Propulsion with a Purpose: Diving Safer, Smarter, and Farther
In the cold, unpredictable waters off New England’s coast, diving isn’t just a hobby—it’s a calculated dance with nature. I dive year-round, from bone-chilling 38°F winter dips to the relatively balmy 70°F summer swells. And on every shore dive, at least one of my three LEFEET S1 PRO units comes with me. Sometimes all three.
Originally, the S1 PRO was a fun add-on—an underwater scooter to stretch the dive site, conserve air, and add a bit of zip to the experience. But over time, it’s become something far more critical: a safety tool. A contingency plan. A quiet insurance policy against the unexpected.
I keep it mounted to my XS Scuba UFO float, ready to deploy. That setup has proven invaluable. We’ve had dives where someone cramped up mid-swim, couldn’t equalize, or had a gear malfunction. One diver simply hit their limit—too tired to kick back against a stubborn current. Another time, a surprise blizzard rolled in, turning a routine exit into a race against visibility and wind.
And it’s not just the ocean. When diving in the Connecticut River, where currents can shift from manageable to menacing in minutes, the S1 PRO is a game-changer. It gives me the control to hold position, maneuver efficiently, and exit safely when the river decides to flex.
In each case, the S1 PRO wasn’t just helpful—it was decisive. We’ve used it to tow divers back to shore, to cut exit time in half, and to stay ahead of changing conditions. It’s not just about propulsion; it’s about control, options, and reducing risk when the environment throws a curveball.
So yes, I use the S1 PRO for fun. But I also use it for the moments when “just in case” becomes “right now.” And in New England diving, that line gets crossed more often than you’d think.
Ed｜Wagner
