Aqua Lung/La Spirotechnique

Aqua Lung/La Spirotechnique is a company that specializes in the production and distribution of scuba diving and snorkeling equipment. The company was originally founded in France in 1946 by Emile Gagnan and Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who are credited with the invention of the first successful and safe open-circuit scuba known as the "Aqua-Lung".

History

The company was initially named La Spirotechnique and was a subsidiary of the Air Liquide company. The primary goal of La Spirotechnique was to market and continue improving the Aqua-Lung, a revolutionary piece of diving equipment that allowed divers to stay underwater for extended periods of time without the need for surface-supplied air.

In 1952, the company expanded its operations to the United States under the name Aqua Lung America. This expansion was led by René Bussoz, who imported and distributed Aqua-Lung equipment in the US.

Products

Aqua Lung/La Spirotechnique produces a wide range of diving equipment, including dive computers, regulators, buoyancy compensators, diving masks, fins, snorkels, and diving suits. The company is also known for its commitment to innovation and has been responsible for several key advancements in diving technology over the years.

Legacy

The invention of the Aqua-Lung by Gagnan and Cousteau revolutionized underwater exploration and made recreational scuba diving a possibility. Today, Aqua Lung/La Spirotechnique continues to be a leading manufacturer of scuba diving equipment, with its products being used by recreational divers, professional divers, and military divers around the world.

See Also

• Scuba diving
• Emile Gagnan
• Jacques-Yves Cousteau
• Air Liquide
• Diving equipment