Aqua Lung underwater gear dates back to the 1940s and the early adventures of world-famous diver Jacques Cousteau. Pioneering technology used in the first Aqua Lung gear is still in use today. The compact breathing equipment opened up a whole new way of diving for both amateurs and professionals. Aqua Lung equipment includes several different types of SCUBA gear.
Origins
French diver Jacques-Yves Cousteau and engineer Emile Gagnan developed the first aqualung in 1942. Though based on previous diving innovations, the new gear didn't need a hose connected to the surface or a separate tank. The two men christened their new type of device SCUBA -- Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. They gave the unit itself the name Aqua Lung. The system worked via a hose connected to a pressurized air cylinder on the diver's back. A regulator attached to the hose controlled the release of air.
Growing Popularity in the U.S.
The Aqua Lung didn't take off at first in the U.S. A sports store owner named Rene Bussoz agreed to stock 20 Aqua Lungs in the early 1950s. However, the Aqua Lung did not sell well. The breakthrough came when the U.S. Navy ordered Aqua Lungs for diver training. The Aqua Lung's relative ease of use opened up underwater diving to recreational divers for the first time.
Company
Aqua Lung now refers to two companies supplying SCUBA equipment worldwide -- Aqua Lung International and Aqua Lung America. Both are divisions of Air Liquide. Aqua Lung America alone employs 600 people. As of December 2010, the company sells products through its own website and via licensed diving and sports stores. According to the Aqua Lung website, the company also supplies equipment for military and technical organizations.
Products
Aqua Lung manufactures and sells a range of diving products. According to the Aqua Lung website, its regulators are some of the best selling in the world. They also produce fins, diving masks and snorkels for SCUBA enthusiasts. In its 2010 buyer's guide, Aqua Lung lists its main regulator brands as Titan, Legend, Mikron, Calypso and Cronos. Titan and Calypso cost the least and are aimed at dive centers and amateur divers. Legend regulators are more sophisticated and aimed at pro divers or regular users.
