Some sixty years ago, along the European shores of the Mediterranean, the exciting new sport of goggle-fishing was gaining popularity. Back then, there was virtually nothing in the way of commercially available, specifically designed gear for this new sport and necessity was the mother of invention. The predominantly home-made gear consisted of little more than a pair of swimming trunks, a crude mask, usually made from a pair of converted aviators goggles and a pointed stick.

As the sport grew and evolved, the demand for gear also grew. The first company to provide specialized gear was Cressi-sub of Italy, now 53 years old, which offered one of the first modern style masks and pairs of swim fins. Today Cressi-sub is still providing a full line of gear based on economy and performance.

At Cressi-sub, good things come in small packages. The Air Max regulator has one of the smallest second stages in the industry. Measuring just over two inches in diameter its light weight and comfortable silicone mouthpiece helps to reduce jaw fatigue. The second stage also incorporates controls for adjustment of breathing resistance and free-flow suppression. The first stage is available in either a balanced piston or balanced diaphragm design and has four low pressure and two high pressure ports. The first stages are also available in a DIN configuration. The Air Max comes with a carrying bag and a hex wrench for removing the standard size port plugs.

The Cressi-Sub Acquapro 3 buoyancy compensator is constructed of 420 Denier nylon with colourful accents. The padded hard pack gives the Acquapro 3 stability and support while the padded shoulder straps provide comfort. Two large zippered cargo pockets are easily accessible and four plastic D-rings provide points of attachment for additional equipment. The controls on the inflator are easily accessible and air can be purged by pulling down on the inflator. A second purge valve is situated along the bottom edge of the BC for use while in a head down position.

The Rondine Frog fin represents over fifty years of evolution in fin design by Cressi. The Frog fin looks a little different than most fins as it has the foot pocket positioned below the blade of the fin. This design increases the flat surface area of the fin by 20%, providing more power on the down kick and less leg stress on the up kick. The heel straps are easily adjustable and incorporate quick-release swivelling buckles. The Frog comes as a full foot fin in a wide variety of colours.

The Marea is a low volume, two window mask with a clear silicone skirt, easy-adjust strap and swivelling buckles. It is available in a wide variety of colours.

See your nearest Cressi-sub dealer for further information.