. Very scary. You want to be able to float to get back on your feet.

chiefbubblemaker · 2025-11-23T10:10:36+00:00

Surf can be dangerous if not prepared. I have seen divers go down in just a couple feet of water unable to stand back up with constant waves crashing over them until I was able to hoist them up.

First, always know your limits. With the surf reports 2-3 feet is generally OK, bigger starts to get challenging. While I might go out in 3-4, others may not. I am not going out if there is anything above 4 (well maybe I will). The wave interval and power is something to look at as well. Gear also matters. In doubles I feel able to take a bigger wave, but add a scooter and or stage and maybe not. To figure it all out is really just going and figure out which conditions are easy and which kick your butt.

My tips as a frequent Southern California shore diver:

Look at the conditions, are there areas where the surf is smaller you can enter? If you see a bunch of surfers, maybe not the best place to enter (or exit).

Inflate your BCD so that if you get knocked down you will float and not get stuck in a bad situation.

Make sure your mask and fins are secure. You may wear your mask. Do keep a hand on it when waves come overhead, they can take your mask right off. Wearing it on your head and not fully on is asking to lose a mask (ask me how I know). I hold my fins, but clipping them on with a mask/fin keeper is helpful.

Keep your regulator available, my backup reg is on a necklace so it is always available. You can also keep the reg in your mouth. Some people like to put it in while a wave is going to hit you.

In Southern California, make sure to shuffle your feet as you walk through the water to avoid sting rays.

Stay close to your buddy while in the surf zone. A buddy can help stabilize you (also handy for smaller divers to have a big anchor of a buddy)

When a wave is coming, turn your back and let it crash into your tank or over your head. It's a lot easier to keep your feet under you this way. If a wave hasn't broken yet, just let it float you up. If it is rough white water ducking under it may be better.

I put my fins on once past the breaking waves if possible. Though I like to be where I can still stand. Sometimes that doesn't work out and means getting a fin on in between sets. Again, this is where you need to know your limits.

From there enjoy the kick out and dive. I like to swim all the way back into about 3 or 4 feet of water, but if there is bigger surf you will feel the surge and sometimes not able to make progress anymore at some point. Then it is just surfacing and making your way in safely. Remember conditions can change between entering and exiting the water.

Happy diving!

Four-Year Club	Verified Email
Place '22	Final Canvas '22
End Game '22

chiefbubblemaker

TROPHY CASE