Check out the latest scuba diving and watersport gear featured at DEMA, our annual scuba diver summer camp (trade show) and see more in my DEMA 2024 playlist.

SCUBA.COM is the go-to shop for scuba divers. They have the best prices, fast shipping, and easy returns, as well as special financing and resources for gift ideas to make your shopping experience as easy as possible. Check out the full range of their gear here.

If this is your first time hearing of DEMA, let me break it down. DEMA is a huge networking event for diving, travel, and action water sports professionals. Last year’s show was in New Orleans, which was featured in my DEMA 2023 playlist. Next year will be in Orlando and the show rotates between those three places year after year. 

I knew that Las Vegas would be interesting from the get go, but this year it was particularly crazy because of Formula 1. Tourists were in town, streets were closed down, and prices for everything were sky high.

As I prepared myself to spend the next 4 days in networking and socializing mode, I had several goals in mind. Priority #1, get content for SCUBA.COM and be on top of editing and sharing said content in real time. As most of you know, the content I share is delayed by at least a month. Part of that timeline used to be for safety so that people wouldn’t know exactly where I was in the van, but now it naturally happens because I have so much going on.

Anyway, priority #2 was to reconnect with friends I met last year and make new connections.

Priority #3? Well, I have big plans for 2025 and boat life, so I spent time pitching ideas to different brands. There are already some developments happening and I’m keeping my Patreon community up to date with that. Don’t worry though, I’ll share more broadly at some point in the new year.

My first stop of the show was with Garmin for their latest release.

The new Garmin Descent X50i dive computer is a game-changer for divers seeking advanced performance and seamless connectivity. Packed with cutting-edge features, this sleek, intuitive device offers multi-sport functionality, built-in GPS for surface navigation, and customizable dive modes for recreational, technical, and freediving adventures. Its vivid AMOLED display ensures crystal-clear visibility underwater, while real-time data like gas mixes and depth tracking keep you informed and safe. Plus, with smartphone connectivity, you can receive notifications, sync dive logs, and plan dives effortlessly. The Descent X50i is more than a dive computer—it’s your ultimate dive buddy.

I posted about this new computer in my first short-form video of the show and had some questions about its compatibility with sidemount diving. Within the settings, you can program up to 8 tanks (or buddies), so although there isn’t a dedicated sidemount mode, you can monitor multiple tanks while sidemount diving.

Diveheart is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through the transformative power of scuba diving. Founded in 2001, Diveheart provides adaptive scuba diving programs that open up a world of freedom and possibilities for people of all abilities, including those with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. By creating a weightless environment underwater, scuba diving offers therapeutic benefits such as improved confidence, mobility, and mental well-being. Diveheart’s mission goes beyond diving—it’s about building self-esteem, breaking barriers, and fostering a sense of community and adventure. Through training, outreach, and life-changing experiences, Diveheart proves that the ocean truly is for everyone.

When it comes to enhancing your underwater adventures, the top names in scuba gear are featured on SCUBA.COM and deliver unmatched quality and innovation. OrcaTorch lights the way with reliable dive lights, making every dive safer and more immersive. Seac offers a versatile range of diving equipment, from wetsuits to fins, combining Italian craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Fourth Element leads the way in eco-conscious dive gear, providing thermals and wetsuits designed for performance and sustainability. Meanwhile, Sherwood Scuba stands out with their wonderful team and wide range of scuba diving essentials.. Together, these brands ensure that your underwater experiences are safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.

The greatest aspect of this show is connecting with people. This industry is so small, and for the most part, we’re all just out here trying to help each other. We all do this for the love of the water and the sports we do, and I am so grateful to each and every one of you who crossed my path while I was running around the show floor.

See what trips are coming up. I always give my community first dibs on spots, so you can sign up for Patreon (and get trip discounts) or my email list to be the first to know about new expeditions in the future.