Contributions by Calvin Tang

Interview with Underwater Filmmaker Howard Hall

By Calvin Tang | Published: August 15, 2010

Blue shark, Prionace glauca, in California

Howard Hall has spent over thirty years making underwater films that have inspired millions of people to learn more about the underwater world. In this interview, Hall describes the many challenges and complexities involved with making underwater films, including working with IMAX 3D technology, planning and logistics, working with marine wildlife and more.

Scuba Diving the Golden Reefs of Bali

By Calvin Tang | Published: August 10, 2010

Indonesia has the most coastline of any country in the world, which is why it’s easy for Bali to be overlooked as one of the finest dive destinations in the country. As the only island among 17,508 that is predominantly Hindu (rather than Muslim), Bali’s residents are friendly and welcoming to foreigners. With dazzling coral reefs to enjoy in the water and delicious cuisine to indulge in topside, the island and international gateway does not disappoint.

Pacific Northwest Scuba Diving Guide

By Calvin Tang | Published: July 29, 2010

Divers from around the world set out to dive the cool, emerald waters of the Pacific Northwest to witness shipwrecks that few have ever laid eyes on, and to photograph marine life that is truly unique to this part of the world. Nowhere else can a diver find a Giant Pacific Octopus or Wolf Eel year-round, with as much regularity as the divers commonly do in Puget Sound and off the coast of British Columbia. Winter brings about frequent encounters with Harbor Seals who are as playful as they are curious about the bubble-making visitors. Though extremely rare, Sixgill Shark[...]

The Aquatic Wilderness of Nootka Sound, Canada

By Calvin Tang | Published: July 25, 2010

Thousands upon thousands of bright pink and red strawberry anemones fill the underwater seascape, as clusters of giant, white cloud sponges protrude proudly off of the giant boulders that rest precariously upon a slope that wanders off into the abysmal depths. Above, a tinge of green light reminds us that there’s a world above and a curious Sea Lion darts to and fro, silhouetted by the backlit, emerald surface light. But, our adventures lead us deeper yet. Descending down to the limits of recreational diving, I spot a Puget Sound King Crab, hunkering down in its impenetrable armor, colored bright[...]

Mophie Juice Pack Air for iPhone 3GS

By Calvin Tang | Published: July 21, 2010

I’ve had the good fortune of testing out a Mophie rechargeable external battery case, the “Juice Pack Air“, designed to work with the iPhone 3GS, for the past few months now. This combination iPhone case and external battery pack allows you to recharge your iPhone on the go, even if the iPhone is completely dead. Initially I did not realize how useful the Mophie unit could be – until it came through to save me in a pinch on several occasions, when I would have otherwise ended up with a dead iPhone. Ever since, the Mophie is something I always keep[...]

Hollis F1 Fin Review

By Calvin Tang | Published: July 21, 2010

Fins are where the rubber meets the water. Given that human-powered propulsion gets most of us around underwater (scooters are fun too), fins are an integral part of a diver’s gear kit. A few years ago I offered up a comparative review of a number of good performing fins, including the Mares Plana Avanti Quattro, ScubaPro Jet fin, ScubaPro Twin Speed, ScubaPro Twin Jet, Atomic Aquatics SplitFin, and finally, the Apollo Bio-Fin and Bio-Fin XT. The winner in that review (for best cold water fin) was the Apollo Bio-Fin XT – which had just enough thrust, ergonomics and maneuverability to[...]

Eric Larsen Visits Seattle

By Calvin Tang | Published: July 16, 2010

Today I caught up with AtlasOmega resident Polar Explorer, Eric Larsen. Always on the move, Larsen was passing through in such a rush that he stayed out in the wonderful City of Sea-Tac. Eric will be giving a presentation about his ongoing expedition tomorrow, courtesy of Atlas Snowshoes- a sponsor of Save the Poles.