Surface Supplied Dive Gear
AirBuddy

Surface Supplied Dive Gear for AirBuddy, OXY Pty Ltd

From a distance, AirBuddy resembles a miniature inflatable boat - a marine motive that creates emotional connection with the main customer segment, the boaters. With the vision to create the smallest, lightest, and most powerful recreational SSBA unit, the design is functional and naturally respects the laws of physics. Hence why the air reservoir (float) is using toroidal shape, the second-best shape (after sphere) to distribute the hoop and longitudinal stress created by the air pressure in its walls. AirBuddy's design conveys ease of use, yet robustness and technological excellence.

Jan Kadlec 2021 Enterprise Bronze Press Kit № 123807

Download Press Kit № 123807

Download Press Kit № 123807 Surface Supplied Dive Gear for AirBuddy, OXY Pty Ltd by Jan Kadlec to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.


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AirBuddy by Jan Kadlec
AirBuddy by Jan Kadlec

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Surface Supplied Dive Gear by Jan Kadlec
Surface Supplied Dive Gear by Jan Kadlec

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Jan Kadlec AirBuddy
Jan Kadlec AirBuddy

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

This 1800-pixel image adapts to your print needs: sharp and detailed at 6 inches with 300 DPI, it transitions smoothly to 12 inches at 150 DPI, preserving visual quality. Press accreditation offers watermark-free high-res downloads. For immediate needs, low-res images are ready now. Image attributions can be found in the Image Credits Section.

Jan Kadlec Surface Supplied Dive Gear
Jan Kadlec Surface Supplied Dive Gear

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Maximize the potential of this 1800-pixel image: at 300 DPI, it delivers exceptional detail up to 6 inches, while at 150 DPI, it offers clarity for prints up to 12 inches. Download watermark-free, high-res images with your press credentials, or opt for an immediate low-res download. Image attributions can be found in the Image Credits Section.

Jan Kadlec Design Team Photo
Jan Kadlec Design Team Photo

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

With an 1800-pixel resolution, create stunning prints up to 6 inches at 300 DPI, or expand your storytelling to 12 inches with a clear outcome at 150 DPI. With press accreditation, enjoy watermark-free, high-res downloads. Low-res images are available immediately for all. For attribution details, see the Image Credits Section.

AirBuddy  OXY Pty LtdBrand Logo
AirBuddy OXY Pty LtdBrand Logo

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

For precise, vibrant prints up to 6 inches, use this 1800-pixel image at 300 DPI. For larger visuals up to 12 inches, 150 DPI ensures the image remains clear and impactful. Accredited press members can download high-res images free of watermarks. Alternatively, low-res images are instantly available. For attribution details, see the Image Credits Section.

Design Newswire
AirBuddy Surface Supplied Dive Gear Press Releases

Press releases for AirBuddy are now accessible in these languages: English.


Language Icon
AirBuddy Surface Supplied Dive Gear Translations

Our AirBuddy translations are now available in a wide range of languages: Surface Supplied Dive Gear EN, Oppervlak Verskaf Duik Uitrusting AF, Pajisjet Zhytëse Të Ofruara Nga Sipërfaqja SQ, ላዩን የሚቀርበው የመጥለቂያ ማርሽ AM, معدات الغطس التي يتم توفيرها على السطح AR, Մակերեսային Մատակարարվող Սուզվող Հանդերձանքը HY, Yerüstü Təchiz Olunmuş Dalğıc Alətləri AZ, Azalera Hornitutako Urpekaritza EU, Рыштунак Для Дайвінга, Які Пастаўляецца На Паверхні, BE, পৃষ্ঠ সরবরাহ করা ডাইভ গিয়ার BN, Oprema Za Ronjenje Na Površini BS, Доставяното На Повърхността Оборудване За Гмуркане BG, မျက်နှာပြင်မှ ထောက်ပံ့ပေးထားသော ရေငုပ်ဂီယာ MY, L'equip De Busseig Subministrat A La Superfície CA, Surface Supplied Dive Gear CEB, Pamwamba Omwe Amaperekedwa Pansi Pamadzi NY, 水面供應的潛水裝備 ZY, 水面供应的潜水装备 ZH, L'attrezzatura Di Immersione Furnita In A Superficia CO, Ronilačka Oprema Koja Se Isporučuje S Površine HR, Povrchově Dodávané Potápěčské Vybavení CS, Overfladeleveret Dykkerudstyr DA, Aan De Oppervlakte Geleverde Duikuitrusting NL, Surfaca Provizita Plonĝa Ilaro EO, Pinnaga Varustatud Sukeldumisvarustus ET, Pinnalla Toimitettavat Sukellusvarusteet FI, L'équipement De Plongée Fourni En Surface FR, Th’ Ann An Gèar Dàibhidh Air A Thoirt Seachad Le Uachdar GD, O Equipamento De Mergullo Provisto De Superficie GL, ზედაპირზე მოწოდებული ჩაყვინთვის აღჭურვილობა KA, Von Der Oberfläche Bereitgestellte Tauchausrüstung DE, Ο Εξοπλισμός Καταδύσεων Που Παρέχεται Στην Επιφάνεια EL, સપાટી પર પૂરા પાડવામાં આવેલ ડાઇવ ગિયર GU, Sifas Apwovizyone Plonje Kovèti Pou HT, Kayan Nutsewar Da Aka Kawo Saman HA, ʻo Ke Kapa Luʻu I Hāʻawi ʻia I Luna HAW, ציוד צלילה מסופק על פני השטח HE, सतह की आपूर्ति की गई गोता गियर HI, Nto Muab Khoom Dhia Dhia Dej HMN, A Felszínen Szállított Búvárfelszerelés HU, Köfunarbúnaður Sem Fylgir Yfirborði IS, Ngwa Ndakpu N'elu Wetara IG, Peralatan Selam Yang Disediakan Permukaan ID, Fearas Tumadóireachta A Sholáthraítear Dromchla GA, L'attrezzatura Da Immersione Fornita In Superficie IT, サーフェス供給のダイビングギアは JA, Peralatan Nyilem Sing Diwenehake Lumahing JV, ಮೇಲ್ಮೈ ಸರಬರಾಜು ಡೈವ್ ಗೇರ್ KN, Жер Үсті Сүңгуір Құралдары KK, ឧបករណ៍មុជទឹកដែលផ្គត់ផ្គង់លើផ្ទៃ KM, Hejuru Yatanzwe Ibikoresho Byo Kwibira RW, 표면 공급 다이빙 장비는 KO, Amûrên Dakêşanê Yên Ku Li Ser Rûyê Erdê Têne Peyda Kirin KU, Жер Үстүндөгү Сууга Түшүүчү Шаймандар KY, ເຄື່ອງມືການດຳນ້ຳທີ່ສະໜອງໃຫ້ພື້ນຜິວ LO, Superficies Suppeditavit Dive Calces LA, Niršanas Aprīkojums LV, Paviršiuje Tiekiama Nardymo Įranga LT, Uewerfläch Geliwwert Tauchausrüstung LB, Опремата За Нуркање Што Се Испорачува На Површината MK, Fitaovana Antsitrika Omen'ny Surface MG, Peralatan Menyelam Yang Dibekalkan Permukaan MS, ഉപരിതലത്തിൽ വിതരണം ചെയ്യുന്ന ഡൈവ് ഗിയർ ML, Irkaptu Ta 'l-Adsa Fornut Mill-Wiċċ MT, Te Taputapu Ruku I Tukuna Ki Runga MI, पृष्ठभाग पुरवलेले डायव्ह गियर MR, Гадаргуугаар Хангагдсан Шумбах Хэрэгсэл MN, सतह आपूर्ति डाइभ गियर NE, Overflatelevert Dykkeutstyr NO, ଭୂପୃଷ୍ଠ ଯୋଗାଇ ଦିଆଯାଉଥିବା ଡାଇଭ୍ ଗିଅର୍ OR, د سطحې چمتو شوي ډوب ګیر PS, تجهیزات غواصی سطحی FA, Sprzęt Do Nurkowania Dostarczany Z Powierzchni PL, O Equipamento De Mergulho Fornecido Pela Superfície PT, ਸਤਹ ਸਪਲਾਈ ਕੀਤਾ ਡਾਈਵ ਗੇਅਰ PA, Echipamentul De Scufundare Furnizat La Suprafață RO, Снаряжение Для Дайвинга, Поставляемое С Поверхности RU, O Mea Tau Maulu E Tu'uina I Luga Ole Laiga SM, Опрема За Роњење На Површини SR, Pamusoro Inopihwa Dive Giya SN, مٿاڇري تي فراهم ڪيل ڊيو گيئر SD, මතුපිටින් සපයන ලද කිමිදුම් ආම්පන්න SI, Povrchom Dodávaný Potápačský Výstroj SK, Potapljaška Oprema, Dobavljena Na Površini SL, Qalabka Quusitaanka Ee Dusha Sare Laga Keenay SO, Holim'a Metsi A Fanoang Ka Holimo ST, El Equipo De Buceo Suministrado Desde La Superficie ES, Gear Beuleum Disadiakeun Permukaan SU, Uso Hutolewa Dive Gear SW, Ytförsedd Dykutrustning SV, Ang Surface Supplied Dive Gear TL, Фишанги Ғаввосии Рӯизаминӣ TG, மேற்பரப்பில் வழங்கப்பட்ட டைவ் கியர் TA, Surfaceир Өстендә Китерелгән Суга Сикерү Җиһазлары TT, ఉపరితల సరఫరా డైవ్ గేర్ TE, อุปกรณ์ดำน้ำที่จัดหาพื้นผิว TH, Yüzeyden Temin Edilen Dalış Teçhizatı, TR, Surfaceer Bilen Üpjün Edilen Çümmek Enjamlary TK, Спорядження Для Занурення, Що Поставляється На Поверхні, UK, سطح فراہم کردہ ڈائیو گیئر UR, يۈز بىلەن تەمىنلەنگەن سۇغا شۇڭغۇش ئۈسكۈنىلىرى UG, Sirt Bilan Ta'minlangan Sho'ng'in Jihozlari UZ, Bề Mặt Cung Cấp Thiết Bị Lặn VI, Gêr Plymio A Gyflenwir Ar Yr Wyneb CY, Oerflak Levere Dive Gear FY, Umphezulu Obonelelwe Ngezixhobo Zokuntywila XH, ייבערפלאַך סאַפּלייד ונטערטוקנ זיך גאַנג YI, Dada Ti A Pese Jia Besomi YO, Igiya Lokuntywila Elinikezwa Phezulu ZU, for global reach.


Press Kit
AirBuddy Surface Supplied Dive Gear Media Articles

Leverage our ready-to-publish articles on AirBuddy, offered in a range of languages: Korean, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, English, Chinese (Mandarin), Dutch, Hindi, Turkish, Arabic (Standard), German and Indonesian.


Unique Properties

AirBuddy bridges the gap between snorkelling and Scuba diving. The battery-powered floating dive compressor can be recharged from a socket, i.e. does not require any air refills, rentals, complicated logistics or bulky gear. It enables diving for almost an hour to one diver (up to 12m deep) or two divers (up to 6m deep) and weighs about 50-60 percent less than other dive gear on the market. The battery recharge costs only about 0.1 dollar (vs. 20 dollar for single air tank hire).

Tags

Surface Supplied Diving Gear, SSBA, Hookah, Innovative Dive Gear, Self-guided Diving, Coral Reef Diving, Lobstering, Hull Cleaning, Fouled Prop Untanglement, Underwater Maintenance, Underwater Treasure Hunting, Underwater Photography

Production Technology

Designed with portability and stowability in mind, AirBuddy became the world's smallest and lightest recreational SSBA, yet significantly exceeds the performance and safety of other, larger, units with its 75lpm air flow, 38 psi pressure and 55 plus 10 min runtime. It features large 16l emergency air reservoir, water-cooled compressor, low battery underwater notification system, secure detachable magnetic switch, capsize protection, etc. - unique features previously not found in other SSBA units.

Design Challenge

The combination of size, weight, functional features, and aesthetic expectations from the customers, coupled with the safety aspects and regulations were impossible to achieve with the use of standard materials and conventional production technologies. We worked closely with the STU University of Technology and several expert plasticians and moulders to develop specialised mold and custom blend plastic resin to achieve strict tolerances and correct stress distribution as observed in the FEA models.

Project Duration

Our team of passionate divers, mechanical engineers and experienced entrepreneurs is based in Sydney, Australia. AirBuddy evolved from a passion project that started in 2014 and since then made splash winning several business competitions, receiving multiple grants, attracting the attention of global media and joining the ranks of top 1 percent of crowdfunding campaigns.

Operation Flow

AirBuddy is a small, portable surface supplied dive gear (hookah) for recreational, self-guided shallow water diving. AirBuddy provides a lightweight, compact and hassle-free alternative to air tanks. It runs off a rechargeable, battery-powered air compressor that provides fresh air from the surface for 55 min (plus reserve) at a max depth of up to 12 m (40 ft). Just recharge the battery and dive. No air tanks or bulky gear! AirBuddy is a popular choice for exploring reefs, hull cleaning, underwater boat maintenance, lobster diving or treasure hunting.

Research

AirBuddy is a result of 4 years of research and development, 10 generations of working prototypes and hundreds of modifications and test scenarios. We studied various aspects of diving physics and human anatomy that we then turned into functional, technical and safety requirements that formed the base for AirBuddy design. Our team of divers and engineers performed hundreds of bench tests and test dives in ocean to develop the key features, such as the emergency air reserve, capsize protection, underwater notification system, secure detachable switch, position control, etc.

Inspiration

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.

Project Overview

AirBuddy Surface Supplied Dive Gear has been a Bronze winner in the Sporting Goods, Fitness and Recreation Equipment Design award category in the year 2020 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Bronze A' Design Award is given to outstanding designs that showcase a high degree of creativity and practicality. It recognizes the dedication and skill of designers who produce work that stands out for its thoughtful development and innovative use of materials and technology. These designs are acknowledged for their professional execution and potential to influence industry standards positively. Winning this award highlights the designer's ability to blend form and function effectively, offering solutions that enhance people's lives and wellbeing.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Jan Kadlec.

Jan Kadlec Design Team Photo Award Logo
Bronze Recognition

Jan Kadlec was recognized with the coveted Bronze A' Design Award in 2021, a testament to excellence of their work AirBuddy Surface Supplied Dive Gear.

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Jan Kadlec Press Releases

Explore the world of Jan Kadlec through our press releases, designed for media members to use freely and enrich your content. Instantly access 1 press releases, available exclusively for journalists.


AirBuddy: Revolutionizing Recreational Diving with Innovative Surface Supplied Dive Gear

Jan Kadlec Unveils AirBuddy, the World's Smallest and Lightest Recreational SSBA


Jan Kadlec Design Team Photo
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