MAY 2011
DIVE LOCALLY
WHERE IT REALLY MATTERS
Alpena, MI
Diving Massachusetts
Cape Ann’s Aquatic Paradise
Rebuilding the Economy One Diver at a Time
Belize
A Diversity of Dives Volume 7 Issue 5 $1.95 US/$2.25 Canada
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MAY 2011
Midwest & Northeast Dive News
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Northeast & Midwest Dive News The complete resource for diving in the Northeast & Midwest.
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Publisher / Editor-in-Chief Rick Stratton/Kathy Stratton rick@divenewsmag.com Art Director Brian Merculief graphics@divenewsmag.com Production Manager TJ Pierzchala editor@divenewsmag.com Expo Coordinator Selene Peterson expo@divenewsmag.com Staff Writer Jamie Farris Graphic Designer Jack Bayliss Accounts Manager Tove Chatham Advertising Sales (360) 240-1874 x109 adsales@divenewsmag.com Circulation/subscriptions 360-240-1874
Dive News Magazine is committed to promoting the sport of scuba diving in the Northeast and Midwest. We will present a practical, unbiased point of view regarding all aspects of the sport of scuba diving. The Dive News Magazine believes in honesty and integrity in business and will support all efforts related to this. We encourage readers to participate in determining the content of this publication by giving us their opinions on the types of articles they would like to see. We invite letters to the editor, manuscripts and photographs related to diving or diving-related business. Send us your stories and photos! IMPORTANT NOTICE The Dive News Magazine reserves the right to refuse service to anyone it chooses. The contents of Northeast and Midwest Dive News are opinions of individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor or any of its staff. The publishers and contributors assume no responsibility for any mishap claimed to be a result of use of this material. Diving is an adventure sport and contains inherent risks. Improper use of diving equipment or improper diving techniques may result in serious injury or death. Readers are advised to use their own best judgment in each individual situation. MOVING? In order to continue receiving your magazine uninterrupted, please notify Northeast Dive News when you change your mailing address. To ensure uninterrupted service, please contact us six to eight weeks before the change of address occurs. You can call us at 360-240-1874 PST or email us at nediver@nedivenews.com or mail at: Bedrock Publications P.O. Box 1494 Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Northeast Cover: Title “Don’t Let Them Fade Away.” Bonnielynn Brankey is a renowned fine artist and muralist who focuses primarily on depicting the world as seen by an avid scuba diver. Her marine art is an expression of her love for the oceans. She hopes she can make a difference by increasing awareness and educating through her art the delicate balance that exists between our lives with that of the oceans. You can see more of Bonnielynn’s work at www.bonnielynnsart.com.
Midwest Cover: The Manhattan Shipwreck. Brandon Cole is an accomplished wildlife photographer and writer specializing in the marine environment. His work has appeared in hundreds of publications in the US and overseas including Audubon, The National Geographic Magazine and The New York Times. Cole has completed assignment work for clients as diverse as Alaska Airlines, The BBC, Discovery Channel Books, Stern, and television’s “Wild Things.” www.brandoncole.com.
Monthly Columns Publisher’s Note.................................4 Incoming Mail.....................................5 Northeast Hot News..........................6 Midwest Hot News............................18
Gear Box..........................................28 Tropical Dive Directory................28-29 Dive Directory..............................30-31
Northeast US DIVES 12 Diving Massachusetts – Cape Ann’s Aquatic Paradise
Cape Ann, Massachusetts offers some of the finest scuba diving in all of New England and Folly Cove is one of the best shore diving sites around. Join Bob Michelson as he takes you on a dive experience that will keep both the experienced and neophyte nature lover busy for years to come. By Bob Michelson
MIDWEST DIVES
20 Alpena, MI – Rebuilding the Economy One Diver at a Time
Dive shops and charters in Alpena are fighting back to bring their beloved sport back to a place divers can enjoy without having to choose between gas money and air money. In Alpena the dive industry is leading the way so the rest of the nationwide dive community can follow suit and “suit up.” By Rick Stratton
TROPICAL DESTINATIONS 24 Belize – A Diversity of Dives
Home to the second longest reef in the world, the diving offers walls beginning as shallow as 20-40 feet, marine life of all shapes and sizes and, of course, the famous Blue Hole. Come along as we explore fantasy diving, gliding the currents in search of other-worldly life. By Rick Stratton
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Rick is a dive industry veteran with 15 years experience. Contact Rick@divenewsmag.com for comments
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Spring - A time of Renewal... Reconnection and Reassessing Our Connective Bond to Each Other
W
elcome to the May edition of Northeast and Midwest Dive News magazine. The fact you are reading this means we have yet again finished working hard on an edition of Dive News that is full of information to assist you in becoming more active in the sport locally as well as throughout the world. It has been a crazy couple of months. Besides starting a brand new magazine and doing our own dive show in late March, we attended and exhibited at Beneath the Sea’s show in Secaucus, New Jersey. North America’s largest consumer show didn’t let us down; it was packed with divers and vendors. I believe it was their best show yet. The show seems to be just getting better every year. My hat is off to Zig and Joanne for this incredible effort. Spring is a time of new beginnings and at Beneath the Sea it was the spirit of renewal that was apparent. The energy was amazing and contagious. One amazing feature of the show this year was the reuniting of the Cousteau family. The family has experienced a lot of strife in the years since the death of Jacques Cousteau Sr. but reunited at the show for the common purpose of the preservation and reconstitutions of the world’s oceans. In my mind, the name Cousteau is synonymous with love of the oceans. They certainly lived up to their name and Jacques Cousteau’s legacy by continuing his work. Part of their message at Beneath the Sea, and globally
through their various nonprofit organizations, is connecting with the dive community for the future of the world’s oceans. I appreciate their efforts both as a diver and as a part of the human race. We all live here after all. I believe divers care for the ocean more than any other group since we have an intense connection with the environment. We feel it physically, connect with it visually and invest in it emotionally. We are passionate advocates for its protection; as we should be. For me, I saw the Cousteau family set a tremendous example we should all follow. They set aside their differences and united for a common purpose—something greater than themselves. A purpose we all share in these turbulent economic times. We local business owners need to stop infighting and unite with our brothers and sisters in a common purpose; we can put aside our differences to renew and create a stronger more vibrant dive community. Spring is a time of renewal… of reconnection…of reassessing our connective bond to each other and the earth…so those are our battle cry this month…reassess, reconnect and renew! Rick Stratton
Rick
facebook.com/Rick.Stratton1 twitter.com/nedivenews, twitter.com/mwdivenews rick@divenewsmag.com
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MONTHLY ARTICLES
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Good Morning Rick,
I hope you and the staff are well and keeping busy. I have been online checking out the MWDN online format and it is very informative. You cover a lot of areas, fine job. I would like to have my season’s events listed but, being computer illiterate I can’t locate the form to submit. So I will try this angle. May 15 there will be Sunday Scooter Races at Haigh Quarry sponsored by Dive Right In Scuba. June 5 there will be a Flea Market open to all clubs and recreational divers from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. June 18 & 19 there will be a White’s Drysuit Demo Weekend and Aqualung Demo Weekend. July 7 – 12 will be Poseidon Demo Days at Haigh Quarry. July 31 the Jim Haigh Memorial Dive will be celebrated. Raffles, silent auction, live music, dive, fun, dive all proceeds donated to SUDS (Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba) and Diveheart. Donations for raffle would be appreciated. Last year over $7200.00 was raised for both organizations. For all these events contact Tina at haighquarry. com or 815-939-7797 for more info. Thanks Rick for considering these events. If you have any questions please give me a shout. Tina
Dear Tina,
Thanks for sending this note and sorry this new technology makes it harder than it has to be. Our new website is simply amazing and it will provide great abilities to help us promote the dive industry and the businesses who support our magazine. Amazingly the site you see is only 3 months old. We are now adding nearly 400 articles per month to it, making it an incredible resource to promote local diving and our local diving community. I will make sure we simplify the process and list these events in the magazine and on the website. Thanks for submitting them.
Rick
Bonaire &Galapagos www.ultimatedivetravel.com udive@ultimatedivetravel.com
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We support local divers - Local divers support the industry.
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HOT NEWS
Send us your NEWS/EVENTS: editor@divenewsmag.com
Bainbridge Sportsmen’s Club to Sponsor Diving and Camping Weekend
The Bainbridge Sportsmen’s Club in Bainbridge, PA is hosting a diving and camping weekend July 23 and 24 sponsored by Oceanic/ Aerris/Hollis, Innovative Scuba Concepts, JBL Spearguns, Bonica and Bigblue Dive Lights. Those interested in taking part are to meet at the Bainbridge Scuba Center. There will be demo dives beginning at 8 a.m. July 23 and a night dive the same evening at 8 p.m. Sunday morning, July 24 will see continued demo dives until 4 p.m. Anyone wanting to take part or needing more info should contact Joe Stellini at 734-341-5945.
Dutch Springs Sponsoring Dive and Camp Weekend Event
Dutch Springs will be hosting a camping and diving weekend July 16 and 17 sponsored by Oceanic/Aerris/Hollis, Innovative Scuba Concepts, JBL Spearguns, Bonica and Bigblue Dive Lights. The event is open to all divers and will include demos, a night dive and a great time. The event will begin at 8 a.m. at Dutch Springs. For more info call 734-341-5945.
Feds End Funding for New Jersey’s Artificial Reefs
Dr. John Organ of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced the end of funding for New Jersey’s artificial reef program due to gear conflicts on the reefs. He announced his decision in a letter to New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin. The conflicts on the reefs violate the Sport Fish Restoration Act (SFR), which provides federal funding for the artificial reef program. Funding can be restored when appropriate action is taken to eliminate the conflicts that currently interfere with recreational fishing on these reefs.’’ For more info visit www.capwiz. com/njoutdooralliance.
30th Anniversary of the Aqua Woman Dive
Women divers are invited to join the Long Island Divers’ Association for its 30th Anniversary Annual Aqua Woman Dive to be held Saturday, August 6. The event will be held on the USS San Diego. Divers will leave from the Freeport, Long Island area and are invited to bring something to BBQ. For more info contact pinkandh2o@yahoo.com.
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10th Annual New Celebration Event
England
REEF/GAFC
On July 31 The New England Aquarium Dive Club and The Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) will host the 10th Annual Northeast Great Annual Fish Count (GAFC) event. The celebration will be centered at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, Massachusetts. GAFC dives are planned at seven (7) shore locations around Cape Ann, along with dives at Nubble Light, York, ME. There will be a picnic, free raffles and door prizes. Every diver who submits data upon returning to the picnic area will receive one entry into the grand prize raffle drawing. For more info, contact: Bob Michelson, event coordinator for the New England Aquarium Dive Club at (781) 848-8870, or by e-mail, pbm.inc@verizon.net.
26th Annual Spring Beach Sweep
Adventure Aquarium and Clean Ocean Action once again joined forces to clean up and protect New Jersey’s shore lines, during the 26th Annual Spring Beach Sweeps in Ventnor, NJ. Volunteers helped save the lives of New Jersey’s native marine life and helped protect the fragile ocean environment, Saturday April 30 at Ventnor Beach, NJ. For more information or to find out how you can help with future conservation efforts, visit www. AdventureAquarium.com/conservation.
2011 Warrior Games Scheduled for May
The Army is showcasing the resilient spirit, competitive nature and physical abilities of wounded warriors through adaptive sports as they get ready for the 2011 Warrior Games. Last year, nearly 100 wounded soldiers competed against wounded service members from all branches of the Armed Forces at the Warrior Games at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Training programs began last fall for the 2011 Warrior Games, scheduled for May 16-21. All wounded warriors have the opportunity to participate in adaptive sports programs coordinated by the U.S. Paralympic Military Program at military installations, and after qualifying as elite-level athletes, wounded warriors can train for the U.S. Paralympic team through the Army World Class Athlete Program. For more information on WTC, visit the new WTC website, www.WTC.army.mil.
Send Us Your News/Events FREE at editor@divenewsmag.com
Westfield, PA. www.lovetodive.com/ pioneer_valley_dive_club.html May 19: United Divers of Central Mass meeting, 7 p.m., Slattery’s Back Room, Fitchburg, MA. www.uniteddivers.org May 21: Aquatic Voyagers Scuba Club of N.Y. meeting, 1 p.m., Gym at Guy R. Brewer & Liberty, Jamaica, NY. www. avscdivers.org May 26: North Shore Frogmen meeting, 8 p.m., Palmers Cove Yacht Club, Salem, MA. www.northshorefrogmen.com May 26: The Gillmen Club meeting, 7:30 p.m., Marco Polo, East Hartford, CT. www.gillmen.org May 30: Divers Anonymous Scuba Dive Club meeting, 7:30 p.m., Mario’s Restaurant, Clifton, NJ. www.angelfire.com/nj4/divers June 1: Hammerheads Dive Club meeting, 7 p.m., Salty Dogs Eats & Drinks, Virginia Beach, VA. www.flickr.com/groups/ ldc_hammerheads June 1: Mass Bay Divers meeting, 7 p.m., South Shore Divers, Weymouth, MA. www.massbaydivers.com June 2: North Shore Frogmen meeting, 8 p.m., Palmers Cove Yacht Club, Salem, MA. www.northshorefrogmen.com June 2: Olney SCUBA Adventure Dive Club mtg, 7 p.m., Olney Swim Ctr, Olney, MD. www.olneyscubaadventure.pages.qpg.com June 3: Deep Six Divers meeting, 7 p.m., Inland Divers, Leicester, MA. deepsixdivers@earthlink.net June 4-5: DUI Dog Rally, 9 a.m., Pearl Lake, South Beloit, IL. www.dui-online.com June 5: Divers’Flea Market, 7 a.m - 5 p.m., Haigh Quarry, Kankanee, IL. 855-939-7797 May 9: Circleville Landsharks Meeting, Gibby’s Restaurant, Circleville, OH.. www. circlevillelandsharks.com May 10: Aquanauts Dive Club of Northwest Indiana, 7 p.m., Merrillville VFW Hall, Merrillville, IN. www. aquanauts_ dc.homestead.com May 10: Buckeye Divers club meeting, 8 p.m., Tommy’s Pizza, Upper Arlington, OH. www.buckeyedivers.net May 10: Deep Blue Divers meeting, 7 p.m., Chicagoland Scuba, Lake Zurich, IL.
Find more activities on our facebook page! Midwest Activities
May 10: Buxmont Dive Club meeting, 6:30 p.m., Bones Grille, Lansdale, Pa. www. buxmontdiveclub.com May 10: Dive Club of Rhode Island meeting, 7 p.m., Giant Stride Dive Shop, Warwick, RI. http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/DiveClubRhodeIsland/ May 10: MetroWest Dive Club meeting, 8 p.m., Courtyard Marriott, Natick, MA. www.mwdc.org May 10: SeConn Skin Divers meeting, 7:30 p.m., Olympic Pizza, Norwichtown, CT. www.seconndivers.org May 11: NYC Sea Gypsies meeting, 7 p.m. at McGees Irish Pub (240 W. 55th St. NYC) New York, NY. www.seagypsies.org May 12: Maine-iac Divers Club meeting, 6:30 p.m., Maine Divers Scuba Center, Portland, ME. www.maine-iacdivers.com May 12: North Shore Frogmen meeting, 8 p.m., Palmers Cove Yacht Club, Salem, MA. www.northshorefrogmen.com May 13: Fathom Divers Dive Club meeting, 7 p.m., VFW Post #7916, Occoquan, VA. www.fathomdivers.org May 13: The Atlantis Rangers Dive Club meeting, 8 p.m., Odiorne State Park, Rye, NH. www.atlantisranger.org May 14: The Dive Shop’s 3rd Anniversary Party, The Dive Shop, Cherry Hill, NJ. www.thediveshopnj.com May 15: Dive Right In Scuba Scooter Race, Haigh Quarry, Kankakee, IL. www. diverightinscuba.com May 16: Long Island Divers Association meeting, 8 p.m., Brookhaven Town Community Center, Blue Point, NY. www.lidaonline.com May 18: In Too Deep Dive Club meeting, 7 p.m., Don Antonio’s Bar & Restaurant, Union, NJ. (908) 687-7020 May 18: New England Aquarium Dive Club meeting, 6:30 p.m., New England Aquarium, Boston, MA. www.neadc.org/ abc_whoweare.html May 19: North Shore Frogmen meeting, 8 p.m., Palmers Cove Yacht Club, Salem, MA. www.northshorefrogmen.com May 19: Pioneer Valley Dive Club meeting, 7 p.m., At the Water’s Edge,
Midwest Activities
Find more Northeast activities on our facebook page! Northeast Activities
CLUB MEETINGS & EVENTS www.deepbluedivers.com May 11: Aqua Amigos Scuba Club meeting, 8 p.m., Euclid Family YMCA, Euchlid, OH. www.aquaamigos.com May 11: Four Lakes Scuba Club meeting, 7:30 p.m., Babe’s American Grill, Madison, WI. http://fourlakesscubaclub. dot5hosting.com May 12: Stingray Dive Club meeting, 6:30 p.m., Bullseye Bar, Lee’s Summit, MO. www.tdscuba.com/stingray_dive_club May 14-15: White’s Fusion Demo, Dutch Springs, Bethlehem, PA. www. whitesdiving.com/sport-diving/events May 17: Kittyhawk Dive Club meeting, Elsa’s Restaurant, Centerville, OH May 19: Gavia Scuba Club meeting, 7:30 p.m., Twin Dragons Restaurant, West Chester, OH May 21: Splash Into Summer Fundraiser, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Ballydoyle Pub and Restaurant, Downer’s Grove, IL. For more information call Janice at the Diveheart office, 630-964-1983 May 21-22: White’s Fusion Demo, Gilboa Quarry, Findlay, OH. www. whitesdiving.com/sport-diving/events May 25: Amigos Aqua Scuba Club, 8 p.m., Euclid Family YMCA, Euclid, OH. www.aquaamigos.com May 25: Canadian Sport Divers Scuba Club meeting, 7:30 p.m., Canadian Sport Subs Dive Shop, Belleville, Ontario, Canada. www.home.cogeco.ca/~csdivers/ May 31: Fort Wayne Diving Club meeting, 7 p.m., Deep Blue Divers, Fort Wayne, IN. www.fortwaynediveclub.org June 1: Aqua Masters meeting, 8:30 p.m., Lakewood YMCA, Lakewood, OH, www. aquamastersoflakewood.freeservers.com June 1: DiveQuest Scuba Club meeting, 7 p.m., Valparaiso Public Library, Valpraiso, IN. www.divequestscuba.org June 2: Buccaneers Dive Club meeting, 7 p.m., Edwardo’s Pizza, Wheeling, IL. www home.comcast.net/~BuccaneersDiveClub/ BuccHome.htm June 2: Columbus Sea Nags Scuba Diver meeting, 8 p.m., Plank’s Restaurant, Columbus, OH. www.seanags.com
AdvAnced nitrox and decompression Procedures course
POOL ON PREMISES Instructor Development Specialty & Advanced Courses Air & Nitrox Fills OPEN 7 DAYS
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295 Robbins Lane Syosset, NY 11735
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LOCAL DIVERS DO IT DOWN AND DIRTY
This is the first step to become a tech diver. Advanced Nitrox teaches divers how to choose appropriate gas mixes. The Decompression Procedures course examines the theory, methods and procedures of planned stage decompression diving. Together these two courses form a strong base for divers wishing to pursue deeper and more technical dives
Call Bob at Seascapes: (516) 433-7757 7
NEW PRODUCT FEATURE SPECIAL INTEREST
Ocean Encounters
Two Huge TenTs filled with DuI drysuits and equipment CHoose from more than 120 drysuit systems to test dive
A Photographic Exploration of Marine Wildlife By Selene Peterson Writer, Dive News Network
T
hese days publishing is changing almost by the minute and at least one PNW author is taking advantage of some of those changes. Brandon Cole, an award-winning wildlife photographer, has just introduced the new release of an e-book/App entitled Ocean Encounters, a first-of-its-kind online photo album. Cole’s new work is displayed using e-book and application technology to showcase his work. Cole explores the beauty and diversity of earth’s marine life as he shares his photographic journey. His e-book is an interactive photo album featuring 250 stunning images from over two decades of his finest full-color underwater imagery. It is designed for all ages, divers and nondivers alike, snorkelers, travelers, marine enthusiasts, and those who simply appreciate nature and wildlife. The e-book is simple to use and easily purchased thru iTunes App Store. Travel the oceans of the world with Cole as he shares his explorations of the last frontier – the world beneath the waves. Recently a featured speaker at the Northwest Dive & Travel Expo, held in Tacoma, WA, Cole premiered some of his 8
stunning work from his new photo e-book. This new technology is being used in a firstof-its-kind application. Organized into 25 galleries; the collection showcases sharks and dolphins from the Bahamas, critters from Indonesia’s reefs and creatures large and small from whales to snails of tropical and temperate seas worldwide. The App has clever functionality with an interactive world map and unique features allowing you to be transported beneath the ocean with the tap of an icon. Once in the gallery of images, you can browse the images at your own pace or sit back and watch a mini slideshow with first-hand accounts from Cole. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the amazing imagery and talent of a leading photographer. Ocean Encounters is available now for download from the iTunes App Store for use on the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch mobile devices. At an unbeatable price, portable and easy to use, this App will open a new world to users! Hop on iTunes, or go straight to the App Store and download Cole’s visions of the world’s oceans. For more info visit www.banzailabs.com/ocean or http://tinyurl.com/4c7eh7n. Please also visit Brandon Cole’s web site at www. brandoncole.com/app.htm for more info. ■
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2011 EVENT LOCATIONS May 14-15*: Gloucester, MA (Stage Fort Park) May 21-22*: Bethlehem, PA (Dutch Springs) June 4-5: South Beloit, IL (Pearl Lake) June 11-12*: Black River Falls, WI (Wazee Lake) Sept. 17-18*: Ottawa, OH (Gilboa Quarry) Sept. 24-25: Metropolis, IL (Mermet Springs) Oct. 22-23*: Rawlings, VA (Lake Rawlings) *RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM For Public Safety Dive Teams at these events.
We support our local dive shops - without them we will not have a dive industry.
LONG ISLAND DIVERS ASSOCIATION
Beneath The Sea 2011
Teaching visitors about the Mark V Diving Helmet. Photo by Bill Pfeiffer.
LIDA The Long Island Divers Association kicked off the 2011 dive season with its best showing ever at Beneath The Sea, North America’s largest, and best, scuba exposition! Working with the Historical Divers Association and the BTS History of Diving Museum, we put up a display unrivaled in recent memory. The highlights included a prototype Exosuit, provided by Phil Nuytten, a vintage JIM suit, provided by Oceaneering Intl., and our centerpiece, the helm from the Ayuruoca, also known locally as the Oil Wreck, which was recovered during an expedition on Captain Joe Mazraani’s Tenacious. We also had on display a unique selection of artifacts recovered from a variety of local wrecks by the IPA Boys. The show itself appeared to be a tremendous success. The aisles were always packed with guests, sometimes to the point where it was impossible to walk. Vendors reported record sales, and a very positive energy. Needless to say, we came away very hopeful for a successful 2011 dive season! See you out there! ■ Article by Bill Pfeiffer, president of the Long Island Divers Association. To contact Bill, email bill@island-diving. us or find him on facebook.com/profile. php?id=1061841085
Long Island Divers Association Serving the Long Island and Greater New York Diving Community for More Than 25 Years! Captain Mike’s Diving City Island, NY 718-885-1588 www.captainmikesdiving.com
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O N D I VE C E N PT
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O EAD, NEW Y
Hampton Dive Center Riverhead, NY 631-727-7578 www.hamptondive.com Swim and Scuba Rockville Centre, NY 516-872-4571 www.swimandscuba.com
Horton Point Lighthouse image courtesy of Steve Neumann
QC Scuba Wantagh, NY 516-826-7222 www.qcscuba.com Kings County Divers Brooklyn, NY 718-648-4232 www.kcdivers.com
LIDA is a not-for-profit regional organization dedicated to the promotion of local diving and is staffed completely by volunteers.
www.lidaonline.com
LIDA is a valued sponsor of local diving! Read more about what they are up to at www.divenewsnetwork.com
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REGIONAL NEWS - DIVE SHOW WRAP UP
NORTHEAST
Beneath the Sea 2011 Brings Cousteau Family Together
Bowl made from deep sea clay presented to Jean-Michel Cousteau by friends at the centennial reception for his father and Celine’s and Fabian’s grandfather, Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Photo courtesy Beneath the Sea 2011.
T
his years’ Beneath the Sea 2011, the largest consumer scuba and dive travel show in the nation, was held March 25-27 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, Secaucus, NJ and this year held a surprise no one saw coming…the reuniting of the first family of the world’s oceans, the Cousteau family. This year’s BTS event welcomed anyone interested in scuba diving and related environmental issues. A not-forprofit corporation dedicated to increasing awareness of the earth’s oceans and the sport of scuba diving, BTS hosts divers, vendors and dive industry leaders in an effort to continue to forge the connections needed in order to make the dive industry stronger. This year the award-winning organization brought the famous Cousteau family together for the first time since famous oceanographer and researcher Jacques Cousteau passed away. Everyone at Beneath the Sea was thrilled to see the reuniting of the family. “Everyone works very hard to make BTS better and better every year,” Joann Zigahn, President of Beneath the Sea, said. “The reuniting of the Cousteau family was amazing. We are 10
hoping they, too, enjoyed seeing each other at Beneath the Sea as much as we enjoyed having them there.” Armand Zigahn,
Ed Smith, Senior Director of Beneath the Sea (left) congratulates Captains Ruth and Paul Hepler on their recognition by Beneath the Sea as Northeast Diving Pioneers saluting the twentyyears of service they have given to the local dive community helping enhance and improve New Jersey diving from their charter vessel Venture III out of Shark River. Photo courtesy Beneath the Sea 2011.
100 workshops and seminars this year,” Zig says. “And we had approximately 400 booths. It was a tremendous show with fantastic support from the dive community. We are thankful for everyone who came out and were a part of Dominique Serafini, Cousteau’s artist on the Calypso, at the this year’s show. We Ocean Pals “Sea of Sweets” party teaching children how to draw. Photo courtesy Beneath the Sea 2011. aren’t sure how we will top the Cousteau Founder and Executive Director (Zig, as he family reunion at next year’s event, but we is known) and JoAnn Zigahn, President of look forward to trying to do so.” BTS, say although everyone was pleased For more info on the results of this year’s with this year’s event, they are already contests, photos, or info on next year’s event planning for next year. “We had over visit www.beneaththesea.org. ■
Dive Locally - Where It Really Matters
NORTHEAST
REGIONAL NEWS
New York State Divers Celebrate 50th T
Stan Waterman, Mary and Tom at dinner. Photo by www.scubany.org.
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he New York State Divers’ Association (NYSDA) celebrated its 50th Anniversary April 16 in Rome N.Y. with a day of activities culminating in an evening with Emmy Award winning underwater cinematographer Stan Waterman. Stan presented six of his movies at Rome’s Capitol Theatre. The event also featured exhibits and presentations by members, dive clubs and dive shops from around NY State. The program featured both modern and historic exhibits of diving. NYSDA’s celebration continued with a 50th Anniversary dinner at the Franklin Hotel followed by a presentation of Waterman’s work. Waterman, known to many for his cinematography on the full length movies, Blue Water, White Death and The Deep, was the emcee of the evening program. Waterman has had 70 years in the underwater imaging business and for the anniversary event he presented his movies; Shark Sex, Eel Madness & Gay Turtles, excerpts from Blue Water, White Death, The Day of the Tiger, Macro World of Indonesia and Fiji & the Nai’a. He finished off with Call of the Running Tide. Founded in 1961, NYSDA is a nonprofit corporation which promotes the sports of Skin and SCUBA diving in New York State, and the protection of the underwater environment. For more information on NYSDA and their 50th Anniversary celebration, visit www.scubany.org or call 315-337-6938. For more info on Stan Waterman visit www.StanWaterman.com. ■
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11
Diving Massachusetts
Massachusetts
NORTHEAST DESTINATION
Cape Ann’s Aquatic Paradise
By Bob Michelson Guest Writer, Dive News Network
F
olly Cove…it almost sounds like the wrong place to dive. One has to wonder…what “folly” gave the cove its name? However, Cape Ann, Massachusetts offers some of the finest scuba diving in all of New England and Folly Cove is one of the best shore diving sites around. Bordering both the City of Gloucester and Rockport, Massachusetts, this local favorite dive site offers easy entry, relatively shallow depths and a variety of sea life. Folly Cove will keep both the experienced and neophyte nature lover busy for years to come. The Cove, as it is called locally, has a Northeast exposure to the sea and offers two completely different ecosystems making this site a true nature lover’s paradise! On the right hand side is a broken jagged rocky shoreline creating safe haven for the elusive North Atlantic Lobster. Also hidden in and around these rocks, are a wide assortment
of invertebrate marine life such as Hydroids and Bryozoan. Some Hydroids resemble tiny cotton balls with tentacles on thin stems ranging in color from pink to orange, while others can take on a variety of shapes and sizes. You can expect to see Cunner darting in and among the rocks. These small to medium sized fish are first cousins to Wrasse found in warmer climates. They resemble small, parrot-like fish with a typical bronze coloration. If you look carefully you might find one quite large Northern Red Anemone hiding in crevices approximately one hundred yards from shore. This form of Anemone is not as prolific as the Frilled Sea Anemone found in abundance on the North side of the Cove, but its tentacles remind me of a band of small “fingers” connected to a soft pliable base. The Center of Folly Cove offers a second type of ecosystem of predominantly sandy bottom. The marine life found here is completely different than on either the
Wall like diving abounds around Halfway Rock. Photo by Robert S. Michelson. 12
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NORTHEAST DESTINATION
Massachusetts
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North or South sides of the Cove. Looking closely at the sand, you will see two distinct small black “dots” moving along the bottom. Upon closer inspection, you will notice an almost clear translucent body following these tiny “dots”. Congratulations! You have just found a very small and delicate animal known as a Sand Shrimp. These are quite common to the sandy bottoms in New England. You have to look closely at your surroundings to find the abundant small invertebrates found in Northern waters but it is well worth taking the time. Populations of winter and Windowpane flounder, little and Winter skate, Sea Ravin in several color arrays, Sand Dollars and an occasional Horseshoe Crab also make these waters their home. During winter months, the occasional rock reefs which rise out of the sand are also home to several species of Nudibranch, a small shell-less snail which is only found in this area when the ocean is at its coldest. These small beautiful animals are only found with a trained eye and are between ¼” to 1-1/2” in length. There are several species of Nudibranch found in this region, so your best bet is to bring a field guide with you to help with identification after your dive.
My favorite place to dive here is the left, or North side of Folly Cove which offers wall-like diving as you proceed out towards the furthest point. Vertical walls and large boulders abound with multicolored Frilled Sea Anemones along this entire side of the Cove in waters as shallow as ten to fifteen ft. Frilled Sea Anemones are one of the more interesting subjects to photograph, since they come in all colors ranging from white and black to brilliant orange and every shade in between. They resemble flowers on short stalky stems; can be photographed with macro or wide angle and make for some incredible interaction photography. The North side of Folly Cove is by far the more picturesque. The anemone population is abundant and there are large numbers of Green Sea Urchins, Blue Mussels, Starfish and a host of other smaller fin fish and invertebrates that make the diving more interesting each and every time you visit. Most local dive shops will strongly recommend you arrive early at Folly Cove during warmer months to secure a legal parking spot down the road on the Rockport side of the cove. There are other dive locations to hit in the area as well. A central shore diving
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Massachusetts
NORTHEAST DESTINATION
A diver fins over a wall covered with Frilled Anemones in Folly Cove. Photo by Robert S. Michelson.
location on Cape Ann is the Stage Fort Park area on Gloucester Harbor. There are two public beaches, Cressey and Half Moon, with shore access and ample paid parking. According to the Gloucester Police, there are no ordinances prohibiting diving at this location. Your best bet is to dive in this area before the beaches open to the public Memorial Day Weekend and then again after Halloween. Some divers have had
negative experiences with park personnel during beach-going weather and have been asked to leave. Both dive sites are within a busy harbor so visibility is generally limited with limited marine life to observe during your dive. My favorite boat diving destination is North of Boston at a place called Halfway Rock. This site gets its name because it lies approximately “halfway” between the ports
A diver photographs a flower-like Frilled Sea Anemone. Photo by Robert S. Michelson. 14
LOCAL DIVERS - DO IT MORE OFTEN
of Boston and Gloucester, Massachusetts. It was used extensively by early mariners as an aid in navigation while plying their trade between these two historic harbors. Approximately four miles off the coast of Swampscott, MA, I consider Halfway Rock one of New England’s best marine life diving destinations. It is open to divers of any level of experience, but is only accessible by boat. Halfway Rock is a rock pinnacle rising from surrounding depths of up to 110 ft. at mean high water, breaking the waters surface by another twenty to thirty ft. This site is accessible to divers of all levels because the rock formation drops down in a series of underwater steps or plateaus in fifteen to twenty ft. increments. There are two distinct types of diving found here. On the westerly or shoreward side of the pinnacle, large rounded boulders and ledges slowly drop down to depths of approximately 90 ft. The only marine life is green sea urchins in great abundance. It is this westerly exposure that provides the best anchorage for dive charters due to its gradual drop-off and protection from the area’s prevailing northeasterly winds. The second form of diving on the east or seaward side involves sheer drop-offs averaging every twenty ft. offering walllike diving with the advantage of built-in rest stops. This easterly exposure offers the more exhilarating diving found at Halfway Rock. Interestingly, the stratification of marine life found in this area also changes on each plateau. From the surface to depths
NORTHEAST DESTINATION of around twenty ft. there are all varieties of Rock weed, algae, barnacles, snails and Hermit crabs. Stopping on the next plateau at approximately 40 ft., the walls are covered with beautifully multi-colored Northern Frilled Sea Anemones as well as a variety of Nudibranchs. Water clarity begins to improve at the 40 ft. depth just below the thermocline and visibility averages at 20 to 30 ft., however, is not uncommon to see as great as 40 to 60 ft. during winter months. Dropping down to the next plateau at around 60 to 70 ft., divers will discover more varieties of true cold water Gulf of Maine marine life species such as Branching Soft coral’s, Stalked Tunicates, finger sponges, Sea Peaches and hydroids. Schools of pelagic fish species, such as Pollack, can usually be seen at this depth as well. Stopping at the 70 ft. level and looking due east, divers discover what is referred to as “the pinnacle”, a smaller formation of stone jutting up from the larger rock formation. This area plays host to tunicates, sponge, hydroids, soft corals and is also home to a small school of ocean perch known locally as “cunner”. Ledges and drop-offs continue to the ocean floor at approximately 100-110 ft. Halfway Rock is by far an underwater paradise for wall divers, underwater photographers and videographers, marine biologists and the every day nature lover. So whether your dive plans call for dipping into Folly Cove or taking the plunge at Halfway Rock, Massachusetts diving has something for every diver. Long considered some of the East coast’s premiere diving, Cape Ann should make your bucket list. ■
Massachusetts Bob Michelson of Photography By Michelson, Inc. based in Braintree, MA is a published underwater photographer and videographer. He has been diving for over 32 years. He is a PADI Dive Master, an instructor in Underwater Photography and Underwater Videography. His photography/ articles have appeared in numerous regional/national magazines. Video footage/ programming by Michelson have aired on broadcast and cable networks.
DIVE SAFETY STARTS WITH DAN
Diving Cape Ann
Cape Ann is accessible from all of Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire via route 128 north to its end. Most dive facilities in the region can direct you to Folly Cove or offer dive charters to the Cape Ann area. There is, however, only one dive shop on Cape Ann - Cape Ann Divers located at Cape Ann Marketplace in Gloucester, MA. Divers can contact them at (978) 281-8082 or www.capeanndivers.com. Parking at Folly Cove is open to Gloucester residents only, therefore, offload your gear at the Cove and park south of the site along route 127 in Rockport and walk back to the dive site. Local police strictly enforce this regulation during summer months. Displaying of the Diver Down flag is required for each group of divers in the water and the taking of Lobster is restricted to Massachusetts residents with a permit to do so.
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DNN_1/2PgAd.indd 1 4/11/11 10:01 AM 15 We support our local dive shopS - without them we will not have a dive industry.
BREAKING NEWS
LOCAL DIVING
PADI Launches New Local Diving Campaign
C
onnection. These days, in these economic times, connections are all anyone really has to make their business viable. Divers need to connect to dive shops, dive shops need to connect to the dive industry and the dive industry needs to connect back to the divers. It is literally the circle of life in terms of diving in general. Now PADI has devised a new way to help make some of those local connections and it is called, “Dive Anywhere”. Dive Anywhere is a new diver acquisition campaign connecting consumers to local dive businesses. Dive businesses post Dive Anywhere events to padi.com in order to help attract customers and brand their business locally. Jeff Nadler, the Industry and Public Relations Executive for PADI International, has been in the business for over 36 years now and he sees the Dive Anywhere effort as a great way to begin to make these connections. “We see that local dive stores have to be strong for the health of the industry,” Nadler says. “Divers have to be able to make the connection to the local dive shops. Nowadays divers tend to be more travel divers and don’t dive as much locally, if at all; we need divers to do both.” Nadler says their research shows stores have stopped promoting local diving in an effort to give divers what they want…more travel diving. “We have to support local diving too,” Nadler says. “The gauge to see how many divers we have is the annual survey and study done by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association and you see that the numbers of active divers have gone down over all. This year they have broken
16
the survey down further and now we are seeing a great number of divers becoming causal divers, those who dive less than 7 times a year. We have to pay attention to that and do what we can to get those divers into the water more.” Rick Stratton, of Dive News Network, understands Nadler’s concerns but also points out times have changed. “I understand the motivation,” Stratton says, “but often times those surveys don’t get the whole picture. For instance, Patrick
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Hammer of Scuba Emporium says local divers are his most important customer. They dive more, they spend more, they do more for the industry than any other group. Patrick says his business would fail without local divers but Patrick is not talking about the 10 percent of his customers who dive in Lake Michigan, which is right out his back door. He’s talking about the 100 percent of his customers that dive who consider themselves divers. A local diver is not someone who dives locally but a local
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diver who considers themselves divers. Diving is not what you do anymore but who you are.” Nadler agrees but was surprised by the distinction change. For him the new Dive Anywhere program will be perfect given the changes in attitude. “The PADI organization is devoting a great deal of its advertising efforts to promote local diving and encourage divers to check the interactive map at padi.com to find an event in their area,” Nadler says. “Given the idea that diving is who we are, the Dive Anywhere campaign will fit in perfectly.” So how does a dive shop get the Dive Anywhere campaign moving? First they plan a large scale Dive Anywhere event then register their Dive Anywhere event at the PADI Pros’ site to be posted on padi. com and PADI will help them do the rest. Dive shops can even contact their local PADI office to find out about PADI Media Co-op funds to advertise and market these events. “We are here to help everyone make the connections they need to strengthen this industry we all care about so much,” Nadler says. “Just because there are hard economic times it doesn’t mean it has to be hard on everyone. We are an industry who can support each other and the Dive Anywhere campaign is just one more way of doing that.” For more info on the Dive Aywhere campaign visit PADI.com. ■
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17
MW ‘HOT’ NEWS
MIDWEST DIVE NEWS
First Annual Dive Right In Scuba Scooter Race
The First Annual Dive Right In Scuba Scooter race will be held at Haigh Quarry May 15. It will be open for all scooter levels. There will be an obstacle course setup in the deep end and there will be “Deco Stops” at certain areas where divers will perform a skill. Some skills may include, Mask Removal, Mask Flood, Hula Hoop Loops and Dive Table Charts. Every participant will receive a free event T-Shirt and the possibility of the Scooter Trophy! The trophy will be stored at Dive Right In Scuba and winners will have their name engraved on it. Burgers and hotdogs will be provided. We will be looking for volunteers to help setup the course Friday, May 13. Racers may help setup the course, but if you run the course on a scooter, you are disqualified. Volunteers will also be needed Race Day to monitor the “Deco Stops”. For more info visit www.haighquarry.com.
Divers Incorporated Celebrating 26th Year as PADI Dive Center!
Diver’s Incorporated located in Ann Arbor, is Celebrating their 26th year as Michigan’s first PADI National Geographic Dive Center. As a PADI Five-Star Instructor Development Center they teach exclusively through the PADI System of Diver Education which is quite literally “the CEO, Rich Synowiec way the world learns to dive.” Come by and help them celebrate this tremendous milestone. For more info visit www.diversinc.com.
Bonne Terre Mines $30,000 Treasure Hunt is On
This is truly a “Treasure Hunt”. Bonne Terre Mines has over $15,000 in donated products and over $15,000 in donated trips for divers to discover at their Treasure Hunt to be held June 5. Divers check in and receive an auction book, which details all the products and trips that have been donated and the auction order. Divers will then dive twice and search in 4 different areas for colored tokens. Between dives vendors
are waiting to show off their latest and greatest products and dive destinations. Coordinators will count tokens after each dive (Dark tokens are worth more than light colored tokens) and give divers an auction card after their second dive. They’ll use their “auction card” to bid on donated products and trips during the auction. After the last group exits the mine and grabs a bite to eat, the auction will begin. Come out and join the fun! For more info visit www.2dive. com/treasurehunt.
Diver Wins Right to Name New Boat for Matava Resort
Michael Caro from Michigan, USA, sent in his suggestion for the name of the new Matava Resort dive boat and won! He sent his entry through his dive travel agent, Scuba Planners. The name Caro chose was “BELOW ME”. He won a Scuba Dive Kadavu Package for his efforts which included; 5 days of 2 tanks diving (10 dives) at Mad Fish Dive Centre, all day free access to shore diving at The Critter Junction, 7 nights in Oceanview Traditional Bure, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, unlimited tea/ coffee), a Traditional Lovo Feast and Kava ceremony and airport and boat transfers to/from Kadavu airport. Congratulations Michael!
One of Lake Michigan’s Earliest Shipwrecks Discovered
A sixty-foot, single-masted sloop dating back to perhaps the 1830s has been discovered in deep water between Saugatuck and South Haven, Michigan. Holland-based Michigan Shipwreck Research Associates made the discovery in collaboration with nationally acclaimed author Clive Cussler and his sonar operator Ralph Wilbanks of the National Underwater & Marine Agency (NUMA). MSRA’s historians have verified the vessel’s construction and design is consistent with ships built in the 1820s and 1830s, making it perhaps one of the oldest vessels discovered in the southern basin of Lake Michigan. The vessel sits upright and is in surprisingly good condition considering it was built nearly 200 years ago. For more info visit www.michiganshipwrecks.org.
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LEGENDS OF DIVING
MIDWEST REGIONAL NEWS
Legends of Diving Dr. Jose Jones.
I
t is time once again to honor those who have become legendary in the field of diving. The 6th Annual Legends of Diving will be held at the Portage Quarry near Bowling Green, Ohio Aug 12-14. This year Dr. Jose Jones, DEMA’s 2011 Horizon Award Diver of the Year, will be the featured guest. Dr. Jones has dived in more than 50 countries, is an underwater photographer and videographer. He served in the U.S. Army and received the Purple Heart for his accomplishments. He earned a master’s degree in Aquatic Biology and went on to form the Underwater Adventure Seekers of Washington D.C. in 1959. The UAS is one of the oldest dive clubs, predating most national certifying agencies in the nation. In 1991 he co-founded the Science and Education Committee of the National Association of Black Scuba Divers (NABS), and continues to serve as Chairman to this day. Despite his busy schedule and being named 2005 Rolex Diver of the Year, as well as the 2008 Sport Diver of the Year by Sport Diver Magazine, Dr. Jones has always taken the time
2011 Sixth Year of Honoring the Best to help motivate and educate children about diving, the sea, and marine biology. He also serves as an advisor to DAN. Joining Dr. Jones this year are two returning favorites, Sea Hunt Expert Alec Peirce who will share his extensive collection of Sea Hunt memorabilia and Free Diving Legend Robert Croft. Victor Worst will also be returning with a special surprise for divers. Last year more than $14,000 in prizes was given away to the guests attending the event. Dive trips included Seabreeze Hotel and Suites in Belize along with airfare by Tropic Air and Amigo Dive; Black Beard Cruises, Ocean Reef Yacht Club of Grand Bahama and Body Glove. Each year the Legends of Diving event is made possible by the generous support of the dive industry. “We really appreciate everyone’s support,” says Jeff Rice, owner of Portage Quarry. “This year’s event will be even bigger than last year’s.” For more info visit www.portagequarry.com or www.internationallegendsofdiving.com. ■
MDS Leader Bill Matthies Honored
Photos courtesy www.mndiving.com.
B
ill Matthies is a diver’s diver. He has been connecting divers with the dive experience through his Minnesota Dive Shop and the Minnesota School of Diving for over 50 years. In Brainerd, Minnesota he is somewhat of a legend when it comes to old school teaching and taking diving to new depths. All of this is why it was easy to honor Matthies recently with the Dive Community Contribution Award for Exceptional Dedication to the Midwest Dive Community award. The Minneapolis Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society started the award to honor contributions to diving in the Upper Midwest. Matthies received the society’s first ever edition of the Dive Community Contribution Award for Exceptional Dedication
to the Midwest Dive Community in Minneapolis for his tireless contributions to the dive community in the area. “Bill is an amazing guy,” says Katrina Colby, a veteran diver with MSD. “He is a father figure to all of us divers who spend time in the waters of Minnesota. I can’t imagine the sport of diving without him.” A diver for over 52 years, Matthies has concentrated on teaching recreational and commercial diving. He founded the Minnesota School of Diving in 1959 and the Underwater Commercial Diver Corp. and Minnesota Commercial Diver Training Center in 1993. Colby, who spends a lot of time on MSD’s dive trips as well as some of their Weekly Fun Dives, says Matthies is one of the most knowledgeable people when it comes to diving that she knows. “He is a teacher, a businessman, an author,” Colby adds, “He eats and sleeps diving. Not only does Bill know all about diving though, he is also incredibly passionate about the sport. It is contagious when you are around him. If there is anyone in Midwest diving, or even diving anywhere who deserves this award, Bill does.” Matthies has carried that passion on throughout the industry of diving over the years founding many of the dive organizations in the Upper Midwest. The Professional Association of Diving Instructors is legend in terms of the way it is organized and gets involved in the world of diving. The organization is the largest recreational diver certification agency in the world. As a testament to his longevity Matthies is PADI instructor 79. Matthies’ MSD is one of only three diving schools in the United States offering Canadian Commercial Diver Certification, honored worldwide. Matthies is pretty proud of the accomplishment. In an earlier interview with Dive News, Matthies stated he would continue to teach as long as he could dive and with 50 plus years and counting he shows no signs of stopping. ■
We support local divers - Local divers support the industry.
19
MICHIGAN
MIDWEST DESTINATION
Alpena, MI Rebuilding the Economy One Diver at a Time
By Rick Stratton Publisher, Dive News Network
T
he beauty of Alpena, Michigan begins with the free flowing rivers and the expansive Lake Huron and then continues on in the underwater world that is a diver’s Mecca. Diving has always been the sport of those who can afford it yet it has enough of a draw that every Tom, Joe and Harry finds a way to get into a wet or dry suit. These days the average guy budgets in what he or she can to experience that world many visit vicariously through dive television shows. So it stands to reason, when the economy took a downturn diving felt it. Now, however, dive shops and charters everywhere have found their sea legs and are fighting back in order to bring the beloved sport back to a place where divers can enjoy it without having to choose between gas
money and air money. In Alpena the dive industry is leading the way so the rest of the nationwide dive community can follow suit and “suit up”. Alpena is a diver’s dream. There are hundreds of miles of mine shafts and lakes in Northern Michigan. Home of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the population swells in the summer with the influx of divers while also continuing to serve as the commercial and cultural hub of Northern Michigan. Lake Huron is in its attic. The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is number 13 in the national marine sanctuary system which extends from American Samoa to Massachusetts. Established to protect the water’s shipwrecks, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary was the first Great Lakes sanctuary focused
solely on a large collection of underwater shipwrecks. It covers 448 square miles of northwest Lake Huron, off the northeast coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Divers can literally see many of the wrecks as they were when they sank and The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary along with the Thunder Bay Maritime Museum and a multitude of divers, continue to explore the waters of Alpena in order to bring history alive through the many shipwrecks. One would think this would drum up enough business on its own but in today’s economy help is still needed and comes in the form of local dive shops, charters as well as other various dive oriented businesses. Stephanie Gandulla of the Great Lakes Marine Heritage Center said they have co-sponsored with 4th Element and now a new 3D rendering of the shipwrecks can
FT Barney exploration. Photo by www.thunderbay.noaa.gov. 20
We support the northeast dive community
MIDWEST DESTINATION
MICHIGAN
The Thunder Bay National Sanctuary’s Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. Photo by www.alpenacvb.com.
be found on their website. The GLMGC is hoping this is yet another tool to attract visitors to the area. They worked directly with Jim, 4th Elements lead designer, in creating the renderings and placing them on the site. “The project took seven weeks,” Gandulla said. “We wanted to show visitors what the waters around Alpena had to offer in terms of shipwrecks.” Thad Taylor, City Manager of Alpena says the city is also doing what it can to attract new divers. “More divers are coming to Alpena every year,” says Taylor. “More divers are coming with their own boats. More charter services are available so it is a great place to come if you want to charter a boat. We are excited about a new business in town. A Glass Bottom Boat will be offering wreck tours during the summer season starting in June. The boat is owned by the same company based in Munising, MI, that does the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. I think people will love it.” Taylor adds that during the off season they will also continue the Lighthouse Tours encouraging visitors to the area and showing divers just what they have to offer. “The City of Alpena is experiencing new growth including offering additional attractions and restaurants and we are doing what we can to show divers that not only can they have a great time underwater but also above the surface as well,” Taylor says. “More and more divers are melding their dive trips into family vacations because it just makes economic sense. We have a new Mexican restaurant offering a seaside dining experience and they are even offering a food pavilion open to the public.” Taylor adds the City is partnering with NOAA and has built a kiosk to offer information important to divers. “We want divers to know the City of Alpena has their needs in mind,” Taylor says. Mike Connelly, of Thunder Bay Shores Marina, says he is hoping to spur renewed interest in the Marina by offering a summer garage sale offering over 20 years worth of treasures at greatly reduced prices. “We are calling the sale a “benefit of the recession,” offering marine supplies and old propellers
We support local divers - Local divers support the industry.
21
MICHIGAN
MIDWEST DESTINATION with everyone working together, the businesses, dive shops, charters and the Sanctuary, the locals are now more aware of the wrecks and have additional resources to find additional information making the concept of diving more interesting.” So you have to ask yourself, what does Alpena have that other areas don’t that is now allowing their dive industry to grow? Apparently a whole lot of drive and cooperation within their community and perhaps that is the key. ■
About Rick Stratton
The Alpena - the location remains a mystery. Photo by www.michiganshipwrecks.org.
etc,” Connelly says. “In addition to the Marina, I also own Latitudes Tavern which is Alpena’s favorite place for great drinks, catching up with friends, and having a great time. We cater to a lot of divers.” Connelly says Latitudes is up 20 percent in business something he takes as a sign that business is bouncing back but in the meantime he will continue to let divers all over the world know Alpena is the place to come, dive and have some fun. Attracting new divers to the area, as well as re-attracting old divers, is the battle cry of all dive oriented business in Alpena this year. Taylor says the business community doesn’t just support the industry of diving for business purposes but that many of them
(815) 267-8400
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have personal connections to the industry too. “Many of our business owners here in Alpena are divers themselves and so they understand the strain the economy has put on the sport,” Taylor says. “The bottom line is that a strong dive industry in the Alpena area is good for everyone.” Joe Sobczak from Thunder Bay Scuba agrees. “Things are getting better this year – in fact better than I have seen it in the last eight years,” says Sobczak. “I haven’t a clue why things are improving but I am pleasantly pleased.” Sobczak is currently seeking ways to keep it rolling. He even has a new instructor on staff to offer more classes. “I do believe the sanctuary is a big part of the renewed interest,” Sobczak says. “But I also think
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Rick is the founding publisher of the Dive News Network, and a diver with over 30 years of experience. Contact him at Rick@ divenewsmag.com
Special thanks to the local businesses who supported this story and helped create it.
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MIDWEST DESTINATION
MICHIGAN
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DO YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW WANT TO TRY DIVING? Exploring the Grecian. Photo by www.thunderbay.noaa.gov.
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We support local divers - Local divers support the industry.
23
TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
BELIZE
Belize A Diversity of Dives
.
ditions.com
A variety
By Rick Stratton Publisher, Dive News Network
I
t is called the “Aquarium of the World” with its incredible reefs, abundant marine life and blankets of coral and sponge. Underwater Belize offers diversity in diving found nowhere else in the world. Home to the second longest reef in the world, the diving offers walls beginning as shallow as 20-40 feet, marine life of all shapes and sizes and, of course, the famous Blue Hole. The coral reefs, mounds of underwater limestone and ledges trickling with sea life, some found only here, is rich, diverse and beautiful. The local underwater landscape and the ocean currents make Belize a diver’s fantasy dive gliding the currents in search of other-worldly life. Belize is located in Central America. It is bordered to the north by Mexico, south and west by Guatemala, and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. It is on this east side divers discover a world so
expe www.island e! Photo by of marine lif
rich with underwater life it is near impossible to take it all in. Sitting on the second largest reef system in the world, this area is a catalyst for life itself…and the diving is as diverse as the very animals that populate the local waters.
Lighthouse Reef Atoll
The Lighthouse reef atoll is 45 miles east of Belize City. It is one of four atolls in area with Long Caye located in southern part of Belize. Long Caye provides a habitat for a lot of tropical wildlife. It is surrounded by walls of corals and the marine ecosystem appears to go on forever. The Half Moon Caye Bird Sanctuary is located here and The Great Blue Hole is not far away. Dive spots such as The Aquarium, Half Moon Wall and Cathedral are found in this neighborhood as well. Long Caye offers divers a chance to dive in an area so vast and diverse you feel like you have your own private diving area.
A Belize dive shop. Photo stock.xchng. 24
we are looking for more stories - contact us at editor@divenewsmag.com
TROPICAL DESTINATION
BELIZE
A Passion for Paradise Award winning accommodations and world-class diving on beautiful Little Cayman.
Discover the ideal dive vacation at Little Cayman Beach Resort. Barton Creek Cave. Photo by www.ize2belize.com.
The Barrier Reef off Ambergris Caye
This Barrier Reef is located a half mile off the windward side of the island. This incredible, natural formation offers homes to some of the most diverse marine life in the world. This is where the sea turtles come to hang out and the Whale sharks come together to feed. The rich currents surrounding the reef offer food to everyone, from the manta ray to the clown fish. The colors spread throughout this undersea vista paint the perfect picture of our underwater world. To the east of Barrier Reef are three atoll reefs, Turneffe, Glover’s and Lighthouse. Deep marine trenches separate the two reefs creating an imaginary line in the sand that dares a diver to cris-cross back and forth trying to take it all in.
For Reservations and More Information
Call 1-800-327-3835
visit us online at www.littlecayman.com
RAJA AMPAT, .......where all the fishes live!
Great Blue Hole
A blue hole is a submarine cave or underwater sinkhole. They are also called vertical caves. The Blue Hole in Belize is located in the center of Lighthouse Reef and is a ¼-mile across and 480 ft. deep. It was formed during several episodes of Quaternary glaciation when sea levels were much lower. Originally explored by Jacques Cousteau, divers come from all over the world to experience diving into the deep blue waters of the Great Blue Hole. Cap’n Ron, owner of St Georges Caye Resort, says he understands the draw of the Blue Hole. “It is an incredible thing to see but an even more incredible thing to dive,” says Cap’n Ron. “Our resort is on a small private island and we are the only business for miles around. When divers come stay in one of our twelve cabanas or one of the seven Diver’s Den Lodge rooms the Blue Hole is always on the list of dives they want to do.” Cap’n Ron has been in the resort business in Belize long enough now he understands what gets divers to
www.papua-diving.com dive locally - dive often
25
TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
BELIZE
The Barrier Reef. Photo by www.globetourguide.com.
head in their direction. “Diving in Belize is world class,” says Cap’n Ron. “The water is warm, 84o in summer and 78o in winter and the vis is always good. We get a lot of customers from the Midwest especially the Chicago area as well as Texas, Ohio and New York. They all know about the diving, it’s legendary. I mean who wouldn’t want to come and dive where Cousteau did?” Cap’n Ron adds that a lot of the dive sites in the Belize area are not on any map you’ll find. “Most dive sites are on GPS,” Cap’n Ron says. “We go out and find the
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best ones and punch them into the system. There are some with names, like Lighthouse Reef and such, but for the most part dive operators seek out their own sites to take divers too.” Cap’n Ron adds the typical depth is 0-60 ft. The typical visibility is 30100 ft. “You couldn’t ask for much better than that,” he says. From the sky, the Barrier Reef is an unbroken chain hugging the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and inside the reefs the water is shallow and clear. The water depths cause the hue to begin at
light green and then plunge into deep blues. Teresa Parkey of Hugh Parkey’s Belize Dive Connection says one of the biggest draws to Belize is the Barrier Reef. “I have been in Belize 24 years,” Parkey says, “and we still get a lot of customers who come looking for the famous reef diving. Our customers from the Midwest are seeking the diversity of the diving here. There are miles and miles of opportunities for divers here.” Parkey says the season really gets busy in the Spring. “It’s coming up around to the full moons during the Spring season and the Whale
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Local divers DO IT MORE OFTEN!
TROPICAL DESTINATION
BELIZE
!
AR LL YE
A
Brain Coral. Photo by www.travel.mongabay.com.
Willow Springs Park
shark trips ramp up then,” Parkey says. “They are feeding on the snapper spawn and so this is a good time to come and see them.” Larry Conner, the Aggressor Fleet business development manager, says he believes Belize is a great place to dive because it is also a simple destination to get to. “There are a lot of airlines that fly in and out so it isn’t difficult to reach us,” Connor says. “Places such as Half Moon Key and Long Key are great dive sites where the water is shallow and not far across so we can go and anchor in the area for a long time and divers can just have a great time.” Connor suggests diving the Great Blue Hole too. “The Blue Hole is a great place to dive,” Connor says. “It is an interesting dive and the walls are beautiful. We did a private charter for a company some time back and they mounted a camera in there and let it run for six days. They were using the film footage in a restaurant to give it an aquarium feel. That gives you a sense of the sea life there.” Connor adds there are interesting things to do in Belize City too. “There are some Mayan Ruins and an interesting zoo that was actually built into the woods,” Connor says. “This is not a one shot dive area though. You are going to dive here once and you’ll want to come back, but that’s ok… we’d love to have you.” ■
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Northeast & Midwest Dive News JANUARY 2011
27 27
GEAR BOX TROPICAL DIVE DIRECTORY Sherwood Magnum Regulator
A compact, precision-crafted dive light, the Sherwood Magnum is the regulator of choice for many professional and recreational divers. Two primaryflow ports boost outlet pressure to the second stage for easier breathing and make this regulator a favorite. It also has a balanced piston design providing easy breathing as tank pressure decreases. For more info visit www.sherwoodscuba.com
Frog Spit
Look out amphibious mask users, there’s a new awesome and fascinating defogger in town and it goes by the sensuous and sophisticated name of “Frog Spit”. This formidable fog free focus formula is not really extracted from friendly fearless frogs; it really is a secret concentrated formula that once applied to your mask can last up to 3-4 dives. Developed for cold waters, it is used to provide long lasting lens protection whether diving at the North Pole, tropical waters, or where no frog has ever gone before. Place a small amount on mask, rub vigorously, rinse, and go diving. This is an easy-to-use fast track mask defogger. For more info visit www.frogspit.com.
TROPICAL DIVE DIRECTORY BaHaMaS Juliet Sailing & Diving 866.558.5438 www.sailjuliet.com Caribbean Dive Shop 504.831.7017 www.caribbeandiveshop.com
BEliZE
Calypso Beach Retreat 303.264.8333 www.calypsobeachretreat.com Hugh Parkeys 888.223.5403 www.belizediving.com Sun Breeze Hotel 1.800.688.0191 www.sunbreeze.net
BonairE
Buddy Dive Resort 599.717.5080.518 www.buddydive.com Deep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com Divi Resorts 954.545.0269 www.diviresorts.com Quest Dive Adventures 770.992.8414 www.questdive.com Villa Makoshi Lower Level 780.483.0044 www.BonaireDiveVilla.com
BritiSH Virgin iSland NV Yacht Charters 443.829.8576 www.nvcharters.com 28 28
Maxspect Dive Lights –DIVMAX01
Maxspect Dive Lights provide a temperature monitor so the torch will automatically adjust the intensity of the light to maintain internal temperature within safety limits. This is one of the safer dive lights made today. It provides protection against over-discharge on the Lithium Battery and is driven by a constant current bias circuit. The DIVMAX 01 has two modes of light intensity adjustment, a Step adjustment and Continuous adjustment with multiple flash modes. As an added incentive the Maxspect Dive Light also sports a remaining battery life indicator: Green (75%), Red (15%), Flashing Red (10%) For more info visit www. Maxspect.com.
An alphabetical listing of participating dive shops, charters, live aboards and resorts in tropical locations around the world.
CaYMan iSlandS Deep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com Divetech@Cobal Coast Dive Resort 888.946.5656 divetech.com cobaltcoast.com Southern Cross Club 800.899.2582 www.southerncrossclub.com Sunset House 800.854.4767 www.sunsethouse.com
CoSta riCa Quest Dive Adventures 770.992.8414 www.questdive.com
CoZUMEl Albatros Charters 888.333.4643 www.cozumel-fishing.com BlueBubbleScuba 987.872.4240 www.bluebubble.com Deep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com Island DreamsTravel 800.346.6116 www.divetrip.com Scuba Du 310.684.5556 www.scubadu.com Sea Robin 951.824.9073 www.searobincozumel.com
CUraCao
Ocean Encounters 800.932.6237 www.oceanencounters.com
FiJi
Beqa Lagoon Resort 800.542.3454 www.beqalagoonresort.com Dancer Fleet 305.669.9391 www.dancerfleet.com Deep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com Dolphin Bay Divers Retreat 679.992.4001 dolphinbaydivers.com Koro Sun 970.209.4265 www.korosunresort.com Lalati 877.750.0233 www.lalatifiji.com Qamea Resort & Spa 649.360.0217 www.qamea.com Quest Dive Adventures 770.992.8414 www.questdive.com Wananavu 679.669.4433 www.wananavu.com
Florida Amoray Dive Resort 1-800-426-6729 www.amoray.com Conch Republic Divers 800.274.3483 www.conchrepublicdivers.com
get your business listed here FOR $20 - Call us today! 360-240-1874
TROPICAL DIVE DIRECTORY
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TROPICAL DIVE DIRECTORY
indonESia (Cont.) Island DreamsTravel 800.346.6116 www.divetrip.com Kungkungan Bay Resort & Spa 530.347.2300 www.divekbr.com Lembeh Hills Resort www.LembehHills.com 62.812.441.18.000 Pindito Liveaboard 831.818.8594 www.pindito.com Quest Dive Adventures 770.992.8414 www.questdive.com Tasik Ria Resort Spa & Diving 62.431 -.824.445 www.tasikria.com Worldwide Dive and Sail 866.258.6398 www.worldwidediveandsail.com
Crystal Lodge Dive Center 352.795.6798 www.manatee-central.com Crystal River Watersports (352) 795-7033 www.diveorlando.com Horizon Divers 305.453.3535 www.horizondivers.com Juliet Sailing & Diving 866.558.5438 www.sailjuliet.com Key Dives 800.344.7352 www.keydives.com Narcosis Scuba Center 727.934.6474 www.narcosisscuba.com Off The Wall Adventures 863.709-9253 www.offthewalladventures.com
MExiCo
Sea Experience 954.770.3483 www.seaxp.com SpruceCreekScuba 386.767.1727 www.sprucecreekscuba.com The Dive Station (407) 843-3483 www.divestation.com The Scuba Center (561) 278-7020 www.scubadelray.com Walker’s Dive Charters 561.253.4294 www.walkersdivecharters.com Blue Ocean Marine Pty.Ltd. 415.830.3846 www.abyssworld.com Divencounters 877.323.DIVE www.divencounters.com Red Mangrove 00593.2.3823801/3823941 www.redmangrove.com
HondUraS Deep Blue Resort 011.504.95.76.36.97 www.deepblueutila.com Utila Tours 800.668.8452 337.893.0013 www.utila.com
indonESia Deep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com
The ORIGINAL www.DiveAlert.com
To be listed in our Tropical Dive Directory call 360.240.1874 or email us at sales@divenewsmag.com
Florida (Cont.)
galaPagoS
sound insurance
“ the seat belt of diving ”
One Year Subscription To Northeast Dive News
Abyss Dive Center 52.984.873.2164 www.abyssdivecenter.com Aquanauts Dive Adv. 998.206.9365 www.aquanautsdiveadventures.com
nortH Carolina
ATLANTIS CHARTERS
Aquatic Pleasures 704.734.1174 www.divenowworklater.com Aquatic Safaris & Divers Emporium 910.392.4386 www.aquaticsafaris.com Atlantis Charters 252.728.6244 www.atlantischarters.net Cape Fear Dive Center 910.458.7390 www.capefeardivecenter.com Discovery Diving Co. 252.728.2265 www.discoverydiving.com Diver Style Scuba 704.289.2089 www.diverstyle.com Divin’ Dawgs 252.638.3432 www.divindawgs.com Olympus Dive Center 252.726.9432 www.olympusdiving.com Outer Banks Diving 252.986.1056 www.outerbanksdiving.com Rum Runner Dive Shop 252.439.4390 www.rumrunnerdiveshop.com
nortH Carolina (Cont.) The Blue Dolphin Dive Center & Travel 336.760.9226 www.bluedolphindive.com Under Pressure Diving (June-Aug) 757.537.6524 www.capt-jt.com
PHiliPPinES
Atlantis Dive Resort 775.588.0500 www.atlantishotel.com Deep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com Island DreamsTravel 800.346.6116 www.divetrip.com
rEd SEa - EgYPt Fly & Sea Dive Adventures 888.995.DIVE(3483) www.redseadiving.ca Learning Through Travel 516.781.5556 www.learningthroughtravel.com
roatan
CoCo View Resort Roatan 800.282.8932 www.roatan.com
SEa oF CortEZ/SoCorro iSlandS Rocio Del Mar 602.558.9580 www.rociodelmarliveaboard.com
St. Croix (U.S. Virgin iSlandS) BVI Scuba 284.540.2222 www.bviscubaco.com Cane Bay Dive Shop 340.773.9913 www.canebayscuba.com Jost Van Dyke 800.778.8066 www.jostvandyke.com
St. kittS Dive St. Kitts 869.564.8914 www.divestkitts.com
St. VinCEnt Bequia Dive Adventures 784.458.3826 www.bequiadiveadventures.com
tUrkS & CaiCoS Oasis Divers 649.946.1128 www.oasisdivers.com Dive Provo 649.946.5040 www.diveprovo.com
get your business listed here FOR $20 - Call us today! 360-240-1874
29 29
A listing of participating dive shops, charters, resorts, and independent instructors NORTHEAST
CONNECTICUT Divers Cove LLC
NORTHEAST
NORTHEAST
DIVE DIRECTORY
Leisure Pro Ltd.
New York
(212)645-1234
Store
Oceanblue Divers
New York
(347) 497-3483
Club
Pan Aqua Diving Inc.
New York
(212) 736-3483
Store
A+ Pro Divers
Plattsburg
( 518) 561-7748
Store
Essex
(860) 767-1960
Store
Just Scuba
Pawcatuck
(860) 303-4612
Instructor
Capt. Saam’s Scuba School
Stamford
www.Capt-Saam.com
Store/Charter
Central Sales Scuba
Thomaston
(860) 283-9239
Store
New England Dive Center
Wallingford
(203) 284-1880
Store
Auburn
(207) 784-7300
Store
Eliot/Portsmouth
(603) 235-5526
Charter
Osprey Charters
Portland
(207) 775-3467
Store Dutch Springs
Bethlehem
(610) 759-2270
Store
Bethlehem
(610) 746-4016
Store
MAINE Barclay’s Skindivers Paradise Northeast Charter Boat Company Maine Divers Scuba Center
MARYLAND Underwater Playground
Edgewood
(410) 679-6413
Hampton Dive Center
Riverhead
(631) 727-7578
Store
Swim and Scuba
Rockville Centre
(516) 872-4571
Store
Seascapes USA
Syosset
(516) 433-7757
Center
QCScuba.com
Wantagh
(516) 826-SCBA
Store
Westfield
(716) 326-2773
Charter
PENNSYLVANIA
Store
Lehigh Valley Dive
MASSACHUSETTS
www.LVDive.com next to Dutch Springs
Diver Jim’s / Belmont Scuba
Belmont
(617) 484-5246
Store
Uncle Joe's Scuba
Burlington Scuba
Burlington
(781) 272-5164
Store
Diver’s World
Boston Harbor Diving Co.
East Boston
(617) 846-5151
Charter
Indian Valley Scuba
Fitchburg
(978) 343-6330
Store
Onset
www.buzzardsbaydivecenter.com
Store
Andy's Sport Shop Buzzards Bay Diving Ctr.
NEW HAMPSHIRE UW Sports of New Hampshire
Coraopolis
(412) 262-2664
Store
Erie
www.scubaerie.com
Store
Harleysville
(215) 256-6000
Store
www.IndianValleyScuba.com Pittsburgh Scuba Center
Homestead
(412) 461-3181
Store
B & B Diving - 2 quarries
Hillsville
(724) 667-9448
Store
Irwin
(724) 863-0752
Store
Keene
(603) 357-4430
Store
Randy's Dive Shop
Central NH Divers
Meredith
(603) 279-9099
Store
Sunken Treasure Scuba Ctr.
Jersey Shore
www.divestsc.com
Store
Dive Winnipesaukee
Wolfeboro
(603) 569-8080
Store
Lancaster Scuba Center
Lancaster
(717) 397-2822
Store
Willow Springs
Richland
(717) 866-5801
Quarry
Brielle
www.gypsyblooddive.com
Charter
A-1 Scuba Diving
Trevose
A1ScubaGear.com
Store
Hoboken Dive Center
Hoboken
(201) 795-3483
Store
A Water Odyssey Scuba
Williamsport
(570) 326-2091
Store
East Coast Diving Supply
Northfield
(609) 646-5090
Store
NEW JERSEY Gypsy Blood Dive
Atlantic Spear & Scuba Blue Water Divers
Point Pleasant Beach www.atlanticspearandscuba.com
RHODE ISLAND
Store
Newport Diving Center
Rochelle Park
(201) 843-3340
Store
ScubaMadeEasy.org
Treasure Cove Divers
Westfield
(908) 654-8808
Store
Simply Scuba
Lake Erie Diving Center
Angola
(716) 549-4112
Store
Finger Lake Scuba
Auburn
(800) 764-3483
Store/Charter
Dive Adventures
Ballston Spa
(518) 879-8866
Store
Brooklyn
www.jeanne-ii.com
Charter
Kings County Divers
Brooklyn
(718) 648-4232
Store
Stingray Divers
Brooklyn
(718) 384-1280
Store
Buffalo
(716) 837-3483
Store
City Island
(718) 885-1588
Store
Depew
(716) 685-4557
Store
East Syracuse
(315) 479-5544
Shop
Ed's Pro Dive Center
Elmira
(607) 368-2096
Shop
Lockness Dive Boat
Freeport
(516) 298-2633
Charter
NEW YORK
Jeanne II Diving Charters
Dip 'n Dive Captain Mike's diving Discover Diving Dallas National Aquatic Services
Dive Master Services Inc.
Kingston
www.scubadms.com
Mobile Air Fills
Garloo
Long Island
(845) 735-5550
Charter
Long Island Scuba
Lindenhurst
(631) 225-8450
Store
Aqua Visions Scuba
Mamaroneck
(914) 381-1884
Store
Abyss Scuba Center
Mount Kisco
(914) 244-3483
Store
30
Newport
(401) 847-9293
Store
Westerly
(401) 742-4898
Store
Tri-State Area
(401) 787-1517
Instructor
East Bay Dive Center
Warren
(401) 247-2420
Store
Giant Stride Dive Shop
Warwick
(401) 732-8808
Store
Advertise Your Business Here! To be listed in our Dive Directory call (360) 240-1874 or email us at sales@divenewsmag.com
get your business listed here for $12.50 - Call us today! 360-240-1874
VIRGINIA Adventure Scuba Company
Chantilly
(703) 263-0427
Store
Portsmouth
www.cbdcscuba.com
Store
Lynnhaven Dive Center
Virginia Beach
(757) 481-7949
Store/Charter
Under Pressure Diving (Sept-May)
Virginia Beach
(757) 537-6524
Charter
Chesapeake Bay Diving Center
MIDWEST
NORTHEAST
MIDWEST DIVE DIRECTORY
VERMONT Burlington
(802) 865-2771
Store
Below H2O Windy City Diving Enterprise Marine
Store
Bonne Terre
Aurora
(630) 820-2531
Store
Bloomington
(309) 826-1080
Store
Bolingbrook
(630) 209-2445
Charter
Duluth
(888) 843-3483
Mine
Captain Nemo's Dive Shop
Columbia
(573) 442-3483
Store
Y-kiki Divers
Creve Couer
(314) 469-8722
Store
Joplin
(888) 565-3483
Store
MISSOURI Bonne Terre Mine
Y-kiki Divers
ILLINOIS Bad Leo's Diving
(218) 624-7285
Extreme Sports Scuba, Inc
Lake Saint Louis
(636) 240-3870
Store
TD Scuba
Lee's Summit
(816) 525-3487
Store
Dive Stop
New Melle
(636) 398-4464
Quarry
Ozark Dive Company Y-kiki Divers
Popular Bluff
(573) 778-3483
Store
St. Louis
(314) 843-0354
Store
St. Louis/St. Charles
(314) 209-7200
Store
Waynesville
(573 )774-DIVE
Store
Des Plaines
(847) 640-8113
Charter
West End Diving
Ill. Institute of Diving
Glen Ellyn
(630) 469-3483
Store
Odyssey Scuba and Travel
Sealions Dive Center
Hanover Park
(630) 289-1680
Store
Haigh Enterprises
Kankakee
(815) 939-7797
Quarry
Bowling Green
(419) 352-9203
Club
Moline
(309) 797-9721
Store
Scuba Unlimited
Cincinnati
(513) 793-4747
Store
Plainfield
(815) 267-8400
Store
Aqua Specialists
Cleveland
(866) 359-5709
Store
Skokie
ScubaSystems.org
Store
Holiday Dive Charters
Cleveland
(216) 771-2628
Store
South Beloit
(815) 389-1479
Lake
The Underwater Connection
Columbus
(614) 298-9777
Store
Sentry Pool & Scuba Dive Right In Scuba Scuba Systems Pearl Lake
OHIO Portage Quarry Rec. Club
Scuba World, Inc.
Swansea
(618) 277-3483
Store/Charter
White Star Quarry
Gibsonburg
whitestarquarry.com
Quarry
Mermet Springs
Vienna
mermetsprings.com
Quarry
Aquatic Adventures
Hilliard
(614) 889-2822
Store
Southern Ohio Dive Academy
Kettering
(937) 264-2999
Store
Northwood
(419) 691-2991
Store
INDIANA Goose's Scuba Shack, Inc. Hart City Scuba ASP Diving Lake County Divers Supply Indy Mph Watersports
Dyer
(219) 322-7222
Store
Elkhart
(574) 264-3528
Store
Sea Level Scuba
WISCONSIN
Fort Wayne
(260) 207 2773
Store
Northland Equipment
Apostle Island
NorthlandEquipment.net
Store/Charter
Hobart
(219) 942-0016
Store
Aqua Center of Green Bay
Green Bay
(920) 468-8080
Store
Indianapolis
(317) 842-1988
Store
Green Bay Scuba
Green Bay
www.gbscuba.com
Store
Kenosha
www.diverdan.com
Store
(563) 324-8771
Store
Adventure Charter Boats
Milwaukee
adventurecharterboats.com
Charter
Milwaukee
(414) 588-6764
Charter
Milwaukee
(414) 482-1430
Store
Burlington
www.marlinscuba.com
Instruction/Charter
Concord
(905) 660-6359
Store
Gravenhurst
(705) 687-5879
Store
IOWA Scuba Adventures QCA, Inc.
Diver Dan's Scuba
Bettendorf
Matt Leydens' Dive Shop
Des Moines
(515) 288-6312
Store
Len-Der Charters
Adventure Diving, Inc.
West Des Moines
(515) 255-7282
Store
Pirates Cove Diving
MICHIGAN
CANADA
MIDWEST
WaterfrontDiving.com
Lake Superior Divers Supply
ONTARIO
Thunder Bay Scuba
Alpena
(989) 356-6228
Store
Divers Incorporated
Ann Arbor
www.diversinc.com
Store
Aquatic Adventures
Brighton
(810) 225-9868
Store
All Seasons Diving Co
Dryden
AllSeasonsDiving.com
Charter
Tri City Scuba Centre
Fair Haven
(586) 725-1991
Store
Scuba 2000
Anchor Bay Scuba
Marlins Scuba LTC Scuba Center Scuba Shack
Sea the World
Farmington Hills
(248) 478-6400
Store
Thousand Isl. Pleasure Diving
The Dive Shop
Flint
(810) 732-3900
Store
Dan’s Dive Shop Divers Den
Grand Rapids
(616) 531-9440
Store
Advanced Scuba & Paintball
Great Lakes Dive Locker
Holland
(616) 392-4433
Store/Charter
Isle Royale Charters
Kalamazoo
(269) 270-8334
Charter
Aquarius Scuba Diving Centre
Kitchener
www.scubacentre.ca
Equipment/Instruction
Richmond Hill
(905) 771-1500
Store
Rockport
(866) 659-2334
Charter
St. Catharines
DansDiveShop.ca
Store/Charter
Tobermory
(519) 596-2363
Charter/Store
Toronto
www.aquariusscuba.com
Store
NEW BRUNSWICK
ZZ Underwater World
Lansing
(517) 485-3894
Store
Enveco Diving
Bereford
(506) 542-1011
Store
Great Lakes Divecenter
Shelby Township
greatlakesdivecenter.com
Store
The Dive Shack
Saint John
(506) 634-8265
Store
Traverse City
(231) 947-2520
Store
Burnsville
(952) 890-3483
Store
Duluth
www.innerspacescuba.com
Store
Scuba North
MINNESOTA Fantasea Scuba & travel Innerspace Scuba
NOVA SCOTIA Easy Dive Canada LTD
Cape Breton Is.
(902) 345-2215
Store
(808) 324-4668
Charter
Hawaii Kona Honu Divers
Keauhou
get your business listed here for $12.50 - Call us today! 360-240-1874
31
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Just go to your local dive store and pick up a complimentary copy. our mission is: bringing the local dive shop more customers and helping you be more active in the sport. of course—if you want a printed edition mailed to your home that isn’t free. cost $20/yr=12 months. call us at (360) 240-1874
World’s Capitol Of Underwater Critters
Kasawari is a boutique lifestyle dive resort that has been designed with complete catering to divers and serious photographers.
Welcome to the Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia - home of pygmy seahorses, hairy frogfish, stargazers, wunderpuses, Rhinopias - and where there’s great diving all year round.
www.KASAWARI-LEMBEH.com 32
www.nedivenews.com
Northeast Dive News JANUARY 2008