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Deception Pass an unplanned surprise
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MARCH 2011 IN THIS ISSUE ◄ Cover by
Photographer John Rawlings captures CCR Diver Josh Smith exploring the outer decks of the Cape Breton, a world-famous artificial reef located in the waters off Vancouver Island near Nanaimo, British Columbia. The artificial reef “wrecks” off Nanaimo have become enshrouded with fish and invertebrate marine life and attract underwater photographers from around the world. Josh’s equipment includes an Innerspace Te c h n o l o g i e s M e g a l o d o n Closed-Circuit Rebreather and a Shearwater combination dive computer and HUD system - both of which are locally made by fine local companies in the Pacific Northwest.
Northwest Dive News
The complete resource for what’s happening in diving in the Pacific Northwest. P.O. Box 1494 Oak Harbor, WA 98277 Phone (360) 240-1874 Fax (360) 279-1814 nwdiver@nwdivenews.com www.nwdivenews.com
Publisher and Editor Rick Stratton/Kathy Stratton rick@nwdivenews.com Art Director IJ James Graphic Designers TJ Pierzchala/Brian Merculief/Jack Bayliss Production Manager/Expo Coordinator Selene Peterson Writer/Editor Jamie Farris Field Reporter/Editor Barb Roy Travel Editor Jett Britnell Accounts Manager Tove Chatham accounting@divenewsmag.com Advertising Sales Roosevelt Rumble (360) 240-1874 ext103 sales@nwdivenews.com Northwest Dive News (NWDN) is committed to promoting the sport of scuba diving in the Pacific Northwest. We will present a practical, unbiased point of view regarding all aspects of the sport of scuba diving. Topics covered will include information on current events, dive sites, dive training, dive safety, boat diving, dive buddy network and the personal experiences of our readers, Northwest scuba divers. NWDN believes in honesty and integrity in business and will support all efforts related to this. We encourage our 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. IMPORTANT NOTICE NWDN reserves the right to refuse service to anyone it chooses. The contents of NWDN 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. Subscription Rates: U.S. one year $20.00 (3rd Class) Canadian $30 USF EARN A FREE 1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION NWDN wants your diving related stories, cartoons, articles and pictures, and we’ll reward you by sending you a one (1) year subscription in return for the right to publish your original work. In order to win you must be published. This will apply for one article, photo or cartoon per six month period. Stories should be a maximum of 1,200 words and we strongly suggest you include pictures or artwork with your story submissions to increase the likelihood that you will be published. Email submissions to nwdiver @nwdivenews.com or mail to P.O. Box 1494 Oak Harbor, WA 98277. Any material accepted may be printed by any means and is subject to revision as required. We are not responsible for returning such without a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Monthly Columns Editor’s Note.......................................4 Incoming Mail.....................................5 Hot News............................................6 WA Fish & Wildlife Commission......... 8 Langley Scuba Fest & Egg Hunt........ 9 Dive and Travel EXPO................12-17
DAN/Medical Column..................32-33 Mystery Critter..................................34 BoatingRegulations.......................... 35 Gear Box..........................................36 Dive Industry Profile......................... 37 Dive Directory..............................38-39
NORTHWEST US DIVES
20 Deception PassAn Unplanned Surprise
Sometimes a dive is an unplanned surprise loaded with creatures and a landscape you would have not otherwise seen had you simply not overslept. Goblet sponge, sculpin and Red Irish Lords cascade through the currents at Deception Pass as local diver Kriss Bradley discovers the wonders of a surprise dive that she never planned to do. By Kriss Bradley
NORTHWEST CANADA DIVES
24 Nanaimo – The Hub of the British Columbia Diving World
From the HMCS Saskatchewan, a 366 ft. sunken destroyer artificial reef to one of hundreds of dive sites to a play date with local seals, Nanaimo is a place where the landscape lends a ghostly yet heavenly glimpse into the underwater world of our planet. Join veteran diver and Dive News Publisher Rick Stratton as he traverses the currents of Nanaimo, BC. By Rick Stratton
TROPICAL DESTINATIONS
28 Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park – It’s “Tuba Time”
Witness to a multitude of Mother Nature’s private showings as writer and California Diver Magazine Managing Editor takes readers on an adventure into Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Philippines. Covering over 96,828 hectare, Tubbataha sports over 600 species of fish, 12 species of sharks and close to 360 different types of hard and soft coral all hiding out in one of the world’s most isolated playgrounds. By Mike Bartick
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Do you have an opinion? Contact us: editor@divenewsmag.com
march is momentum month we want to be friends-with benefits
W
elcome to the March edition of Northwest Dive News. As usual we have slaved over this edition – jamming it full of information to help you become more active in the sport – locally – where it really matters. Many readers have recently noticed the many improvements to the magazine, both print and online, but for those who have missed them I’d like to point some out. Our Hot News and regional news section in the magazine are jammed with great news items this month. Not only is the local diving community coming out of our winter slumber but you are sending us your events to editor@ divenewsmag.com or online at www. divenewsmag.com. Either way we have lots
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of news and information on what’s happening in the sport in your neck of the woods. Our improvements enable us to gather momentum and be an even more useful resource than before. This new energy has also brought us some great ideas which you will see unfold over the next several months. This first is a new partnership. We have partnered with Momentum Watches on a joint promotion to become friends with our readers…and…we are bringing benefits. During the month of March, if you become “friends” with us on Facebook or join our Constant Contact list online – you will be entered to win 1 of 12 Momentum Watches that we are giving away this month. That’s right, be our friend and we just might give you some time… We promise to be good “friends” and will not spam you with “special offers” – unless you ask for them, so no worries there. We just want to keep in touch like real friends do. So come on – be our friend – it has benefits.
Rick
Rick Stratton
facebook.com/Rick.Stratton1 twitter.com/nedivenews, twitter.com/mwdivenews rick@divenewsmag.com
www.nwdivenews.com Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010 Check out our NEW website: www.divenewsnetwork.com
MONTHLY ARTICLES
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Rick
Hi, my name is Pamela and I’m a divenewsnetwork.com reader. I’d like to thank you for the excellent information I’ve found on divenewsnetwork.com. It’s always a great pleasure to read your articles and I am a loyal reader. I live in Burr Ridge, IL where I try to increase the awareness on healthy eating among my family and friends. I’m diabetic and figured you might be interested in including a guest article for divenewsnetwork.com about a new study stating that fish cooking methods have a role in preserving its health benefits. The article is in the form of a little guide with my secret fish recipe to help your readers to experience this topic and perhaps begin a discussion. Please, take a minute to consider this because any support to spread information that increases an awareness of healthy eating would be appreciated. Together we can educate the public about the dangers of unhealthy cooking techniques and hopefully save some lives. Thank you for your desire to help and keep posting your excellent information on divenewsnetwork.com. Sincerely, Pamela Robinette
Healthy eating habits include fresh fish! Photo by Stock.xchng
DEAR Pamela,
Thanks for the note and offer to write an article. Please send it in. We encourage reader involvement and look forward to receiving reader submissions. We enjoy a diverse group of readers and we all have something to learn from each other! We, after all, don’t have all the information or all the talent, so please…share. We do have an excellent vehicle to get the word out. Whether it is in the magazine or online with a link back to you, we can help our readers connect. Thanks for suggesting it.
Rick
Send us your comments! If you are interested in contributing local diving info, contact our editorial staff at editor@divenewsmag.com.
You don’t have to be a writer to be a contributor!
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HOT NEWS Get your business noticed by sending us your NEWS/EVENTS: editor@divenewsmag.com Silent World Diving Has Moved Silent World Diving has moved recently…across the street. Silent World can now be found at 13433NE 20th Street, Ste V/W in Bellevue, WA. The owner, Craig Willemsen, says that he believes the customers will enjoy the new location more. “There is better visibility in the new store and we like the lighting,” Willemsen says. For more info visit http://silent-world.com. Dive News Teen Writer Brianna Darcy Awarded Scholarship Dive News teen writer and diver Brianna Darcy was awarded a $1000 scholarship from the Women Divers Hall of Fame and Ocean Pals through their Marine Careers Program, a part of Beneath the Sea Dive show. The Marine Careers Program’s scholarship is one of the few that are available for Brianna’s age, 14 years old, however according to her dad Bill, once Brianna turns 16 a “world of scholarships will open up for her.” The scholarship will be awarded during the Women Divers Hall of Fame lunch at this years’ Beneath the Sea Dive Show to be held March 25 – 27. For more info visit www.beneaththesea.org Local Diver Graduates from DIT Local diver, Zack Hammond, resident of Whidbey Island, WA and dive control specialist for Whidbey Island Dive Center, recently graduated at the top of his class from Divers Institute of Technology in Seattle, WA. Hammond, who has been diving recreationally for the past five years, is now a commercial diver and according to Hammond “will no longer associate with lower forms of life – like scumbag recreational divers!” Seriously…congrats Zack – we hope you get a job soon.
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Local Dive Charter Company Expands Bandito Charters, one of Puget Sound’s largest dive charter companies, is expanding its fleet again. Acquiring the 28 ft. Island Diver, Bandito will be offering service to Northern and Mid-Puget Sound locations. With Captain Don Peterson and Jackie DeHaven, the newest addition will be based in Port Angeles and charter to sites like Diamond Knot, Deception Pass and Neah Bay. For more information www.banditocharters.com REEF hits 20,000 surveys on the West Coast REEF volunteer surveyor Mike Delaney recently conducted the 20,000th REEF survey in REEF’s West Coast Pacific region. The lucky 20k survey was at Whytecliff Park in Vancouver, BC on Friday, February 4th. Interestingly enough, this is where Delaney logged his very first REEF survey back in 1999. If you’d like to become involved in REEF, contact Janna Nichols at janna@REEF.org. Derelict Crab Pots to be Removed From BC Waters The Northwest Straits Initiative has announced that it will remove derelict crab pots from Boundary Bay, British Columbia with funding from British Columbia’s Ministry of the Environment. The project will document the impacts of derelict crab pots in British Columbia. Surveys conducted in British Columbia Boundary Bay in January found more than 1,800 derelict crab pots in a small 5.5 square kilometer area and initiative crews hope to remove up to 120 of those pots. Learn more at www. nwstraits.org and www.derelictgear.org
Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010 Send Us Your News/Eventswww.nwdivenews.com FREE at editor@divenewsmag.com
Find more Northwest activities on our facebook page! Northwest Activities
CLUB MEETINGS & EVENTS Mar. 8: Portland Sea Searchers meeting, 7 p.m., Portland, Ore. 503-709-9306 Mar. 8: Yakima Dive Club meeting, 6:30 p.m., El Porton, Yakima, Wash. yakimadiveclub.sharepointspace.com Mar. 8: Wet & Wild Diving Society meeting, 7:30 p.m., Bob Lamb Industry Education Centre, Fort McMurray, AB, Canada. www.ghphoto.ca/wwscuba/ Mar. 8: Mountain Sharks Dive Club meeting, 6:30 p.m., Jakers Restaurant, Missoula, Mont. www.mountainsharks.org Mar. 9: Emerald Sea Dive Club meeting, 7 p.m., Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill & Pub, Everett, Wash. www. emeraldseadiveclub.org Mar. 9: Puget Sound Depth Charges Dive Club Meeting, 6 p.m., Milton Tavern, Milton, Wash., www.psdepthchargers.com Mar.12: Featured Education family event beach walk, 8-9 p.m., Foss Waterway Seaport, Hood Canal Marina, Union, Wash. http://pugetsound.org Mar. 14: Napa Valley Divers club meeting, 7 p.m., Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, Napa, Calif. www.napavalleydivers.com Mar. 15: Kelp Krawlers dive club meeting, 7 p.m., Dirty Dave’s Pizza Parlor, Olympia, Wash. www.kelpkrawlers.org Mar. 16: Atomic Ducks Dive Club Meeting, 7 p.m., Bank Reale, 5205 North Road 68, Pasco, Wash., www.ducksdiveclub.org Mar. 24: Boeing Seahorses Dive Club meeting, 6 p.m., Round Table Pizza, Issaquah, Wash. www.seahorsediveclub.com Mar. 26: 9th Annual Chicago Maritime Festival, Historical Museum, Chicago, IL. www.chicagomaritimefestival.org Apr. 3: Northwest Adventure Divers club meeting, 7 p.m., The Golden Steer, Kent, Wash. www.nwadventuredivers.com Apr. 5: Eugene Dive Club meeting, 7 p.m., Izzy’s Pizza, Eugene, Ore. www. eugenediveclub.com Apr. 5: Atomic Ducks Dive Club Social, 6-9 p.m., Kimo’s Restaurant and Sports Bar, 2696 North Columbia Center Boulevard, Richland, Wash., www.ducksdiveclub.org
Do you want your event listed here? Contact us: editor@divenewsmag.com
Apr. 5: Divers Down Under club meeting, 6:30 p.m., Adventures Down Under, Bellingham, Wash. www. adventuresdownunder.com Apr. 6: Adventures Down Under Dive Club meeting, 6:30 p.m., Adventures Down Under, Bellingham, WA. www. adventuresdownunder.com Apr. 6: Marker Buoy Dive Club meeting, 7 p.m., Sunset Hill Community Center, Seattle, WA. www.markerbuoydiveclub.org Apr. 6: Emerald Sea Dive Club meeting, 7 p.m., Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill & Pub, Everett, Wash. www. emeraldseadiveclub.org Apr. 6: Puget Sound Depth Charges Dive Club Meeting, 6 p.m., Milton Tavern, Milton, Wash., www.psdepthchargers.com Apr. 7: Northwest Divers club meeting, 6:30 p.m., Kwan’s Cuisine, Salem, Ore. www.salemscuba.com Apr. 7: GSNDAMBAA club meeting, 6 p.m., Edmonds Underwater Sports, Edmonds, Wash. www.gsndambaa.org Apr. 7: Oregon Scuba Club meeting, 7 p.m., Buster’s BBQ, Tigard, Ore. www. oregonscuba.com
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Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010 www.nwdivenews.com We support local divers - Local divers support the industry.
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REGIONAL NEWS
Washington Fish and Wild Life Commission Responsive on Spearfishing Issue
I
t’s become a hot button issue for some of Washington state’s spear fishermen; being held to the same rules as line fishermen in terms of the size of lingcod that can be caught. Divers and spear fishermen as advocating lowering the limit to 26 inches due to the fact that, as spear fishermen, it is difficult to determine exact size under water and once a lingcod is speared there is no “throwing it back as regular fishermen can do. Recently F&WL Commissioner David Jennings responded to a letter written by diver Michael Rigik and printed in NW Dive News. In his letter Rigik asked several questions of Jennings and F&WL. Jennings responded that “the Commission is composed of 9 members who were involved in the adoption of the current rule. Implementation of the rule falls to the staff of the Department of Fish and Wildlife.” He also added that he may be the only member of the Commission who is an active scuba diver. He is certified as a Master Diver by PADI and recently became certified as a technical diver by TDI. “I have -350 recorded dives in Puget Sound and recently had one of my photos displayed in Andy Lamb’s column in Northwest Dive News,” Jennings added. “I routinely get within 3 feet of lingcod (though not with a spear, rather with my camera – I make the distinction because I recognize that the lingcod may be much more wary if they sense they are being stalked by a (human) predator).” Jennings said that he shares Rigik’s concerns about the challenges posed by the current regulations – particularly for the lower limit of the slot. “With the underwater magnification that occurs and the difficulty of stalking a wild fish, expecting divers to bracket to the extent required is challenging,”
Photo by Jim Lyte
Jennings added. He says that he will continue to advocate for dropping the lower limit part of the slot size. In a returned response Rigik let Jennings know that he appreciated his response but also added that he also wanted to see some consideration in terms of the 36 inch maximum. “I completely understand the reasoning behind the 40 inch to 36 inch maximum length reduction,” Rigik explained, “But – I think the Commission members need to seriously consider the following. Should a diver spear a fish that measures 37 inches or slightly longer when boated, the only viable option to the diver is to return the dead fish back to the water, thus wasting it. I certainly would not keep an illegal fish, facing a large financial Citation and possible confiscation of diving and boating equipment, nor would Rick Stratton, editor of Northwest Dive News Magazine. For a rod and reel fisherman, a longer fish can be hooked and returned to the water essentially unharmed.”
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Rigik added that these are things the Commission really needed to consider. For now the two men will continue to communicate and both look forward to the reconsideration of the 2010 rule change. ■
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REGIONAL NEWS
Langley scuba fest and egg hunteaster bunny to dive langley harbor
Photo by Port of South Whidbey
T
he Easter Bunny will be hopping around the corner pretty quick and the folks at The Port of South Whidbey will be hosting the Langley Scuba Fest & Egg Hunt at the South Whidbey Harbor at Langley to welcome the long-eared fellow. The Scuba Fest & Egg Hunt will be held at the marina Saturday, April 23 beginning at 9 a.m. The event is free and will have family activities throughout the day, including a Beach Treasure Hunt for the kids, a photo contest and an underwater egg hunt complete with prizes awarded to those who find the coveted eggs. Last year’s event was well received by the dive community and the Harbor folks are hoping this year’s event will go just as well. This year the Harbor is using the Langley Scuba Fest and Egg hunt to also kick off their new future development plans. “We need your help to make this a successful event and help determine the future of diving at the Langley Harbor,” says Harbor Master Duncan McPhee. “We are looking for sponsors who can assist with program development and direction as the Port expands the Langley Facility.” McPhee says they need to demonstrate there is an active dive community involved who are willing to be a part of the future development so they can get the most from the future development. “I am looking for diver input and cooperation in using this event to develop a visible dive presence at the South Whidbey Harbor,” McPhee says. “This event will demonstrate the need for future access, facilities and need for these types of activities. Every local diver’s experience and participation will be appreciated.” McPhee adds he believes local dive events will have greater success if they are designed by divers for divers. The Port, he says, will continue to organize sponsors, promotion, event funding and facilities. There are three levels of sponsorship being set up for the future development. A Host Sponsor would act as chair for program development and scheduling and be listed as Event Host in all event promotions and news releases. The harbor prefers dive related businesses become host sponsors. An Event Sponsor will be a dive related business or organization that would assist with promotions, provide demonstrations/presentations, assist with event operations and safety as well as provide dive related prizes. Event sponsors will gain high visibility in the dive community, promotion of their business/ organization with special recognition for contribution/service. Finally, a Participating Sponsor would be a local business/organization
providing prize donations for promotional consideration. “We need the dive community’s help so they and the local community can get the most out of the future development of the harbor,” McPhee says. “We also welcome any suggestions along the way.” For more info call 360 221-1120. ■
Port of South Whidbey’s Harbor at Langley
2nd Annual
Scuba Fest
Langley Harbor’s Dive Event Join us for Fun and Games
Saturday, April 23 9 am to 4 pm Featuring demonstration, prizes and more!
Underwater Easter Egg Hunt
Kids’ Beach Treasure Hunt
A Photo Event
For more information contact the Harbormaster at harbormaster@portofsouthwhidbey.com or call 360-221-1120
Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010 www.nwdivenews.com We support local divers - Local divers support the industry.
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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
ROGEST
rogest and DNN team for kids
Marine artist “Rogest” teaches art to Elma Elementary 3rd graders. Photo by Rick Stratton. By Rick Stratton
R
on Steven, aka, marine artist known as “Rogest” and DNN publisher, Rick Stratton, recently spoke at Elma Elementary school, about 40 miles west of Olympia, Washington to a group of about 100 3rd graders. As part of the Marine Careers Outreach arm of the 2011 Dive &Travel Expo and a continuing effort by Rogest to “give back” to kids, Stratton and Rogest teamed to introduce kids to the ocean’s environment, and the potential to find a future in marine careers. “I know that speaking to 3rd graders about their future careers seems a bit of a stretch, but we were all introduced to the oceans by Cousteau and Sea Hunt’s Mike Nelson about that age. I remember watching them in amazement. As the Event Director for the Dive & Travel Expo, I would like to use the time and resources from the Expo to impact the future of our sport – these kids are our future,” said DNN Publisher, Rick Stratton. Rogest’s presentation was about marine art, expressing oneself through art and the importance of protection our entire environment. “We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the ‘natural order of things.’ So many seemingly trivial interactions between people and the environment present us with a choice: Do we pass along a little spark of 10
love and humanity and take action or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little bit colder in the process,” said Rogest. As part of his presentation, Rogest had the kids paint on a Rick with E large 24x36 canlma Vice P rinciple Gre vas, which he gS P hoto by Ric croggins. donated to the k Stratton.. school to be hung where about their art creation will continue to inspire the free tickets to the them. Dive Expo donated by Rick and Northwest According to Elma Elementary teacher Dive News Magazine, while the teachers and local diver Kim Stenek, the visit was a were thrilled with the Rogest calendars hit. “My kids will never forget Rick or Rofor the classroom. The kids enjoyed readgest! They had an absolute blast with both ing Rogest’s funny poetry book during of them! We love the finished artwork that library time. These kids were inspired, the kids created and we are getting ready later at “library time” they checked out to frame it and hang it in the 3rd grade some new books about the ocean and hall. Rick and Ronnie make a great team! marine life...they truly were inspired by While Rogest is managing the front of the their visit,” continued Stenek. room, Rick, is fielding questions from the School Vice President, Greg Scroggins, back of the room. Talk about a well chothought that the visit was terrific and loved reographed presentation,” said Stenek. the message to the kids. “Rogest’s and “Both of the presentations were “spot Rick’s energy was amazing. They showed on” for the target audience of 3rd graders. the kids real passion for their jobs and Thank you also for all of the free goodies! protection of our environment, what great Oh my gosh! The kids were so very excited
www.nwdivenews.com Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010 Check out our NEW website: www.divenewsnetwork.com
REGIONAL NEWS
mentary 3rd
a Ele Rick and Elm
ROGEST
. r Kim Stenek grade teache Stratton. Photo by Rick
examples to follow,” said Scroggins. According to Stratton, this presentation is just the first of many. Rogest has been speaking to kids of all ages for many years. He has worked with kids for the past decade, has been the Kids Sea Camp special guest artist for the last 8 years and has literally done thousands of presentations to kids. “We have established an “outreach” program for the Dive Expo, where we could impact school age kids. I really appreciate Rogest donating his time and energy helping me, help the kids,” said Stratton. For more information about Marine Careers presentations or information about Rogest – marine artist, contact www.diveandtravelexpo.com or www. rogest.com ■
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EXPO SHOW DATES: APRIL 9-10 AT THE GREATER TACOMA CONVENTION AND TRADE CENTER
DIVE & TRAVEL EXPO OFFERS
The 4th annual Dive and Travel Expo, held in Tacoma on April 9-10 will be an amazing weekend of scuba that will host 300 plus exciting exhibit booths showcasing some of the world’s leading dive industry professionals and sponsor a Shoot to Win photo contest as well as captivate with the Saturday Night Film Festival.
T
he Dive and Travel Expo will offer over $100,000 in cash and prizes this year. Come out and join us on April 9-10 at the Tacoma Convention Center…we’ll see you there! For more info visit www. diveandtravelexpo.com
6pm-8pm – Industry and Exhibitor Social
Schedule of Events
with food and entertainment – sponsored by Constant Contact, Oceanic and Body Glove. Listen to Pup Morris – the Scuba Cowboy band as he croons Jimmy Buffet tunes, meet Greg and his Mermaids from Scuba Radio and have some food and drinks with your industry buddies.
Friday, April 8th
Saturday, April 9th
Vendor exhibits setup and mini Dive Industry Day.
All Pacific Northwest Dive industry professionals, i.e. dive shop owners, dive instructors, dive masters, and key shop employees are invited to attend the mini Dive Industry Day to mix and mingle with the exhibitors who have travelled from all over the world to meet you. Sit down with them and talk about how your business and theirs can work together to grow. Share what you have to offer.
12pm-2pm – Dive Industry Seminar – with LUNCH PROVIDED
(Courtesy of Constant Contact, Oceanic USA)
2pm-6pm – mini Dive Industry Day 12
10am – 6pm – Dive & Travel Expo Open to the Public at the Greater Tacoma Trade and Convention Center main hall – 4th floor. With 288 exciting exhibit booths filled with vendors from all across the world. Here are some of the highlights of the show. Try Scuba FREE in the indoor pool. Get a free introductory course ($50 value) from a licensed scuba instructor as part of your admission. Feel what it is like to breathe underwater and swim in a drysuit! Meet industry professionals like training agencies, PADI, NAUI, SSI, TDI/ SDI, IANTD and NASE. Meet Dan Orr – CEO of Divers Alert Network – the dive industry largest non-profit scuba diving and dive safety association providing expert medical professionals
who offer unlimited advice for underwater injuries. Learn what DAN has to offer you as a diver. Talk with top Dive Equipment manufactures about their latest products like , Oceanic, Hollis, Aeris, Cressi-sub, Silent Diving Systems, XS Scuba, Edge Gear, Sealife, Seasoft, DUI, Aqua Lung, Camero, Whites, Tabata, UK, Bonica, Poseidon, Harvey’s, Zeagle and many others. Get information and talk to leading edge gear manufactures with Rebreathers like, Inspiration, KISS, Megladon and others. Meet resort owners and travel professionals from all across the globe with information about the world’s best diving destinations, like Maduro, Scuba Travel Ventures, Caradonna, World Diving, Aggressor Fleet and Dive Encounters. EGA group represents some of the world finest resorts and liveaboards. Talk with resort owners and managers from incredible destinations, like the Philippines, Fiji, Australia, Hawaii, Mexico, Cozumel, Palau, Honduras, and many more… Meet Pacific Northwest dive charter operators who provide the local divers access to great dive spots like, Bandito
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13
EXPO SHOW DATES: APRIL 9-10 AT THE GREATER TACOMA CONVENTION AND TRADE CENTER
Dive Expo - Sat Night Film Festival – Be Fed, Entertained and Inspired Charters, Divers Dream Charters, Naknek Charters, and British Columbia charters like Pacific Pro Dive, 49th Parallel Charters, Cedar Beach Resort, Blue Adventure Charters – Sea Dragon (Nanaimo’s newest dive charter), Rendezvous Adventures, Browning Pass Hideaway, God’s Pocket Resort and others… Meet local dive shop owners and their staff who can train and equip you to dive anywhere like, Adventures Down Under (Bellingham), Whidbey Island Dive Center (Oak Harbor), Anacortes Diving Supply (Anacortes), Underwater Sports (Seattle – 5 locations), Lighthouse Diving (Lynnwood – 3 locations), Silent World (Bellevue), TLSEA Diving (Kent), Eugene Skin Divers (Eugene, Oregon), Tacoma Scuba (Tacoma, WA), Seven Seas Scuba (Vancouver, WA), Astoria Scuba (Astoria, Oregon), Seattle Scuba Schools (Seattle), Dive Commercial International (Seattle), and others.. See New Companies with innovative products like, FrogSpit (mask defogger), XIT404 (Aqua Pencil, Aqua Tether, Slate, Lead Pack, Eraser and Float Anchor), Rescue Tape (The Fastest Self-Fusing Silicone Tape on the Market Today!), Dive Caddy (custom design dive bag system), and more…
Not-for-Profit companies who are doing good for our industry and their fellow man like, DiveHeart, Mariners School, Kids Sea Camp and others Learn New Skills at informative seminars and workshops like, Cathy Church - has been photographing the underwater world since 1967, she has a master’s degree in marine biology and is recognized as one of the world’s foremost teachers and authors on underwater photography.
Saturday April 9, 2010
10:00am–1:00pm
You bought your digital camera, now what? Bring your camera system to this threehour workshop so that you can enjoy handson guidance to show you step-by-step how to get the best possible photos from the camera system you have.
giveaway at their seminars – attendance has benefits!!) • Underwater photography basic tips and Advanced shooting – 8 seminars • Great Dives and Destination – a variety of speakers and destinations– 12 seminars • Critter ID or Hug-a-fish – 4 seminars • Great work with Good Causes – 4 amazing seminars • Dive Safety – 3 seminars • Technical Diving – 3 seminars • Rebreather Diving – 3 seminars • How to’s and dive skill workshops – 3 seminars Meet with other Pacific Northwest divers and find new dive buddies with dive club and association booths like, Marker Buoys (Seattle), Mudsharks (Seattle area), Moss Bay (Seattle –east), Boeing Sea Horses, Kelp Krawlers and more…
Be Fed and Entertained at the Saturday Night Film Festival
The Saturday Night Film Festival held on April 9th at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, will be all new and much bigger than previous years. This year’s event will be held in the main ballroom and will include a sit down dinner, award presentation and presentations by world-class diver photographers/videographers.
Dive and Travel Expo 2011 Photo/Video Contest
“Hunter” (2010) - Photo by Bob Bailey
Sunday April 10, 2010 10:00am-1:00pm
Cathy Church Photo Skills Workshop 14
Mastering Underwater Strobes (for cameras with manual controls and an external strobe) This workshop is aimed at manual exposure cameras with external strobes. This includes all SLR cameras as well as other compact digitals that allow full f-stop and shutter speed control such as the Olympus SP350 & EPL1, Canon S90/95, G10/11 and Sea and Sea DX-2G. Over 50 Informative Seminars on a variety of dive and travel topics including, (many speakers are bringing prizes to
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6pm – No Host Cocktail Reception – Drop
Zone Fiji Film Premiere - a film combining surfing and diving in the incredibly beautiful surroundings of Fiji, presented by Body Glove, PADI and Sport Diver magazine (raffle for a trip to Fiji for 2 with Airfare!)
7 p.m. – Dinner will be served to guests
and speakers (dinner, includes Salad, entree, drink and dessert) Emcee Annie Crawley, award winning youth and motivational speaker, will kick off the event with her own captivating video presentation. She will introduce speakers including:
Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010
THE DIVE & TRAVEL EXPO IS THE NORTHWEST’S ONLY DIVING EXPO—DON’T MISS THE SHOW! 7:30 – Entertainment and Enrichment by World-Class presenters, including, Florian Graner PHD, a marine biologist and cinematographer. He will premier his newest film, Beneath the Salish Sea; An Underwater Odyssey through Puget Sound. The film, shot in stunning HD, profiles the incredible sea life in Puget Sound and discover the wonders living around Whidbey Island, Hood Canal, and in the greater Salish Sea. Brandon Cole, PNW native and wildlife photographer and writer specializing in the marine environment will offer beautiful photography about the Galapagos Islands, above and below the water. Donnie Reid, Logistics & Operations Manager at Pavilion Lake Research Project for NASA and the Canadian Space Agency, will present “The Pavilion Lake Research Project (PLRP)” an international, multi-disciplinary, science and exploration effort to explain the origin of freshwater microbialites in Pavilion Lake in nearby British Columbia. Jett Britnell, renowned underwater photographer presents, Raptures of the Emerald Seas, an undersea pictorial of British Columbia’s magical and mysterious ocean realm.
Stuart Westmoreland, recognized as one of the leading nature, lifestyle, marine, underwater, travel, concept and general stock photographers in the United States will present incredible images from below and above the water. The winners of this year’s photo and video contest will be honored and the presentation of Diver of the Year and the new Local Legends awards will be honored.
Gary Keffler
Local Legends Award goes to… In terms of Local Legends very few people meet the criteria. To win this prestigious award a diver has to have made a mark…left an impression…taken diving to new heights. This year’s local legend is Gary Keffler of Underwater Sports. Keffler will be endowed with the very first Local Legends of Diving at this year’s Saturday Night Film Festival during the 2011 Dive and Travel Expo to be held at the Tacoma Convention Center April 10. Tickets are $30 in advance, ($35 at the door) and include dinner. Seating in the back, (does not include dinner) - $10 in advance - $15 at the door.
Treasure Hunt to Give Away $50,000 in Prizes! Sunday, April 10th Treasure Hunt at Owen Beach, Point Defiance Park, Tacoma Over 100 prizes valued at more than $50,000. Grand prize is a full set of IST equipment – head to foot including; Mask, fins, snorkel, regulator with octopus, pressure gauge, exposure suit (to fit). AND the diver who finds the “treasure chest” gets $1,000 cash (donated by PADI). Other terrific prizes include, dive trips to Hawaii, Fiji, Honduras, Philippines and more!!!
7:30 am – late registration ($35) – Preregister online at www.diveandtravelexpo.com 9:00 am (sharp!) – Treasure Hunt begins 9:30 am – Treasure Hunt ends – divers must exit the water.
9:30-10:30 – Treasure Hunt divers register for prizes (Owen Beach)
12pm-4pm – Treasure Hunt diver pick up prizes at Dive & Travel Expo (Convention Center) For more info on this year’s Dive and Travel Expo visit www.divenewsnetwork. com/dive-and-travel-expo.
At the Tacoma Convention Center Saturday 10-6 Sunday 10-4 Film Festival: Saturday 7-9 pm Treasure Hunt: Sunday 9 am www.diveandtravelexpo.com
Over $100,000 in Cash & Prizes! Northwest Dive Newsour DECEMBER 2010 dive shop - without www.nwdivenews.com We support local them we will not have a dive industry.
15
NORTHWEST DESTINATION SEATTLE
seattle
world class hometown diving
By Mike Hughes Travel Editor, Dive News Network
I
f you ask a local from the state of Washington, they will tell you Seattle has some of the best diving on the west coast… and it’s sort of true. Divers in Seattle don’t really dive the coastal shoreline because it’s far away and consists of murky turbulent water. Divers in Seattle instead typically dive the calmer clearer waters of the Puget Sound. Ask them and they will tell you it is still the coast. The Puget Sound was first discovered by Captain Cook. (must have been quite a surprise to the local First Nations Indian tribes who had lived here for thousands of years that someone else “discovered” the area) Cook and his crew had seen nothing like it in their years of sailing. Puget Sound is an inland body of salt water where giant octopus, Orca whales, Gray whales, Harbor seals, Dungeness crab, and various sized clams make their home. There really is no other place on earth like it. In fact, the Puget Sound was one of Jacque Cousteau’s top four dive destinations in the world. There are a large number of sites to dive all around the Seattle area. Divers from outside the area use Seattle as a main reference point from where to start. For
Approaching Seattle. Photo Stock.xchng 16
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SEATTLE
Where did you dive yesterday? email us: editor@divenewsmag.com
instance, 30 minutes away on the other side of the water facing the Seattle Space Needle is West Seattle and the dive sites at Alki. Cove One is a shallow dive next to Salty’s Seafood Restaurant where you can find plates and glasses tossed over board from weekend parties. Cove Two descends down past 110 ft. and it is here you may see a giant octopus or six gill shark. Cove Three dips down past 35 ft. and is a great training spot. It’s also fun to look around for crab and clams at Cove Three. Less than 30 minutes north of Seattle is Edmonds. Downtown in an area referred to as “the bowl” north of the ferry terminal is Bruce Higgins Underwater Trails, the largest underwater park on the west coast. There are twenty-seven acres of marine preserve to explore at Bruce Higgins UT. Hundreds of tug boats, small boats, tires, cement structures, and rocks have been purposely sunk to provide marine habitats where there was once nothing but sand. Miles of ropes crisscross this park giving divers a wide variety of trails to follow and explore. The largest lingcod in the state lives here and squid come into the park at night; seals and salmon are also occasional guests. My second favorite dive site in Edmonds was the “T” shaped oil dock, but the creosote soaked wooden pilings were ripped out of the site destroying the habitat
Cove One dive site near Alki. Photo by Mike Hughes. We Specialize in Diver Training
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17
NORTHWEST DESTINATION SEATTLE Pier at Les Davis Marine Park. Photo by Mike Hughes.
“The Bowl”
north of th
e Edmonds ferr Photo by M y terminal. ike Hughes.
monds. es north of Ed ughes. ut in m 20 is eH Mukilteo Photo by Mik
18
www.nwdivenews.com Dive Locally - Where It Really Matters
that had been created there. All that remains now is sand, a few loose rocks and one out of hundreds of poles that once stood nearby. After the removal of the pilings a sign was posted on shore that reads “IT IS ILLEGAL TO REMOVE OR DESTROY MARINE HABITAT. ENFORCED BY THE CITY OF EDMONDS EMC 505.002.” You can easily dive down to 135 ft. at this spot, but unfortunately there’s no longer anything to see. Approximately 20 more minutes north and you can dive three different sites at Mukilteo. Sites include Mukilteo Park for deep dives, the Oil Dock for catching crab and Silver Cloud Shoreline right in front of the Silver Cloud Inn for training, deep, and multilevel dives. Head 30 minutes south of SeaTac and there are a couple of dives sites in the Tacoma area. One of my favorites is around the pilings at Titlow Beach. There are lots of sea creatures around the pilings and in the crevices of the deeper clay banks. Owens Beach, near the Point Defiance Zoo is a good spot for new divers who want an easy entrance location. A few more miles up the road is Les Davis Marine Park, which has new artfully decorated steps leading down to the water’s edge. Ceramic tiles display images of what you might see on your underwater journey. It is important to remember drive times may vary by as much as an hour and a half due to traffic in the Seattle area. It’s hard to build wide non-congested roads around so many beautiful waterways and scenic shorelines; it gets even more complicated when it rains. Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010
SEATTLE
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Keystone Jetty on Whidbey Island. Photo by Mike Hughes. If you are up for boat diving there are a plethora of local dive sites. Charter operators frequent the Tacoma Narrows Bridge area or they go south to KVI Towers where there are many octopus residing at the man-made cement pillar reef. The Southern bound charter boats also frequent Zee’s Reef and Sunrise Beach. Both are marine preserves with lots of critters including wolf eels. One the northern routes out of Mukilteo, Edmonds Marina, and even the Tacoma marinas, is over by Whidbey Island to dive the Possession Point Fingers, a collection of walls, caves, and crevices to explore. The Possession Point Ferry wreck and China Wall at Blakely Rocks are also a short boat ride across the Sound. Just past the stellar sea lions that sit on the buoy near the dive site is also a good place to dive. Now if all the mentioned dive sites don’t quench your thirst for salt water and you don’t mind driving two plus hours away from Seattle and/or taking a ferry, then there
are at least another half dozen spectacular dive sites to explore. From Mukilteo, take the ferry over to Whidbey Island and dive Keystone Jetty. The boulder-constructed jetty is home to wolf eels, giant octopus, and large lingcod. It’s a cool night dive because you don’t have all the city backlight and the bioluminescence of the plankton really gets a chance to glow brightly. From Keystone you can take another ferry over to Port Townsend and go on an antique bottle dive or dive Hudson Point which use to be a submarine tending site and is now a top spot for underwater photographers. An hour and a half or so drive North from Seattle on I-5 will bring you to Anacortes, which is the gate way to charter boats heading for the San Juan Islands. There are hundreds of dive sites around these northern waters. Sares Head is a wall dive that is well known for life on the wall and in the crevices. Inland, right next to Seattle, is Lake Washington. Some boat charter operators
take divers out in the fresh water to explore WWII airplane wrecks which can still be found resting in the silted substrate. Here you can see crawfish, trout, salmon, and machine gun turrets pointed towards the surface. Further away still, yet close enough to drive are other dives sites definitely worth visiting including those located in the Hood Canal such as Sund Rock, Octopus Hole, Mike’s Beach Resort, and the boat dive to Coleman’s Pinnacle. Dive sites to the Vancouver, British Columbia area are also reachable in less than a day, such as Whytecliff Park, but I, like many others, prefer to spend more than just a day at a time up in Canada. So I’ll mention some of my favorite sites up north in another article or, if you can’t wait, you can read about many of them in my book, “The Northwest Dive Guide”. So next time you find yourself headed up to Seattle, don’t forget your tanks and fins…we have lots of places to get wet. ■
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19
NORTHWEST DESTINATION DECEPTION PASS
deception pass Deception Pass bridge. Photo www.visitwhidbey.com.
Spectacular view at Deception Pass. Photo www.visitwhidbey.com. By Kriss Bradley
S
ome days just don’t go the way you plan them…and sometimes it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Case in point…one Fall morning recently I had made some vague dive plans to go south, probably to dive at Cove 2 with some of its regulars, however once again, my sleep schedule interfered. It’s tough ... sleep in late as I want on a Saturday or get up and drive for two hours to dive a new site? While both are very tempting, sleep won out this particular morning and thus changed my well-intentioned plans. (Note to self…maybe I need to drive down the night before and 20
sleep in the Cove 2 parking lot…two birds, one stone…) So now, without concrete plans, I headed in to my local dive shop. My arm valve had been letting in quite a bit of water lately, so at the shop we got it taken apart and saw that the little diaphragm had sort of curled up and was stuck between spokes. I was outside rinsing it in the dunk tank when the screech of tires announced the arrival of my Sensei Paul. I guess he’d left a message looking for me, but on my old phone number, so it was a pleasant surprise when he said c’mon let’s go! I quickly got the valve screwed back
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together, tossed everything in the car and headed out with him. We were well on our way when he told me our destination was Deception Pass. Deception Pass has been on my list of sites to dive. When I first decided to take scuba lessons, I had been considering taking them for about four months before I finally did it, Deception Pass was one of the first places I had heard a diver go on about. A rather handsome young sailor was the first to suggest I take lessons and then went on to describe the wonders and beauty of Deception Pass as incentive. I kind of laughed it off at the time but he came back a week later to ask if I was going to dive with him; the next week I began classes. My adrenaline levels were off the charts as we drove to Deception. We raced through the trails to the dive spots at the Pass at a dangerous speed of twenty-three miles per hour. Once there, we got out of the car, I exchanged excited greetings with Chris, Jan, and Mike, fellow divers, before humping my gear down to the beach. There was a faint autumn mist still hanging in the gorge and the crash of waves echoed around me. I could feel the power of the water while just standing on the beach. The sun had not yet crested onto North Beach, but the far wall was lit with a honey hue. What a perfect day. After coming back to get suited up, Paul spoke of the currents we would likely encounter, reminding me to keep an eye on my depth. He said it was easy to get deep in a hurry. It was mutually decided to not bring my camera, since I’d rather get some idea of what to expect from such a tricky dive before attempting the photography aspect. Waist deep, fins on, checked air sources, Paul asks, “ready”? Yep, ready, I confirmed. “Ok let’s do it,” he says and under we go. We got down to about 30 ft. nearly right away, and then worked slowly toward our max of about 60 ft. It was a good thing I didn’t take a camera; the very first boulder would have captured my attention for the entire tank. It was covered with giant barnacle shells, Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010
DECEPTION PASS
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some with barnacles, and some with crab as well as lots of tiny sculpins. There was a kelp greenling daddy hovering anxiously nearby, so I’m pretty sure there were some fish eggs in there somewhere, too. It was truly a sight to see. As the dive continued I saw several sponges I hadn’t seen before, including the goblet sponge, the finger sponge, some sort of white encrusting stuff, and antler sponges. It took me by surprise to see that the finger sponges were so flexible. It’s actually how I noticed them; they caught my eye by waving wildly in the current. A lone goblet sponge stood with its trumpet facing into the current. It bobbed and weaved up and down like a drink held by a story-telling ghostly partygoer. We saw several Red Irish Lords, but it seems many of them in this area are not solidly colored. I’d always assumed Jan’s pictures of oddly colored ones were more of an aberration, but every Lord I saw was
Grunt Sculpin. Photo by Paul R. Senness.
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21
NORTHWEST DESTINATION DECEPTION PASS
Brooding Anemone. Photo by Paul R. Senness. striped or spotted or mottled. I had to giggle when Paul paused to photograph one Lord, then the rock I was hovering over had a Lord come dashing up to gobble a sculpin startled by my presence. It made us both jump a little. When I backed off a foot or two, I discovered another one eyeballing me on the underside of the same rock. I reached out to touch it and it let me pet it, but then lost its nerve and raced away, making me jump once again. They sure can move when they want to. Another new thing for me was the proliferating anemones. I’ve seen pictures taken by my friend Jan and read his info about them but hadn’t seen them. I was very surprised by how tiny they were. We actually came across a rock which was quite covered in proliferating anemones. With the naked eye, they were a beautiful dusky purple but when I shone my light on them they showed as an electric raspberry red. I flashed the light on and off them several times; I’m easily entertained by the simple things I guess. I enjoyed seeing them with their wee young plastered all along the sides. I think it will be 22
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DECEPTION PASS
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About the Author
Kriss Bradley just earned open water certification this past summer, but has been diving eagerly throughout the Puget Sound. With her new underwater camera, she hopes to have begun a journey which will last many happy years.
Red Irish Lord. Photo by Paul R. Senness. fun one day to get some pictures of them. We finally made it to the huge bridge foot, then turned and headed back. There was actually quite the current getting to our fifteen ft. safety stop. Throughout the entire dive I huffed and blew the most between 45 and 15 ft. I also managed to give myself a headache doing it however it still did not take away from the amazing experience of the dive. Standing in the shallows, I exclaimed to Paul, “that was awesome” and he just smiled knowingly. Someone called to us from shore and I turned to see one of my co-workers,
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who had heard my voice. She asked whether I’d picked up any beach glass. I laughed and said, no ma’am, but if you’d like some fishing lures, I could probably gather a dozen in just a few minutes down there, to which she laughed and nodded her understanding. I had a fantastic dive that day at Deception Pass, and to think, I almost didn’t go because I had been headed out on a different dive. The day had definitely not gone the way I had planned but that was ok…after all, I got to dive the Pass! I’m still doing little happy dances! ■
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23
NORTHWEST DESTINATION BRITISH COLUMBIA
nanaimo the hub of the british columbia diving world
Nanaimo, British Columbia
X
By Rick Stratton Publisher, Dive News Network
S
cuba diving Nanaimo literally offers divers a look into another world. From the HMCS Saskatchewan, a 366 ft. sunken destroyer to one of the other artificial reefs sunk for local marine life, this is a place where the landscape lends a ghostly yet heavenly glimpse into the underwater world of our planet. The emerald green waters surrounding Vancouver Island in British Columbia are full of life offering up fine samples of giant Pacific octopus, wolf-eels and playful seals. Nanaimo is approximately 1-1/2 hours north of Victoria, BC. Whether you are taking the ferry at the Duke Point Ferry Terminal in Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen from the mainland, getting to Nanaimo is
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fairly easy. Often referred to as the “Hub City” because of its central location on Vancouver Island, Jacques Cousteau once called the area around Nanaimo, “the best temperate water diving in the world and second only to the Red Sea” and often touted its diving whenever he was asked where the best diving was. Home to the best of British Columbia’s world famous artificial reefs, divers are treated to The Saskatchewan, which was sank June 14, 1997, The Cape Breton, a 442’ former World War II Victory class ship sunk in Nanaimo October 20, 2001 or the RivTow Lion, the newest of the artificial reef, which sits at about 70 ft. All of these created reefs draw divers from all over the world. Erin Bradley of Ogden Point Dive Centre in Victoria, BC takes a lot of divers out to the
artificial reefs. “We go up quite a bit now to the Cape Breton,” Bradley says. Our dive boat carries 12 divers comfortably and we get a lot of call for the reefs. We actually have done the reef dives for over 10 years however we have been hitting them more aggressively over the last year and a half. The RivTow Lion is the newest of the artificial reefs. It has a lot of large sponges and the local marine life has gotten very comfortable there. Most divers enjoy the RivTow because it has the huge deck with a helicopter pad as well as a really interesting motor bay. It is a great dive. The Nanaimo area offers so many dive sites it is tough to narrow them down, however there are some that tend to come to mind when divers sit around discussing the diving in the area. Jennifer Ford, Destination
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NANAIMO
Photographer John Rawlings. Photo by John Rawl ings.
The wreck of The Cape Breton. Photo by John Rawlings.
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NORTHWEST DESTINATION BRITISH COLUMBIA
The wreck of The Cape Breton. Photo by John Rawlings.
Coordinator for the City of Nanaimo, says they are excited about what they have to offer the dive community. “The city’s investment in scuba diving is substantial,” says Ford. “We feel that with our world renowned artificial reefs as well as the natural environment we already offer, we are able to create a foundation upon which new businesses can come in and build. We are excited about what we have to offer here.” Here are some dive sites local dive shops suggest to divers coming into the area as well as some local favorites. These are just a sampling of what the area offers.
Clarke Rock
Clarke Rock is a popular dive spot for the locals because it caters to divers of all skill levels. Located in Hammond Bay, Clarke is a rocky pinnacle that is home to a wide range of marine life. Divers like the spot because there appears to be something different to see every time you go. Octopus and wolf-eels are regulars at Clarke Rock.
Gabriola Bluffs
Gabriola Bluffs are truly a sight to see. Sheer walls plunge into the ocean to 270 ft., this is an amazing dive. The walls are covered with coveted hiding places for an abundance of sea life. Giant Pacific octopus also keep watch on the wall and divers will discover this dive is one of the more fascinating in the Nanaimo area. 26
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Dodd Narrows
If you want an exciting dive, Dodd Narrows is your destination. This passage has sported currents at 9 knots. While the fast currents make for an exciting dive skillwise they also provide a constant stream of nutrients attracting an amazing array of marine life.
Orlebar Point
Orlebar Point is a wall dive and sits just off Gabriola Island. At approximately 60 ft. there is a sheer wall and overhang that dives down to over 200 ft. This dive will treat you to a ton of invertebrates but also calls for divers to be sure of their skills because the currents can be very strong.
fish such as the Decorated Warbonnet and the Grunt Sculpin. Ed Singer of Sundown Diving, one of the premire dive shops in the Nanaimo area, also offers snorkeling with the seals. “We have a lot of film crews and media doing filming with the seals,” Singer says. “The thing about going out to snorkel with the seals is that you always see them. The interactions change each time you go out but they are always there. Sometimes they will come up and touch your mask or grab your fins but in a playful way; they are like big puppies. The seals are smaller than sea lions and they are not as aggressive which often is something
NANAIMO that we have to explain to folks. Sea Lions tend to be really aggressive and kind of scary at times while the seals are just playful. We provide trips specifically for snorkeling with seals and you would be amazed at how many people want to go out. In fact we have a trip specifically for seal snorkeling where we even provide guests with wetsuits and equipment.” No matter where else you have been diving, Nanaimo is guaranteed to provide you with an experience that is decidedly different. The artificial reefs are world famous, the ship wrecks are intriguing and the diving is Cousteau approved. ■
Snake Island
Of all the dives in the Nanaimo area perhaps the most famous, besides the artificial reefs, are Snake Island Wall and the Snake Island Seal dives. Snake Island Wall drops off and plunges down 600 ft. offering divers an amazing dive. There are overhangs but the most intriguing one is just pass 100 ft. Here divers discover a lot of Plumose anemones as well as a wide array of other sea life. The Snake Island Seal dives are an experience every diver should have at least once. Kevin and Jan Breckman of Sea Dragon Charters based out of Nanaimo, does all types of dives including wreck, reef, wall and more. They have a new boat this year. Based out of Horshoe Bay, the Topline is 40 feet long, 16′ beam (wide) dive vessel with twin diesel engines that cruise at 15-26 knots. They offer divers a chance to see a wide variety of crab including Puget Sound King Crab, wolf-eels, nudibranchs, a wide variety of starfish, game fish, and beautiful bizarre
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27
TRAVEL DESTINATION PHILIPPINES
“tuba time” The crew of the Atlantis Azores. Photo by Mike Bartick.
Mike Bartick Saltwaterphoto.com
T
ubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Philippines is truly a wonder of natural beauty. Covering over 96,828 hectare. The protected marine park is home to a massive abundance of fish, plant and coral life. Over 600 species of fish, 12 species of sharks and close to 360 different types of hard and soft coral call this isolated place home. The park itself is the only complete marine world UNESCO heritage site in Southeast Asia. Jessie Beazley and Tubbataha reefs are the confirmed sources of coral and fish larvae that seed the exotic Sulu Sea. The dive season is short lived at Tubbataha and March through June is the time to be here. It’s during this window of time that Tubbataha becomes a Mecca for divers, scientists, explorers, photographers and adventurers alike. Tuba is actually two separate atolls, the Northern Atoll that hosts the rangers station and the Southern Atoll hosting the Lighthouse and Bird Island. This remote and unique habitat is nearly one hundred
28
fifty Kilometers from the nearest landmass. We board the new Atlantis Resorts liveaboard “The MV Azores” late Saturday afternoon in mid April. The MV Azores is a Brilliant vessel refitted from the Aggressor fleet serving in Sulawesi. Each room is well appointed with ensuit accommodations. The dive stations are individualized with a nice roomy camera table and more. Were are served a chef’s feast and after a visit from the park officials, Captain Scott informs us that we would be setting to Sea shortly. Excitement mounts as we are shown to our staterooms. As it turns out there are only six of us total on this adventure and we have the whole ship to ourselves. The next morning I awake to the sound of the motors powering back and the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Ready or not, the show is about to begin. I head up to the deck to get my first glimpse of my new home. I’m met with a spectacular view, an incredible multitude of aquamarine’s, a powder blue sky that seems to meld its way into the sea and stark white puffs of clouds slowly blowing through. Poking through
the surface of the water are a few small rocks marking the edge of the inner lagoon. Amos Rock was to be our first drop, and we were briefed as the crew loaded our mass of cameras and gear into the zodiac. We were to ride the current for an hour and be picked up by our chase boat, easy enough. At the count of three we all roll in, drop down and catch the current. The substrate of the atolls is simple really. The forbidden inner lagoon is ringed by sand, then hard coral, sloping away to about the 40-60 foot mark. Forming canyons, troughs and huge coral heads. At about 60 feet the wall drops dramatically into the abyss. As we begin to drift, we are treated to the stunning beauty that is Tubbataha. A blizzard of Anthias and Fusiliers create a moving decoupage of color with massive sea fans adorn the walls. Pelagic fish like Tunas, Jacks and Trevallies command the reef, even the sharks seem to be leery of their presence. When diving a remote place like this it is always important to keep an eye on the blue water. Make it a point to look away
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PHILIPPINES
Where was the last tropical trip you took? email us: editor@divenewsmag.com
Massive underw Photo b ater sea fan. y Mike B artick. Imperial shrimp.
rtick.
Photo by Mike Ba
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TRAVEL DESTINATION PHILIPPINES
Diving with the Mantas. Photo by Mike Bartick.
from the wall, you never know what is going to join you or come in for a look. Whale sharks have been known to frequent the Atolls, Manta rays are seen with regularity and of course sharks are always present. Over the next few days we are witness to a multitude of mother nature’s private showings as we worked our way around the Northern Atoll. Shark Airport and The Washing Machine at the SE tip of the Northern Atoll is the place where giant ocean currents converge, flushing the area with a conveyor belt of food. The visibility here drops from the usual unlimited to a meager 100+ due to the nutrient rich water. But you know the adage, “Big current equals Big Fish”. When we hit “The Washing Machine” the current wasn’t blowing too strong, but we still got the experience. Down currents, up currents, at one point my fins were even twisting, then into an eddy current where all is calm. My bubbles were flowing around my body rather then up into the water column, Wow, talk about exciting! Now I know why it’s called the Washing Machine. But the big treat for me here are the Manta’s, mouth agape on endless feeding run’s. Life on the Southern Atoll is seemingly different than that of the Northern Atoll. The substrate is a bit different as well. We begin at “Black Rock” in the shallows where large schools of tunas, jacks and snappers converge on the inner portions of the reef, seeking protection from marauding predators. The table coral heads play shelter for smaller sharks and rays. Inverts are also present here with an array of Nudibranchs, 30
Pygmy squids, Small Cuttlefish, Whip Coral Shrimp and more. I am pleasantly surprised to find a strong variety of large and small animal life. The night dives are done in the shallows and out of the current near the “Delsan Wreck”. We are treated to a variety of critters, what the Philippines are so well known for. One of the most outstanding and unique features of Tubbataha is the fact that the sea life here was poached and fished so hard that nearly all pelagic animals were removed. Then in 1993 the current president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared that the Tubbataha area should be turned into a protected park. A ranger station was constructed and immediately manned. The rangers work three month turns, around the clock, everyday of the year. In the last ten years the rangers have made a huge impact on what was occurring out there. The marine life has bounced back beyond that of anyone’s expectations. These guys are working very hard at stopping these high seas bandits and it shows. We head over to visit the Ranger’s and a quick tour of the station. As we glide across the clear shallows turtles and small rays can be seen startled by our zodiac. The ranger station itself is built just a few feet above the waterline near the inner lagoon. Constructed out of concrete and built to withstand wind and waves, it looks like a typical army barracks. The interior has bunk beds, a kitchen and a communications room. The outside has two large porch structures with covers. We have the pleasure of meeting
some of the rangers and scientists who are all happy to see us. “Due to the remoteness of Tubbataha, fisherman from all over the world would come into these waters,” said one of the rangers. They would load the ships with as much as they could and head back to port”. Now, if the rangers see a ship or boat in these waters that isn’t registered then it can only mean one thing. The Imposing vessel is approached and inspected, if they are suspect to any kind of trafficking or poaching the vessel is impounded, the crew is arrested and sent to the Philippine mainland to stand trial. This direct approach has removed huge numbers of poachers and subsequently saved and preserved the life of the reef for future generations. As our week aboard the Azores flew by and the trip began to wind down I couldn’t help but to reflect on the adventure. The weather was perfect, the current was everywhere from mild to wild, the evening skies were painted at sunset and filled with a multitude of stars after dark. This trip I had been planning for close to a year was more then what I had imagined. The Luxury of the Atlantis Azores and knowledge of our DM’s and crew made this trip an incredible experience accessible to anyone. Tubbataha is a world class destination that has the dynamics of desolation, beauty, big animals and more. Getting to Tubbataha is the simple part, leaving is tough. ■ Mike Bartick www.saltwaterphoto.com
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PHILIPPINES
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31
MEDICAL DIVING
ARTICLE COURTESY OF DIVERS ALERT NETWORK
Ear pain management
article courtesy of
E
qualizing during a descent is integral to a comfortable dive; failure to equalize properly may result in a variety of ear injuries. Here are five common ear injuries that may occur while diving, how to recognize the symptoms and effectively manage them. In general, if you surface experiencing symptoms of an injury, discontinue diving, seek a medical evaluation and do not resume diving until all symptoms have resolved. Middle Ear Barotrauma: The most common of all dive injuries, middle ear barotraumas may occur during descent, generally as a result of incomplete equalization of the middle ear. Equalization is a process that utilizes the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat to vent air to and from the middle ear. If these tubes are blocked by congestion or if the diver did not sufficiently equalize during descent, a reverse block may occur causing middle ear barotrauma on ascent. A diver with middle ear barotrauma may feel like 32
the ear is filled water or as if fluid is trapped in it, and he may also hear crackling noises. Middle ear barotrauma may be painful and susceptible to infection. Sinus Barotrauma: Similar to middle ear barotrauma, this injury may result from improper equalization of the sinuses on descent or as a reverse block. Symptoms, however, differ; divers with sinus barotrauma may experience facial pain and bleeding from the nose or mouth. Outer Ear Barotrauma: Dead air spaces may be created when a diver descends wearing a tight hood, ear plugs or if he has a buildup of ear wax. These dead air spaces cannot be equalized, and as the external pressure increases, the eardrum starts to bulge outwards and the surrounding tissues fill the ear canal with fluid and blood. As with middle ear barotrauma, the diver may experience a feeling of fullness in his ears. Inner Ear Barotrauma: If a diver does not equalize properly or tries to force
equalization, he may injure the inner ear. Symptoms of inner ear barotrauma include vertigo, tinnitus (ears ringing), hearing loss, nausea and vomiting. If a diver surfaces exhibiting these symptoms, have a trained oxygen provider administer oxygen and seek emergency medical care. Vertigo: There are two common forms of vertigo that may occur while diving. Alternobaric vertigo is typically resolved by the time the diver surfaces and results from a pressure differential of the diver’s middle ear spaces during either ascent or descent. Caloric vertigo occurs when the ears are exposed to unequal water temperatures. After the ears warm the water, balance is restored and the vertigo should stop. Vertigo may also be a symptom of a more severe ear injury. If it is not resolved after the diver surfaces, seek a medical evaluation. If you experience vertigo while underwater, it can be difficult to determine which direction is up. If this happens, look at the water in your mask
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ARTICLE COURTESY OF DIVERS ALERT NETWORK MEDICAL DIVING and or the direction of your bubbles to help establish your orientation, then slowly follow your bubbles and make a safe, controlled ascent to the surface. If you surface and feel ear pain or experience tinnitus (ears ringing), this may be an indicator of a severe case of barotrauma; discontinue diving and see a doctor. If during descent you are unable to equalize, stop and ascend a few feet to try again. If you still cannot equalize, discontinue the dive. Never forcefully attempt to equalize as this may result in injury. In addition, do not attempt to treat any of the above injuries with ear drops, which are alcohol based and designed to prevent an infection called otitis externa (swimmer’s ear). Ear drops are not a treatment for any of the aforementioned injuries and may actually cause unnecessary pain. If you have an ear injury, see a doctor and do not dive until all symptoms are resolved. If you have any questions, call the DAN Medical Information Line at +1-919684-2948. ■
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33
ANDY LAMB’S
andylamb@telus.net MYSTERY CRITTER
another sighting?
The red gunnel Pholis schulzi. Photo by Richard Zade
D
uring the preparation of the second edition of Coastal Fishes of the Pacific Northwest, Phil Edgell and I were most pleased with all the assistance we received from the dive community, particularly from the many excellent photographers of the region. One of these image makers is Richard Zade who produces the outstanding critter oriented website www.underthe sound.com. Rich contributed several images including the one featured on page 131 that illustrated the segment about the red gunnel Pholis schulzi. As discussed in the text, the identity of the specimen in Rich’s photograph is uncertain. On the 10th of December 2010, Mikiko Williams encountered the gunnel appearing in this presentation and later forwarded the image (and one other) to me, inquiring as to its identity. While on a dive with husband Garth, she took the photograph at Fort 34
Worden State Park, near Port Townsend, Washington. They found the approximately 5 inch (12.5 cm) long specimen in about 35 ft. of water. A laboratory technician at Highline Community College and volunteer at its Marine and Science Technology (MaST) Center, Redondo Beach, Mikiko recognized the fish as a gunnel but “which one?”. As mentioned on Page 131 of Coastal Fishes, and without an actual specimen to examine, the identity of both fish remains uncertain. However, based upon its colouration, the markings along its back and head, Mikiko’s specimen is almost certainly the same species as the one in Rich’s image. Close inspection of Mikiko’s image shows an obvious spot at the very front of the specimen’s dorsal fin and this most likely indicates this fish is a sexually mature male. Various other Pacific Northwest gunnels
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feature similar such markings on “big boys”. The adult males of numerous sculpin species also “sport” noticeable markings on the anterior edge of their first dorsal fins. ■
Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010
BOATING REGULATION
NOT ALL BOATERS ARE DIVERS BUT ALL DIVERS ARE BOATERS
WITH LIZ SUNDQUIST
boating safely with your four-legged friend T
he people of the Pacific Northwest have a unique relationship with their dogs. Aside from the abundance of dog parks, it isn’t unusual to see people with their dogs at the mall, at the local coffee shop or anywhere else humans hang out. Dogs are not just dogs here, they are extensions of our families. So it isn’t surprising that when you encounter a boat on the waters of the PNW, you will likely find a dog on board. Big dogs, small dogs, water dogs, or lap dogs – virtually every type of dog is along for the ride. But are you doing everything you can to keep you treasured family member as safe as possible on the water?
Dog Life Jackets
It is a myth that all dogs can swim. Not every dog can, and of those that can, not all of them are strong swimmers. Even the strongest canine swimmer will tire out quickly under adverse weather or water conditions, especially very cold water. Add to that advanced age or low body fat, and you have a potentially very dangerous situation for your four-legged friend. Dog life jackets can go a long way toward keeping your dog safe in the event
of an unexpected fall into the water. They work by keeping your dog afloat in a horizontal swimming position. Plus, most dog life jackets are designed with a handle on the top that permits you to easily haul your dog back aboard. Not every dog is excited to wear a life jacket. In fact, most dogs balk at the idea of wearing one at all. But with a little practice and some pre-purchase homework, you can train your pooch to at least tolerate this important piece of safety equipment. • Ensure the jacket fits snugly, but not too tight. Ideally, take your dog with you to try on the jacket before you buy it. Just like you don’t enjoy wearing a shoe that is too small or too big, your dog will appreciate a wellfitting life jacket. • Check to make sure the straps and buckles fit well around your dog’s body
and that they aren’t rubbing or chafing Fido. • Test the lift handle to ensure you can easily and comfortably lift your dog by the handle alone. By the way, a lift handle is a mandatory part of the life jacket – if there isn’t a lift handle, keep looking until you find a jacket that has a handle. You will thank yourself later. Your dog will, too. • Select a color that will be highly visible in the conditions where you regularly boat. Neon yellow or orange offer a highly visible contrast to water, and reflective tape strips are a must if you will be boating after dark. Once you purchase the proper dog life jacket, let your dog have some time to get used to the jacket before your first trip out on the water. Let your dog walk around the house wearing the jacket. Take him to the park and let him do some land-based swimming. Once he is comfortable with his new accessory, then take him out on the boat. And remember….even with this important piece of safety equipment for your best friend, your common sense and caution still are the best way to keep your pal safe on the boat. ■
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35
GEAR BOX
with Mike Hughes
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The 5megapixal version of this mask has a camera photo resolution of 2595x1944 and a warranty down to 130ft. Video resolution is 1289x720: HD720. There is a built in 64mg memory for data processing and it comes with a 2GB SD card that can be upgraded to a 32GB card, which allows you the opportunity to take up to 36800 images or 960 minutes of video. Use the image editing software, and down load your pictures and video every couple of days. www.liquidimageco.com
Oceanic OC1 Dive Computer
Oceanic just came out with four different dive computers all with Duel Algorithm capabilities. You can set it for liberal recreation dive limits, set it for conservative deep and cold water dive limits, or just set it to be compatible with your buddy’s computer. Of all four models, I like the OC1 the best because of it's ability to do remote buddy pressure checks. In addition to wireless air-integration, add a built in digital compass, a titanium body, the ability to switch between 3 independent transmitters and up to 3 nitrox mixes up to 100% Oxygen, and your talking about one sweet device. Built for free dive depths to 660ft. www. oceanicworldwide.com Get the free mobile app for your phone
http:/ / gettag.mobi
PSI 500 Mask Defog Mask Scrub Combo Pack
When there is a product that you’ve used as a scuba dive instructor for more than ten years, it’s hard to mention such a well known established product in the new gear item column. Now add another well-known product along with the first, and you really have your mask full. PSI 500 has been making tester choice award mask scrub and mask defog products for years, but they now have put both products in a Combo Pack that is ready to go anywhere you go; two 1oz bottles to be exact. While you always need a scrub solution to clean a new mask, dive boat mask rinse buckets, and even small pollution molecules on the ocean’s surface make a mask film over too. Once scrubbed clean, use a finger to apply the defogger and you are ready to enjoy superior vision on every dive. For more information visit a local dive retailer.
The Scap
The Scap is a cap for cool scuba dive cats that on a glance looks like a bandana, but when you touch it, you realize that the Scap is something functional besides looking fashionable. It’s made of 1.5mm neoprene. Like any other bandana, it keeps your hair from getting tangled on a dive or if you are like me, it protects your head from the sun’s rays while above and below water. The Scap also reduces heat lost from your head. Little soft rubbery bumps help keep the Scap in place throughout a dive. I prefer the pirate design out of the 12 available patterns, but it’s underwater in sunny tropical waters where the Scap truly shines, or should I say, keeps the sun’s rays away, and manages hair. www.thescap.com
Bonaire &Galapagos www.ultimatedivetravel.com udive@ultimatedivetravel.com
1-800-737-3483
BUDDY DIVE LIVEABOARD GALAPAGOS NEW! From September 2011 For $4,150 pp for the 8 days trip, all Inclusive! BOOK NOW!
BUDDY DIVE RESORT BONAIRE
Diver's ! Paradise
Package from $719 pp for a week Incl: Accommodation, breakfast, unlimited shore diving, FREE nitrox, 6 BOAT DIVES, rental vehicle, airport transfer, & government taxes
CARIBBEAN CLUB BONAIRE
Package from $502 pp for a week Incl: Accommodation, breakfast, unlimited shore diving, FREE nitrox, rental vehicle, airport transfer, & government taxes
BELMAR OCEANFRONT APARTMENTS Package from $556 pp for a week Incl: Accommodation, unlimited shore diving, FREE nitrox, 6 BOAT DIVES, rental vehicle, airport transfer, & government taxes
Listed prices are valid during certain periods in 2011. Certain restrictions may aply. Contact us for more info.
36
www.nwdivenews.com we support the northwest dive communityNorthwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010
REVIEWS
DIVE INDUSTRY PROFILE
NASE-FUN, THROUGH responsible and real-scuba instructing done right
D
ivers want to dive. They have to learn but when it is all said and done the diver will ask himself one question and one question only…did I have fun? The National Academy of Scuba Educators (NASE) worldwide not only want to help divers learn to dive but they also want to help them answer that all important question with a resounding yes!. Founded in 1982 in Lubbock, Texas, NASE focuses on what they consider to be the obvious approach to training divers. Their philosophy began with four basic principles and today, they continue to hone their methods to develop the best way to train divers. Executive Director Scott Evans says that the four principles are the key elements to how NASE works. “Our training organization is dedicated to providing state of the art technology, up-to-date educational materials and the best support to scuba professionals around the world,” Evans says. “Our philosophy is based on first, making it fun because that’s really why divers sign up. Our focus is on discovering how to have fun underwater while learning to dive safely. Second, making the training through; NASE’s competency based approach to diver training does not dictate what the instructor will cover or how many sessions it will supposedly take before a student has “learned.” Instead, our student-centered approach to diver training specifies what, when and how well students will be able to perform realworld diving skills in order to be certified. Third, making it real; diver training should be based on the way the world’s best divers actually dive — not on how a group of self-
appointed experts say that they “should” dive, or the fact that “we’ve always taught it this way.” And finally, making it environmentally responsible; students internalize what they see and experience during training. NASE helps make sure this example will do everything possible to create safe and environmentally responsible divers.” Evans adds that the NASE motto is to, “fundamentally change the way the world learns to dive” by providing innovative training materials and methods. He says that NASE has an instructor base throughout the world to support of their mission. “We just released on new eLearning Open Water Diver course and focused on redeveloping the rest of our materials in that same format. Our materials must be top-notch and have ability to delivered through a variety of platforms.” Evans says that developing a training system that will provide comprehensive way to teach all levels of diving. Competency based allows instructor to have freedom to teach and provide a client-centered course. “Our blended learning (each course will have a portion online and a printed manual) allows instructors to choose which option best suits their clients. We are well aware that there are still quite a few people out there who want that book in their hands. For this reason we will print our materials in small runs so that we can always update them quickly always offering the most current material. In the end this is all about offering state of the art training that leads divers to the real reason they wanted to dive in the first place…to have a great time. It is why we all came…right?” For more info on NASE visit http://naseworldwide.org/ index.da. ■
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info@peaceboat.com • 805.650.DIVE
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Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010 www.nwdivenews.com We support our local dive shops - without them we will not have a dive industry.
37
DIVE DIRECTORY
A listing of participating dive shops, charters, resorts, and independent instructors
WASHINGTON Anacortes Diving & Supply
Anacortes
(360) 293-2070
Store
Scuba Center of Spokane
Spokane
Bandito Charter
Tacoma
Washington Divers
Bellingham
(360) 676-8029
Store
Lighthouse Diving Center
Gone Diving
Bellingham
(360) 738-2042
Store
Bubbles Below
Adventures Down Under
Bellingham
(360) 676-4177
Store
Clarkston
(509) 751-1095
Store
Broken Island Adventures
Odyssey Diving Evergreen Dive Service Naknek Charters Hoodsport N Dive Undersea Adventures
(253) 627-7617
Store
(425) 424-3483
Dive Center
Bamfield
(888) 728-6200
Resort/Charter
Everett
(425) 512-8811
Store
Ocean Quest Water Sports
Burnaby
(604) 436-1157
Store
(360) 378-9297
Charter
Abyssal Diving Charters
Campbell River
(800) 499-2297
Charter
Hood Canal
(360) 877-6818
Store
49th Parallel Dive Charters
Chemainus
(250) 252-0758
Charter
Cedar Beach Resort
Chemainus
(250) 252-0758
Dive Resort
Courtenay
(877) 883-3483
Charter
Hornby Is.
(250) 335-2807
Dive Resort
Kamloops
(250) 828-0188
Store
(509) 735-0735
Store
Kent
(253) 854-3294
Store
UB Diving
Mike's Beach Resort
Lilluwaup
(360) 877-5324
Resort
Hornby Island Diving
Lighthouse Diving Center
Lynnwood
(425) 771-2679
Store
Ocean Pacific Watersports
Mukilteo
(425) 493-2550
Charter
Oak Harbor
(360) 675-1112
Store
Coachman Inn
Tacoma Woodinville
Friday Harbor Kennewick
Dolphin Charters
Charter
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Scuba Sports
Whidbey Island Dive
www.spokanescuba.com (253) 973-0370
Oak Harbor
www.thecoachmaninn.com
Scuba Sports
Kent
(253) 854-3294
Store
Divers Choice Charters
Nanaimo
(866) 716-8867
Charter
Mamro Adventures
Nanaimo
(250) 756-8872
Store
Capital Divers
Olympia
(360) 866-3684
Store
Sink or Swim Scuba & Watersports
Nanaimo
(250) 758-7946
Store
Northwest Dive Charter
Parkland
(253) 370-5144
Charter
Sundown Diving
Nanaimo
(888) 773-3483
Store/Charter
Port Angeles
(360) 457-3190
Store
Nanaimo Dive Outfitters
Nanaimo
(250) 756-1863
Store
Scuba Supplies Admiralty Dive Center
Port Townsend
(360) 379-3483
Store
Rendezvous Dive Adventures
Port Alberni
(877) 777-9994
Charter
Townsend Bay Dive
Port Townsend
(360) 385-2353
Store
Browning Pass Hideaway
Port Hardy
(877) 725-2835
Resort/Charter
A-2-Z Scuba Instruction
(800) 515-5511
Charter
Puyallup
(253) 840-3483
Store
Catala Charters
Port Hardy
ScubaSET Adventure Center
Puyallup
(253) 841-5666
Store
God's Pocket Resort
Port Hardy
Dive Commercial Int’l
www.godspocket.com
Seattle
(206) 784-5050
Commercial Store
Alpha Dive Services
Powell River
(604) 485-6939
Aluminator Water Taxi
Seattle
(206) 571-3273
Charter
Copper Island Diving
Salmon Arm
(250) 832-5737
Store
Lighthouse Diving Center
Seattle
(206) 524-1633
Store
PorpoiseBay.ca
Egmont
(800) 665-DIVE
Charter/Resort
Seattle
(206) 374-2937
Store
Tahtsa Dive Charters
Tahsis
(250) 934-6365
Charter
Seattle
(206) 362-3310
Store
MethodMarine.com
Tofino
(250) 725-3251
Store/Marina
Seattle Scuba Schools Underwater Sports
TROPICAL DIVE DIRECTORY aUStralia Blue Ocean Marine Pty.Ltd. 415.830.3846 www.blueoceanmarine.com.au
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 TheVilla Makoshi Lower Level 780.483.0044 www.BonaireDiveVilla.com
BritiSh Virgin iSland NV Yacht Charters 443.829.8576 www.nvcharters.com
38
Store/Charter
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 713.973.9300 www.divetrip.com Scuba Du 310.684.5556 www.scubadu.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 Dive Away Fiji 888.266.2209 www.diveaway-fiji.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 Matava 679.333.6222 www.matava.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
get your business listed here - Contact sales@nwdivenews.com
NORTHWEST
DIVE DIRECTORY
Ocean Planet Adventures TwoEaglesLodge.com SeaDragonCharters.com
Tofino
(250) 725-2221
Resort
Union Bay
(250) 335-2342
Dive Resort
Vancouver
(604) 329-3486
Charter
Victoria
(250) 475-2202
Store
Beyond Deep Diving Ogden Point Dive
Oregon Underwater
Portland
(503) 761-8526
Store
Diver's Den
Roseburg
(541) 673-3710
Store
SalemScuba.com
Salem
(503) 588-3483
Store
Under Water Works
Tigard
(503) 620-6993
Store
(907) 770-1778
Store Store
Victoria
(888) 701-1177
Store/Charter
Wilson Diving Services
Victoria
(250) 478-4488
Store
Scuba Do, Inc
Kodiak
(907) 486-2960
Adventures in Scuba
Calgary
(403) 299-7751
Store
Test the Waters
North Pole
www.testthewaters.com
Store
Aqua Sport Scuba Centre
Calgary
(403) 686-6166
Store
Island Fever Diving
Sitka
(907) 747-7871
Store/Charter
ALBERTA
ALASKA Dive Alaska.net
Anchorage
Northwest Scuba
Edmonton
(780) 438-1218
Store
Sub Sea Experience
Edmonton
(780) 434-1433
Store
Aqua Zone
Honolulu
(808) 923-3483
Store
The Dive Outfitters
Edmonton
( 888) 483-0049
Charter
Dive Oahu
Honolulu
(808) 922-3483
Charter
Grand Prairie
(780) 832-7209
Store
Pearl Harbor Divers
Honolulu
(808) 589-2177
Store/Charter
Honolulu
(808) 220-0577
Store
Just for You Crew & Dive Services
IDAHO Dive Magic
Honolulu Scuba Company
Boise
(208) 319-3483
Store Aaron's Dive Shop
Kailua-Kona
(808) 262-2333
Store
(406) 442-4334
Store
Big Island Divers
Kailua-Kona
(808) 329-6068
Store/Charter
MONTANA Helena Scuba
HAWAII
Helena
www.honoluluscubacompany.com
Bighorn Divers
Kalispell
(406) 752-4970
Store
Jack's Diving Locker
Kailua-Kona
(808) 329-7585
Store/Charter
Glacier Divers
Kalispell
(406) 253-4016
Store
Kona Honu Divers
Kailua-Kona
(808) 324-4668
Charter
Pacific Rim Divers
Kailua-Kona
(808) 334-1750
Charter
OREGON PacificWatersports.com
Aloha
(503) 642-3483
Store
Torpedo Tours
Kailua-Kona
(808) 938-0405
Charter
Astoria Scuba
Astoria
www.astoriascuba.com
Store
Wanna Dive
Kailua-Kona
(808) 937-1175
Charter
Rogue Scuba, Inc.
Central Point
(541) 830-5551
Store
Eugene Skin Divers Supply
Eugene
(541) 342-2351
Store
CoralSeaScuba.com
Grants Pass
(800) 482-1599
Store
SeaSport Divers
Adventure Sports, Inc.
Gresham
(503) 491-0107
Store
Capt. Charley Scuba Shack
South Beach Scuba
Newport
(541) 867-4944
Store
Aquatic Sports
Portland
(503) 245-4991
Store
TROPICAL DIVE DIRECTORY florida Conch Republic Divers 800.274.3483 www.conchrepublicdivers.com Horizon Divers 305.453.3535 www.horizondivers.com Off The Wall Adventures 863.709-9253 www.offthewalladventures.com SpruceCreekScuba 386.767.1727 www.sprucecreekscuba.com The Dive Station (407) 843-3483 www.divestation.com
galaPagoS
Divencounters 877.323.DIVE www.divencounters.com
hondUraS Utila Tours 337.893.0013 www.utila.com
indonESia Deep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com Island DreamsTravel 713.973.9300 www.divetrip.com Kungkungan Bay Resort & Spa 530.347.2300 www.divekbr.com Lembeh Hills Resort www.LembehHills.com 62.812.441.18.000
Dive & Sea Maui Mauna Lani Sea Adventures
www.diveandseamaui.com
Charter
Kamuela
(808) 885-7883
Store
Koloa, Kauai
(800) 685-5889
Store/Charter
Kihei
(877) 213-4488
Store
Lahaina Divers
Maui
(800) 998-3483
Store/Charter
Mike Severns Diving
Maui
www.mikesevernsdiving.com
Charter
To be listed in our Tropical Dive Directory call 360.240.1874 or email us at dane@divenewsmag.com
indonESia Cont... 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
MExiCo Abyss Dive Center 52.984.873.2164 www.abyssdivecenter.com Aquanauts Dive Adv. 52.998.206.9365 www.aquanautsdiveadventures.com
PhiliPPinES
Atlantis Dive Resort 775.588.0500 www.atlantishotel.com Deep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com Island DreamsTravel 713.973.9300 www.divetrip.com
rEd SEa - EgYPt
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
tUrkS & CaiCoS Oasis Divers 649.946.1128 www.oasisdivers.com Dive Provo 649.946.5040 www.diveprovo.com
Fly & Sea Dive Adventures 888.995.DIVE(3483) www.redseadiving.ca Learning Through Travel 516.781.5556 www.learningthroughtravel.com
get your business listed here - Call roosevelt at 360-240-1874
39
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