Ocean First

The Latest from Ocean First

Freediving: Below the Ice

For most people, the sport of freediving is an intimidating pursuit. Although I would typically argue that it’s an accessible activity for everyone, the trip I embarked on one year ago was not for the timid or inexperienced. In February of 2019, I traveled to the Canadian Great Lakes with six other freedivers from various parts of the US. It was not easy to leave Colorado mid-winter for a destination that promised to be even colder, but freediving under ice was a bucket-list opportunity I could not let pass by.

Why Buy a Back Inflate BCD over a Jacket Style?

For those leery of back inflates, they may believe that the slimmed down size of the back inflates means they are losing features. This used to be true with older models, but the newer models give you just as many features as a jacket without the bulk! Back inflates now tend to have front pockets, that are in many cases the same size as a jacket, they have just as many attachment points, weight integration, and are just as comfortable if sized correctly.

Summon Your Inner Naturalist

Educated divers are smart, compassionate divers. The more you know the better diver you become, and the creatures of the ocean can tell if you care. These majestic creatures need our help and we can only help if we understand. Start your journey to become an underwater naturalist; the world opens up, and Ocean First will be ready for you when you are.

Manufacturer's Plastic - It's Time For Change

Reducing plastic consumption should be a top priority for those with a stake in the game, including those in the dive industry. And yet, with every shipment of dive gear Ocean First receives for our retail floor, we are bombarded with mounds of plastic packaging. Read on to find out what our retail manager and buyer, Kathy Gagliardo, has done to make a stand.

Ocean First in Madagascar 2019

Read on for Amy's full trip report about their time in the land of whale sharks, chameleons, lemurs, and baobabs!

9 Ways to Make The Most of Your Carry-On Space

The feeling of anticipation when getting ready for an adventure to somewhere new is unbeatable. Packing for the trip ahead, feeling the energy in the airport, and getting to spend time experiencing new things are all just parts of why traveling is so incredible. However, long travel days can make it harder to enjoy the thrill of the experience. We have 9 ways for you to make the most of your carry-on space so you can enjoy the journey just as much as the destination!

Tips for Traveling Green

Sustainable living is a way of life that helps you and our planet! Do you live green at home, but struggle to continue that type of living when you are traveling? Here are some tips for traveling green, so you can live just as sustainable out in the world as you do in your own home!

Ocean First at Blue Mesa Reservoir

In a first-of-a-kind trip, Ocean First instructors and divers donned their cold-weather clothes and drove to Gunnison County's scenic Blue Mesa Reservoir for a weekend of exploring what Colorado diving is all about.

Ocean First in the Arctic 2019

"171 years ago, Sir John Franklin's expedition to discover a path through the Northwest Passage for Britain failed and the HMS Terror and Erebus were lost in ice flows. This September, five ladies from Ocean First set off to travel the ill-fated path and make discoveries of our own." Read on for Kathy's full trip report!

All Rivers Lead to the Sea

We have all heard the adage “all rivers lead to the sea” but when was the last time that you really truly internalized its implications? Two of Ocean First's staff recently embarked on a multi-day rafting adventure with Adrift Dinosaur to reconnect with the wilderness and waterways who's health is interconnected with the health of our ocean.

Ocean First in Cocos Island, July 2019

Amy recently returned from leading another adventure to Cocos Island, her favorite diving destination ever (and that’s saying a lot!) There was magic in those waters: daily whale shark sightings, dolphin greetings, tons of species of sharks, and all shared with a tight group of friends old and new. Read on to find out what makes this place so special:

June 8th: The Ocean First Summer Party & Sale

You are invited to our 13th annual Summer Party extravaganza. This is our BIGGEST event of the year and includes a store-wide sale, pool demos, classroom seminars, free food and drinks, and an ever-growing raffle with some seriously cool prizes. It's all happening on World Oceans Day: Saturday, June 8th