February 2012
DIVE LOCALLY ~ WHERE IT REALLY MATTERS
NAPles/ Fort Myers Where Divers Can Have A “Hole” Lot Of Fun!
Georgia
Diving Is On My Mind
Catalina Island A West Coast Paradise
Volume 2 Issue 2 $3.00 US/$3.50 Canada
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February 2012
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◄ Cover byDebi Buck
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Southeast Dive News
his photo was taken April 26, 2008 at a dive site called 4th Window. It is located off the Breaker’s Hotel in West Palm Beach, Florida. I used a Canon Powershot G9 with an Inon D2000 strobe. As for myself, I’ve been diving for over 12 years and have over 1,200 dives under my belt (several hundred of those in the West Palm Beach area). I live in Palm Bay, Florida and try to go diving at least a couple times a month. I am an Independent NAUI instructor and I like to travel to all sorts of cool dive locales. I’ve been to Bonaire, Roatan, Maldives, Yap and Palau and just came back from a trip to Fiji.
The complete resource for diving in the Southeast.
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Publisher / Editor-in-Chief Rick Stratton rick@divenewsmag.com Production Manager IJ James ij@divenewsmag.com Graphic Designer TJ Pierzchala tj@divenewsmag.com Expo Coordinator Selene Muldowney expo@divenewsmag.com Accounts Manager Tove Chatham Advertising Sales Manager Keath Allen (360) 240-1874 x105 keath@divenewsmag.com Circulation/subscriptions
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Dive News Magazine is committed to promoting the sport of scuba diving in the Southeast. We will present a practical, unbiased point of view regarding all aspects of the sport of scuba diving. The Dive News Magazine believes in honesty and integrity in business and will support all efforts related to this. We encourage readers to participate in determining the content of this publication by giving us their opinions on the types of articles they would like to see. We invite letters to the editor, manuscripts and photographs related to diving or diving-related business. Send us your stories and photos! IMPORTANT NOTICE The Dive News Magazine reserves the right to refuse service to anyone. The contents of Southeast Dive News are opinions of individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor or 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 containing inherent risks. Improper use of diving equipment or diving techniques may result in serious injury or death. Readers are advised to use their best judgment in each individual situation. MOVING? In order to continue receiving your magazine uninterrupted, please notify Southeast Dive News when you change your mailing address. To ensure uninterrupted service, please contact us six to eight weeks before the change of address occurs. You can call us at 360-240-1874 PST or email us at editor@divenewsnetwork.com or mail at: Bedrock Publications P.O. Box 1494 Oak Harbor, WA 98277
IN THIS EDITION
Monthly Columns Publisher’s Note.................................4 Incoming Mail.....................................5 Southeast Hot News..........................6 Southeast Activities............................7
Regional News................................8-9 Gear Box.....................................22-23 Tropical Dive Directory................22-23 Local Dive Directory....................22-23
LOCAL DIVE DESTINATION 10 Naples/Fort Myers – Where Divers Can Have a “Hole” Lot of Fun The gulf-coast city of Fort Myers/Naples offers tourists a chance to enjoy warmer weather as well as a multitude of water-based sports. However, I’m preparing for a trip in the near future down to Ft. Myers, and I wanted to know from the local divers how to take advantage of the great diving in these amazing waters. From what I’ve learned Ft. Myers can bring out the thrill of diving. By Rick Stratton
SOUTHEAST DESTINATION 14 Georgia – Diving on My Mind
When the glaciers melted and the sea-level rose, this area once again became a sandstone reef where Pleistocene gray whales and Atlantic right whales calved and called home. New life came to the area and Gray’s Reef, now a national marine sanctuary, is home to 36,000 yr. old jawbones of whales and mammoth fossils. Today, the 22 sq. mile area is home to over 150 species of fish, sponges, soft corals, and even loggerhead turtles. At around 65 ft. some 17 nautical miles off shore, with water temps in the 80’s during the summer months, you can see why thoughts of diving here are hard to set aside. By Mike Hughes
TRAVEL DESTINATION 18 Catalina - A West Coast Paradise
Catalina Island, lying twenty two miles off the coast of southern California, has become a well-known diver’s paradise. With a dive park offering shore dives limited only by the necessity for surface intervals, and boat charters who visit the less crowded dive sites on the back side of the island, the island is a retreat for thousands of divers who visit every year. What most of these divers don’t realize are the great advantages Catalina has to offer in the cooler months. By Keath Allen
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Do you have an opinion? Contact us: editor@divenewsnetwork.com
Dive News Network Media Group, Are You a Member? his year marks the Dive News Network’s 16 anniversary. cream, chocolate sauce and cherry
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During our time in business, we have been providing informative services, which have made and helped maintain the connection between divers and the dive industry. We have come a very long way from newsletter, to newspaper, to magazine, and now we consider ourselves a media and marketing group! A media group may sound ostentatious and sometimes I feel full of myself when I reference to other companies that I am now a ‘media mogul’. But we have changed the way we do business. Last year we added 2 more magazines under the main Dive News Network umbrella making our total 5 monthly print magazines. We also expanded our Dive News web portal, increased our YouTube activity, and most of all upped the ante with social media like Facebook and Twitter. Our presence online has increased our ability to create interactive articles, and real-time updates from the dive industry. We have grown into a user friendly, information driven, and beautifully interfaced full-service network with so much to offer the dive community as a whole. But what does a membership in this media group really mean for the dive business-owner, and what benefit can it bring? We give you the power to harness all of this new technology (YouTube, Facebook, the new digital edition I’ll tell you about shortly) and allows you, as a member of the Dive News Network Media Group, to put the power in your hands. Let’s say you are having an awesome cool fund-raiser for inner city kids to experience diving as part of your dive shop. You could take out an ad, which is a fantastic option, but now we have the ability to expand your advertising dollars to more than just a 1-dimensional print item. We can add your blurb to the hot news, activities calendar, and also give this some extra oomph by highlighting it. Most magazines can do this, but we’ve added the whipped
on top of this sundae by harnessing the power we talked about in the last paragraph. We can post on Facebook the month/week/day before your event to remind people it’s happening. We can make your event a high-lighted news blurb on the www.divenewsnetwork.com, or the www.sedivenews.com website. And most of all, we can take advantage of the electronic E-dition of the Southeast Dive News magazine. This month marks the first expanded electronic edition of Southeast Dive News magazine and even my socks are blown away (and I knew it was coming)! This E-dition not only allows the magazine to be immediately available to Southeast Dive News’ readers, it also allows us to embed a video or slideshow related to your event right into the magazine. Want a link to a YouTube video with your hot news, to drive readership to your event’s Facebook page, or a pdf of the flyer with store coupons attached to pop-up when they click? We can do that! As a note to our readers, we will soon be implementing a subscription setup for this cool new E-dition. And we look forward to sharing this with you soon, but rest assured all of our articles will still be available on the site. We will continue publishing our content on the web for your convenience! We are striving to make the Dive News Network Media Group your connection to what’s happening in the dive industry, and look forward to finding new and innovative ways to make this happen!
Rick
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Dear Rick,
I really love Southeast Dive News Magazine. A good dive magazine has been long overdue in our area. I love being able to get the content online, however, I would really like a printed copy. I’m an old guy and I would really rather have the magazine in my hands. Do you expect to expand Southeast Dive News so I can pick one up in my local dive shop? I have checked around and they are difficult to come by. Help me out here. Justin Southeast Diver
Dear Justin,
Thanks for the kind words and your love for the magazine. We appreciate you taking the time to take a look. While I understand your dilemma, it’s tough to fix it right now. Here’s the problem, we simply can’t afford to mail the magazine out to every dive shop in the area right now. For this reason we need to mail the magazines out to those shops who choose to support our network. It’s easy to do so, we have some rather cost efficient ways to get onboard but sadly there are still those who balk at even spending a few dollars in these tough economic times. We get it, times are tough for us too; however, in order for us to continue to bring the dive news coverage we do, we have to be smart about how we do things. We have made an electronic version of the magazine
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
available and if push comes to shove you can subscribe and have the magazine mailed to you personally OR you could just stop in at your local dive shop and suggest they give us a call and get “involved”. We support the local dive community first above all else.
January 201 2
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HOT NEWS Get your business noticed by sending us your NEWS/EVENTS: editor@divenewsmag.com Florida Ocean Life Lecture Series
The friends of the Key Largo Cultural Center, in partnership with Florida International University’s School of Environment, Arts and Society, will be hosting the Ocean Life Lecture Series at the Murray E. Nelson Government and Cultural Center located in Key Largo. The yearlong series will include speakers from the Florida Keys, Florida International University, and around the world. The series will showcase renowned experts in the marine sciences who will educate and entertain audiences of all ages. The next lecture will be Fri. Feb. 17, and feature Dr. Jim Fourqurean, an ecologist specializing in seagress ecology. The title of his lecture is “The Grass is Always Greener: Seagrass Ecology in South Florida”. Dr. Fourqurean will discuss the role of seagrass beds in marine ecosystems and how humans can protect and preserve these underwater habitats. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a meet and greet with the speaker, followed by a lecture at 7:00 p.m. For more info, please Ocean Life Lecture Series visit www.fklcc.org or seas.fiu. The Grass is Always Greener: Seagrass Ecology in South Florida edu or call (305) 396-7000. Dr. Jim Fourqurean is an ecologist specializing in seagrass ecology. As the Director of the Seagrass Ecosystems Research Lab at Florida International University, his research is engaged with the structure and function of seagrass beds and the food web that they support. There are over 15,000 km2 of seagrass beds in South Florida and Dr. Fourqurean has extensive experience in many of these marine areas including the Florida Keys. Dr. Fourqurean will discuss the role of seagrass beds in marine ecosystems and how humans can protect and preserve these underwater habitats. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a meet and greet with the speaker, followed by a lecture at 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact Linda Kaplan at linda@fklcc.org or (305) 396-7000.
Featuring Dr. Jim Fourqurean Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
New Alabama Law Could Mean Finders-Keepers for Historic Underwater Artifacts Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 6:00 p.m. - Meet and Greet 7:00 p.m. - Lecture
Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabama, has introduced a bill to amend the Alabama Cultural Resources Act, a law requiring underwater explorers to get a permit from the Alabama Historical Commission before going after submerged wrecks and relics. In Ward’s version, the law would still require permits for recovery of artifacts related to shipwrecks and would forbid disturbing Native American burial sites but treasure hunters would otherwise be able to search state waters and keep what they find. “The waters, just like the air, belong to the people,” said Steve Phillips, an advocate for the changes to the law and owner of Southern Skin Divers Supply Company of Birmingham. Stay tuned for more information in future editions of Southeast Dive News with regards to this bill. For more info visit www.preserveala.org. Murray E. Nelson Government and Cultural Center 102050 Overseas Hwy. - MM102 Key Largo, FL 33037 This event is free and open to the public.
Gulf Coast Divers Working on a Facelift for Pool
The Gulf Coast Divers are working this winter to give their pool a facelift. It will be the first facelift in almost 40 years. The pool has seen thousands of divers, tens of thousands of dives and hundreds of dropped weights. Wayne and Rick at Deep South Pools did an awesome job, giving up a portion of their Christmas and New Year’s holiday to get their crew in and get it done. To get an idea how much water 125,000 gallons is, it took 120 hours to refill, five full days of hoses running full on, 24 hours a day! For more info visit www.gulf-coast-divers.com.
Turtle Awareness Event with Force-E and Florida Hawksbill Project
On Jan. 21 at Lake Park Marina, divers along with the Riviera Beach Force-E and the Palm Beach Zoo’s Florida Hawksbill Project had the opportunity to spend the day learning and diving with Nikole Ordway and Larry Wood as they captured and studied the 6
Florida Hawksbill Turtle. Visitors got to learn what the Hawksbill contributes to our knowledge about the ecosystem of our local reefs and understand where they come from and where they are going and how far they range. Of the five species of marine turtles which visit Florida waters, Hawksbills have been studied the least. Divers in Palm Beach County enjoy encounters with these majestic turtles on nearly every dive, making the reefs of Palm Beach the ideal location to study the Hawksbills of Florida. For future events call 561-845-2333 or www.floridahawksbills.com.
Bird’s Underwater is helping to restore the Water of Crystal River
There is a local effort to clean up Kings Bay and META is getting involved. Bird’s Underwater is volunteering to donate kayaks and time. If you know of any local high school students who are looking for community service hours, call the Rotary club to join up and log in some hours. This is the beginning of a 5-year plan for the community of Crystal River Florida headed by the Kings Bay Rotary Club. An invasive algae known as Lyngbya has moved in over the last 20 years due to increased nutrient levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. By removing it “one rake at a time” there is a chance to rid this menace and bring the crystal clear bay back. For info on how to participate send me a private message or email lyngbya1@yahoo.com for more details on how you can join the FIGHT. To see video of this footage, please scan the tag.
Let’s Dive the Hot Hole!
On Feb. 18 the Foothill Divers Dive Club will head to Lake Keowee. The Hot Hole is in the 80’s year round, and they will be diving with Calvin’s boat. There will be no charge for members. The club will pay for the boats and crew. A donation to the club for these costs will gladly be accepted. The club will have to supply fuel for the vehicles to get the boats there and fuel for the boats. Make sure you RSVP for this event as there are only 6 diver spots, and while a deposit is required it’s fully refundable. There is limited space because it is a boat dive. For more info visit www.FoothillDivers.com.
Manatee Count Taken
Staff from the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge conducted an aerial survey of manatees for the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. A record number of 657 manatees were counted. In mid-Jan. 2010, there were 651 manatees. The breakdown of animals counted is as follows: King’s Bay, 546; Crystal River, three; Progress Energy warm-water discharge canal, 19; and the Homosassa River (Blue Waters), 89. Of the number of animals counted, 547 were adults and 110 were calves. The survey route included the Cross Florida Barge Canal near Inglis south to the Homosassa River, Crystal River, Salt River, King’s Bay and the warm-water discharge canal at Progress Energy as well as the upper and lower Homosassa River. For more info visit www.fws.gov/crystalriver.
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DIVE ACTIVITIES
Have you seen our calendar online? www.divenewsnetwork.com
February
Native Vacations has Won 2011 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
Captain Traci Wood and Native Vacations has won the 2011 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. This award is given to companies who go beyond the call in order to give great customer service. Congrats to Native Vacations! Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms also gave Capt. Traci Wood a glowing review. Visit their site for details visit www.nativevacations. com.
Study Finds Turtle Embryos Communicate to Synchronize Hatching
Murray River turtles communicate with their siblings while they are still in their shells, buried under the soil, in order to coordinate when they hatch. The findings were reported in the Nov. 30 edition of the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. In 2003, Ricky-John Spencer from the University of Western Sydney collected clutches of wild eggs, split them into two groups, and incubated them at either 25° or 30°C. He reunited the eggs, and found they still hatched together. This is important information in terms of learning how marine life communicate. For more info, check out the story on www.npr.org.
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We run info your news and events for free! E-mail us at editor@divenewsnetwork.com
Feb. 1: Nautical Nudists Dive & Boating Club, 7 p.m., Check Website for location, Land ‘O Lakes, FL. www.nauticalnudist. com Feb. 1: South Florida Divers meeting, 7:30 p.m., Lauderdale Isles Yacht Club, Hollywood, FL. www.sfdi.com Feb. 2: Caloosa Dive Club meeting, 8 p.m., Cape Coral Yacht Club, Cape Coral, FL. www.diveclub.org Feb. 2: Jupiter Drift Divers meeting, 7 p.m., Jupiter Fire Station Community Room, Jupiter, FL. www.jupiterdriftdivers.com Feb. 2: Sarasota Scuba Club meeting, 7:30 p.m., Fraternal Order of Police Hall, Sarasota, FL. www.sarasotascubaclub.org Feb. 4: Atlanta Underwater Explorers, 3pm, East Atlanta Library Branch, Atlanta, GA. www.diveaue.org Feb. 5: Force-E FREE Blue Heron Bridge Night Dive, 5 p.m., Force-E Riviera Beach, FL. www.forc-e.com Feb. 7: Fanta-Seas Dive Club meeting, 7-9 p.m., Fanta-Seas Divers, 1400 Eatonton Rd., Ste. 750, Madison, GA. www.fantaseadivers.com Feb. 7: Orlando Reef Divers meeting, 7 p.m., Paddy Murphy’s, Baldwin Park, FL. www.meetup.com/Orlando-Reef-Divers/ Feb. 14: Atlanta Reef Dwellers Scuba Club, 7 pm, Hudson Grill @ Brookhaven, Atlanta, GA. www.atlantareefdweelers.org Feb. 14: Sea Tigers Spearfishing Club, Rousse Trim & Stairs, Harvey, LA. www. seatigers.us Feb. 14: South Florida Underwater Photography Society, 7:30 p.m., El Palacio Hotel, Miami, FL. www.sfups.org Feb. 14: Waterloggers Dive Club, 6:30 p.m., Beef O’Bradys, Melbourne, FL. www. sealevelscuba.com Feb. 15: Central Florida Pleasure Divers, 7 p.m., Denny’s Restaurant, Orlando, FL. www.cfpdivers.com. Feb. 15: Suncoast Reef Rovers, 6 p.m., Nokomis Community Center, Venice, FL. www.suncoastreefrovers.com Feb. 16: Caloosa Dive Club meeting, 8 p.m., Cape Coral Yacht Club, Cape Coral, FL. www.diveclub.org Feb. 16: KSC Barracuda Dive Club meeting, 6:30 p.m., Merritt Island Library, Kennedy Space Center, FL. www. kscbarracudas.org Feb. 17-19: Our World-Underwater, Rosemont, IL. www.ourworldunderwater. org Feb. 20: Sea Turtle Dive Club meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Jasper Dive Center, Jasper, GA. www.seaturtlediveclub.com Feb. 21: Atlanta Aquanauts Northside Monthly Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Cheeseburger in Paradise, Atlanta, GA. www.meetup.com/ Atlanta-Aquanauts/
Feb. 21: Orlando Reef Divers meeting, 7 p.m., Paddy Murphy’s, Baldwin Park, FL. www.meetup.com/Orlando-Reef-Divers/ Feb. 23: Bubbles up Jacksonville Monthly Member Meeting and Future Dive Discussion, 7:00 p.m., see site for location. www.meetup.com/bubblesupjacksonville Feb. 26: Dive RAINBOW River, 8 a.m., Dunnellon, FL. Call Jo Ann Sawyer (727) 543-3171 or www.oceansportsdive.com
MARCH
Mar. 1: Caloosa Dive Club meeting, 8 p.m., Cape Coral Yacht Club, Cape Coral, FL. www.diveclub.org Mar. 1: Jupiter Drift Divers, 7 p.m. Jupiter Fire Station Community Room, Jupiter, FL. www.jupiterdriftdivers.com Mar. 1: Sarasota Scuba Club meeting, 7:30 p.m., Fraternal Order of Police Hall, Sarasota, FL. www.sarasotascubaclub.org Mar. 3: Dive Disney with Ocean Sports, 6:15 p.m., Dunedin, FL. www. oceansportsdive.com Mar. 3: Atlanta Underwater Explorers, 3pm, East Atlanta Library Branch, Atlanta, GA. www.diveaue.org Mar. 6: Fanta-Seas Dive Club meeting, 7-9 p.m., Fanta-Seas Divers, 1400 Eatonton Rd., Ste. 750, Madison, GA. www.fantaseadivers.com Mar. 6: Orlando Reef Divers meeting, 7 p.m., Paddy Murphy’s, Baldwin Park, FL. www.meetup.com/Orlando-Reef-Divers/ Mar. 7: Nautical Nudists Dive & Boating Club, 7 p.m., Check Website for location, Land ‘O Lakes, FL. www.nauticalnudist. com Mar. 7: South Florida Divers meeting, 7:30 p.m., Lauderdale Isles Yacht Club, Hollywood, FL. www.sfdi.com Mar. 13: Atlanta Reef Dwellers Scuba Club, 7 pm, Hudson Grill @ Brookhaven, Atlanta, GA. www.atlantareefdweelers.org Mar. 13: Sea Tigers Spearfishing Club, Rousse Trim & Stairs, Harvey, LA. www. seatigers.us Mar. 13: South Florida Underwater Photography Society, 7:30 p.m., El Palacio Hotel, Miami, FL. www.sfups.org Mar. 13: Waterloggers Dive Club, 6:30 p.m., Beef O’Bradys, Melbourne, FL. www. sealevelscuba.com Mar. 15: Caloosa Dive Club meeting, 8 p.m., Cape Coral Yacht Club, Cape Coral, FL. www.diveclub.org Mar. 15: KSC Barracuda Dive Club meeting, 6:30 p.m., Merritt Island Library, Kennedy Space Center, FL. www. kscbarracudas.org Mar. 19: Sea Turtle Dive Club meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Jasper Dive Center, Jasper, GA. www.seaturtlediveclub.com Mar. 20: Atlanta Aquanauts Northside Monthly Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Cheeseburger in Paradise, Atlanta, GA. www.meetup.com/ Atlanta-Aquanauts/
HAVE AN ACTIVITY/CLUB MEETING TO SHARE? editor@divenewsnetwork.com
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news and events
REGIONAL NEWS
Photo
Photo courtesy Nancy Boucha
Ultimate Diver Challenge Comes to the United States T
he Ultimate Diver Challenge, a celebrated diver challenge reality show, is now setting its sights on the United States and divers everywhere can hardly hold on to their scuba fins! This year, between July 20-31, the Ultimate Diver Challenge will hit the waters of Palm Beach in Florida. Pam Bertrand created the Ultimate Diver Challenge six years ago. The event is one in which divers can see if they have what it takes to be the “best of the best” in scuba diving. The show premiered on the Versus Television network. Touted as the first ever scuba reality show, it was filmed in Cozumel. On the show the divers compete, team against team, in challenges are designed to test knowledge, buoyancy, navigation, safety, search, stress, and rescue skills through precision and accuracy. Bertrand has been in talks with the Palm Beach Florida area ever since the first season aired and is pleased to be working in the area. “There are a lot of unique areas where we can film in the Palm Beach area,” Bertrand says. “The area is going to be excellent for production and bringing the show to the United States will also offer a lot more divers the chance to take part. We are really excited about the possibilities.” The teams of divers are formed after a week of mini challenges vying for an opportunity to be selected to be one of the teams featured in the show. The upcoming Ultimate Diver Challenge Season Two and the chance to earn the title of the “Ultimate Diver” are the goals of the pre-competition. Scuba diving is typically considered a non-competitive sport with a huge emphasis placed on continued education, training and safety related to scuba skills and knowledge. The Ultimate Diver Challenge gives divers a chance to be acknowl8
edged as “The Ultimate Diver” for mastering the basic scuba skills that emphasize the extreme importance of protecting our reefs, and upholding safe, recreational standards of Scuba Diving. Bertrand, who is a self-professed reality show fan, loved the idea of a show involving diving. As a reality, the new show has gained a lot of attention and now, moving to the Palm Beach area, Bertrand hopes the show will grow even more. “Our sport is one of the most
Photo courtesy Nancy Boucha
DIVE LOCALLY - WHERE IT REALLY MATTERS
news and events unique sports in the world,” Bertrand says. “We can enter and explore a whole other REAL world filled with creatures, plants, and formations many can only dream of ever seeing. Our dream is a TV show to show non-divers how fun, exciting, and easy scuba diving courtesy Nancy Boucha is. After the first season we have seen this begin to happen and now, with the show moving to the Florida area, we are hoping to see interest increase.” Bertrand says she did have a lot of help in bringing the show to the Palm Beach area. The Palm Beach Tourist Development Council, the Sports Commission, the Film & Television Commission, the Convention Visitor’s Bureau and the Environmental Resources Management Agency all worked together to bring the Ultimate Diver Challenge in. “All these agencies are working together to create the UDC – but we cannot forget the private sector supporting this endeavor including The Palm Beach County
REGIONAL NEWS Diving Association along with hotel partners specifically The Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Hotel and Dan Volker, Principle Editor of South Florida Dive Journal, who will be working closely with UDC and covering major milestones,” says Roger Amidon, Executive Director of the Palm Beach Tourist Development Council. “The main mission of the TDC is to attract related industries and marketing to Palm Beach County specifically addressing the dive community and attracting dive related events and businesses to Palm Beach.” Amidon adds, “this new way to attract tourists to the area will help continue their commitment to raising awareness of what the Palm Beach area has to offer. We want to continue to market the area as one of the top diving destinations and by partnering with the UDC we are better able to attract people back and help them experience what they already know – diving in Florida is amazing! I tell people, come dive with the nudies, meaning the nudibranches living in the coastal waters; it is the best way to experience Florida.” Bertrand adds reality TV allows viewers to see through the eyes of others and is an excellent opportunity to share scuba diving. “Imagine the impact the TV show offers for the growth of scuba allowing non-divers to explore a new paradise of the underwater world as each competitor faces their individ-
WHERE DID YOU DIVE TODAY?
ual fears while taking the plunge,” Bertrand says. Bertrand says they are currently partnering with the Hilton Singer Hotel in Palm Beach. As the host hotel, the Hilton Singer will be offering special pricing for those attending and involved in the competition. “There are a lot of folks who are getting involved with season 2 and it is very exciting,” Bertrand said. “Stay tuned for prize announcements, there will be some interesting ones.” For more info about the Ultimate Diver Challenge visit ultimatediverchallenge.com. ■
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9
SOUTHEAST DESTINATION FLORIDA
Fort Myers
Naples, Florida
Where Divers Can Have a “Hole” Lot of Fun
Photo courtesy Kevin Sweeney
By Rick Stratton Publisher, Dive News Network
T
he gulf-coast city of Fort Myers/Naples offers tourists a chance to enjoy warmer weather as well as a multitude of water-based sports. However, I’m preparing for a trip in the near future down to Ft. Myers, and I wanted to know from the local divers how to take advantage of the great diving in these amazing waters. From what I’ve learned Ft. Myers can bring out the thrill of diving. I talked to Jeff Dawson of Scuba Marco, a full service dive shop located on Marco Island just off the Florida coastline. He told me “We have a lot of great diving here!” He goes on to tell of other dive sites, but specifies, “If you come just to dive Spring Hole and Black Hole, which are really one in the same site, you will discover diving like you’ve never experienced.” The Blue Hole is truly a unique dive site lying 23 miles southwest of Marco Island. Also known as The Naples Spring Hole and Black Hole, this geographical wonder has an 80 ft. diameter circular opening. The lip is craggy limestone and hosts vivacious soft corals and gorgonians. Descending over the lip at 70 ft., the first 20 of the shaft are completely vertical (a true wall dive). At 90 ft. the shaft widens abruptly creating a ‘roof’. Interestingly, the fish orient themselves to the roof and swim upside down there! The hole is 300 ft. wide by the time it bottoms out at 220 ft. and has a 40 ft. high silt mound in the center that 1 0
crabs forage over. This area is the breeding ground for the massive (protected) Goliath Grouper. They are spotted on virtually all local sites and are a guarantee at the Blue Hole. Fort Meyers offers a bevy of local diving adventures, but as Kevin Sweeney, of SCUBAdventures of Naples, Florida, reminded me it can be very unpredictable. “Folks don’t dive in the winter here because the vis is unpredictable. The water changes often and quickly so you really have to just get out there. It is important to note that you do have to travel a ways off shore to get to the dive sites where the vis is good.” Sweeney tells us quite a few divers shy from the travel, but “I will say this, the Groupers, some of them as large as 400 lbs. are really something to see.” And Sweeney should know, SCUBAdventures has been in the dive travel business for over 30 years and they travel to dive destinations all over the world. Sweeney says most of the diving in the area is generally done in spring and summer months. The vis can range from 5-100 ft. because the area gets a lot of runoff from the Florida Everglades, however, Sweeny says don’t let that stop you. Wreck diving is also a draw to the Ft. Myers/Naples area. The Fantastico, a 200 ft. Honduran freighter, sank in March 1993 as a result of a bad storm. The freighter is in 115 ft. of water on the starboard side and the mast, rudder, propeller, and rigging are still in place. Matt Angelo of ScubaVice, located in Fort Myers, says this
DIVE LOCALLY - WHERE IT REALLY MATTERS
GULF COAST
NAPLES/FT. MYERS
Photo cou
rtesy Kev
in Sween
ey
Retired Cutter Mohawk to become Artificial Reef The retired Mohawk, a Key West-based Coast Guard cutter is on its way to becoming an artificial reef off the Southwest Florida coast. Under the West Coast Inland Navigation District, a multicounty special taxing district, the $1.5 million needed to sink the 165-foot ship off Fort Myers has been approved. The Mohawk was built in 1935 and is the last surviving vessel of the Greenland Patrol fleet, which served in World War II. According to historical accounts, the ship broke ice in the Arctic Circle, launched 14 attacks against Nazi U-boats and rescued more than 300 sailors from the sea in two different operations. The Mohawk was a floating museum docked along the East Quay Wall at the Truman Waterfront. According to project organizers the plan is to sink the Mohawk by the beginning of hurricane season in June of this year 60 ft. deep approximately 13 miles off Sanibel Island.
WHERE DID YOU DIVE TODAY?
1
SOUTHEAST DESTINATION FLORIDA is an interesting wreck to take in even though the travel time is a little longer. “The Fantastico is a pretty popular wreck,” says Angelo. It’s all busted up from the many storms that come through, however, it is still a neat dive. The nice thing about dive sites like the Fantastico is their remoteness also means most are relatively untouched. You feel like the only guy who has been out there in a long while. It’s worth the travel time.” The wreck is a draw for wildlife too, and the surrounding sand bottom is home to fields of garden eels. There is abundant fish life including many large goliath grouper to see. But I guess this is a pattern now, Ft. Myers seems to be the place to see the goliath grouper. As a side note on these goliath groupers, this largest member of the sea bass family are most commonly found near the equator near shores, specifically in the Gulf all the way down to the Caribbean Sea. They can grow to lengths of 8.2 ft., and can weigh anywhere from 400-600 lbs. Mostly they prefer areas of rock, coral and muddy bottom areas, and are generally solitary by nature. They can be territorial, and intruders will get open mouths and a shaking body. They can also produce an audible rumbling sound, which is generated by the muscular contraction of the swim bladder. This grumbling sound can travel great distances underwater and can also help them locate other goliath groupers. For more about goliath groupers, please scan the tag. I can’t wait to see them up close, but I’ve been warned to keep my distance. Back to the diving, Angelo also points out there are some shore dives but they are unconventional. “The vis close to shore isn’t great.” He goes on to say, “Regardless of the vis, there is some beach diving in Venice beach that is
pretty interesting. Artifact diving, for shark teeth and such, is a huge thing off Venice Beach. There have been quite a few Megalodon teeth to come out of there.” Pete Williamson of Captain Pete’s Diving Outfitters has been in the area for over 20 years and he agrees that although the diving is different, it does offer a lot just the same. “The diving is a little more untouched than in most places,” Williamson says. “We don’t have the charter operations you see elsewhere and the dive sites don’t tend to get a lot of divers making it a little like diving in remote locations.” Williamson adds there are a lot of limestone ledges in the area to explore as well as a great artificial reef program. Williams also sees a huge spear fishing community in the area. “The diving tends to be seasonal but the spear fishing is something we see all year around,” Williamson says. “Spearfishing is great during the winter months and around here we see spear fishing for bottom fish such as grouper and snapper. You also see some amberjack come up as well; however, by far I think the biggest draw is the grouper fish.” Williamson believes the limestone areas and ledges where there are a lot of honey holes are the reason the spear fishing tends to be popular. “The area does have a lot to offer divers even though they may have to work a little for it but if you are a diver who enjoys some good spearfishing the Fort Myers, Naples, and Marco Island areas might just be the place you want to come visit.” I’m excited for my first dive trip down to Ft. Myers, and I’m looking forward to doing a little spear fishing and even enjoying the hang time in order to see massive schools of snapper, grouper, sheepshead, Amber Jacks, Mackeral as well as Nurse Sharks, Spotted Eagle Rays, but mostly I’m looking forward to seeing those Goliath Groupers! ■
Photo courtesy Kevin Sweeney
12
DIVE LOCALLY - WHERE IT REALLY MATTERS
GULF COAST
NAPLES/FT. MYERS
Special thanks to the following for their help in preparing this article: Jeff Dawson Scuba Marco www.scubamarco.com Kevin Sweeney SCUBAdventures www.scubadventureslc.com Matt Angelo ScubaVice www.scubavicedivers.com Pete Williamson Captain Pete’s Diving Outfitters www.captpetes.com
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13 1/5/12 3:47 PM
Diver profile DIVING AT THE AGE OF 70
The Grumpy Old Diver By Ron and Janice Menke
I
have been diving since 1964 and have no plans to stop any time soon. However, at 70 years old I have limitations and just can’t do things the way I used to. My knee and both ankles have issues and don’t like carrying weight or bending too much. You can only imagine what it looks like to watch me try and climb a ladder with all the equipment on. So what can I do about it? Well, for one, I can hang up diving and just sit back and think about doing something else to spend my money on or I could continue to dive and do dive travel and not be afraid to ask the Dive Masters for some help. The Dive Masters get better tips, the store owners sell more trips and, of course, we will only buy the best equipment because it makes for easier breathing and the best floatation device is what I want if I’m going to have to wait for the boat to pick me up after the drift dives. I have worked hard for a lot of years and saved for the good times, which is right now and I’m not the only one. Just look at all the gray-haired divers when you travel to the dive resorts and now here come the Baby Boomers. So what is with this Grumpy Old Diver thing? Several years ago, I and four other older divers went to West Palm Beach to do some diving. When we boarded the boat, the captain, who is a good friend, referred to us as the old guys. Curt, one of us old guys, promptly informed him we were the grumpy old guys. It didn’t take too long before this group of guys wanted a card stating they were grumpy old divers. The only thing I could think of was printing up some business style cards with the grumpy old
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divers’ title. My friend Curt was not happy with the business card and wanted a real certification card. I am a NAUI instructor and I have a few specialty ratings so why not try. However, the specific specialties must be written up and justified by NAUI before they make it a certification. So my problem was trying to convince Curt that getting a certification for Grumpy Old Divers was nearly impossible. Curt, being the old codger he is, would not give up until I broke down and wrote up a refresher specialty for Grumpy Old Divers. When I got a call from NAUI to justify it I explained that as older divers, we begin to have problems with the equipment weight and needed some instructor to show or give us advice on how to make diving easier. Just because we have some difficulty we don’t have to stop doing what we love to do. I thought the certification card was the end but Curt decided a shirt with a logo was needed too, so off I went and designed a logo for the shirt. I was promptly informed the shirt was suppose to be a collared polo shirt and the logo needed to be embroidered. The Grumpy Old Divers is not just a certification; we are a dive travel group. We love to travel and dive while having fun. The certification card is fun to show the resort when we check in. It doesn’t take long before they realize we are good divers wanting to enjoy life but need some assistance now and then. More than one Dive Master has told us after the first day they didn’t have to watch or worry about us and they could enjoy the dives themselves. If you want to know more about the Grumpy Old Divers, check out the web site at www.grumpyolddiver.com. ■
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DIVE LOCALLY - WHERE IT REALLY MATTERS
CENTRAL GEORGIA
Southeast destination
Georgia
Diving is on my mind
Photo courtesy White Stone Diving By Mike Hughes Writer, Dive News Network
W
hen I think of diving in Georgia, my first thought is of a prehistoric landscape where the Atlantic was shallow and 80 miles east of the current shoreline. Mammoths foraged along this coastline and, when they died, left their bones and tusks resting on sandstone formed by bits of seashell, sand, and mud. When the glaciers melted and the sea-level rose, this area once again became a sandstone reef where Pleistocene gray whales and Atlantic right whales calved and called home. New life came to the area and Gray’s Reef, now a national marine sanctuary, is home to 36,000 yr. old jawbones of whales and mammoth fossils. Today, the 22 sq. mile area is home to over 150 species of fish, sponges, soft corals, and even loggerhead turtles. At around 65 ft. some 17 nautical miles off shore, with water temps in the 80’s during the summer months, you can see why thoughts of diving here are hard to set aside. You might want to come to Georgia just to dive this one site, but then you would miss out on the 441 ft. A.B Daniels liberty ship which sank in 1975 or the nearby R/V Jane Yarn research vessel which sank in 2007. South and East of St. Mary’s Inlet there are at least seven artificial reef sites, some with rubble from bridges and wharfs, and others composed of pallet balls. Site KBY is 10 miles off the coastline and good to dive year round. Besides the basic ARF components, site “F” has M-60 tanks. Site SFC has the landing crafts Optimist and Scalper. Site HLHA (old G) has the workboat Striker, the Nettleton liberty ship, and a 152 ft. long research vessel. Site CDH has the Esparta wreck and an 85 ft. steel trawler. These sites are all off of Georgia, but the charters out of St. Mary’s also routinely go across the invisible state line to 16 additional sites off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida for some coral reef diving as well. As far as fresh water diving goes, Georgia has several lakes and rivers to try on for size. Lake Lanier has a few popular dive sites including West Bank Park and Two Mile Creek Park. You can also dive the pilings around Brown’s Bridge, or search Mask Cove offering 40 ft. of dark water with 5-20 ft. of vis. Lake Lanier offers 692 miles of shoreline and is over 160 ft. deep. The lake is only 40 minutes north of Atlanta. There is silt and mud on the bottom so be careful with the fin kicks and carry a light, compass, and a knife for cutting fishing line.
WHERE DID YOU DIVE TODAY?
Photo courtesy White Stone Diving
15
southeast DESTINATION GEORGIA
Photo courtesy Georgia Aquarium
Carters Lake is 11 miles long and has 62 miles of shoreline. Going well beyond 450 ft. deep in places, this lake has a level of diving for everyone. There are 3 lb. channel catfish, 7 lb. flathead catfish, bass, bream, walleye, and crappie that will judge your diving skills here. If you are looking for a body of water strictly dedicated to divers try White Stone Diving formerly known as Dive Haven in White, Georgia. This 19 acre quarry is filled with water and is 165 ft. deep. It is currently privately owned and opens on the weekends from the end of April to November when winter sets in. So check for current park fees and open dates. There is a crane at 40 ft. and you’ll also find a van, several boats and a school bus. A 2 ft. long catfish likes to hang out around the van. Bass and turtles are also here, but the main attraction from mid-September to November is the cute little fresh water jellyfish. The vis can be 40 ft. The surface water can reach 82 degrees then it drops to 70 at 20 ft., followed by 46 on the bottom so plan on using a 3 ml. wet suit and a hood if you like a little depth. Last but not least are the local rivers, like the Chattahoochee or the Etowah where the vis might not be as good as the lakes, but where you can still get your gear wet. You may also have a chance to feed some 16
local resident fish or film a catfish who really thinks you are some kind of crazed paparazzi. Another lucky break for Georgia divers is the close proximity to so many other state dive sites. Divers from Georgia can zip over to Lake Jocassee in South Carolina in about 2 ½ hours. J Strom Thurmon Lake shares the border too. Florida Springs are about 4 hours away and Jacksonville dive sites are available by charters for the day or by car for the weekend or longer. For a guy used to driving from Seattle to Port Hardy, Canada in about 11 hours, these distances from Georgia to elsewhere seem to be refreshingly easy drives. Atlanta is also home to The Georgia Aquarium; the largest aquarium in the known galaxy according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Bernie Marcus, cofounder of Home Depot, gave $250 million to build this ultimate aquarium. Where else can you go diving with whale sharks, manta rays, cownose rays, leopard rays, saw fish, zebra sharks, tarpons, pompano, and bowmouth guitarfish? The “Journey with Gentile Giants” tank holds 6.3 million gallons of salt water at 75-78 degrees, and is 284 ft. by 126 ft. by 30 ft. deep making it one of the best dive experiences on the planet. Check online for current dive conditions, fees, and avail-
DIVE LOCALLY - WHERE IT REALLY MATTERS
CENTRAL GEORGIA able event times; it’s a three-hour program including a half hour dive. AT&T donated $110 million to create the ultimate dolphin show and habitat. If this isn’t enough, then visit the four beluga whales in the Cold Water Quest. Their buddies include harbor seals, and African Penguins. At River Scout watch the endless play of short-clawed Asian otters. Albino alligators, assorted turtles, milk frogs, poison dart frogs, archer fish, red piranha, black crappie, bowfin, electric catfish, long nose gar, and pacu make up some of the 500 species found on the premises which boasts 120,000 individual members. And I didn’t even mention the Tropical Diver area where coral reefs come alive and are perhaps the next best thing to actually filming for Animal Planet off the coast of Indonesia. The Georgia Aquarium also offers behind the scene tours. You can have a birthday party here, sleepovers, school events, or arrange for a special event. If you want catering, no problem, but I recommend not ordering calamari in front of the sharks. Although it may taste good, it’s just in bad taste. For those of you who haven’t seen the movie Finding Nemo, I’ll explain the shark twelve-step program some other time. So there you go, prehistoric artifacts at dive sites within a national marine sanctuary, precipitous lake diving, and preeminent Aquarium diving. Add dozens of wrecks, artificial reefs, and hundreds of species of fish and it’s no wonder Georgia diving is on my mind. Now, it just might be on your mind too. Great dives. ■
Local Favorites
Photo courtesy Georgia Aquarium
Loggerhead Turtle. Photo courtesy Georgia Aquarium
WHERE DID YOU DIVE TODAY?
17
TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
U.S. WEST COAST
CATALINA A West Coast Diver’s Paradise
Photo courtesy Catalina Chamber of Commerce By Keath Allen Writer, Dive News Network
C
atalina Island, lying twenty two miles off the coast of southern California, has become a well-known divers’ paradise. With a dive park offering shore dives limited only by the necessity for surface intervals, and boat charters who visit the less crowded dive sites on the back side of the island, the island is a retreat for thousands of divers who visit every year. What most of these divers don’t realize, however, are the great advantages Catalina has to offer in the cooler months. The average temperature during the winter months range from lows in the upper 40’s to highs during the day in the mid 60’s. The water temperature ranges from the upper 50’s to the low 60’s. While this may seem on the chilly side to some, cold water divers will welcome the warmer temperatures. One of the largest attractions Catalina has to offer is the Avalon Dive Park. Located just off Casino Point, this marine preserve is well developed to accommodate visitors and makes it a popular spot for recreational divers. Dive lockers, restrooms and steps leading into the underwater park make it an easy place to hang out and spend the day. Catalina Diver’s supply, one of Avalon’s dive shops, has set up an air fill station at the park where you can rent equipment and get quick air fills during your surface intervals. The ease and convenience of having these services with a protected marine preserve, which is easily accessible by shore, make it one of the most popular dive sites in the channel islands. During the summer months it is common to find upwards of 400 divers visiting the park on any given Saturday or Sunday. Though the park is large enough to accommodate all of these divers, lines often form on the steps leading into the water and the air fill station. Visiting during the winter months offers unlimited access to this area without the crowds. Avalon Dive Park offers something for everyone with a beautiful kelp forest, and abundant ocean life. Three wrecks, the SuJac, Kismit, and a glass bottom boat are all within the boundaries of the park and are easily found well within recreational limits. The SuJac is a schooner that sank in a storm in 1980. Though rapidly deteriorating, the concrete hull is the most popular wreck to explore in the park.
18
The Kismit, a 40 foot sailboat was repositioned in the park sitting upright in 60 feet of water. The glass bottom boat, located near the Kismit, is a smaller wreck often used as a landmark to navigate to the larger wrecks. Outside the boundaries of the park are many sites which are less crowded if you’re making the trip during the summer months. Just outside the boundaries of Avalon Dive Park, in front of Descanso Beach, is the wreck of the Valiant. This yacht burned and sank, coming to rest upright in 110’ of water. Because of its location, and the dangers of boat traffic, this wreck is only accessible with permission of the harbor patrol. Many sites including Church Rock, West End Cove, and Ballast Point (home to the oldest wreck on the island, a Chinese smuggling ship) are only accessible by boat. Bob Kennedy, owner of Catalina Scuba Luv, has been operating charter and dive operations on the island for the past 30 years. “We try to determine the locations of our charters by conditions, looking for the sites with the best visibility.” He said. They make regular trips to the island’s isthmus to sites such as Ship Rock, Bird Rock and Eagle Reef, and during the summer months to a “top secret” location where divers can encounter schools of Giant Black Sea Bass. I first saw the island in early December of 2011 when I spent a weekend there on business. As the Catalina Express pulled into the harbor of Avalon, I immediately fell in love with the small island town. Our hotel was a short walk from the port, requiring a stroll through the many shops, restaurants, hotels, and cantinas along the waterfront. My wanderlust was awakened. I wanted to explore the town, eat tacos, and tour the interior of this paradise. More than anything I wanted to get in the water. I buckled down and tried to concentrate on what I was there for, managing to squeeze in a short night dive one evening, but in the end I was forced to leave the island without satisfying my need to investigate everything it had to offer. Just a few weeks later, on Dec. 29, I found myself boarding the Catalina Express for my return to the island. This time I brought my wife, and left work at the office. I find when traveling she is a much better companion than my co-workers and business partners (no offense), and I was excited to have the chance to get back and explore everything the island had to offer.
DIVE LOCALLY - WHERE IT REALLY MATTERS
CALIFORNIA We made the same journey I made on my previous trip through the waterfront area and up a side road to the Hermosa Hotel and Cottages. This place caters to divers with gear lockers for diving equipment, and fresh water outside for rinsing gear. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some of the other hotels on the island, it’s a great choice for the budget conscious diver who would rather spend their money on gear and beer than lodging. Saturday, I made my way down to Casino Point and the dive park. The crowds of divers who swallow the park during the summer months were gone and there were relatively few divers at the park. The lack of crowds is a huge advantage to visiting the island in the off season. I geared up and made my first dive with Bill Conklin who was diving with his daughter, Nicole, from Healdsburg CA. We made a surface swim to one of the buoys and made our descent into the kelp forest. Swimming through the kelp was a surreal experience having never dived in kelp before. We continued out to the edge of the park and headed south past a small sailboat to the SuJac. The wreck lies on its starboard side at 74 feet of depth and is rapidly deteriorating. A large hole in the hull offers a really cool swim through, and a great opportunity for photography.
Photo courtesy Keath Allen
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CALIFORNIA Later in the day, I explored the north end of the park. This area has a sandy bottom, and I was told I would have a better opportunity to see bat rays here. It is void of kelp, and there is relatively little to see on this side of the park. A platform at 60 feet marks the boundary of the park. Diving past this area requires special permission from harbor patrol, so we made our way back to the kelp forests and reefs near the center of the park
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CATALINA ISLAND offering more to see. Spiny lobster, Garibaldi, Sea Bass, Sheephead, and Kelp Fish were everywhere. Catalina has a lot to offer divers, and non-divers as well, and as my wife was six months pregnant at the time we had a great opportunity to play tourist and explore the non-diving activities the island had to offer. Since this is being written for a dive publication, I won’t spend a lot of time on these activities, but it is important to mention Catalina is a great destination for families or a romantic get-away. We toured the botani-
cal gardens and the Wrigley memorial. We strolled through the waterfront area with its many shops and restaurants, eating lobster tacos and swordfish sandwiches at the Lobster Trap. Activities for non-divers are almost limitless with mountain bike tours, jeep tours of the island interior, zip lines, rock climbing walls, and a golf course. There are almost too many to mention in this article. With everything I had heard about the diving around Catalina my expectations were high, and I was not disappointed. It truly is a diver’s paradise! ■
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DryCase
Get the freeCressi mobile app at introduces new line of dive http:/ acomputers / gettag.mobi called
“Leonardo”. You can manually turn on and off this dive computer. It has an on-demand backlight feature, large display digits for experienced divers, and can be used for air or Nitrox blends. You can sync Leonardo with your computer via infrared using the exclusive PC link interface. Also, Leonardo can calculate dive times from 0 to 255 minutes. The best part is Leonardo is user friendly and you can change the battery by yourself with just the aid of a quarter. I saw it in four different colors at DEMA; the white model can be used to set the white balance for underwater digital cameras. To see the Video clip we made, go to www.divenewsnetwork.com or look on Youtube under mikehughesscuba. www.cressi.it
Dry Case is a new product makes your iphone or droid ready for just about any water sport or scuba dive down to 100 ft. of depth. Now you can use your smart phone camera or video app under water. Insert your phone in the clear soft case, seal it using the latches, attach the included bulb to the one way valve, give a few quick squeezes, and you have a vacuum packed phone ready to go to the beach and more. Want the phone out of Dry Case? No problem, simply unlock the latches and take it out. On land you can make a call by using the headphone with mic jack. In water you can use “DryBUDS”, waterproof headphones to listen to old school music or “rap wit da fishes.” I like wearing my Dry Case attached to the softGet widethe armband. Need a bottom free mobile app at timer? Is there an app for that? See our DNN clip on Youtube under http:/ / gettag.mobi mikehughesscuba. www.drycase.com
Sharkskin
Sharkskin products are not really made from the skin of sharks and they don’t even harm sharks for that matter. They call their products Sharkskins to let you know, just like sharks, you too can have the ultimate protection from the environment for a multitude of water sports. Sharkskin makes vests, shirts, pants, and full body contoured wetsuits. The four-way stretching material comes in black or silver. So if you are looking for technical exposure protection from a 3 ml. material made in the USA and sewn in Australia, then you have to try one of these neutrally buoyant and wind resistant outfits. Get the free mobile app at http:/ / gettag.mobi Check out our DNN clip on Youtube under mikehughesscuba or peruse www. sharkskin.com.au
To be listed call 360.240.1874 or email keath@divenewsmag.com Wananavu 679.669.4433 www.wananavu.com
FloRiDa Conch Republic (800) 274-3483 www.conchrepublicdivers.com Dive Encounters 877.323.DIVE (3483) www.divencounters.com
GalaPaGoS Galapagos Aggressor I & II info@aggressor.com www.agressor.com 800.348.2628 706.993.2531
GuaDaluPe & SoCoRRo Baja Aggressor info@aggressor.com www.agressor.com 800.348.2628 706.993.2531
Hawaii Kona Aggressor II info@aggressor.com www.agressor.com 800.348.2628 706.993.2531 Maui Dreams Dive Co 808.874.5332 www.mauidreamsdiveco.com
HonDuRaS Utila Aggressor info@aggressor.com www.agressor.com 800.348.2628 706.993.2531 Utila Tours 800.668.8452 337.893.0013 www.utila.com
inDoneSia Komodo Dancer dancer@dancerfleet.com www.dancerfleet.com 800.932.6237 or 305.669.9391 Sea Safari Cruises 623.6172.1212 www.seasafaricruises.com/
MalDiVeS Maldives Aggressor info@aggressor.com www.agressor.com 800.348.2628 706.993.2531
MexiCo Scuba Playa Dive Shop 52.984.803.3123 www.scubaplaya.com
PaPua new Guinea Star Dancer dancer@dancerfleet.com www.dancerfleet.com 800.932.6237 or 305.669.9391
Palau Palau Aggressor II info@aggressor.com www.agressor.com 800.348.2628 706.993.2531 Tropic Dancer dancer@dancerfleet.com www.dancerfleet.com 800.932.6237 or 305.669.9391
Roatan CoCo View Resort Roatan 800.282.8932 www.roatan.com GoRoatan.com 888.405.8737 www.goroatan.com
St. kittS Bird Rock Beach Resort 877.244.6285 www.birdrockbeach.com
tHailanD Sairee Cottage Diving 667.745.6126 www.saireecottagediving.com
tuRkS & CaiCoS Turks & Caicos Aggressor II info@aggressor.com www.agressor.com
800.348.2628 706.993.2531
Medical Information Dive Directory
DCI: Are you prepared? E
very diver should be prepared to recognize symptoms decompression illness (DCI). Are you? The term DCI actually encompasses two separate conditions: decompression sickness (DCS) and arterial gas embolism (AGE). Both conditions should get the same treatment, which in most cases is oxygen first aid and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. You probably learned most of this in your entry level diving courses, but it never hurts to review this essential information as it could save a life.
Symptoms of DCI DCS symptoms include muscle or joint pain that does not subside, rash, dizziness, numbness or tingling, paralysis, muscle weakness, bladder or bowel dysfunction and fatigue disproportionate to the diver’s exertion. The diver may also have trouble walking. AGE symptoms typically occur while the diver is surfacing or immediately afterward. The diver may suddenly go unconscious or exhibit neurological symptoms, such as confusion, disorientation, personality changes, unsteady gait, weakness and paralysis. AGE may be associated with pulmonary barotrauma (a condition that occurs when air sacs in the lung rupture, typically during a rapid or breath-hold ascent) which generally manifests as difficulty breathing and may also
involve a bloody froth in the mouth or nose. Symptoms generally occur from within 10 minutes to up to 12 hours after surfacing. If any new symptoms appear after 24 hours, DCI is not likely to be the cause. If the diver flies after diving, it is possible for delayed symptoms of DCS to occur during flight. The recommended preflight surface interval after multiple dives or multiple days of diving is a minimum of 18 hours.
Responding to suspected DCI If you suspect a diver has DCI, assess and continuously monitor vital signs (circulation, airway and breathing), activate emergency services (911 or the local equivalent), administer oxygen first aid if you are a trained oxygen provider and call the DAN Emergency Hotline at +1-919-684-9111. Remember, if you need some help or are unsure how to respond you can always call DAN or take the diver to the nearest emergency department. It is not advisable to take an injured diver directly to a chamber without first contacting DAN because the closest chamber may not be open, operating, staffed or properly equipped to meet the injured diver’s needs. DAN maintains a continually updated database of chambers to determine the most appropriate chamber for treatment and the coordination of care. While DAN cannot make a diagnosis
over the phone, DAN can be an essential resource for helping recognize the signs and symptoms of DCI, advising you and emergency medical personnel on proper management and coordinating transportation to get an injured diver to a higher level of emergency care as quickly and safely as possible.
Be prepared There are a lot of ways you can prepare to handle a diving emergency. If you are not a trained oxygen provider, enroll in the DAN Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries course. You can also complete the DAN Dive Emergency Management Provider (DEMP) program, which encompasses automated external defibrillators, emergency oxygen including bag valve mask and manually triggered ventilator, and the treatment of hazardous marine life injuries. Or enhance your knowledge with DAN online seminars, such as the Pathophysiology of Decompression Illness and test yourself with the DCI Quiz on www.AlertDiver.com. Dive safely, and remember, DAN is here for you. Divers Alert Network (DAN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the safety and health of scuba divers. DAN operates a 24-hour emergency hotline (+1-919-6849111) to help divers in need of medical emergency assistance for diving or nondiving incidents. ■
A Listing of participating dive shops, charters, resorts and independent instructors ALABAMA Adventure Sport, Inc.
Crystal River Water Sports
Crystal River
(352) 795-7033 Store/Charter
Auburn
(334) 887-8005
Store
Native Vacations
Crystal River
(866) 466-2848
Store
Southern Skin Divers Supply
Birmingham
(205) 595-3052
Store
Coastal Marine Diving Supply
Dania Beach
(954) 815-7914
Store
Down Under Dive Shop
Gulf Shores
(251) 968-3483
Store
The Scuba Center
Delray Beach
(561) 278-7020
Store
Gulf Coast Divers Supply
Mobile
(251) 342-2970
Store
Ocean Sports of North Pinellas
Dunedin
(727) 733-1919
Store
Orange Beach
(251) 747-6563
Charter
Divers Discount Florida
Pelham
(205) 663-7428
Store/Charter
(561) 368-0555
Store
Captain Pete’s Diving Outfitters
Fort Myers
(239) 337-9564
Store/Charter
Scubavice Dive Center
Fort Myers
(239) 481-4733
Store
Gary’s Gulf Divers Dive Alabama
FLORIDA Force-E Scuba Tanks-A-Lot Dive Charters
Boca Raton
Sea Experience
Clearwater
(727) 798-1269
Charter
Grove Scuba
Coconut Grove
(305) 443-1313
Store/Charter
Bird’s Underwater
Crystal River
(352) 563-2763
Store
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Lauderdale Diver
Fort Lauderdale (800) 752-6386 Fort Lauderdale
(800) 654-2073
Store Store
Fort Lauderdale (954) 770-3483 Store/Charter
Bay Breeze Dive Center
Gulf Breeze
(850) 934-8363
Store
Cave Country Diving
High Springs
(386) 454-4444
Store
We support our local dive shop - without them we will not have a dive industry.
SOUTHEAST DIVE DIRECTORY GEORGIA
Atlantic Scuba, Inc.
Holly Hill
(386) 253-7558
Store
Atlantic Pro Divers
Jacksonville Beach
(904) 270-1747
Store/Charter
First Coast Divers
Jacksonville
(904) 264-4744
Store
Adventure Dive Center, LLC
Albany
(229) 888-3483
Store
Charter
The Dive Shop on McEver
Gainesville
(770) 503-0040
Store
Lawrenceville
(678) 407-2442
Store
Marietta
(770) 973-7909
Store
Blue Iguana Charters
Key Largo
Bluewater Divers
Key Largo
Captain Slate’s Atlantis Dive Center
Key Largo
(561) 797-2540
Dolphin Dive Center
(305) 453-9600 Charter/Training Dive Dive Dive, Inc. www. captainslate.com
Store
The Dive Shop
Stockbridge
(770) 389-9949
Store
Saint Marys
(912) 882-7078
Store/Charter
South Georgia Dive Charters
Saint Marys
(912) 882-7078
Store/Charter
Store
Underwater Adventures
Baton Rouge
(225) 927-3483
Store/Charter
(305) 296-9914
Store
Red River Scuba
Bossier City
(318) 629-3483
Store
(800) 891-3483
Charter
Mike’s Dive Center
Lake Charles
(337) 430-0073
Store
Lake Charles
(337) 310-1681
Store
Metairie
(504) 888-4882
Store/Charter
Shreveport
(318) 222-3483
Charter
Slidell
(985) 641-9888
Store/Charter
(800) 984-3483
Charter
(305) 451-4957
Training/Charter
Pirate Island Dive Shop
Key Largo
(800) 809-9881
Store
Captain’s Corner Dive Center
Key West
(305) 296-8865
Store
Lost Island Adventures
Key West
(305) 296-9737
Seaduction
Key West
Southpoint Divers
Key West
LOUISIANA
Spree Expeditions
Key West
(281) 970-0534
Store
True Blue Watersports
Scuba Etc.
Lakeland
(863) 687-2822
Store
Harry’s Dive Shop
Wet Pleasures Dive Outfitters
Lantana
(561) 547-4343
Store
Scuba Ventures
Largo
(727) 585-0938
Store/Charter
Coral Reef Dive Shop
NORTH CAROLINA
Cave Excursions
Live Oak
(386) 776-2299
Charter
Dive Outpost
Live Oak
(386) 776-1449
Charter
Black Jack Tech Diving
Madeira Beach
(727) 320-0201
Store
Atlantis Charters
Abyss Dive Center
Marathon
(800) 457-0134
Store/Charter
Cave Adventures
Marianna
(850) 272-2346
Store
Scuba Marco
Marco Island
(239) 389-7889
Store
Scubadventures
Naples
(239) 434-7477 Store/Charter/Training
Ocala Dive Center
Ocala
(352) 732-9779
Store
Scuba Extreme Adv.Sports & Travel
Orange Park
(904) 269-8021
Store
Scuba Tiger
Orange Park
(904) 264-4744
Store/Charter
The Dive Station
Orlando
(407) 843-3483
Store
Wetter the Better
Palm Beach Gardens
(561) 253-4294
Charter
Dive Locker
Panama City Beach
(850) 230-8006
Store/Charter
Dive Pros
Pensecola
(866) 348-3776
Store
Dr Dive
Pensacola
(617) 943 5553
Charter
Scuba Shack/Wet Dreams Charters
Pensecola
(850) 433-4319 Store/Charter
Viking Diving
Pensacola
(850) 916-3483
Charter
Force-E Scuba
Pompano Beach
(954) 943-3483
Charter
Parrot Island Scuba Adventures
Pompano Beach
(954) 942-7333
Charter
Pompano DiveCenter
Pompano Beach
(954) 788-0208
Store
Force-E Scuba
Riviera Beach
(561) 845-2333
Charter
Ocean Quest Scuba
Riviera Beach
(561) 776-5974
Store
Pura Vida Divers
Singer Island
(888) 348-3972
Store
Depth Perception
Tampa
(813) 689-3483
Store
Scuba Haven
Tampa
(813) 972-4455
Store
Adventures Under the Sea
Tampa
(813) 875-2376
Store
Conch Republic Divers
Tavernier
(800) 274-3483
Store/Charter
Narcosis Scuba Center
Tarpon Springs
(727) 934-6474
Store/Charter
Venice
(941) 483-3483
Charter
Florida West Scuba & Charters
Store
Wet Set Scuba & Travel
Key Largo Key Largo
Suncoast Dive Center
(706) 548-3483
Diver’s Den Georgia
Horizon Divers Island Ventures Diving
Sunshine Scuba
Athens
Discovery Diving Co.
Aberdeen
(910) 426-3483
Store
Atlantic Beach
www.atlantischarters. net
Charter
Beaufort
(252) 728-2265 Store/Charter
Poseydon Dive Center
Beaufort
(252) 504-3483
Store/Charter
Cape Fear Dive Center
Carolina Beach
(910) 458-7390
Store/Charter
Dive Hatteras
Frisco
(703) 818-1850
Charter
Air Hogs Scuba
Garner
(919) 747-9021
Store
Outer Banks Diving
Hatteras
(252) 986-1056
Charter
Triad Divers Supply
High Point
(336) 886-8808
Store
Aquatic Pleasures
Kings Mountain
(704) 734-1174
Store
Diver Style Scuba
Monroe
(704) 219-0198
Store
Morehead City
(252) 726-9432
Store/Charter
Divin’ Dawgs
New Bern
(252) 638-3432
Store
Ghost Fleet Dive Charters
Wanchese
(252) 491-8475
Store/Charter
Rum Runner Dive Shop
Winterville
(252) 439-4390
Store/Charter
Olympus Dive Center
SOUTH CAROLINA Sea Island Divers
Beaufort
(843) 575-3562
Store
Charleston Scuba
Charleston
(843) 763-3483
Store/Charter
Upstate Scuba
Clemson
(864) 653-3483
Store
Columbia Scuba, Inc.
Columbia
(803) 788-9166
Store/Charter
Bermuda Triangle
Greenville
(864) 286-3483
Store
Low Country Scuba
Mount Pleasant
(843) 884-1500
Store/Charter
Coastal Scuba
N. Myrtle Beach
(800) 249-9388
Charter
Salem
(864) 944-9255
Charter
(703) 263-0427
Store
Off The Wall Charters, Inc.
VIRGINIA Adventure Scuba Company
Chantilly
Want to support local diving in your part of the globe? email keath@divenewsmag.com!
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DIVE LOCALLY, WHERE IT REALLY MATTERS
Pick us up today in your local dive shop. Find us on the web using your smartphone, Kindle, iPad, or Tablet PC.
www.divenewsnetwork.com
Get the free mobile app for your phone
http:/ / gettag.mobi