ANNUAL VISITOR’S GUIDE September 2011
DIVE LOCALLY
WHERE IT REALLY MATTERS
EXPLORE THE WEST COAST
Top 10 Dive Sites of Washington, Oregon, and California
DISCOVER BRITISH COLUMBIA
STEAMY DIVES IN TROPICAL LOCATIONS Where dive shops are taking divers to warm up
Backyard Hot Spots for some Cool Diving
Volume 15 Issue 9 $1.95 US/$2.25 Canada
YOU MAY BE ABLE TO DO THIS IN OTHER DRYSUITS. BUT YOU’D FREEZE YOUR ASS OFF.
If it looks like I’m sitting warm and dry, it’s because I am. We designed the world’s first Constant Volume drysuit to kick it in any kind of extreme. Inside the D1 Hybrid, your personal climate control is perpetually set to ‘comfortable’ thanks to a 10 layer butyl trilaminate outer shell, our patented 3-D mesh inner lining, revolutionary integrated Silicone Seal System (I.S.S.), and an anatomically sculpted design that provides a fuller range of motion. It’s taken 25 years and more than one breakthrough to push a drysuit so close to perfection. Simply put, there’s nothing like the D1 in the world. Or in the water.
The D1’s patented 3-D Mesh Inner Lining gives unequalled warmth, comfort and dryness. 2
The Integrated Silicone Seal System has superior comfort and durability over standard latex seals.
Visit waterproof-usa.com
We support our local dive shops - without them we will not have a dive industry. E X T R E M E
P E R F O R M A N C E
septemBer 2011
in this issue ◄ Cover photo by Jesse Miller
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 rick@nwdivenews.com Art Director Philip Wilson graphics@divenewsmag.com Graphic Designer TJ Pierzchala Production Manager IJ James editor@divenewsmag.com Expo Coordinator Selene Peterson expo@divenewsmag.com Writer/Editor Jamie Farris Field Reporter/Editor Barb Roy Travel Editor Jett & Kathryn 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
Jesse was the first place winner of the Photo Contest at the 2011 Dive & Travel Expo in the Cold Water Macro category with this photo titled Beautiful Defense. Growing up in the Bay Area, Jesse has always had a passion for the ocean. It wasn’t until a February 2009 trip to Turks and Caicos, that he became certified. He wanted to share this “new world” with others, so he started taking photos in October of 2009. Excited with the results, Jesse started his own site to share photos (jessemiller.smugmug.com) with any proceeds going to www.savetheblue. org. This foundation helps prevent the slaughter of sharks. His next adventure (thanks to the Dive & Travel Expo) will take him to Fiji to see these beautiful creatures up close and personal.
Editor’s Note ......................................4 Incoming Mail ....................................5 Hot News ...........................................6 Environmental Education ...............8-9 NOAA Teaches Teachers ................. 10 Good Will Diving ............................. 11 EXPO Speaker Series ...............12-13
DAN/Medical Column .................32-33 Mystery Critter .................................34 BoatingRegulations .........................35 Gear Box .........................................36 Dive Directory .............................38-39 Tropical Dive Directory ...............38-39
NORTHWEST US DIVES 14 Explore the West Coast
The west coast is on every diver’s bucket list but you may ask “what if you don’t live on the west coast”? Is there a list somewhere of the top dive sites that a diver just has to make time for? I’m here to tell you that there are several lists out there but we, here at Dive News Network, have the list. Join us as we count down the top ten favorite dive sites on the west coast. By Rick Stratton
NORTHWEST CANADA DIVES 20 Discover British Columbia From the Campbell River to the Barkley Sound, British Columbia has so many great dive sites it is hard to know where to start. This is an underwater world that offers divers a glimpse into what true cold water diving is really all about and there are, of course, thousands of dive sites to explore but we surveyed our readers and dive industry experts on which ones to mention on a list of recommendations; join us on a countdown of their favorites. By Rick Stratton
TROPICAL DESTINATIONS 26 Steamy Dive Tropical Locations
If diving is the elegant dinner delight of the sportsman, tropical diving is dessert with a cherry. Welcome to our Tropical Top 10…our profile of the top ten tropical dive destinations according to those who know them best…the dive industry operators. Join us as we explore the best of the best for 2011. By Rick Stratton
siGn up For our neW e-suBscription at WWW.diveneWsnetWorK.com
3
puBlisher’s note
do you have an opinion? contact us: editor@divenewsmag.com
5 WAYS TO USE OUR CONTENT TO BENEFIT YOUR BUSINESS T
hese days nearly every business is looking for ways to reinvent themselves. Looking at the gloomy No economic forecast, changing In t J consumer taste, and rapidly changing Pr us technology everyone is attempting in t to create a new business model that t will bring more customers to their door. Here at Dive News Network, we are no different. Magazines and newspapers have suffered a more severe fate than most business over the past three years. According to current statistics, scores of magazines and newspapers have closed over the past three years. One of the problems magazines are facing is the changing technology. The availability of information online is not at the extent that nearly everyone is claiming that print is dead! Well, the rumor of prints demise is greatly exaggerated - print is NOT dead. In fact, according to amazon.com 94 percent of the books sold last year were in print. Still despite the statistics print has certainly taken a beating and our advertising sales people can tell you that at times it can be hard to sell! As a result, we too are forced to re-invent ourselves; dive head-first into change. We are no longer just a magazine business! We are in the content business. We produce our content for our print and online editions. We also build partnerships with other businesses and key leaders in our respective dive communities. All of the articles (100 percent) from our magazine is reproduced as new, html pages (SEO Friendly) and posted online giving our advertisers more bang for their buck.
Once the content is up on our site, we send a link to the businesses that helped us generate that content, folks like the local dive shop, charters, large companies etc. that we interviewed for the story or talked about. And then comes the cool part, these business can use our content on their site. In exchange for supporting us (advertising in our magazine) they get to use this content directly at least 5 ways: 1. Facebook it – send it as a Facebook message out to your friends/fans to check out the article on our website. 2. Twitter it – similar to Facebook – now connect real time with your followers and have something to share with them 3. Post it on your website _ available only to our advertisers their content licensing (brand new) they have access to our content to use on their site as if it were theirs. 4. E-newsletter it to your email list as a bonus value to your clients – send out a content rich e-blast that is well written, respected and well read! 5. Printed Newsletter – are you still printing a newsletter, now you have added content that you don’t have to take the time to edit/ write for it As our technology improves, access to information and the amount of information/content is expanding rapidly but the quality of the information is what’s important. We offer a professional writing and editorial staff who are dedicated to promoting the sport of diving and an active diving lifestyle locally – where it really matters! Take a fresh look at the Dive News Network and see how you can benefit. We promise you won’t be disappointed. Rick Stratton
facebook.com/Rick.Stratton1 rick@divenewsmag.com
Rick
Calling All Divers! Join our growing team of volunteers and become an underwater interpreter at the Seattle Aquarium.
Volunteer Orientation September 10 • 9:30am–noon Diver Experience Forms due by August 26
Call 206.386.4342 or email volunteers@seattleaquarium.org For more information visit seattleaquarium.org
Inspiring Conservation of our Marine Environment 4
www.nwdivenews.com Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010 checK out our neW WeBsite: WWW.diveneWsnetWorK.com
monthly articles
letter to the editor
DEAR RICK,
Usually when I walk along the beach west of Sechelt, I find sea glass or unique pieces of driftwood or inspiration for the next painting. On a recent Sunday morning, however, I found a true treasure, a baby seal. The seal (now known as Mint) was abandoned up high on the beach curled behind a log with the bright sun shining on it. After our first ahhh, how sweet, blah, blah, blah..., I thought, where is its mom and will the baby seal survive the afternoon sun and local predators? Should we put it back in the water? Should we even touch or move it? Who should we call? After much discussion, I decided to shield the seal from the sun with driftwood and we rushed back home and initially called the non-emergency Sechelt police who directed us to the rescue at Vancouver Aquarium. Ruby was very helpful and she asked us to take pictures so the rescue team could determine if it was in distress and needed rescuing. We rushed back, took photos at various angles and emailed them to rescue@vanaqua.org where the call was made to rescue the baby seal. Returning with a lined recycling bin, very appropriate I thought, and an ocean soaked towel we lifted the baby seal using gloves and carried it home. Meanwhile, Ruby arranged for an air transportation container and we drove the seal to Westcoast Air, who generously donates transportation space for situations such as these, and they flew the seal to SEAL IN DISTRESS? Vancouver. We were informed that Mint arrived safely and was eating its first meal. If you see a seal or other I must admit I was impressed with the system already in place. We were previously unaware of it. Our community is not just a network of us humans, but all life that we marine mammal that you interact and inhabit the environment with. Best Fishes, believe is in distress: Rogest (Ron Steven)
DEAR ROGEST,
Having known you for many years I am not surprised that you went out of your way to help this baby seal however I too was unaware of the service provided by the Vancouver Aquarium….how great is that?! Kudos to them for having a plan in place for such situations. I want to thank you for sharing your story with our readers. Now if any of them have the same type of situation they too will know to call the Vancouver Aquarium in order to help our fellow marine citizens. Thanks again my friend,
Rick
1. Stay back! 2. Keep people and pets away 3. Call the Vancouver Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Centre at (604) 258-SEAL (7325) WWW.BUBBLESBELOW.COM
Education Local Dives Travel Equipment The MK25 offers superior ultra-high a wetsuit, but keeps you airflow system for warm & watertight like maximum performance a dry suit. Everdry 4 was N ew for 2011 in all temperatures and created for demanding and diving conditions. The recreational divers wanting MK25 has an array of easy-to-wear advanced dry proprietary features ensuring outstanding suit protection. http:/ / gettag.mobi performance.
DRy 50SuitS Up To
% off
LiMitED AVAiLABiLity
Get the free mobile app for your phone
S ee theSe Regulator New aNd other MK 25 BlackTech S cuba P ro Limited to ProductS at stock on Sold only as a combo with b ubbleS b elow ! hand A700 BLACK TECH
17315 140th Ave. NE Woodinville, WA
Services (Factory Refurbished)
Soft & comfortable like
Dr ysuit Everdry 4
Repair
• InWater Pressure Tested • No Leaks • New Zip Seals • Fully Warrantied For 1 Year on Suit • 90 day Warranty on zipper.
E-mail: info@bubblesbelow.com
Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010 www.nwdivenews.com We support local divers - local divers support the industry.
5
Get your business noticed by sending us your neWs/events: editor@divenewsmag.com
THE MONTEREY SHOOTOUT
Come join the fun at the 2011 Monterey Shootout underwater photo and video competition to be held Sept. 9-11. Formerly known as the Northern California Underwater Beach and Boat Dive Competition, the 2011 Monterey Shootout has expanded to include a film festival, multiple educational seminars, and much more! In this unique, three-day event, underwater photographers and videographers of all experience levels are invited to compete for over $20,000 in prizes, including premium gear and trips to exotic destinations. For more info visit www.montereyshootout.com.
BLUEWATER PHOTO & VIDEO OPENS NEW RETAIL LOCATION
Bluewater Photo & Video has opened up a new underwater photo & video retail store in Santa Monica, CA on 25th and Wilshire Blvd. The store is run by Underwater Photography Guide publisher Scott Gietler, and Scott Gietler features well-known professional underwater photographers Mark Strickland and Todd Winner assisting with running the store and teaching classes and international workshops. In addition to equipment sales, they offer rentals, monthly classes, and several international workshops per year. Bluewater Photo & Video has also announced the first Annual Southern California Shootout on Sept. 16-18. Divers can submit photos taken anywhere in So-Cal during the 3 days of the shootout. The contest offers over $16,000 in prizes for the winners, including a 5-day trip to the Wakatobi Luxury Resort in Southeast Sulawesi. There are 9 categories in total. For more info visit www.bluewaterphotostore.com/uw-shootout. Friday, Oct. 7 marks the beginning of a geocache weekend. There will be a meet and greet from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club in Union, WA. On Saturday, Oct. 8 divers are asked to register at the Alderbrook Resort at 8 a.m. Over the course of this two-day event, each team will use a GPS device to locate
(253) 238-1754
www.tacomascubacenter.com 6
On Sunday, Sept. 18 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. there will be a wine tasting and auction to benefit Heartbeat S e r v i n g Wo u n d e d Warriors to be held at Novelty Hill/Januik Winery in Woodinville, WA. Everyone is asked to raise a glass to show their support for Wounded Warriors. Enjoy sipping some of Novelty Hill/Januik winery finest wines, appetizers from their chef, wine tour, silent & live auctions, a raffle, and door prizes throughout the evening. 100% of the proceeds benefit Washington State’s “Heartbeat Serving Wounded Warriors” military personnel and their families. For more info visit www.heartbeatforwarriors.org.
SALISH SEA ECOSYSTEM CONFERENCE
The Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference will be held on Oct. 25-27 at the Sheraton Wall Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia. This is the largest, most comprehensive scientific research and policy conference in the region. The 2011 conference, co-hosted by Environment Canada and the Puget Sound Partnership, presents the latest scientific research on the state of the ecosystem. The conference also shares information on recent management actions and best practices to protect and restore the Salish Sea Ecosystem. For more info visit www.salishseaconference.org.
BELLINGHAM & PORTLAND BAGGED IT
“ ...it’s with me on every dive. ” “
It’s with me on every dive. Incorporating one into your dive system is simply smart insurance.
”
1602 Center St. Ste C, Tacoma, WA
WINE TASTING & AUCTION FUNDRAISER FOR HEARTBEAT SERVING WOUNDED WARRIORS
The Bellingham City Council voted unanimously to ban plastic shopping bags and impose a 5-cent fee on paper. Congratulations Northwest Straits Chapter, Bag It Bellingham, and all the volunteers who made it happen. AND, just last week, Portland Oregon also banned single use plastic bags – Yay Portland Chapter and Oregon Surfrider staff! This is one more way to ensure that plastic bags don’t end up killing marine life.
EXPLORE HOOD CANAL GEOCACHE BASH
The only Technical Dive Store in Tacoma
hidden containers - called caches - that are placed at specific GPS coordinates throughout Mason County. Each cache is filled with clues, items or treasures that will bring teams closer to solving an overall Geocache challenge. There will be 30 hidden caches to locate on the first day, and 20 hidden caches to locate on the second day. The first team to find each cache will win a daily prizes. The Grand prize will be awarded to the team who finds the most caches over the entire two-day event! For more info visit www.explorehoodcanal.com.
sound insurance
hot neWs
Howard Hall
UW Photographer, UW Filmmaker, IMAX Cinematographer
The ORIGINAL www.DiveAlert.com
Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010 send us your neWs/eventswww.nwdivenews.com Free at editor@diveneWsmaG.com
cluB meetinGs & events T h e WA Department of Ecology launched a new public beach access feature on their coastal atlas website that provides detailed information on where to legally access state public beaches. The website includes interactive maps, photos, and information on beach closures. For more info visit https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/coastalatlas.
DUI HITS THE RADIO AIRWAVES
Mike Slater from KFMB760 radio and his folks came to DUI last week during their San Diego Dog Rally. They did a program on DUI and it is posted on their website. They even have a short video. Check it out at www.760kfmb.com/story/15195081/sandiego-success-stories-diving-unlimited. Way to promote the sport!
COME TO OYSTERFEST IN OCTOBER
The 30th Annual West Coast Oyster Shucking Championship and Washington State Seafood Festival, better known as OysterFest, will be held Oct. 1 - 2 at the Mason-area Fairgrounds in Shelton, Washington. Hosted by the Shelton Skookum Rotary Club Foundation, OysterFest is held annually on the first full weekend in October. The gates are open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Pacific Rim Oyster Open Speed & Half-Shell Oyster Shucking Contests are the centerpiece of the festival. There is also an Art and Photography Competition and the Seafood Cook-Off. Free entertainment is on-going both days. For more info visit www.oysterfest.org.
Suuz Enterprise Inc ©2009
SEPTEMBER
Find more Northwest activities on our facebook page! Northwest Activities
EXPLORE WASHINGTON BEACHES ONLINE
do you want your event listed here? contact us: editor@divenewsmag.com
Sept 5: Eugene Dive Club, 7p.m., Mookie’s NW Grill on Seneca, Eugene, OR. www.eugenediveclub.com Sept 7: Emerald Sea Dive Club, 7 p.m., Shawn O’Donnell’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, Everett, WA. www.emeraldseadiveclub.org Sept 7: Marker Buoy Dive Club, 7 p.m., Sunset Hill Community Center, Seattle, WA. www.markerbuoydiveclub.org. S e p t 9 - 11 : U A S B C K o o t e n a y Wreck Audits, British Columbia. Email bmeekel@shaw.ca for more info. Sept 10-11: DUI Dog Rally, San Carlos Beach Park, Monterey, CA. www.dui-online.com Sept 12: Napa Valley Divers, 7 p.m., Fillippi’s Pizza Grotto, Napa, CA. www.napavalleydivers.com Sept 13: Wet and Wild Diving Society club meeting, 7:30 p.m. Bob Lamb Training Center, Ft. McMurray, AB. www.ghphoto.ca or 780.743.3123 Sept 18: Fox Island East Wall Shore Dive with Seattle Scuba Schools, Seattle, WA. www.seattlescuba.com Sept 20: Atomic Ducks Dive Club Channel Dive. Details online www.duckdiveclub.org. Sept 20: Kelp Krawlers Dive Club, 7 p.m. River’s Edge Bar & Grille, Tumwater, WA. www.kelpkrawlers.org. Sept 21: Northwest Adventure Divers, 7p.m., Golden Steer Restaurant, Kent, WA. www.nwadveturedivers.com. Sept 21: Sea Horses Scuba Club, 6 p.m., Round Table Pizza, Redmond, WA. www.seahorsediveclub.com. Sept 24: Night Dive with Atomic Ducks Dive Club. www.ducksdiveclub.com Sept 24: Boat Dive with Seattle Scuba Schools. www.seattlescuba.com Sept 25: Best Point Mine Site Dive with UASBC, Lower Mainland Dive, BC. Email keith@bossons.ca for more info. Sept 27: Toooosday night at Alki! Brrrrrrrrrrrgers and beer post dive with Moss Bay Dive Club, 6:00 p.m., Alki Cove 2, Seattle, WA. www.meetup.com/MossBayDiveClub
OCTOBER
Oct 1-2: World Wide Photo Walk (Underwater) with Marker Buoy Dive Club. Oct 3: Eugene Dive Club, 7p.m., Mookie’s NW Grill on Seneca, Eugene, OR. www.eugenediveclub.com Oct 5: Emerald Sea Dive Club, 7 p.m., Shawn O’Donnell’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, Everett, WA. www.emeraldseadiveclub.org O c t 1 0 : N a p a Va l l e y D i v e r s , 7 p.m., Fillippi’s Pizza Grotto, Napa, CA. www.napavalleydivers.com Oct 18: Atomic Ducks Dive Club Channel Dive. Details online www.duckdiveclub.org. Oct 18: Kelp Krawlers Dive Club, 7 p.m. River’s Edge Bar & Grille, Tumwater, WA. www.kelpkrawlers.org. Oct 25: Toooosday night at Alki! Brrrrrrrrrrrgers and beer post dive with Moss Bay Dive Club, 6:00 p.m., Alki Cove 2, Seattle, WA. www.meetup.com/MossBayDiveClub Oct 25-27: Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference hosted by People for Puget Sound, Vancouver, BC. Heather Trim htim@pugetsound.org or 206.382.7007. Oct 27: Northwest Adventure Divers, 7p.m., Golden Steer Restaurant, Kent, WA. www.nwadveturedivers.com. Oct 27: Sea Horses Scuba Club, 6 p.m., Round Table Pizza, Redmond, WA. www.seahorsediveclub.com. Oct 29: Pumpkin Carving Contest, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Howard Amon Park, Richland, WA.
Vancouver Island 49th Parallel Dive Charters
Custodians of the Boeing 737 Artificial Reef Historic shipwrecks
Day trips & Weekend
Porlier Pass
packages
Nightdives
Onboard air
37 ft boat
Giant stride with us!
1-250-252-0758 or letsdive@divemaster.ca
ScubaGoodHoods
www.emeraldparadise.ca
704.372.5175
www.ScubaDoRag.com
Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010 www.nwdivenews.com We support local divers - local divers support the industry.
7
enivornmental aWareness
northWest dive neWs
REPORT CARD ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION OF WASHINGTON RELEASED
I
n an ever changing world where environmental issues have sped to the forefront of every government officials concerns Washington State has taken the lead with an initial Environmental Education report card to help determine where our state is on these issues. This report card, prepared at the request of the Washington State Legislature, summarizes the status of environmental education (EE) in Washington and points out were the state lacks.
Over the past two years there have been statewide surveys, community meetings, and one-on-one interviews conducted to determine just where the state is on its EE. Some of the EE areas were outstanding gaining and “A”. Areas such as “Effectiveness of Environmental Education in Improving Students’ Standardized Test Scores”, “Legal and Academic Foundations of Environmental Education” and “Independent, Innovative Approaches to Environmental
Dive CommerCial InternatIonal Family Dive Store established and operated in Ballard since 1993. BIRNS Rubber Connectors are simple, low-cost cable connectors for light-to-medium power or signal applications, and/or for applications where weight and/or magnetic signature are considerations. They are rated to 1,000m and 500VDC, and made of a durable elastomer that cannot chip or dent. They mate with each other in the in-line mode, and with BIRNS Polymeric Series bulkhead connectors. They are well engineered, yet extremely affordable and easy to use.
206.784.5050
7058 15th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117 www.divecommercial.com find us on facebook
8
www.nwdivenews.com local divers do it doWn and dirty
Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010
northWest dive neWs
ocean conservation
DIVE INTO HISTORY Flooded TITAN I Missile Silo deep under the desert in Eastern Washington
Education”, all received the coveted “A”. Other areas clearly need improvement such as “General Awareness of Environmental Education” which got a “C” and the “State Support of Environmental Education” which got the lowest grade at a “D”. There are a lot of concerns about the lower grades on the EE but the most exciting good news is the EE’s ability to improve students’ standardized test scores. This along with the delivery of independent and innovative EE approaches to teaching are believed to make the tracking of just how well Washington does a very important step in ensuring that the state’s children continue to benefit from an active concern in our local environment. The overall EE holds excellent promise for positively influencing our schools, livelihoods, economies, and landscapes. There is now a push by state officials to unify environmental education in Washington through strategic, statesanctioned leadership. Divers are generally concerned with the environment at large because they spend more time than the average person closer to it. It is for this reason that the EE report is of a lot of concern to local divers, dive shops and environmentalists. “We have to be mindful of what is happening within our state in terms of educating our next generations,” says Rick Stratton, publisher of Dive News Network. “We and the generations before us have spent too much time not thinking about it. If we educate our kids now, the future of our environment will be much different.” The question many are asking since the release of the EE Report Card is why does environmental education improve student’s test scores and the answers are as varied as the ways in which the program can improve. At this point it has been proven that EE increases
motivation for learning in all subject areas, it tends to focus students and improve their overall behavior in the classroom, it helps to develop critical thinking skills and it helps students to relate school lessons to their community and the real world. According to the report, “young people exposed to EE tend to improve their overall grade point average, stay in school longer, receive higher than average scholarship awards, and display more responsible behavior in school and in the community. Included in the report was a real time case example of some Hood Canal Middle School students donning snorkel gear to inventory bull trout in the Skokomish River. This was part of an environmental education project funded by the Puget Sound Action Team which does a lot in terms of restoration of Puget Sound waterways. The program funds environmental education projects through its Public Involvement and Education (PIE) fund that teach young people and adults how to protect and restore Puget Sound’s marine environment. Overall 87 percent of those asked throughout the EE Report Card survey period wanted environmental education lesson plans, training, and/or technical support in order to enhance the educational experience and awareness in Washington State. The report was good but there is still work to do. Those who want to help are asked to join the Environmental Education Association of Washington and participate in the development of a comprehensive strategic plan for EE in Washington. It really is building towards a better future for all of us whether you are a student, a fisher man/ woman, the average citizen or a diver. For more info or to read the full report visit www.wagreenschools.org/files/530.pdf■
Full Service Dive Center Contact your local dive shop to arrange your Missile Silo Dives or email us at: info@underseaadventures.net
800 Kennewick, 338-4662 WA www.underseaadventures.net
Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010 www.nwdivenews.com We support local divers - local divers support the industry.
9
researchinG the World’s oceans
reGional neWs
MOUNT VERNON TEACHER RETURNS FROM WALLEYE POLLOCK SURVEY T
eachers are usually very busy people with very little time to head out into the field and work but recently one lucky Mount Vernon teacher got to do just that. Anne Mortimer, a science teacher at Mount Vernon High School, not only got to head north to Alaska but also got hands-on experience working with scientists. Mortimer was given the chance to assist researchers for 19 days as they surveyed walleye pollock in the Gulf of Alaska. “I’m very excited to have had the opportunity to participate in the NOAA Teacher at Sea program, allowing me to experience real-world scientific research and life at sea,” said Mortimer. “I gained new knowledge about research projects at sea and will now share them with my students through my own hands-on experiences. My experiences will help make their learning more relevant and exciting.” Mortimer boarded the NOAA ship Oscar Dyson, on July 4th in
Kodiak, Alaska. During her 12-hour shifts, she assisted the scientists as they searched, fished, and measured the walleye pollock they caught. Walleye pollock is a $1 billion industry and the largest catch by volume in the United States. NOAA’s Teacher at Sea program puts teachers in hands-on research experiences to give them clearer insight into the ocean as well as an understanding of maritime work and studies. Jennifer Hammond, the program’s director says that participating in real-world research allows teachers to gain experience by actually doing the science. In its 21st year, the program has provided over 600 teachers the opportunity to gain first-hand experience participating in science at sea. This year, NOAA received applications from more than 250 teachers, and chose 33 to participate in research cruises. Mortimer kept a blog of her experience at http://teacheratsea.wordpress.com ■
DivE for a CurE saturDay, sEpt. 24 Woahink lakE, florEnCE, or.
EvEnts Will fEaturE: an underwater poker run above water games a keynote speaker a family bbq
t here
will be many opportunities to win
including a
vespa lX150,
great
prizes
diving gear and more .
for morE information visit
WWW.DivEforaCurE.org or WWW.EugEnEskinDivErs.Com e ugene s kin d ivers s upply • 1090 w. 6 th 10
ave ., eugene , or
97402
www.nwdivenews.com dive locally - Where it really matters
Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010
reGional neWs
GivinG BacK
GOOD WILL DIVING CHARITY GETS A NEW LOGO
D
eep Blue Adventures, a travel wholesaler, has a brand new logo courtesy of artist Rogest also known as Ron Steven. They revealed the new logo for the company’s Good Will Diving program and company owner Cheryl Patterson couldn’t be more pleased. She is says that Rogest has always been supportive and wanted to go one step further when he heard about the Good Will Diving program. Rogest donated his studio’s time, his skills and a logo that speaks volumes of what Good Will Diving is slated to accomplish. According to Deep Blue Adventures, Good Will Diving is a “new branch of Deep Blue Adventures dedicated to bringing together divers and travelers with organizations or people in need as well as increase awareness on simple things we can all do that make a difference.” They organize and participate in various benefits, fundraisers and educational programs and provide a place where anyone interested in assisting or contributing to a need can find information on a cause in which to participate. Good Will Diving itself participates in numerous fundraising throughout the year so helping others to find where they are needed just seemed like the next step. The logo Rogest designed for Good Will Diving showcased the very feel of the effort. Good Will Diving is highlighting the need for eye glasses for Fijian Villagers right out of the gate. Patterson explains, “We chose this cause for a number of reasons. As divers and travelers we experience many wonderful aspects of the countries we visit. We often fall in love with the surroundings, the food, culture and of course what we find there beneath the surface. More often than not, the people are what touches us the most and deepens our experiences. We felt that highlighting a need of some of the warmest people we have ever met. We are not asking for money, we are asking for that people give used or old reading eye glasses. For more info on the logo or the causes for Good Will Diving visit www.deepblueadventures.com ■
DONATED BY ROGEST
EASY
EQUALIZATION!!!
Astoria Scuba Pier 39-Astoria, Oregon
Diving the Graveyard of the Pacific
• Diver Supplies and Service
• Certified Air Fills
• Cobra and Malibu Kayak Sales
• Commercial Diving
Makes equalization easier, faster and safely Prevents Swimmer’s ear Prevents Surfer’s ear
Vented Earplug Safe for Scuba • NAUI Pro-Platinum Training Facility • DAN training available
PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) manual states that divers should use only vented earplugs designed for diving.
800.521.2982 Proplugs.com © 2008 RT Scott. All Rights Reserved.
503-325-2502
fholcom@astoriascuba.com
www.astoriascuba.com
International Aquatic Trades, Inc. 719 Swift Street, #56 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831.425.5920 ext.104
Northwest Dive News JANUARY 2011 www.nwdivenews.com We support our local dive shops - Without them We Will not have a dive industry.
11
eXpo speaKer series
sea shepherd conservation society
EXPO 2012 - SEA SHEPHERD CONSERVATION SOCIETY
T
he Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) will be one of the many groups joining the Dive and Travel Expo 2012 on April 21-22 in Tacoma, WA. They were at last years’ event and the Dive News Network is happy to welcome them back. The SSCS, established in 1977, is an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization. Their mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. At the Tacoma Dive Expo in May 2011, Sea Shepherd shared the
highlights of these campaigns by participating in the Speaker’s series. Through a series of slides, stories, and Q & A with the audience, they were able to share with those in the dive community how and why they work to safeguard the biodiversity of the delicately-balanced ocean ecosystems, and why they work to ensure their survival for future generations. Chuck Swift, Deputy CEO, and Captain of the Bob Barker during the Operation Waltzing Matilda campaign in the Southern Ocean and Scott West, of their department of Intelligence and Investigations and Cove Guardian campaign coordinator in Taiji, Japan, shared their experiences with attendees throughout the weekend. Attendees to the Dive Expo also had an opportunity to visit with them and
NASE Doesn’t Offer a Remedial Mask Clearing Course, Either… The number one complaint among dive operators is that new divers can’t control buoyancy. And no wonder! The typical scuba student spends up to 90 percent of his time in the water standing, sitting or kneeling on the bottom. How can he ever learn buoyancy control doing that? The situation is so bad some agencies offer remedial buoyancy control courses to try to help new divers fix problems that never should have been allowed to happen in the first place. That’s just plain wrong. NASE doesn’t offer a remedial buoyancy control course any more than we offer a remedial regulator recovery or mask clearing course. To us, buoyancy control is not a “skill” to be demonstrated by doing fin pivots in open water. Controlling buoyancy is at the heart of everything we teach, right from the start. Find out how easily you can fix one of the biggest problems in diver training. Visit www.ScubaNASE.com/buoyancy. And be sure to visit us at DEMA, booth 1583, for a special opportunity for dive professionals.
www.NASEworldwide.org
12
www.nwdivenews.com Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010 siGn up For our neW e-suBscription at WWW.diveneWsnetWorK.com
sea shepherd conservation society
SCOTT WEST
SEA SHEPHERD CONSERVATION SOCIETY Scott West began his law enforcement career in 1987, as a criminal investigator with the US Customs Service. In 1990, he transferred to the United States Environmental Protection Agency and spent the next nineteen years as a criminal investigator (Special Agent) with the US EPA, Criminal Investigation Division. He advanced to the position of Special Agent-in-Charge (SAC), ran the Washington (DC) Field Office, San Francisco Area Office, and retired as the SAC of the Seattle Area Office in October 2008. Scott first learned about the work of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) in the mid 1980s. He was impressed by the no nonsense approach to direct action and intervention and first met Captain Watson in 1990. Since that time, he has provided advice on law enforcement matters for SSCS. Because Scott respected the fact that SSCS ignored politics and took action to enforce environmental laws and regulations, which most governmental organizations fail to do, he retired from the EPA to become much more involved in Sea Shepherd. He is working as an operative in the SSCS Department of Intelligence and Investigations. He has worked in the Galapagos
Islands with SSCS and the local officials setting up task force training for enforcement against poachers. He joined Operation Waltzing Matilda in 2009 and joined the Antarctic campaign working on security and weapons tactics for the MY Steve Irwin. In September 2010, he organized a ground campaign in Taiji, Japan and spent 3 months documenting the daily capture and slaughter of dolphins as seen in the Academy Award winning film The Cove. He returned to Japan in March of 2011, to document the Dall’s porpoise slaughter in Otsuchi. Scott and his crew were caught up in the tsunami and spent the night alone in their cars on a high hillside all night as the city was washed away and burned. They walked out of the debris the following day and returned to the U.S. providing some of the first stories and film footage of the chaos and destruction they were fortunate enough to escape. Scott also has a background in naval intelligence. He worked in the intelligence field while on active duty in the late 1970’s and again as an Intelligence Officer in the Naval Reserve. Scott has a versatile background. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.). He lives near Seattle with his wife and two daughters.
other SSCS volunteers and crew at the Sea Shepherd booth. Over the past 12 months, Sea Shepherd has spanned the globe in our attempt to protect various species in the world’s oceans. They returned to Antarctica with 3 vessels in Operation No Compromise, to stop the Japanese whaling fleet from killing whales in the whale sanctuary. This campaign can be seen on Animal Planet’s TV series Whale Wars. Their Cove Guardian campaign was a six-month commitment to document and expose the dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan as seen in the Academy Award winning documentary The Cove. This summer they returned to the Danish Protectorate of the Faeroe Islands, with Operation Ferocious Isles and a plan to stop the horrific slaughter of thousands of pilot whales in what the locals call “The Grind”. On the beaches of Africa’s southwestern shores, a Sea Shepherd team with Operation Desert Seal traveled covertly into Namibia to expose the seal slaughter at Cape Cross to the rest of the world. Other Sea Shepherd volunteers and crew have maintained their presence in the
Galapagos Islands Marine Sanctuary helping improve the legal system and enforcement against poachers and environmental crime, partnered with the community to educate children to the importance of sharks in their ecosystems, and their Police Dog Program focuses on the detection of contraband wildlife. The dedicated crew and volunteers work 365 days a year. Whether in the Mediterranean Sea confronting Bluefin tuna poachers, battling whalers in Antarctica, or flying missions in the Gulf of Mexico helping scientists track the flow of crude oil and dispersant, one thing connects all of the work Sea Shepherd does… they are on a constant vigil to protect our oceans worldwide. The Dive and Travel Expo is proud to welcome the Sea Shepard Conservation Society back in 2012. Their work worldwide has made them stewards of the oceans and the Dive News Network is proud to support their efforts in any way possible. Please join the Dive and Travel Expo 2012 to share in the Sea Shepard experience with these incredible dedicated folks.For more info visit www.seashepherd.org.■
eXpo speaKer series SCuba InStruCtIon and dIvIng
We offer:
• PADI instruction from beginner through instructor level • Courses taught on your schedule • Monthly boat charters, local trips and warm water group trips
joIN THe fUN ToDAY!
Call 206-851-2647
Recreational rebreather courses coming soon. Visit padi.com/TecRevolution for more details.
We support local divers - local www.nwdivenews.com divers support the industry.
Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010
13
nW top 10
u.s. Favorite dive destinations
EXPLORE THE WEST COAST
Top 10 Dive Sites of Washington, Oregon, and California
1
OR
Get the free mobile app for your phone G
http:/ / gettag.mobi h
Oregon wrecks can entice more than just divers. Photo by Jake Andreason.
T
he west coast is on every diver’s bucket list but you may ask “what if you don’t live on the west coast”? Is there a list somewhere of the top dive sites that a diver just has to make time for? I’m here to tell you that there are several lists out there but we, here at Dive News Network, have the list. This is a list comprised of all the top west coast dive sites according to those who actually dive them and the dive shops that support them. Join us as we count down….
14
10. The Oregon Coast -North
We profiled the Oregon coast in October 2010 in a three part series and it is one of the most diverse areas for diving in the world and offers a chance to dive an area that has not been over dove. The strong currents tend to make diving along the Oregon coast a bit of a challenge and the divers who step up are experienced. The coast offers the Winchester South Jetty where the rocks fade on an average of 35 ft., giving way sand and you find all sorts of critters. There is the Winchester Triangle, a dive sheltered and not tide dependent. Depth can run from 0-30 ft. and is home to a bevy of creatures. Coos Bay has the North Jetty, a large, full of life, accessible experience. At 300 yds. from the tip to 10 ft. above the bottom you begin to see large holes in the rocks. These “caves” are great fun to peer into; large fish lurk in the entrances. For the Oct. 2010 article see online.
local divers do it morewww.nwdivenews.com oFten
Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010
nW top 10
Where did you dive yesterday? email us: editor@divenewsmag.com
9. Hood Canal
2
Plumo Photo bse Anemone. y Tom R adio
Brooding Anemone By Kriss Breadley
Coleman’s Pinnacle and The Pinnacle are two of the best dive sites in the Hood Canal. Divers can consistently see two or more wolf eels on one dive? Sexy sea stars, scallops, and schools of vivacious vermilion rockfish inhabit this area and no two dives are WA ever the same on these submerged pinnacles. Dive News profiled the Hood Canal in our Nov. 2010 issue and showed divers that descending straight down a slope to 80 ft. to begin exploration of rocks and crevices for sea life such as octopus is an adventure that just has to make the list. The Pinnacle goes down to 150 ft. so watch your depth gage. Divers work their way up the slopes looking for sea life along the way. Wolf eels, octopus and vermilion rockfish join the scores of crab in the area, making Get the free mobile app for your phone Ge up an optical wonderland. http:/ h ttp:/ / gettag.mobi gettag For the Nov. 2010 article see online.
8. Everett
Twenty-five miles north of Seattle is a place we profiled in Dec. 2010, Everett, WA, the homeport to a flotilla of naval vessels. 3 Just below that, to the south, is a quaint little water-side town called Mukilteo; the WA Puget Sound waters in between the two has long been touted by divers in the PNW as one of their best kept secrets. Everett is the gateway to boat dive destinations. Gedney (Hat) Island offers a boat dive on the artificial reef on the south end of the island, where concrete slabs and rocks have formed a home for sea life. The Kehloken, a 240 ft. long passenger ferry sunk as an Get the free mobile app for your phone artificial reef in 1983 is an http:/ / gettag.mobi interesting dive. At 80 ft. you have one fantastic artificial reef quickly filled with tons of fish and plumose anemones. For the Dec. 2010 article see online.
HOODSPORT ‘N DIVE DrY suIT rEPAIr sEAls AnD zIPPErs
PADI Dive Center
Guided Tours Boat Trips Air Fill
Learn to Dive Today
Air Fill Nitrox Station Station
Full Rental Equipment
Rinse Station
Retail Sales
Hours: Mon Tue Thur: 10am-4pm Wed: Closed Fri: 9am-6pm sat: 8am-6pm sun: 8am-4pm
InsTruCTIon
Glenn’s Aquarius II Dive Shop
Recreational • Technical • Instructor
Toll Free (866) 375-6605 or (831) 375-6605
hoodsportndive.com
32 Canne ry Ro w at the Breakwater Co
ve , Montere y, CA
dive@aquarius2.com www.AQUARIUS2.com
360.877.6818
www.lighthousediving.com Continuing Education
Advanced OW Nitrox Diver Rescue Diver Specialties Master Scuba Diver Dive Master Instructor TecRec Technical Dive Trimix Diver Rebreather Diver and more!
VISIT US and The Adventure Continues!
Scuba Instruction PADI - NAUI - SDI - IANTD - TDI - DAN Start With Basic Open Water Training... STOP BY and The Adventure Begins!
DiveTravel|Rentals|LocalDiving|Service&Repair|Trade-InProgram
Lynnwood 425.771.2679
5421 196th Street SW #6 Lynnwood, WA 98036
Seattle
Tacoma
206.524.1633
8215 Lake City Way Seattle, WA 98115
253.627.7617
2502 Pacific Avenue Tacoma, WA 98402
Northwest Dive Newsour DECEMBER 2010 dive shops - Without www.nwdivenews.com We support local them We Will not have a dive industry.
15
nW top 10
dive destinations 7. Mukilteo
7
Mukilteo has several dive sites to choose from. The Mukilteo T dock is the most popular. There is a sea wall on the right side of the Silver Cloud Inn and adjacent to the government instillation/Marine Biological Research Facility. Down at 130 ft. a steep slope and 2 ft. wide sandy ripples lead a long air consuming path down past 175 ft. and beyond. We profiled Mukilteo in Dec. 2010 in a full article showcasing all the dive sites in the area. For the Dec. 2010 article see online.
WA
6. Tacoma
Get the free mobile app for your phone
http:/ / gettag.mobi
6
WA
A diver cuddles with a crab (we will call the crab “dinner” for short). Photo by Jake Andreason.
The diving possibilities are endless in Tacoma. From four main marinas, to the docks along the Tacoma Narrows and Commencement Bay to dive charter boats that head south under the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to KVI Towers, Z’s Reef, and Sunrise Beach, it’s all there. Even all the way over to Budd Inlet to dive a sunken sail boat…a lack of choices is...well…not a choice. In the April 2011 edition of NW Dive News we showcased the fact that Tacoma is located right at the epicenter of
the Power See JT-40D All the features of the JT-50. Smaller and designed for single tank use. The air cell is extremely streamlined and the frontal width in swimming position is barely wider than an average person’s shoulders. Style: Buoyancy capacity: Bladder material: Shell material: inflator length: mounting grommetS diStance:
Circular doughnut 30lbf (13.6kgf) / 40lbf (18.1kgf) 420D TPU coated nylon 1680D PU coated ballistic nylon 16” (tech elbow) 11”
Automatic pressure relieve valve/pull dump at left waist side Low pressure BC hose included For single back mounted tank only (100cuft / 15L internal volume)
info@istdivingsystem.com 16
local divers do it morewww.nwdivenews.com oFten
Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010
nW top 10
Where did you dive yesterday? email us: editor@divenewsmag.com
h. ellyf is ane Jm Radio M s Lion to by To Pho
P M ier at L courtarine Park.es Davis esy M ike HuPhoto ghes
Copper rockfish. Photo courtesy Mike Hughes Hybrid 1 - Monostar P4H
Go Hybrid Foto: Bruno Van Saen - HugyCup 2010
some of the best boat and shore scuba diving sites in southern Washington. Less than 31 miles from Seattle, Olympia, Gig Harbor, Bremerton, Port Orchard, and islands such as Vashon and Fox; Tacoma has a wide web of dive sites to catch divers in. For the April 2011 article see online. We Specialize in Diver Training
260 lumen 110 min
Hybrid 2 - Tristar P4H
780 lumen 75 min
P.A.D.I. 5 Star IDC Training Facility
Hybrid 8 - Monostar P7H
900 lumen 100 min
Green Force Hybrid* * Compact - Lightweight - Powerful - Low consumption
Your Diving Professionals Since 1956 • Sales Service • Rentals • Dive Travel • Nitrox Instruction & Fills Monday-Friday 8:30 - 6:00 Saturday 8:30-5:00
(541)
342-2351
1090 West 6th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97402
www.eugeneskindivers.com
Green Force Hybrid LED light heads can be used in combination with Alkaline, NiMH or Lithium battery packs that may range from 4 to 18 Volts. This makes these light heads extremely versatile.
877-434-8325 www.KaplanScuba.com
Each KIT is delivered in a handy soft shell case.
Kaplan Scuba - Exclusive U.S. Distributor for Green Force.
Flexi II - Heptastar XPGH
1.960 lumen 140 min
Northwest Dive Newsour DECEMBER 2010 dive shops - Without www.nwdivenews.com We support local them We Will not have a dive industry.
17
nW top 10
u.s. Favorite dive destinations
5. Deception Pass
The famous Deception Pass located north of Seattle is a diver’s favorite. Boulders covered with giant barnacle shells, some with barnacles, and some with crab as well as lots of tiny sculpins make this a great dive. We profiled Deception Pass in March 2011 and showcased that there are critters like kelp greenling daddy hovering about. Sponges, including the goblet sponge, the finger sponge and antler sponges fill the bottom and if you are patient Red Irish Lords can be found. Deception Pass is a favorite for spotting octopus. Remember that this is an extreme current drift dive as well as a wall, boulder pile/shelves, kelp forest dive. For the March 2011 article scan the tag.
4/5
3
WA
4. Whidbey/Camano
OR
2
The Whidbey/Camano Islands chalk full of places to dive. In May 2011 we profiled the area and gave every diver a reason to take a dive or two at Keystone Park along Keystone Jetty wall. This boulder built jetty wall dive doesn’t get much deeper than 60 ft. depending on tides. On a night dive expect to see an entirely different cast of fish. Bioluminescent organisms are really lit up here. On Camano Island Onomac Point is where you want to start. It’s a good artificial reef site with lots of sea life including plumose
1 WA
Robert McConkey explores an old silo. Photo courtesy Robert McConkey.
Come Explore Whidbey Island’s Dive-rse Culture (both above and below the surface)
Str ait of
a Fuc de an Ju
Deception Pass Marine Park
Sk ag i t Bay
Domino’s Pizza 360.679.4141 www.dominos.com
•Oak Harbor
Cr
es
Pen n •Coupeville
Adm i
ralt y
Inl
rbor
Flyers Restaurant & Brewery O.H. Chamber of Commerce 360.675.5858 360.675.3755 www.eatatflyers.com oakharborchamber.com
Co ve
aP tog Sara
Keystone Jetty
ce n t Ha
e
t •Greenbank
Thrive Community Fitness 360.675.2600 thrivecommunityfitness.com
as sag e
Langley Tire Reef
Whidbey Island Dive Center 360.675.1112 www.whidbeydive.com
•Langley
18
•Clinton
Posession Sound
Puge t So un d
Come visit our diver friendly businesses
local divers do it morewww.nwdivenews.com oFten
Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010
NW Top 10
Where did you dive yesterday? email us: editor@divenewsmag.com
anemones, small invertebrates, and lingcod large and abundant enough to hunt by spear fishermen. On the other side of Camano Island are the waters of Port Susan where Kayak State Park is a great place to catch Dungeness crab. Whidbey and Camino Islands, have a mystic that divers can’t pass up. For the May 2011 article scan the tag.
3. Oregon Coast -South
We returned to the Oregon Coast in a June 2011 article and head south. From shore dives in Port Orford to the reefs near Coos Bay/Charleston the southern coast promises a different type of magic. Port Orford offers more dive area than most. Orford Reef is a giant among reefs. There is over two square miles of diving area on the reef. Nellies Cove is another dive site not to miss. It is a system of small bays to the west. You can scramble over the rocks to the water’s edge and drop down to a dive site that has many open ocean features. For the June 2011 article scan the tag.
down to 120 ft. Not far from Duncan Rock is Tatoosh Island. This is a wildlife sanctuary with interesting cutouts and rock formations. For the July 2011 article scan the tag.
1. Missile Silo
Last month we profiled one of the coolest dives in the state of Washington; the chance to dive a Titan One Missile silo complex long abandon by the cold war. This one, located in eastern Washington just outside of Vantage in Royal City, is chartered by a local dive charter in Kennewick. Behind reinforced concrete doors designed to withstand 100 PSI over-blast pressure is an underwater trip into
history. Diving in the pitch blackness is eerie but it is made even more haunting by the still present remnants of the cold war era. This is a dive that should be on every divers list just for the experience. For the August 2011 article scan the tag. So that’s this year’s top 10. There are, of course, hundreds of other dive sites along the west coast some of which we will showcase throughout the next year when we once again count down the NW Top 10! We challenge you to take our list and add to it. Explore the many NW dive sites and let us know which ones you think should make the top 10! Now take the time to put these on your list and then come on up and dive right in. ■
DIVE DRY.
DIVE DUI.
2. Neah Bay
Diving Neah Bay will have you feeling like you are somewhere in the tropics. A strawberry anemone, a white plumose anemone, or a lemon nudibranchs, there is a cornucopia of marine life to be found. In a July 2011 article we profiled Duncan Rock as a popular destination for advanced divers. Situated in the middle of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and barely poised a few feet above the surface at high tide, this site contains a rich abundance of sea life. On one side it goes down to 30-50 ft. The northwest side drops
We consider 4-eyes a compliment. Admiralty Dive Center
THE WETSUIT DIVER’S LOGBOOK
THE DRYSUIT DIVER’S LOGBOOK
WET= FEWER DIVES DRY= MORE DIVES Drysuit divers stay warm and dry every dive. And that means more adventures for your logbook. Scan here to see why you should dive dry in DUI. You could win a DUI tiny towel! Download a barcode scanner app on your smartphone to scan the QR code, or visit
DUI - ONLINE. COM/LOGBOOK
Northwest Dive Newsour DECEMBER 2010 dive shopS - without www.nwdivenews.com We support local them we will not have a dive industry.
19
Bc top 10
canadian Favorite destinations
DISCOVER BRITISH COLUMBIA
Favourite Backyard Hot Spots for some Cool Diving
Y
es, in answer to your question British Columbia has so many great dive sites that they deserve their very own top dive sites article. This is an underwater world that offers divers a glimpse into what true cold water diving is really all about. There are, of course thousands of dive sites to explore but we surveyed our readers and dive industry experts on which ones to mention on a list of recommendations and here is a countdown of their favorites.
10. Campbell River
The Campbell River is located mid-way up Vancouver Island on the eastern side, in British Columbia. Most of the diving is still done in Discovery Passage, between the town and Quadra Island. Moulds Bay on Quadra has something for everyone. A wall dive for all experience levels with depths to 100 ft. and you don’t have to worry about tides or currents. Life on the wall starts as soon as you enter the water. Profiled in Oct. 2010 and readers learned that there are three wrecks to explore, the Capilano, the ex-HMCS Columbia and the May Island wreck which are great for swimming with scallops, clusters of long tubeworms with dark plumes, lingcod and octopus. Barb Cox explores Seven Tree Wall. Photo By Jett Britnell
Tahtsa
Hornby Island Diving Scuba diving charters & guest lodge
LEARN • GEAR UP • DIVE We are BC’s most modern dive centre and offer the equipment, courses and dive opportunities for all levels and ages.
604.514.8190
www.langleydiving.com/ 20
DIVE CHARTERS
Serving the West Coast of Vancouver Island Dive charters for every skill & comfort level Hornby Island, BC, Canada
(250)
335-2807
email ~ info@hornbyislanddiving.com
www.hornbyislanddiving.com
local divers do it more oFten!
From shallow wall dives with spectacularly coloured flora and fauna to deep dives amongst gorgonian corals.
1-866-934-6365
www.tahtsadivecharters.com
Bc top 10
have you gone diving today? email us: editor@divenewsmag.com
A seal is wanting to stare you down. Photo courtesy UB Diving
9. Gulf Island
The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is in the southern Gulf Islands and is a marine park protecting the sensitive eco systems. The area covers 35 square kilometers of land including 15 islands and 30 islets plus 26 square kilometers of ocean. This is a diver’s mecca. Private coves and sandy beaches as well as intense diving makes this area a great place for artificial reefs created by shipwrecks, colorful corals, underwater caves and the famed Giant Pacific Octopus as well as Orca Whale and the Six Gilled Shark. Dive New profiled this area in Nov. 2010.
8. Hornby Island
You can’t look at BC dive sites without including Hornby Island. There are many great dive sites here but Hornby Island, a two hour ferry ride on the TsawassenDuke Point mega-ferry, is famous among divers themselves. New divers to Hornby will be amazed by the incredible underwater terrain surrounding the island. Dive News profiled Hornby in Nov. 2010 and discovered that the island waters hold huge rock fields with boulders as big as cars, sheer walls that dropped literally straight down into the abyss, small walls full of crevices housing octopuses and wolf eels, and very large canary (yellow eye) rockfish.
Waterfront B&B Central
VANCOUVER ISLAND D I V E R F R I E N D LY !
12 waterfront acres near world famous dive sites. Private entrances & baths. 24/7 access to kitchen and lounge.
CALL: 250.335.2342 w w w. t wo e a g l e s l o d g e . c o m
local divers don’t Just dive locally - they dive GloBally!
21
Bc top 10
canadian Favourite destinations
Scallops wave in the current. Photo courtesy UB Diving
7. Union Bay
Union Bay is in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. The bay itself is a local favorite and diving this area gives you a front role seat to colorful nudibranches, seasquirts, and the world’s largest octopus, friendly Wolf Eels, Quillbacks, Greenlings, Copper and Yellow Rockfish. Shore diving on the bay negates the need for boat dives. A lot of the marine life is found in depths of less than 18 meters. Shallower marine life means dive time is longer and who doesn’t enjoy more time in the water. DNN profiled this dive site in June 2010.
Scallops wave in the current. Photo courtesy UB Diving
6. Queen Charlotte Strait
Sitting at the “top end” of Vancouver Island, on its eastern side, between Vancouver Island and the mainland is a huge waterway made up of narrow passages, fjord-like inlets, large islands and a tangled maze of scrawnier weather-beaten islets. In April 2011 DNN profiled this area and discovered that extreme tides make for an enriched planktonic soup that supports more than 350 species of fish. The Queen Charlotte area is said to be one of the best places on earth to observe seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoise, Minke whales, grey whales, humpback whales and a resident pod of more than 100 killer whales.
Two boats, two locations, same great experience. Whether you’re new and looking to certify for Open Water or looking for more diving knowledge... we’re happy to take you below the water to discover the undersea world. Monday to Friday - 10am to 7pm Saturday - 10am to 5pm Sunday - 12pm to 5pm
(403) 243-4616 www.diveshopscuba.com For bookings on either boat, please call Sea Dragon Charters at 604-329-3486
www.seadragoncharters.com 22
local divers do it more oFten!
dive d ive c charterS harterS harter S
campbell river / quadra iSland, b.c.
World claSS diving amazing Sealife high viSibility
Second to none in diving charterS call for reservations
1-800-499-2297
www.abyssal.com
have you gone diving today? email us: editor@divenewsmag.com
Bc top 10
It’s about the critters. Photo by Jan Kocian
5. Saanich Inlet
The Saanich Inlet is located on Vancouver Island less than 20 miles from down town Victoria. Fifteen miles long and 738 ft. deep in some places, the north end of this fjord there is a shallow lip similar to the one down south in Hood Canal. The inlet was carved out of the earth by glaciers and when we profiled this area in June 2010 readers discovered that the Saanich Inlet is one of the most studied areas on the west coast because of the incredible colonies of cloud sponges; some over 100 years old. Dive sites like McKenzie Bight, a large wall dive near shore with boot sponges down at 100 ft. and plenty of life to keep a photographer busy and Willis Point a wall hat starts at 35 ft. and continues down to 130 ft. There are a lot of gumboot sponges, cloud sponges and octopus dens at this site.
4. Nanaimo
Nanaimo is approximately 1-1/2 hours north of Victoria, BC. Scuba 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. DNN profiled Nanaimo in May 2011.
local divers don’t Just dive locally - they dive GloBally!
23
Bc top 10
Bc top 10 3. Barkley Sound
Barkley Sound is full service dive site for any diver no matter what their experience level. The very first thing you will notice once you are in the water is just how many fish were are. The Sunflower starfish with its many arms are in abundance here and snake-like Wolf-Eel is willing and ready for its close-up when a photographer is in the area. Divers will find the mythical Ratfish, a prehistoric little shark that seems to be made out of chromed plates, in the Barkley Sound waters as well as enjoy drift diving, wall diving and an abundance of shipwrecks. DNN profiled the Barkley Sound in May 2011 and discovered that there are White Anemones, crabs of all forms and shapes, brightly colored nudibranchs and every other crawling or walking thing you can imagine waiting to be seen.
2. Nootka Sound
Purple ring top snail. Photo by Jett Britnell
DIVE VICTORIA Visit Victoria’s Premier Dive Centre & Charter Service
ATTN: DIVE CENTRES & CLUBS “Group Weekend Trip” SOUTH ISLAND WRECK TREK • HMCS MacKenzie • GB Church • Boeing 737 Airplane Chemainus • HMCS Cape Breton • HMCS Saskatchewan • Riv Tow Lion
6
Spectacular Dives in 2 Days
GROUP RATES APPLY Some 2010 trips available
BOOK NOW FOR 2011
1-888-701-1177 1-250-380-9119
email: info@divevictoria.com
www.divevictoria.com 24
local divers do it more oFten!
The Nootka Sound on Vancouver Island’s majestic West Coast plunges sport divers into a Cousteau-esque realm of deep-sea adventure. DNN profiled the Nootka Sound in June 2010 and found that there is a yearround diving season often with exceptional water clarity. This region’s nutrient-rich waters support a huge assortment of marine
Bc top 10
have you gone diving today? email us: editor@divenewsmag.com
life including salmon, herring, shrimp, prawns, crabs, sea urchins, sponges, rockfish, giant pacific octopus, wolf eels, lingcod, starfish, sponges, anemones, and nudibranchs. At certain times of year sea mammals such as orcas, grey and humpback whales, white side dolphins, harbor porpoise, seals and sea lions hang out here too.
1. Howe Sound
Decorated Warbonner. Photo by Jett Britnell.
For those needing adventure, Howe Sound is your spot. The Sound stretches along mainland Vancouver’s northwestern shore, to the foothills of the Coastal Mountains. Shore diving is the name of the game at Whytecliff Park and Porteau Cove where photographers will find easy entries and marine models the likes of wolf eels, octopus, cabezon and lingcod. Orange and white swimming anemones, small crabs, hydroids and frosted nudibranchs will also pose for divers. This area is a dive photographer’s dream and offers a bevy of colorful characters to keep you snapping. The Dive Industry of BC (DIABC), a non-profit blanket organization that represents virtually all of the players in the province’s dive industry, says that there are a lot of divers who head to BC just to visit the Howe Sound. DNN profiled this area in May 2010. Click here for the feature article. There you have it, the BC Top 10 Dive Sites for 2011. We would like to invite divers who find themselves in the waters of BC throughout this next year to let us know about the spectacular dive sites you come across on your adventures. Who knows, next year your favorite BC dive site could make the 2012 list. ■
N A N A I M O VA NCOUVER ISLAND
IT ’S A M A ZI N G W H AT YO U CA N D O H ER E.
Photography: Barb Roy
TO REQUEST YOUR FREE VISITORS GUIDE
1 800 663 7337
D I V E N A N A I M O . T R AV E L
local divers don’t Just dive locally - they dive GloBally!
25
tropical top 10
STEAMY DIVES IN TROPICAL LOCATIONS
Warm Water Favorites
Where dive shops are taking divers to warm up
I
f diving is the elegant dinner delight of the sportsman tropical diving is the dessert with a cherry. There are a number of tropical dive destinations that every diver wants to experience but how does one choose where to start? Well welcome to our Tropical Top 10…our profile of the top ten tropical dive destinations according to those who know them best…the dive industry operators. These destinations are where everyone is headed over the next year.
10. Australia- Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is world renowned for its amazing scuba diving. Bommies, coral reefs and an abundance of marine life cover the length of the reef. There are a wide range of dives along the Great Barrier Reef including calm, protected, shallow spots for beginners and the deeper sites on the outer reefs for those with some experience. Known for its amazing corals and as the ocean hangout of all marine life, the Great Barrier Reef should be on every diver’s list. Dive Trips Scheduled: Sept 21, 2012 with Adventures In Scuba
We’ve compiled the list of Northwest Dive Shops visiting these steamy dive spots. Mark your calendar, call the shop and get your deposits ready!
Let There Be Light. Photo courtesy Dive & Travel Expo Photo Contest. By Stephanie Tuttle.
26
local divers do it more oFten!
tropical top 10
Where was the last tropical trip you took? email us: editor@divenewsmag.com
Team Players. Photo courtesy Dive & Travel Expo Photo Contest. Photo by Desiree Tibbs
9. Turks & Caicos Islands
This dive destination has some 200 mile plus of unspoiled beaches surrounded by the world’s third largest coral reef system. The semi-circular chain is made up of eight main islands and many smaller cays, namely West Caicos and Provo to the west, followed by North and Middle Caicos. In the shallows you’ll find an abundance of large Nassau grouper, nurse sharks, damsel fish and hundreds of other species, all feeding or visiting one of the many cleaning stations located in the large coral heads. Off the walls there is an abundance of barracuda, reef sharks as well as some of the biggest elephant ear sponges and fan corals anywhere.
Dive Trips Scheduled: Nov 4-12, 2011 with Scuba Center of Spokane
8. Kona, Hawaii
There are over 35 different dive sites that are located along the Kona coast. Kona is located on the Southwest part of the Islands and has incredible diving. Recent as well as ancient lava formations with walls, archways and lava-tubes provide a home for local marine life. Kona is home to dolphins and whales all year around and then, during the winter, divers are treated to Humpbacks, Pilot Whales, Pygmy Killer Whales, Spinner, Spotted and Bottlenose dolphins Green Sea Turtles. Something you will only find in Kona is the famous Manta Ray night dives. Several local dive shops offer them and they are said to be amazing.
Dive Trips Scheduled: Sept 1-9, 2011 with Rogue Scuba
Cozumel/Playa Nov 11- 19, 2011 - $1399 Drift Diving, Cenote Diving, Sunshine, Relaxation....
Seattle Scuba
www.seattlescuba.com/divetrips.html (206) 284.2350 2000 Westlake Ave N. Seattle
local divers don’t Just dive locally - they dive GloBally!
27
tropical top 10
Warm Water Favorites 7. Channel Islands The Channel Islands are in the backyard of one of the most famous places in the world, southern California. The Channel Islands are comprised of eight islands off the coast and divers will discover an area swept ďŹ rst by the warm southern waves then invaded by the cold currents from the north the Channel Islands see a never-ending procession of seasons that concentrate nutrients for kelp and plankton setting up an ocean buffet for the diverse sea life that calls the area home. Cousteau ďŹ lmed Night of the Squid in these waters proving that the experts agree that this is a tropical destination not to be missed. Dive Trips Scheduled: Aug 2-6, 2011 with Rogue Scuba
Fishy Face. Photo courtesy Dive & Travel Expo Photo Contest. By Dan Clements.
RAJA AMPAT, .......where all the fishes live! (808)922-3483 PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center * Do Your IDC In Honolulu, Hawaii * Located 3 Minutes From Waikiki * We Dive One of these Shipwrecks Daily * Sea Tiger, YO-257, or San Pedro * See White Tips, Eagle Rays, Huge Turtles * 25% of Fishes in Hawaii are Endemic SCUBAPRO / Tusa / Aqualung / Aeris / Suunto / More
The
www.papua-diving.com 28
local divers do it more oFten!
FUN
Begins
HERE!
W W W.D I VE OA H U.C OM
Where was the last tropical trip you took? email us: editor@divenewsmag.com
tropical top 10
Romantic Private Island Getaway
Adventure Seeker. Photo courtesy Dive & Travel Expo Photo Contest. Photo by Valeriya Kholodkov
Located on St. George’s Caye in Belize, Central America, our private residence island offers you complete relaxation in a private cabana, personal service from our friendly local staff, catered food and beverage service, and the opportunity to enjoy the ultimate in SCUBA diving, snorkeling, jungle experiences and fishing.
6. Mayan Riviera
The Riviera Maya can be found in-between Cancun and Cozumel. A diver of any skill level can find adventure on the Mayan Riviera. One of the most unique aspect of diving the Riviera Maya is the Cenotes, sinkholes formed by collapsing underground caves. The ancient Mayans believed the Cenotes were portals to the underworld and would stay clear of them but today divers who have been to the Cenotes know that although they are indeed a gateway to another world, everyone should go. The Riviera also offers some of the region’s best offshore reefs, providing loads of color and fish life.
Dive Trips Scheduled: Oct. 22 - 29, 2011 with Puget Sound Depth Chargers/ScubaSET
5. Galapagos Islands
This is where every diver wants to go…the cradle of life. The Galapagos Islands offer reef fish, sea lions, sting rays, golden rays, eagle rays, invertebrates, morays, garden eels, turtles, marine iguanas, white tip reef sharks, hammerheads, whale sharks, whales and pelagic fish all together in one place. A group of islands situated in the Pacific Ocean to the west of South America, the Galapagos Islands have been drawing divers to the sea life filled waters ever since the first ship spotted the tiny islands.
Dive Trips Scheduled: Oct 13 - 20,2011 with Adventures In Scuba Oct 22 - Nov 1 2011 with The Dive Shop Calgary
reservations@gooddiving.com
1-800-813-8498
www.belizeislandparadise.com
local divers don’t Just dive locally - they dive GloBally!
29
tropical top 10
Warm Water Favorites
4. Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is Mexico’s call out to the adventure diver. Twelve miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel is known for its diving with its remarkable clarity, with an array of blues and greens that are indicative of the Caribbean ocean and it’s abundance of marine life. Jacques Cousteau declared Cozumel one of the most beautiful scuba diving areas of the world. There are two main coral reef systems surrounding Cozumel, the Colombia and Palancar reefs. Cozumel reefs sport and abundance of underwater sea life and brilliant colors.
Dive Trips Scheduled: Nov. 5-12, 2011 with Northwest Scuba Nov. 11-18, 2011 with Dive Magic Feb 2012 with UnderSea Adventures
3. Bonaire
In Bonaire they say “Bon Bini” in Papiamentu which means “Welcome to Bonaire”. Located 75 miles (120 KM) off the coast of Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea, pristine reefs and diverse marine life are the name of the game. The waters around Bonaire are an official marine park and the diving often offers a chance at exploration into areas that have been untouched and/or unspoiled. With approximately 2700 hectares to dive, Bonaire allows divers to experience a different dive every time they get their fins wet.
Dive Trips Scheduled: Oct 21-29, 2011 with Tacoma Scuba Feb 11-19, 2012 with Adventures In Scuba March 10, 2012 with Nanaimo Dive Outfitters March 10-17/24, 2012 with Northwest Scuba
2. Fiji
It is the dive destination that gets a diver’s attention no matter where they are from. Spinner dolphins leap out of the water, “Pilot, Minkey and Humpback whales glide along seemingly inviting divers to hang out. Dive sports with names like Mystery Reef and Chimneys showcase healthy spaghetti and hard corals
Wafer Thin. Photo courtesy Dive & Travel Expo Photo Contest. Photo by: Scott Okumura.
Mantas... Ventura, CA Diving California’s Channel Islands
DOLPHIns...
... aLL aWaIt YOu In KOna, HaWaII. Join Kona Honu Divers to experience the best diving in Hawaii.
CaLL nOW!
888 333-4668 to make your reservations today!
CRYstaL CLEaR WatER... WWW.KOnaHOnuDIvERs.COM 30
local divers do it more oFten!
• 65’ Long • Large inside saLon • 3500 Psi air and nitrox fiLLs on board • Hot sHowers • sLeePs 32 • Hot tub •
www.peaceboat.com
info@peaceboat.com • 805.650.DIVE
tropical top 10
Where was the last tropical trip you took? email us: editor@divenewsmag.com
on the reefs and walls called Grand Central Station and Canyons offer a tour of the soft corals for which Fiji is world famous. They drape the coral surfaces in every color of the rainbow. White tip sharks, humphead wrasses and groupers swam through the spires that sprout from the bottom beckoning divers to join them.
Dive Trips Scheduled: Oct 11-25, 2011 with Anacortes Diving & Supply Feb 9 - 21, 2012 with Northwest Scuba March 8-17, 2012 with Sports Cove March 24-31, 2012 with Helena Scuba April 14-21, 2012 with Dive Magic May 3-12, 2012 with Underwater Sports (Olympia) Jan 13-27, 2013 with Helena Scuba
Hawaii Land of Aloha Seasport Divers 800.685.5889 www.seasportdivers.com
Capt Charley Neal's Scuba Shack 877.213.4488 www.scubashack.com
Kauai
Ed Robinson's Diving Adventures 800.635.1273 www.mauiscuba.com
Oahu
1. Bahamas
It doesn’t take a long boat ride in the Bahamas before the azure and turquoise give way to a deep, dark blue. The Tongue of the Ocean is here at a depth of over 2000 ft. inviting every marine animal known to come here and be a part of the bounty of the ocean. There are blue holes to discover. Spiny lobsters, Nurse sharks and great Goliath Groupers weave in and out of the corals and ride the currents with the shrimp and sweepers. All manner of sharks prowl these waters and almost every large creature lives here, from turtles to big pelagic sailfish. The Bahamas are the oceans ark, showcasing every type of animal in the tropics.
Dive Trips Scheduled: Aug 20-27, 2011 with Helena Scuba Sept 3-10, 2011 with Gone Diving Jan 14-21, 2012 with Northwest Scuba Jan 14-21, 2012 with Nanaimo Dive Outfitters March 10-16, 2012 with Sports Cove Nov 3-10, 2012 with Northwest Scuba
There it is a veritable buffet of tropical diving for you to sample before you decide what to put on your diving plate this year. It is, however, only a sampling and we invite you to add to the buffet by letting us know this year about the tropical dive destinations you experience. We have a lot of divers out there hungry for a taste of the tropics so bring your diving “dish” to our potluck for next year’s spread. ■
Maui
Pearl Harbor Divers 808.589.2177 www.pearlharbordivers.com
Hawaii Jack's Diving Locker 800.345.4807 www.jacksdivinglocker.com Wanna Dive 877.DIVE.KONA www.wannadivekona.com
Wanna Dive?
Dolphins and Manta Rays and Reefs
- Oh my!
local divers don’t Just dive locally - they dive GloBally!
31
medical divinG
article courtesy oF divers alert netWorK
DIVING AS YOU AGE: KEYS AND CONSIDERATIONS
Divers Alert Network (DAN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the safety and health of scuba divers. DAN operates a 24-hour emergency hotline (919.684.9111) to help divers in need of medical emergency assistance for diving or non-diving incidents.
A
bout four years ago, a well-known actor in his early 70’s developed a medical problem associated with his lungs. At the time, there was some speculation as to whether it was related to his recent scuba diving activities. Eventually, it was clinically established that the problem was unrelated to diving. The actor’s private physician had told a reporter that “no one over 50 years of age should be diving,” even though he had no data to support the claim. DAN received multiple phone calls and emails wanting to verify the statement. DAN’s response: the statement was not based on fact. To date, there is no evidence indicating a specific chronological age at which to stop diving. So how do you know when to stop diving or to dive more conservatively?
Common Concerns
Fitness to dive for anyone is based on each diver’s current medical and physical fitness. As we age, the development of medical concerns is very common and the medical issues that raise the greatest concern are cardiovascular disorders. Among divers in the United States and Canada, 25 to 30 percent of diving fatalities are directly related to serious a cardiac issue, which makes cardiovascular fitness an imperative for divers. Having a history of cardiovascular disease does not automatically disqualify an individual from diving, but a thorough evaluation is essential. Diving can be relaxing and enjoyable, but there are also times when it can be rigorous; the heart needs to be healthy enough to meet the demands of the sport. A treadmill stress test is considered the best method for evaluating exercise capacity. Remember, the diving environment can directly affect survivability; for example, if you are playing a round of golf and develop symptoms indicative of a cardiac problem, emergency medical services are typically available within a few minutes. Now imagine the same symptoms developing during a dive trip. You could be more than hour offshore and 50 or so feet underwater when the symptoms start, which will inevitably delay appropriate care.
Preventative Methods
If regular exercise is already part of your lifestyle, it is essential to continue. If regular 32
local divers do it more oFten!
medical divinG
article courtesy oF divers alert netWorK
exercise is not part of your lifestyle, it is in your best interest to consider incorporating regular exercise. Before beginning any exercise program, consult with your doctor. For exercises that target diving fitness, visit www.AlertDiver.com. Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of medical complications as well as increase strength and stamina. Almost all of us begin a dive with good energy and strength, but the strength and stamina you have in reserve toward the end of the dive can make a significant difference when it comes to dive safety.
Additional Considerations
There are, of course, other medical complications that can affect your fitness to dive and they need to be taken seriously. These can include diabetes, respiratory issues, neurological conditions and chronic orthopedic issues. An annual physical evaluation by your doctor is an excellent place to start. Remember, your health status is subject to change at any age. If you are over 40 years of age and have any risk factors for heart disease, you may want to discuss adding a thorough cardiac evaluation to your annual physical with your healthcare provider. As your health history changes, you may be able to continue diving by adjusting our dive style to accommodate changes in your capability. It is necessary to perform a selfassessment periodically to evaluate changes in personal fitness and capabilities. This self-assessment requires brutal honesty. If you have dive fitness questions, would like a referral for a dive physician in your area or if your healthcare provider would like a consultation, call the DAN Medical Information Line at 919.684.9111. ■
Northwest Dive Charters
From Puget Sound to Neah Bay
ACCIDENTS ARE UNPREDICTABLE.
DAN’S RESPONSE IS ANYTHING BUT. 24-Hour Emergency Hotline • Dive Accident Insurance Medical Evacuation • Membership Benefits & Discounts Trip Insurance • Medical Advice • Alert Diver Magazine
Equipped with a heated cabin, coffee maker, marine head and 110 volt electrical for recharging batteries and other dive equipment.
DAN.ORG/DNN 1-800-446-2671
Scan code or visit DAN.org/dnn for our free FAQ book (a $13 value)!
Where do YOU want to dive?
(253) 370-5144
www.northwestdivecharters.com
Leading dive safety, medical research and education, and emergency assistance for more than 30 years.
local divers don’t Just dive locally - they dive GloBally! DNN_1-2PgAd_3.indd 1
8/5/11 2:3133 PM
liZ sundQuist
I
n 2010, the US Coast Guard reported 672 boating deaths, of which nearly threequarters involved drowning. Of those approximately 500 victims, 88 percent were not wearing life jackets. While wearing a life jacket doesn’t guarantee you will survive, not wearing one dramatically increases the likelihood you will not. Yet, national statistics show that, in 2010, only 21 percent of boaters wore a life jacket while on the water. The reasons given for not wearing a life jacket while on the water are as varied as the people not wearing them. The jacket is too uncomfortable. I’m a strong swimmer. I am a safe boater and won’t fall in the water unexpectedly. Yet all these reasons ignore the truth that accidents happen. The good news for boaters today is that life jackets, or Personal Flotation Devices, come in many shapes and sizes beyond the old-fashioned, bright orange, boxy things of the past. Those orange basics still exist but you can also find a variety of other, purpose-specific PFDs. You can purchase sleek versions that inflate upon contact with water – a favorite among sailors. Fanny pack-style PFDs are also available, although those require the user to deploy the inflation manually by pulling a cord. And close-fitting, vest-style PFDs are designed to minimally interfere with arm motion – a style preferred by paddlers. The bottom line is that you should find a life jacket that suits your activity and that you
not all Boaters are divers But all divers are Boaters
BoatinG education
LIFE JACKETS: WEAR ONE AND SAVE YOUR LIFE
are comfortable wearing – and then wear it when you are out in your vessel. The only way your life jacket will potentially save your life is if it’s on your body when you fall into the
water. Even if you don’t appreciate the extra measure of safety that a life jacket provides, your family and friends will. Be safe and live to boat another day. ■
Your Prescription for Diving Maui, Hawaii
• Rec. and Pro Dive Instruction • Retail Dive Shop • Equipment Rentals • Full Service Shop • Basic First Aid to 1st Responder Safety Courses • Air Fills/NITROX facebook.com/SCUBA.Rx
750 SE 82nd Drive Gladstone, OR (503) 344-4151 | yourscubarx.com
34
• Molokai Hammerheads
our Ask y p for Sho Dive nalox the A O EIIC
• 30+ Lanai Dive Sites • Carthaginan Wreck • Turtle Dives Daily • Twilight/Nite • Molokini Backwall Drift • Molokini Crater • Quality Rentals Certifications from • Friendly Sales Open Water Diver • Super Service to Instructor
1-800-998-DIVE www.LahainaDivers.com
Want to support local divinG in your part oF the GloBe? email sales@nWdiveneWs.com!
andy lamB’s
andylamb@telus.net
mystery critter
A PIECE OF THE ACTION
Lessons Dive Gear PADI eLearn Center Local Dives Tropical Dive Trips By Andy Lamb Critter Writer, Dive News Network
O
ur subject this month arrives courtesy of Joe Melberg of Seattle, Washington. He, along with his buddies Tony Collins and Alex Williams was snorkeling at “Golden Gardens”, a beach site in the Ballard district of Seattle on July 3rd. The accompanying photograph was taken by Joe as he moved along near the adjoining marina and noticed a creature about two ft. beneath the surface. As Joe swam above it, the strange looking animal appeared to smoothly move along “flapping its two wings”. While Joe thought it bore some resemblance to a jelly (jellyfish), its shape and motion did not match up with his concept of such creatures. Joe relayed the following description, “it seem to swim sporadically, as well as drift motionless too. About 1 ft. long and 2 inches thick, the pizza-slice body appeared to have wings and a yellow nerve”. Piecing all this together (so to speak), the beastie that Joe encountered was actually a section of a fried egg jellyfish also known as a Phacellophora camtschatica (CN90, page 105, Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest). Looking at Joe’s image, one can see some of the “bell” structure, a portion of the outer ring with associated tentacles and segment of yellow internal organs. The somewhat erratic motion described by Joe, also fits with a fresh section of jelly, it was likely still “alive” and subject to wave/current action. The unfortunate creature was most likely a victim of a collision with a boat. ■
WWW.ORCASCUBACENTER.COM
G et A H A r v ’ O n ! For over 50 years Harvey’s has lead way in custom tailored wet and dry suits. Using the highest quality material the market has to offer and skilled craftsmanship, your new wet or dry suit can be tailored to fit like second skin. Trusted by thousands of satisfied cold water divers across the globe.
View our full product line at
www.Harveys-Divesuits.com Proudly Manufactured in the U.S.A
Family owned and operated in the Puget Sound area since 1957
Harvey’s Skin Diving Suits, INC. 23424 68th Avenue South, Kent, WA 98032
local divers don’t Just dive locally - they dive GloBally
35
Gear BoX
the latest and Greatest in the dive Gear World
WATERPROOF WETSUITS TRADE-IN PROGRAM
Waterproof is beginning a new program that will benefit the diver who wants to trade-in his older gear for an upgrade. The company has announced a trade-in program that will allow scuba divers to upgrade to a newer suit. With finances being an issue for everyone this is yet another way to save money and upgrade your equipment/ gear. The upgrade program, available for a limited time through authorized Waterproof dealers, involves three Waterproof models, the W1, W2, and the W3. In order for divers to participate, bring your existing wetsuit to a dive store, select one of the qualifying models and receive a 20 percent discount immediately. Waterproof suits have an exclusive design that provides exposure protection in a fashionable and comfortable way and now…they are upgradable. For more info visit www.waterproof-usa.com
Get the free mobile app for your phone
http:/ / gettag.mobi
OCEANIC VT 4.0 A FULL-FEATURED WRIST-MOUNT DC
Oceanic’s VT4.0 is a wrist-mount dive computer that’s loaded with features. A hose-less air integration, with the ability to read up to four transmitters and the ability to track three gas mixes. It has a three-axis full-tilt digital compass and a choice of two algorithms, one relatively liberal, one relatively conservative. There’s a Deep Stop feature, a Buddy Pressure Check feature and the ability to customize the data presentation. The VT 4.0 has a nice-sized display screen which allows Oceanic to include a very intuitive on-board menu system. An easy to program system as far as both dive settings and personal preferences, divers don’t have to refer to the owner’s manual. For more info visit www.oceanicworldwide.com.
Get G et the free mobile app for your phone
http:/ h ttp:/ / gettag.mobi
Aquatec USA • Tel (310) 639-9860 • www.aquatecusa.com 36
dive locally - Where it really matters
northWest dive neWs
dive & travel eXpo 2012
CRESSI BCD
Cressi has introduced a new back inflation travel BC designed to help make dive travel more affordable and enjoyable. The new Air Travel BCD has started shipping to Cressi-affiliated dive centers. The Air Travel BCD was developed in response to divers wanting a lightweight BC that would be more appropriate for travel – specifically ‘Air Travel.’ The Air Travel is light weight, extremely durable and it folds up into its included travel bag. To help introduce the Air Travel to the dive industry, Cressi has launched a national advertising and promotional campaign. For more details, visit Cressi at www.cressi.com.
Get the free mobile app for your phone
http:/ / gettag.mobi
HELLA MARINE SEAVISION 0754 LIGHTS
Hella Marine 0754 series surface-mount SeaVision LED underwater lights are heavy-duty lights specifically designed for permanent submersion below the waterline. Ideal for smaller vessels, the powerful, energy-efficient LEDs are available in luminous blue or white options. Hella Marine SeaVision 0754 lights are completely sealed to IP 68 standards in nylon, thermally conductive housing. The thick convex Borofloat glass lens offers clarity and reliability under extreme heat and pressure, and will not blacken or crack. The six LEDs generate a light output of 1,000+ lumens at 10-28V DC. Power consumption is less than 18W. Easily surface mounted on fiberglass or wood hulls, each light measures 6.46” L x 2.98” W x 1.14” D, weighs only 1.3 lbs. and is prewired with 6.5’ of twin core marine cable. Recommended installation position is 5-6” below the waterline, with each unit set 3-6’ apart. For more info visit www.hellamarine.com.
Get the free mobile app for your phone
http:/ / gettag.mobi
TACOMA, WA APRIL 20-22, 2012 www.diveandtravelexpo.com NOW IN OUR 5TH YEAR! 2008-2011 Sold-Out Shows!
www.bayareadiveandtravelexpo.com
INAUGURAL YEAR!
BAY AREA - MAY 11-13, 2012 send us your stories Free at editor@diveneWsmaG.com
37
dive directory
A listing of participating dive shops, charters, resorts, and independent instructors
WASHINGTON
Abyssal Diving Charters
Campbell River
(800) 499-2297
Charter
Anacortes Diving & Supply
Anacortes
(360) 293-2070
Store
49th Parallel Dive Charters
Chemainus
(250) 252-0758
Charter
Diver’s Dream Charters
Anacortes
(360) 202-0076
Charter
Cedar Beach Resort
Chemainus
(250) 252-0758
Dive Resort
Courtenay
(250) 338-6829
Store/Charter
Courtenay
(877) 883-3483
Charter
Washington Divers
Bellingham
(360) 676-8029
Store
Pacific Pro Dive
Gone Diving
Bellingham
(360) 738-2042
Store
UB Diving
Adventures Down Under
Bellingham
(360) 676-4177
Store
Hornby Island Diving
Hornby Is.
(250) 335-2807
Dive Resort
Clarkston
(509) 751-1095
Store
Langley Diving
Langley
(604) 514-8170
Store/Charter
Odyssey Diving Evergreen Dive Service Naknek Charters
Everett
(425) 512-8811
Store
Sink or Swim Scuba & Watersports
Nanaimo
(250) 758-7946
Store
Friday Harbor
(360) 378-9297
Charter
Sundown Diving
Nanaimo
(888) 773-3483
Store/Charter
Hood Sport ‘N Dive
Hood Canal
(360) 877-6818
Store
Nanaimo Dive Outfitters
Nanaimo
(250) 756-1863
Store
Undersea Adventures
Kennewick
(509) 735-0735
Store
Rendezvous Dive Adventures
Port Alberni
(877) 777-9994
Charter
Port Hardy
(877) 725-2835
Resort/Charter
Port Hardy
(800) 515-5511
Charter
Lilluwaup
(360) 877-5324
Resort
Browning Pass Hideaway
Oak Harbor
(360) 675-1112
Store
Catala Charters
Capital Divers
Olympia
(360) 866-3684
Store
God’s Pocket Resort
Northwest Dive Charter
Parkland
(253) 370-5144
Charter
Copper Island Diving
Mike’s Beach Resort Whidbey Island Dive
Port Hardy
www.godspocket.com
Salmon Arm
(250) 832-5737
Store
Scuba Supplies
Port Angeles
(360) 457-3190
Store
PorpoiseBay.ca
Egmont
(800) 665-DIVE
Charter/Resort
Admiralty Dive Center
Port Townsend
(360) 379-3483
Store
Tahtsa Dive Charters
Tahsis
(250) 934-6365
Charter
A-2-Z Scuba Instruction
MethodMarine.com
Tofino
(250) 725-3251
Store/Marina
Ocean Planet Adventures
Tofino
(250) 725-2221
Resort
Union Bay
(250) 335-2342
Dive Resort
Vancouver
(604) 329-3486
Charter
Victoria
(250) 475-2202
Store
Puyallup
(253) 840-3483
Store
ScubaSET Adventure Center
Puyallup
(253) 841-5666
Store
Dive Commercial Int’l
Seattle
(206) 784-5050
Seattle Scuba Schools
Seattle
(206) 284-2350
Store
SeaDragonCharters.com
Seattle
(206) 571-3273
Charter
Beyond Deep Diving
Aluminator Water Taxi Scuba Center of Spokane
Spokane
Bandito Charter
Tacoma
Tacoma Scuba Center Bubbles Below
Commercial Store TwoEaglesLodge.com
Ogden Point Dive
www.spokanescuba.com (253) 973-0370
Charter
(253) 238-1754
Store
(425) 424-3483
Dive Center
BRITISH COLUMBIA Broken Island Adventures
Bamfield
(888) 728-6200
Resort/Charter
Ocean Quest Water Sports
Burnaby
(604) 436-1157
Store
An alphabetical listing of participating dive shops, charters, live aboards and resorts. To be listed in our Tropical Dive Directory call 360.240.1874 or email us at sales@nwdivenewsmag.com in tropical locations around the world.
aUStralia Mike Ball Dive Expeditions +61740530500 www.MikeBall.com
BEliZE Calypso Beach Retreat 303.264.8333 www.calypsobeachretreat.com Hugh Parkeys 888.223.5403 www.belizediving.com Sun Breeze Hotel 1.800.688.0191 www.sunbreeze.net
Canada The Dive Outfitters 780.483.0044 www.thediveoutfitters.com 38
(888) 701-1177
Store/Charter
Victoria
(250) 478-4488
Store
Adventures in Scuba
Calgary
(403) 299-7751
Store
Aqua Sport Scuba Centre
Calgary
(403) 686-6166
Store
The Dive Shop
Calgary
(403) 243-4616
Store
Edmonton
(780) 434-1433
Store
ALBERTA
Tacoma Woodinville
TROPICAL DIVE DIRECTORY
Victoria
Wilson Diving Services
Sub Sea Experience
CaYMan iSlandS
Southern Cross Club 800.899.2582 www.southerncrossclub.com Sunset House 800.854.4767 www.sunsethouse.com
CoZUMEl Albatros Charters 888.333.4643 www.cozumel-fishing.com BlueBubbleScuba 987.872.4240 www.bluebubble.com Island DreamsTravel 713.973.9300 www.divetrip.com Scuba Du 310.684.5556 www.scubadu.com
FiJi
Beqa Lagoon Resort 800.542.3454 www.beqalagoonresort.com Beyond The Reef 691.350.3483 www.diveyap.com Dolphin Bay Divers Retreat 679.992.4001 dolphinbaydivers.com
FiJi... Qamea Resort & Spa 649.360.0217 www.qamea.com Wananavu 679.669.4433 www.wananavu.com
Florida
Conch Republic Divers 800.274.3483 www.conchrepublicdivers.com Horizon Divers 305.453.3535 www.horizondivers.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
HaWaii Maui Dreams Dive Co (808) 874-5332 www.mauidreamsdiveco.com
Get your Business listed in our tropical dive directory For only $20!
northWest Just for You Crew & Dive Services
dive directory Grand Prairie
(780) 832-7209
Store
Kona Honu Divers Pacific Rim Divers
Kailua-Kona
(808) 334-1750
Charter
(208) 319-3483
Store
Torpedo Tours
Kailua-Kona
(808) 938-0405
Charter
IDAHO Dive Magic
Boise
Sports Cove
Bozeman
(406) 585-9926
Store
Glacier Divers
Kalispell
(406) 253-4016
Store
MONTANA
Dive & Sea Maui
OREGON Astoria Scuba PacificWatersports.com Central Oregon Diving
Koloa, Kauai
Wanna Dive
Charter
(800) 685-5889
Store/Charter
Kealakekua
(808) 937-1175
Store
Mike Severn’s Diving
Kihei
(808) 874-6428
Store
Store
Lahaina Divers
Maui
(800) 998-3483
Store/Charter
(503) 642-3483
Store
Mike Severns Diving
Maui
www.mikesevernsdiving.com
Charter
Catalina Divers Supply LLC
Avalon
(541) 388-3660
Store/Charter Store
Eugene Skin Divers Supply
Eugene
(541) 342-2351
Store
CoralSeaScuba.com
Grants Pass
(800) 482-1599
Store
South Beach Scuba
Newport
(541) 867-4944
Store
Aquatic Sports
Portland
(503) 245-4991
Store
Diver’s Den
Roseburg
(541) 673-3710
Store
Blue Element
Salem
(503) 400-7375
Store/Charter
SalemScuba.com
Salem
(503) 588-3483
Store
Under Water Works
Tigard
(503) 620-6993
Store
Anchorage
(907) 770-1778
Store/Charter
Sitka
(907) 747-7871
Store/Charter Store
CALIFORNIA
(808) 923-3483
Dive Oahu
Honolulu
(808) 922-3483
Charter
Pearl Harbor Divers
Honolulu
(808) 589-2177
Store/Charter
HondUraS Deep Blue Resort 011.504.95.76.36.97 www.deepblueutila.com Utila Tours 800.668.8452 337.893.0013 www.utila.com
indonESia 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 Pindito Liveaboard 831.818.8594 www.pindito.com Worldwide Dive and Sail 866.258.6398 www.worldwidediveandsail.com Puri Wirata Dive Resort & Spa/Bali Reef Divers
62 (0)363 23 523 www.puriwirata.com
MExiCo Abyss Dive Center 52.984.873.2164 www.abyssdivecenter.com
Y MATTERS WHERE IT REALL
ka’s Exploring Alas Sophia S.S. Princess Shipwreck
HAWAII
(808) 329-7585
consumers and businesses ghostly depths together galapagos • Cost effective cold war Advertising diving • Build Awareness with Decision Makers Makers • Establish Trust and Credibility in your Market Place DIVE LOCALLY
Honolulu
Kailua-Kona
Store/Charter
AUGUST 2011
Aqua Zone
Honolulu Scuba Company Honolulu (808) 220-0577 www.honoluluscubacompany.com
(760) 801-7996
Advertise With Us. • We network
ALASKA
Jack’s Diving Locker
www.diveandseamaui.com
SeaSport Divers
www.astoriascuba.com
(541) 830-5551
Island Fever Diving
Charter
Aloha Bend
Dive Alaska
(808) 324-4668
Astoria
Central Point
Rogue Scuba, Inc.
Kailua-Kona
Store Store/Charter
ons Two Destinati in One
nture
Missile Silo Adve is a Blast!
Call 360-240-1874 or email sales@divenewsmag.com
MExiCo... Aquanauts Dive Adv. 52.998.206.9365 www.aquanautsdiveadventures.com
PHiliPPinES Big La Laguna Beach Dive Resort 425.298.8172 www.BigLaLa.com Campbells Beach Resort +63.920.416.0502 www.CampbellsBeachResort.com Island DreamsTravel 713.973.9300 www.divetrip.com
rEd SEa - EgYPt Fly & Sea Dive Adventures 888.995.DIVE(3483) www.redseadiving.ca Learning Through Travel 516.781.5556 www.learningthroughtravel.com
roatan
8 Volume 15 Issue 25 Canada
$1.95 US/$2.
CoCo View Resort Roatan 800.282.8932 www.roatan.com GoRoatan.com 888.405.8737 www.goroatan.com
St. Croix (U.S. Virgin iSlandS) BVI Scuba 284.540.2222 www.bviscubaco.com Cane Bay Dive Shop 340.773.9913 www.canebayscuba.com Jost Van Dyke 800.778.8066 www.jostvandyke.com
St. kittS
Dive St. Kitts 869.564.8914 www.divestkitts.com
St. VinCEnt Bequia Dive Adventures 784.458.3826 www.bequiadiveadventures.com
tHailand Sairee Cottage Diving +6677456374 www.saireecottagediving.com
tUrkS & CaiCoS Oasis Divers 649.946.1128 www.oasisdivers.com Dive Provo 649.946.5040 www.diveprovo.com
Get your Business listed in our dive directory For only $12.50! - call 360-240-1874
39
Bac k up D ev ic e
It’ll do everything you need it to - if you ever need it to.
Select the algorithm that matches your diving style or current dive computer... and dive. Simple. B.u.D is a universal backup dive computer that uses Dual algorithm technology allowing you to adjust your dive computer’s settings to closely match just about any other dive computer on the market making it the perfect backup device.
safety stop countdown
adjustable unIts of MeasuRe
80
tIMe to fly / desatuRatIon
nItRox to 50%
easy-to-Read dIsplay
40FT / 12 12M
Pelagic Z+ (ZHL-16C) Pelagic DSAT (Rogers/Powell) This graph tracks the no-decompression limits displayed during a simulated dive Suunto RGBMby each computerOceanic AERIS Uwatec Buhlmann ZHL-8 the placement on the chart, profile. The higher Sherwood RGBMliberal the computer; the lower the theMares more Genesis Tusa ZHL-16C (Pelagic Z+) placement, the more conservative the computer. Tusa
100
< Conservtive (NDLs in min) Liberal >
Replaceable batteRy
99+
60
1100 00FT / 30M
60FT / 12M
90FT / 27M
40
80FT / 24M 20
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Elapsed Dive Time in min. The graph above tracks the no-decompression limits displayed by each computer during a simulated The graph above tracks the no-decompression limits displayed by each computer during a dive profile. The higher the placement on the chart, the more liberal the computer; the lower the simulated the dive profile. The higher the placement on the chart, the more liberal the placement, more conservative the computer.
computer; the lower the placement, the more conservative the computer.
I N N O VAT I O N F I R S T
OceanicWorldwide.com
DSaT published & protected by Diving Science & Technology