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Get hands‑on with the Hollis Prism 2 in a supervised pool session in Middletown, Connecticut. This demo compresses core rebreather theory and in‑water time so you can decide if closed‑circuit diving is your next step.
Get hands‑on with the Hollis Prism 2 in a supervised pool session in Middletown, Connecticut. This demo compresses core rebreather theory and in‑water time so you can decide if closed‑circuit diving is your next step.
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Operated by Scuba Shack Divers · Middletown, Connecticut
At 99 Union St, Middletown, CT 06457, a deliberate, low-risk gateway to closed‑circuit diving waits for curious and committed divers alike. The Hollis Prism 2 Rebreather Demo Session pairs a focused classroom primer with guided in‑water time in a controlled pool, letting you feel the breathing, buoyancy, and system behavior that define modern rebreather use.
The experience opens with a 90‑minute information session that walks through the Prism 2’s components, electronics, oxygen sensors, and scrubber theory. Instructors break down setup sequences, gas planning basics, and emergency procedures in plain terms, then demonstrate how loop volume, counterlungs, and trim interact to affect posture and drag. This short classroom segment is practical by design: expect hands‑on kit checks, quick drills, and a safety orientation that prepares you for working in the water.
A three‑hour pool session follows, during which you will don the unit and perform supervised dives in shallow, predictable conditions. In the pool you can test inhalation resistance, experience near‑silent exhalation without endless bubbles, and practice bailout protocols with immediate instructor feedback. The Prism 2’s compact layout and electronic partial‑pressure control make for especially smooth breathing sensations, and trainers focus on how to manage buoyancy when the loop is sealed versus open‑circuit gear.
What makes this demo a standout in central Connecticut is its accessibility and specificity. Rather than committing to a full course or testing gear alone on a weekend boat, you get focused exposure in a downtown setting where instructors can concentrate on core skills. Middletown sits on the Connecticut River and serves as a logical meeting point for divers who want to follow a pool demo with river or coastal outings; the town’s river valley character also reminds participants why extended bottom time and reduced bubbles matter for underwater photography and archaeological survey.
Practical notes: participants must be 18 or older and hold at least an open water certification. Bring your personal mask, fins, and exposure suit if used to your own fit; the operator provides the rebreather and supervision. Sessions are particularly useful for divers evaluating a rebreather purchase, comparing closed‑circuit ergonomics, or preparing for technical courses.
Sessions typically attract small groups and private appointments are possible; the structured pace allows time for repeat drills and individualized coaching. Whether you’re a photographer seeking bubble‑free shots, a teacher building a technical curriculum, or an experienced diver curious about purchase decisions, this demo clarifies tradeoffs quickly. Reserve a spot through the reservation link provided by the operator and arrive ready.
moderate.
4–5 hours.
You should be comfortable swimming, able to clear your mask, equalize, and manage moderate exertion while carrying gear.
No—this demo is designed for certified open water divers who want an intro to closed‑circuit systems; instructors guide you through basics before entering the water.
Participants must be at least 18 and hold a current Open Water certification or equivalent; bring proof at check‑in.
The program combines about 1.5 hours of information content with a three‑hour supervised in‑water pool session—plan for roughly 4–5 hours total.
The operator supplies the Hollis Prism 2 for the demo; the session is meant to let you evaluate the system rather than act as a rental for independent dives.
Yes—supervised, shallow, controlled conditions allow instructors to demonstrate and practice bailout procedures with immediate coaching and support.
Yes—private appointments and small groups are commonly offered; contact the operator via the reservation link to request a private session.
Middletown is a long‑standing Connecticut river town with a maritime and commercial history tied to the Connecticut River.
Use closed‑circuit systems with proper scrubber disposal and maintenance to minimize environmental contamination; follow instructor guidance to avoid disturbing local river habitats.
Scuba Shack Divers, located in Newington, Connecticut, is a dive center that offers a full range of PADI courses, specialty training, and equipment rental options. The operation provides widely recognized PADI certifications including Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, Deep Diver, Dry Suit Diver, Underwater Navigator, and specialty offerings such as Wreck Diver and Underwater Naturalist. Scuba Shack Divers also offers a practical Scuba Rental Package (Weekend / 3 days) that includes tanks, wetsuit, regulator, and other essential gear with a pick-up on Friday and return on Tuesday, enabling multi-day local trips without long-term gear commitments. Membership options include joining the PADI Club for access to discounts, events, and community dive opportunities. All programs are presented as structured PADI courses or defined rental products, giving divers clear pathways from fundamentals through advanced and specialty skills. Course descriptions emphasize safety, skill development, and environmental respect, and the rental product outlines a convenient weekend/three-day gear solution. Scuba Shack Divers is listed as a featured business on The Adventure Collective, making course and rental information visible to divers searching for training and equipment near Newington, CT. This overview focuses strictly on the factual courses, specialties, and rental offerings provided by Scuba Shack Divers, helping divers choose the right training and gear options available locally.
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