AirBuddy: The Ultimate Portable Dive Gear for Exploring the Depths

Revolutionizing Shallow Water Diving with AirBuddy

Unlike many other sports, Scuba diving is not a grab-and-go activity. It requires preparation and logistics. Renting (or filling) air tanks at a dive centre takes time and costs money. The gear is heavy and bulky. It becomes a logistical nightmare when there is a significant distance to the dive centre, outside of opening hours, when on a boat, etc. We set out to design a small, lightweight, and user-friendly dive gear that provides independence of the infrastructure and is travel-friendly.

AirBuddy, designed by Jan Kadlec, is a game-changer in the world of diving. This innovative surface supplied dive gear bridges the gap between snorkeling and Scuba diving, offering a hassle-free and portable solution for exploring the underwater world. With AirBuddy, divers can enjoy the freedom of diving without the need for air refills, complicated logistics, or bulky gear.

One of the standout features of AirBuddy is its compact and lightweight design. Weighing about 50-60 percent less than traditional dive gear, AirBuddy is incredibly travel-friendly. It can be easily transported and fits into a small bag, making it the perfect companion for adventurous divers on the go.

But don't let its size fool you. AirBuddy is packed with power and performance. The battery-powered floating dive compressor provides fresh air from the surface for up to 55 minutes, allowing divers to explore depths of up to 12 meters. It even has a large emergency air reservoir for added safety.

Designed with portability and stowability in mind, AirBuddy is the world's smallest and lightest recreational surface supplied dive gear. It boasts a water-cooled compressor, a low battery underwater notification system, a secure detachable magnetic switch, capsize protection, and other unique features not found in other dive gear on the market.

Jan Kadlec and his team of passionate divers, mechanical engineers, and experienced entrepreneurs based in Sydney, Australia, have spent years perfecting AirBuddy. Through extensive research and development, countless prototypes, and rigorous testing, they have created a diving gear that combines functionality, safety, and technological excellence.

AirBuddy has received widespread recognition and acclaim. It was awarded the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in the Sporting Goods, Fitness, and Recreation Equipment Design category in 2021. This accolade is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the design, which incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology.

With AirBuddy, diving enthusiasts can now embark on underwater adventures with ease and confidence. Whether exploring reefs, engaging in underwater maintenance, or capturing stunning underwater photography, AirBuddy is the ultimate companion for those seeking the thrill of the deep.

Experience the freedom of diving like never before with AirBuddy.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Jan Kadlec
Image Credits: Jan Kadlec
Project Team Members: Jan Kadlec
Project Name: AirBuddy
Project Client: Jan Kadlec


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