Try the Hollis Prism 2: Info Session & In‑Water Rebreather Demo in Middletown

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.