Hayden Hess : passion et vocation

The Center for Research and Education in Special Environments (CRESE) at the University at Buffalo in New York is at the forefront of environmental physiology research, investigating how various environmental stressors impact human health and performance.

A diver wearing a heavy drysuit, dive helmet, and chemical-resistant gloves.

Sainte-Lucie

Looking down from space, the Windward Islands resemble an emerald necklace floating in the sea. Viewed from underwater, when you are immersed in that warm, blue sea and surrounded by colorful reefs bustling with life, the Windwards take on new dimensions.

Red erect rope sponges and orange elephant ear sponges

Ear Beer Isn’t Enough for Contaminated Water Diving

I was recently scrolling through social media and found a popular video of a salvage diver saying that ear beer was enough after diving in contaminated water. Hearing this advice gave me pause — someone could have serious adverse health effects if they follow it without more knowledge.

Diver at the ocean floor.

Answering the Call

Accidents and incidents occur worldwide that leave victims beyond the reach of standard rescue techniques. These events often happen in or near the water and may require the assistance of specially trained personnel.

Cave diver.

Readiness Made the Difference

In a behind-the-scenes emergency at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, two trained responders faced a critical moment that tested their skills and composure.

National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland.

Échos dans le froid

vAncient beyond description and giant beyond comparison, Lake Superior’s cold and secretive depths hide a multitude of ships that prematurely ended their careers. The largest and farthest north of all the Great Lakes, Lake Superior is in a class by itself when it comes to preserving shipwrecks.

Ryan Staley diving next to a shipwreck.

Beneath the Fin

Sharks are among the ocean’s oldest survivors. They have cruised through Earth’s seas for more than 450 million years — long before the first trees grew or Saturn formed its rings.

Silky sharks in Cuba’s Jardines de la Reina.

Hydro Training

Joint stability and core strength can significantly impact your dive experience, especially when there is current or you are entering or exiting the water in full gear. One way to improve joint stability and core strength is to incorporate water into almost any traditional exercise that uses a bar or dumbbells. The basic premise is that moving water forces your body to use more stability. You can purchase hydro training equipment or make your own.

Women doing a single leg deadlift press next to a pool in a tropical setting.

Wobbegong Shark

While photographing the wrecks throughout the day, I noticed a few wobbegong sharks, but they were difficult to photograph as they rested under ledges or in sheltered spots.

Moreton Island, northeast of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Put Peace of Mind on Your Packing List

When we pack for a trip, our minds are usually filled with checklists that include passports, boarding passes, medications, and an extra phone charger. We rarely consider if we are […]

Someone writing Last Will and Testament.