You might wonder how dive slates came to be, and you may wonder why they’re called slates – particularly since the newest dive slates are much different from the earliest versions. At one time, slates really were made from slate – thin slabs of stone that could be written on using special slate pencils made of soapstone, pressed clay, or chalk. Today’s dive slates have received a number of impressive upgrades. Let’s take a look.
Glow In the Dark Scuba Slates
Perfect for communicating on night dives and in dark spaces like caves, wrecks, and deep reefs, glow in the dark slates come in a variety of configurations. Multi-page wrist slates are popular, as are flat slates; many models come with pencils attached.
Multi-Page Dive Slates
If you need to record many details or if you have a tendency to “chat” a lot while diving, a multi-page dive slate is certain to come in handy. Flat models sized just right for BCD pockets are popular, as are multi-page wrist slates. Like their glow in the dark counterparts, these slates often come with pencils attached by safety lanyards.
Dive Slates with Compasses
Keep your slate and compass close at hand with this innovative dive slate. Available from several different manufacturers and in a variety of configurations, this type of slate lets you communicate and navigate with ease. Most models come with tethered pencils attached. When selecting a dive slate with a compass, be sure to make your choice based on compass quality. There are some scarily low-priced models out there that might or might not work perfectly when the time comes to plot a course.
Magnetic Dive Slates
Remember playing with an Etch-a-Sketch when you were a kid? Magnetic dive slates are just as much fun, and they let you communicate, erase, and write a new message in the blink of an eye. The Mini Quest magnetic dive slate takes it a step further, with a standard slate attached to the back where you can record information you want to save for later. This little slate fits right into a BCD pocket, and is equipped with a protective cover. A lever on the side of the slate allows for easy erasure.
AquaSketch Minno Wrist Slates
Designed specifically for recording data, the AquaSketch Minno wrist slate is equipped with two rollers that let you scroll forward and back. Information you’ve written is protected by being rolled into the scroll; if you like, you can erase and re-use the vellum, or you can scan it into a computer. This innovative scuba slate is popular with marine researchers and military divers; and, as it was tested by NASA, you know it’s built to stand the test of time. Whether you write long messages to dive buddies or record lots of specific information about your dives, this slate is up to the task.
Wetnotes and Waterproof Paper
If you want to save lots of information, Wetnotes and waterproof paper like Rite in the Rain all-weather paper are ideal. You may need to affix your own pencil with a lanyard for easy access. These papers do erase, but they end up looking grimy after a few uses.
Now that waterproof iPad, iPod, and iPhone cases are available, Apple users have some additional options for communicating and note-taking underwater. Whether you’re using one of these devices or a nifty dive slate like the ones we’ve just reviewed, you’ll find that having the ability to communicate clearly while diving is a definite plus.