How do you know how much air is left?
Each SCORKL has its own pressure gauge fitted which tells you how much air is left in the SCORKL at any time.
Last updated: August 07, 2019 17:52
Do I have to use the hand pump?
No. Each SCORKL comes with a free scuba tank refill adapter which means you can refill directly from a scuba tank in seconds This refill adapter can be fitted to a mechanical compressor as well.
Last updated: August 07, 2019 17:53
Do I need a scuba certification to buy or use a SCORKL?
No a scuba certification is not required to purchase and/or use the SCORKL. However, see “Is it Safe?” questions below for further discussion on this topic
Last updated: August 07, 2019 17:54
Is it safe? Part A
The SCORKL is safe, easy and for everyone. If you are an untrained diver however there are restrictions on use and risks to be aware of. See “Is it safe? Part B” below for further discussion.
Last updated: August 07, 2019 17:54
Is is safe? Part B
Misuse of the SCORKL can be dangerous. Whilst decompression sickness isn’t much of a risk because of the depth and time restrictions of such a small cylinder, pulmonary damage (chest expansion injuries) is nevertheless a risk if a user holds their breath during ascent or ascends too quickly Non-scuba trained users should not use the SCORKL below 3 m depth or more than five times in one day. Staying above 3 m dramatically reduces this risk of pulmonary damage (although does not eliminate it entirely). Each purchaser will be provided with an information kit informing them of this (and other) risks and strategies to avoid them, even within the 3 m limit (for example, not holding one’s breath and/or exhaling during ascent, not ascending too quickly) Scuba-trained users will be able to use the SCORKL below 3 m at their discretion but they too will be warned of the same risks
Last updated: August 07, 2019 17:55
How does the dive experience compare to scuba?
Scorkling is a much more natural diving experience, similar to snorkeling and free-diving, than traditional scuba because you don’t have a heavy tank hanging off your back or BCD strapped around your chest. Buoyancy issues are much diminished for the reasons above but that is also partly because Scorkling lends itself more to shallower, active dives, rather than the long slow drifts at depth of scuba.
Last updated: August 07, 2019 17:56
How long can you spend underwater?
At 1 atm and 3,000 psi the SCORKL holds the equivalent of roughly 60 breaths (assuming breath size of 1.6L). An inhale/exhale cycle of 10/min (1 every 6 seconds) allows for ~6 min underwater at 1 atm. A slower cycle of 6/min (1 every 10 seconds) allows for ~10 min underwater. These cycle times are slower than average but very achievable by an experienced and relaxed diver looking to minimise air consumption. Spearfishing enthusiasts as well as free-divers will be able to use the SCORKL intermittently (i.e. a breath only when called for) during a whole dive trip that may last for 1hr+
Last updated: August 07, 2019 17:58
How deep can you go?
The SCORKL can operate to 20 m but is only intended as shallow diving equipment. We recommend not using below 10 m. Non-scuba trained users should not use the SCORKL below 3 m (see safety questions).
Last updated: August 07, 2019 17:59
Can you take it on a plane?
Yes. Being able to take the SCORKL away travelling is actually one of the best features of it! It’s perfectly fine to take on a plane, you just can’t fill it (pressurize it) prior to checking your luggage in. If a valve inspection is required, simply unscrew the regulator from the bottle. This is easy to do since it is only finger tight.
Last updated: August 07, 2019 17:59
How long does it take to refill with the scuba tank refill adapter?
It only takes about 30 seconds to refill from a scuba tank using the scuba tank refill adapter.
Last updated: August 07, 2019 18:00
How long does it take to pump up?
At 3,000 psi the SCORKL holds about 60 breaths at 1 atm. It takes around ten pumps per breath to fill the SCORKL (600 pumps). It gets harder to pump as the pressure in the tank increases but it is manageable for an adult A steady pumping rhythm of 50/min (<1/sec) fills the tank in 12 min. Most people will want to rest intermittently though which also allows the pump to cool down. Each SCORKL also comes with a free scuba tank refill adapter which enables you to fill the SCORKL from a scuba tank in seconds.
Last updated: August 07, 2019 18:01
What about air quality?
The SCORKL can be filled either directly from a scuba tank or from our high-pressure hand pump. If filled from a scuba tank the air can be assured to be of good quality because of industry supplier standards. These standards are concerned mainly with carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oil and water levels. Since the hand pump doesn’t have as many working parts as a mechanical compressor, and is muscle-powered rather than petrol powered, the risk of contamination from latent carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide is dramatically reduced. This is the same for oil contaminants. Notwithstanding this, each SCORKL pump comes fitted with an air filter which is comprised of the same materials, and performs the same function, as a filter fitted to a mechanical air compressor.
Last updated: August 07, 2019 18:02
Do I have to use the SCORKL hand pump or can I use my own?
No you cannot use your own, you will have to use the SCORKL pump. Normal pumps (e.g. a bike pump) can only pump up to around 200 psi whereas the SCORKL hand pump can pump up to 3,000 psi. See section “5. How it Works” of the campaign to find out how the pump can pump to such high pressures The SCORKL pump also comes fitted with an air filter which ensures the air is suitable for breathing.
Last updated: August 07, 2019 18:03
What is the operating pressure?
The operating pressure of the SCORKL is 3,000 psi.
Last updated: August 07, 2019 18:04
What is the volume of the cylinder?
The SCORKL cylinder is 510 mL by water volume.
Last updated: August 07, 2019 18:04
What is the air capacity?
At the working pressure of 3,000 psi the SCORKL contains 3 cubit feet of air (85L).
Last updated: August 07, 2019 18:05
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