November 2011
DIVE LOCALLY
WHERE IT REALLY MATTERS
Manatees
Gentle Giants
SHARKS!
Diving into the Florida Aquarium
INTRO TO
CAVE DIVING 101
Why would you want to go in there?
Volume 1 Issue 8 $1.95 US/$2.25 Canada
find new
Direction
for your business success NEW IDEAS
abound in DEMA’s comprehensive educational programs — presenting tested strategies, insights and innovative ideas certain to take your business in new, successful directions.
NEW connections NEW revenue
to the dive community while you learn from experts and peers, applying their ideas and successes to YOUR challenges.
resources for boosting your bottom line with show-only promotions and specials offered by hundreds of exhibitors. DEMA Show provides a generous return on your investment in time AND money.
DEMA SHOW 2011
N o v e m b e r 2 – 5 , 2 0 1 1 • O r l a n d o , F L o r i d a • w w w. d e m a s h o w. c o m Make plans to attend or exhibit, visit DEMAShow.com for more information. 2
Check out our NEW website: www.divenewsnetwork.com
NOVEMBER 2011
more info online at www.divenewsnetwork.com
Southeast Dive News
The complete resource for diving in the Southeast.
www.sedivenews.com
Publisher / Editor-in-Chief Rick Stratton rick@divenewsmag.com Production Manager IJ James ij@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
360-240-1874
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 Northeast Dive News when you change your mailing address. To ensure uninterrupted service, please contact us six to eight weeks before the change of address occurs. You can call us at 360-240-1874 PST or email us at nediver@nedivenews.com or mail at: Bedrock Publications P.O. Box 1494 Oak Harbor, WA 98277
IN THIS EDITION
◄ Cover by Gene Page
Sixth generation Floridian Gene Page grew up mostly in the Tampa Bay area with one grandfather being the publisher of the local newspaper and the other an artist and maritime historian. It was this unique background that got Gene started on his life-long interest in water, (particularly being under it), history, travel and photography. Gene started learning about photography in the dark room at the Bradenton Herald while being exposed to numerous houseboat trips and Jacques Cousteau shows on television at his maternal grandparent’s house on Anna Maria Island. This led Gene to discover scuba at age 11, (after reading a book about scuba diving and answering enough questions correctly), while on a family camping trip on the Weeki Wachee River. Having always been interested in diving but never having gone through the classes to get certified, Gene started taking various courses later in life to become a better wreck diver and then of course fell in love with cave diving. Gene and his family live in the woods of Micanopy, enjoying life and travel as Gene goes on assignment for various productions.
Monthly Columns Publisher’s Note.................................4
Longest Dive...................................8-9
Incoming Mail.....................................5
Intro to Cave Diving 101..............12-13
Southeast Hot News..........................6
Tropical Dive Directory................22-23
Southeast Activities............................7
Local Dive Directory....................22-23
LOCAL DIVE DESTINATION 10 Shark Diving at The Florida Aquarium Okay, queue the theme music from Jaws. Because when you get in the water with a handful of shark larger than you that is what you hear. The Dive with the Sharks guest program at The Florida Aquarium is a perfect way to get up close and personal with some very big sharks. It is a controlled environment with excellent visibility and you are guaranteed to see some amazing sharks (plus a few other cool marine animals to boot)! By Tom Wagner
SOUTHeast DESTINATION 14 Florida - Diving in the Heart of Cave Diving Country North central Florida is, in fact, a karst environment with underground rivers that form a maze of springs that offer divers over 30,000 ft. of cave passages to explore. Join writer Marc Bryan as he explores the Devil’s Cave system in this tour of underground diving in Florida. By Marc Bryan
TROPICAL DESTINATIONS 18 Manatees in Florida – As Native As it Gets The Florida coast is home to the West Indian Manatees, a species that ranges from 8.9 – 11 ft. long and can weigh up to 1300 lbs. These are dive buddies like you’ve never had. Explore the rivers of Florida where the manatees move at their own pace, simply floating along majestically on the bottom of the rivers as they have for thousands of years. Experience these creatures in their natural environment and fall in love with the largest surviving member of the aquatic mammal order Sirenia. By Jill Andrews
Sign up for our NEW E-Subscription at www.divenewsnetwork.com
3
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Do you have an opinion? Contact us: editor@divenewsnetwork.com
We Need To Risk Hanging Together Or Assuredly We Shall All Hang Separately
T
John Trumbull’s painting, Declaration of Independence.
here is a generally accepted story from the signing of the Declaration of Independence where John Hancock said that Congress, having signed the Declaration, must now “all hang together”, and Benjamin Franklin replied: “Yes, we must indeed all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.” The risks of speaking out against the King were dangerous. However, these men made a choice and the history books reflect the results. In the current economy, industry participants and leaders have a choice, and history will reveal which one was successful. As business owners, we must choose differently than the status quo. We need to speak out against our own oppressor of apathy and separatism, and we need to seek an agreement. We need to work together as an industry, or we shall all hang separately. Our times are forcing a change in business. As a business and industry we are all struggling with the changes. The economy itself, the internet and the changing customer buying habits, are forcing ‘the pie’ to feel smaller. The Southeast is one of the hardest hit sections of the country. Between hurricane season and tourist season winding down, diving itself in the Southeast requires a sacrifice. The pie feels smaller, and as a result the dive retailers are fighting each other for a share of the shrinking pie. The problem with fighting a shrinking pie means there is less for all.
This month we celebrate our thanks for all our blessings. I believe one of our greatest blessings comes from our greatest challenges. Our challenging business climate can result in a rebirth of our spirit. When we realize the need to work cooperatively for the benefit of all, we will find the pie begins to grow. This year I have attended nearly all of the DUI Dog Rally events. At these events DUI dealers are encouraged to work collectively and cooperatively to promote drysuit diving and snorkeling. They all benefit from the Rally. I was impressed by the retailers themselves. They were amazing, warm, personable and passionate advocates for the sport. But I noticed while the events were successful they were a lot smaller than they could have been. Most events are geographically spaced by hundreds of miles so there are usually 20 retailers in each event region. Sadly, only about half the retailers in each area showed up for the event. Each event hosted 150-200 attendees, which is less than 10 divers per shop. Some shops exceed the average, so I am NOT talking about the high performers, just the average (or even those not attending). If each shop increased the number of divers, or potential divers, to 50 then these events could be 2 to 3 times more successful. Talking with DUI test divers after the event, the most common thought was how much fun they had at the event overall, not necessarily the dive itself. Imagine the level of excitement brought with more attendees. I encourage the local dive shops near enough to Manatee Springs to try and bring 50 divers per dive shop on Nov. 12-13. This event could be so much more than just something on the activity calendar because of your efforts! We can all be more successful if we work cooperatively rather than individually to facilitate and improve our customers’ experience: yielding the industry more customers! facebook.com/Rick.Stratton1 twitter.com/swdivenews rick@divenewsnetwork.com
Rick
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
4
Check out our NEW website: www.divenewsnetwork.com
Have you seen us on fb? facebook.com/sedivenews
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
From Facebook – on the issue of Safe or Unsafe
The problem here was not even the diver or instructors that produced the picture. Now I know that almost ALL attentive media is good media for a magazine, so they did their job ALMOST to a T... The only arguable problem with the awesome picture was that the footer did not directly mention the irregularity of the pose, and that new/inexperienced divers should not attempt it. Simply put, a diver’s individual safety rests squarely on the shoulders of the individual diver. For a certified diver to see that picture in a magazine and take away that should try it on their next dive is ridiculous. So show some pictures of people IN CONTROL of the situation and their own boundaries have fun! Lawyering up is the opposite of fun, and as professionals we need to present diving as a FUN, recreational activity, to divers and non-divers alike. The picture really shows a diver comfortable in his environment, and having a blast! We have to let everyone see those times, and trust that the newbie to sees and loves it finds their own individual instruction that will suffice to keep them safe! Victor from Low Country Scuba
Victor,
Thanks for your comments and kudos on our handling of the issue. I have a few conflicted thoughts on the issue as well. I think that the photo depicts a “safe act” for a trained diver. Those who have not had this level of training or certification could not and should not be encouraged to do this kind of activity. But I do have an experience to share that might shed a different perspective on it.. A few years ago I was doing a story in Roatan with my family at Kids Sea Camp. My daughter Amanda was 10 and went through the Junior Open Water certification program. As part of the program, she and I went on her first open-water certification dive with her dive instructor. Amanda has been around the water her entire life.
Amanda Stratton at Kid’s Sea Camp in Roatan 2009. Photo by Rick Stratton
She is a skilled swimmer, a real fish underwater. But this was her first actual dive. I was a very proud Papa. I took my camera along to commemorate the moment and do my journalist thing. Once we descended I immediately lined up to take my first shot, to my surprise Amanda popped her regulator out of her mouth and hammed for the camera! I almost swallowed my regulator in response. I scolded her immediately and motioned for her to put her reg back in. She smiled and safely purged it and popped it back in like it was no big deal.. Later I thought about the experience and decided that it was no big deal. She had the training and experience to do that safely and so does nearly any certified diver. That’s my two cents...
Rick
Florida Keys scuba diving at its best
We offer Diving, Snorkeling, JetSki, Kayak and Stand-Up Paddleboard Rentals, Deep Sea and Back Country Fishing Charters, Sunset Cruises, Eco Tours and Private Dive/Snorkel Charters. We are also an authorized Aqualung Partner Dealer and Service Center stocking a full inventory of dive and snorkel equipment.
www.pirateislanddivers.com 800-809-9881 | 305-453-9881 facebook.com/pirateislanddivers twitter.com/pirateisland info@pirateislanddivers.com 103800 Overseas Highway in Key Largo
We support local divers - Local divers support the industry.
5
HOT NEWS Get your business noticed by sending us your NEWS/EVENTS: editor@divenewsmag.com Roll Those Dice with the Atlanta Aquanauts
The Atlanta Aquanauts Dive Club is hosting a Casino Night Party on Sat. Nov. 5 from 7 to 11 pm at the 5 Seasons Brewery at 5600 Roswell Rd. Come play blackjack, craps, poker, roulette, or event take part in the silent auction. The Brewery is offering all proceeds earned frmo their specialty drinks that evening to be added to the money donated combined with the auction and caino winnings to benefit Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba (SUDS). For more details and to register please visit www.asdivefest.com.
Adventure Scuba Hosts Holiday Open House
The Adventure Scuba Company in Chantilly, VA will be hosting its annual holiday open house on Sat. Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the event visitors will get a behind the scenes tour of ASC. They will also offer great sales and promotions, as well as a chance to meet other divers and make new friends. The open house is held in their Chantilly store. There will be food, fun, door prizes and giveaways. For more info visit www.scubava.com.
The 19th Annual “Road-Kill” Roast
The 19th Annual “Road-Kill” Roast and DAN Fundraiser hosted by the Blue Dolphin Dive Club in Orlando will be held Nov. 12 at the Cypress Grove Park located at 290 Holden Ave. This annual event combines a catered luncheon (BBQ, the fixins’, soft drinks) with a “no holds barred” auction to raise money towards the annual donation to DAN. Auction items are donations from across the diving industry including equipment, destination and travel packages, apparel, and more. Bidding begins at 10 a.m. and lunch will be served starting at noon. The Blue Dolphin Dive Club Orlando was the only North America club to obtain the DAN Diamond Club Contributor Status for 2011. For more info contact Michael Craun at michaelsdivin@earthlink.net.
GO TO THE Renaissance Festival or a Holiday Party with FootHill Divers (Or both)
There will be a Renaissance Festival on Sat. Nov. 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 16445 Poplar Tent Rd in Huntersville, NC. The event will be a group outing attended by Aquatic Pleasures Dive Center’s dive club Foothill Divers! Also don’t miss the Foothill Divers holiday party on Dec. 10 at Center City Tavern 238 Cherokee Street, Kings Mountain, North Carolina at 7 p.m. The owner, Robert Bolin, is a Foothill Diver and is willing to give the club the run of the entire joint! The event will include a live band (thanks to Robert). The restaurant has a large selection of entrees on the menu, and the first 20 divers to start the party get a drink coupon. Bring a $15 or less gift to share. For more info about both events visit www.divenowworklater.com.
6
Divetech: PADI’s Newest TecRec Training Center
Divetech in Grand Cayman has become one of PADI’s first TecRec Centers Worldwide and the first TecRec Facility in the Cayman Islands. The technical team at Divetech, headed up by Sr. Instructor Steve Tippetts along with Instructors Nathan Coldham, Anton Swanepoel, Christian Fisher and Jeffrey Wojtowicz are gearing up to offer the full range of TecRec diving courses. “The entry of PADI into the technical sport diving marketplace in both OC and CCR programs is very exciting. PADI has a large market share and many divers wish to stay with the PADI training curriculum. And now with the option for recreational divers to explore beyond the traditional recreational limits and the soon to come Rebreather courses means great things for the marketplace overall,” commented Nancy Easterbrook. Congrats guys! For more info visit www.divetech.com.
Gray’s Reef Ocean Film Festival 2011 Winners
Savannah College of Art and Design student Gabriella Garcia-Pardo won the Ocean Gold Robert O. Levitt Emerging Filmmaker Award for her film, “Whose Wilderness is It?’’ during the 2011 Gray’s Reef Ocean Film Festival. Ten student films were entered in the competition held Sept. 22-25. Garcia-Pardo’s film won over the panel of seven judges for its quality videography and thoughtful writing. For more info contact Council Coordinator Becky Shortland at 912-598-2381 or e-mail her at becky.shortland@noaa.gov.
Pascal Lecocq’s Work to Be Exhibited
Pascal Lecocq has been chosen to be part of the exhibit at the Museum of Art of Fort Lauderdale from May – Nov. of 2012. The exhibit will include sharks and two of Lecocq’s paintings featured include his signature work, “The Matador” for more info visit www.pasca-lecocq.com.
Fish Identification: The Travel Edition
Today’s airline weight restrictions not only limit the amount of underwater gear and cameras divers carry to exotic destinations, but also their prized marine life identification books. Reef Fish Identification – Travel Edition – Caribbean, Bahamas, South Florida satisfies a need in the market for a portable, lightweight field guide rugged enough for luggage, gear bag and boat. The new Travel Edition is a companion to the classic Reef Fish Identification – Florida Caribbean and Bahamas – the divers’ standard reference for more than 20 years. For more info visit www.fishid.com or call (904) 737-6558.
Buddy Dive Launches New Boat
Buddy dive is proud to announce that their maiden voyage was christened in October with a Galapagos Marine Park approved itinerary, including three days of diving at Darwin and Wolf. For more info visit www.buddydive-galapagos.com.
Send Us Your News/Events FREE at editor@divenewsmag.com
Have you seen our calendar online? www.divenewsnetwork.com
Trash Splash 2011
A Deep Blue Dive Center in Key Colony Beach, Fla., participated in its 8th annual Underwater Clean Up for Trash Free Seas in September with Ocean Conservancy. A Deep Blue Dive is a part of the 26th Annual International Coastal Cleanup, the world’s largest volunteer effort to help protect oceans, lakes and rivers. Each year, hundreds of thousands of volunteers from around the world spend a few hours removing trash and debris from beaches, lakes, and rivers keeping track of every piece of trash they find. Ocean Conservancy uses that info to produce an annual snapshot of the problem. For more info about how you can get involved visit www.deepbluedive.com.
NAUI eLearning now in Spanish
NAUI’s Scuba Diver eLearning is now available in Spanish for Spanish speaking divers. This enhancement is available at no additional cost to divers. The NAUI Scuba Diver Education System in Spanish contains an access code for eLearning. Joining the Scuba Diver and Scuba Rescue Diver versions, Spanish eLearning also enhances student’s educational experience. For more info visit http://naui.org.
Activities November
Nov 1: Fanta-Seas Dive Club meeting, 7-9 p.m., Fanta-Seas Divers, 1400 Eatonton Rd., Ste. 750, Madison, GA. www.fanta-seadivers.com Nov 1: Orlando Reef Divers meeting, 7 p.m., Paddy Murphy’s, Baldwin Park, FL. www.meetup.com/Orlando-Reef-Divers/ Nov 2: Nautical Nudists Dive & Boating Club, 7 p.m., Check Website for location, Land ‘O Lakes, FL. nauticalnudist.com Nov 2: South Florida Divers meeting, 7:30 p.m., Lauderdale Isles Yacht Club, Hollywood, FL. www.sfdi.com Nov 3: Caloosa Dive Club meeting, 8 p.m., Cape Coral Yacht Club, Cape Coral, FL. www.diveclub.org Nov 3: Jupiter Drift Divers meeting, 7 p.m., Jupiter Fire Station Community Room, Jupiter, FL. jupiterdriftdivers.com Nov 3: Sarasota Scuba Club meeting, 7:30 p.m., Fraternal Order of Police Hall, Sarasota, FL. www.sarasotascubaclub.org Nov 3: Under Sea Adventurers Dive
Club meeting, 7 p.m., Best Western Hotel, Deerfield Beach, FL. www.usadiveclub.com Nov 4-5: DEMA, 35th year, Orlando, FL. www.demashow.com Nov 5: Atlanta Underwater Explorers, 3pm, East Atlanta Library Branch, Atlanta, GA. www.diveaue.org Nov 8: Atlanta Reef Dwellers Scuba Club, 7 pm, Hudson Grill @ Brookhaven, Atlanta, GA. www.atlantareefdweelers.org Nov 8: Sea Tigers Spearfishing Club, Rousse Trim & Stairs, Harvey, LA. www.seatigers.us Nov 8: South Florida Underwater Photography Society, 7:30 p.m., El Palacio Hotel, Miami, FL. www.sfups.org Nov 8: Waterloggers Dive Club, 6:30 p.m., Beef O’Bradys, Melbourne, FL. www.sealevelscuba.com Nov 8: Clearwater Hogs Spearfishing Club meeting, 7 p.m., Ocean Sports, Dunedin, FL. Call Carl Nelson (727) 515-4672 Nov 9: Bay Area Reef Runners Club Meeting, 7 p.m., Pssghetti’s, Clearwater, FL. Genny Donaldson (727) 365-6172 Nov 11-13: Dog Rally & Demo Tour, Manatee Springs, Chiefland, FL. www.dui-online.com Nov 15: Atlanta Aquanauts Northside Monthly Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Cheeseburger in Paradise, Atlanta, GA. www.meetup.com/Atlanta-Aquanauts/ Nov 15: Orlando Reef Divers meeting, 7 p.m., Paddy Murphy’s, Baldwin Park, FL. www.meetup.com/Orlando-Reef-Divers/ Nov 16: Central Florida Pleasure Divers, 7 p.m., Denny’s Restaurant, Orlando, FL. www.cfpdivers.com. Nov 16: Suncoast Reef Rovers, 6 p.m., Nokomis Community Center, Venice, FL. www.suncoastreefrovers.com Nov 17: Caloosa Dive Club meeting, 8 p.m., Cape Coral Yacht Club, Cape Coral, FL. www.diveclub.org Nov 17: KSC Barracuda Dive Club meeting, 6:30 p.m., Merritt Island Library, Kennedy Space Center, FL. www.kscbarracudas.org Nov 21: Sea Turtle Dive Club meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Jasper Dive Center, Jasper, GA. www.seaturtlediveclub.com Nov 24: Bubbles up Jacksonville Monthly Member Meeting and Future Dive Discussion, 7 p.m., see site for location. www.meetup.com/bubblesupjacksonville Nov 24: Sink or Swim Scuba Divers Meetup, 7 p.m., Gastonia, NC. www.meetup. com/Sink-Or-Swim-Scuba-Divers/
December
Dec 1: Caloosa Dive Club meeting, 8 p.m., Cape Coral Yacht Club, Cape Coral, FL. www.diveclub.org Dec 1: Jupiter Drift Divers meeting, 7 p.m., Jupiter Fire Station Community Room, Jupiter, FL. www.jupiterdriftdivers.com Dec 1: Sarasota Scuba Club meeting,
DIVE ACTIVITIES 7:30 p.m., Fraternal Order of Police Hall, Sarasota, FL. www.sarasotascubaclub.org Dec 3: Atlanta Underwater Explorers, 3pm, East Atlanta Library Branch, Atlanta, GA. www.diveaue.org Dec 6: Fanta-Seas Dive Club meeting, 7-9 p.m., Fanta-Seas Divers, 1400 Eatonton Rd., Ste. 750, Madison, GA. www.fanta-seadivers.com Dec 6: Orlando Reef Divers meeting, 7 p.m., Paddy Murphy’s, Baldwin Park, FL. www.meetup.com/Orlando-Reef-Divers/ Dec 7: Nautical Nudists Dive & Boating Club, 7 p.m., Check Website for location, Land ‘O Lakes, FL. nauticalnudist.com Dec 7: South Florida Divers meeting, 7:30 p.m., Lauderdale Isles Yacht Club, Hollywood, FL. www.sfdi.com Dec 13: Atlanta Reef Dwellers Scuba Club, 7 pm, Hudson Grill @ Brookhaven, Atlanta, GA. www.atlantareefdweelers.org Dec 13: Sea Tigers Spearfishing Club, Rousse Trim & Stairs, Harvey, LA. www.seatigers.us Dec 13: South Florida Underwater Photography Society, 7:30 p.m., El Palacio Hotel, Miami, FL. www.sfups.org Dec 13: Waterloggers Dive Club, 6:30 p.m., Beef O’Bradys, Melbourne, FL. www.sealevelscuba.com Dec 13: Clearwater Hogs Spearfishing Club meeting, 7 p.m., Ocean Sports, Dunedin, FL. Call Carl Nelson (727) 515-4672 Dec 14: Bay Area Reef Runners Club Meeting, 7 p.m., Pssghetti’s, Clearwater, FL. Genny Donaldson (727) 365-6172 Dec 15: Caloosa Dive Club meeting, 8 p.m., Cape Coral Yacht Club, Cape Coral, FL. www.diveclub.org Dec 15: KSC Barracuda Dive Club meeting, 6:30 p.m., Merritt Island Library, Kennedy Space Center, FL. www.kscbarracudas.org Dec 19: Sea Turtle Dive Club meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Jasper Dive Center, Jasper, GA. www.seaturtlediveclub.com Dec 20: Atlanta Aquanauts Northside Monthly Meeting, 7 p.m., Cheeseburger in Paradise, Atlanta, GA. www.meetup.com/Atlanta-Aquanauts/ Dec 20: Orlando Reef Divers meeting, 7 p.m., Paddy Murphy’s, Baldwin Park, FL. www.meetup.com/Orlando-Reef-Divers/ Dec 21: Central Florida Pleasure Divers, 7 p.m., Denny’s Restaurant, Orlando, FL. www.cfpdivers.com. Dec 21: Suncoast Reef Rovers, 6 p.m., Nokomis Community Center, Venice, FL. www.suncoastreefrovers.com Dec 22: Sink or Swim Scuba Divers Meetup, 7 p.m., Gastonia, NC. www.meetup. com/Sink-Or-Swim-Scuba-Divers/ Dec 22: Bubbles up Jacksonville Monthly Member Meeting and Future Dive Discussion, 7:00 p.m., see site for location. www.meetup.com/bubblesupjacksonville
We support local divers - Local divers support the industry.
7
news and events
REGIONAL NEWS
Diver Allen Sherrod Sets World Record
Finally a Photo C ble to relax o n la ourtesy Alyssa nd. Abel. The dive team, support group, and sponsers crowded around including Allen’s son Cody. Photo Courtesy Alyssa Abel
I
f you had 120 hours, 14 minutes and 11 seconds what would you do with the time? Diver and scuba instructor Allen Sherrod of Groveland, Florida knows the answer to that question for him…he jumped into Lake David and set a new world record for the longest scuba dive in open fresh water. According to the Guinness Book of World Records the former record for the longest scuba dive in open fresh water was set by Jerry Hall. Hall set his record by being in the water at 12 ft. continuously for 120 hours, 1 minute and 9 seconds in Watauga Lake in Tennessee. Sherrod took the record adding just 13 minutes and 3 seconds to the time mastered. Sherrod played by the rules too; the Guinness World Records rules state that he not surface at any time.
Once his time in the water was up, five full days, Sherrod surfaced to sunlight and applause from onlookers. Safety divers, the Groveland Fire Rescue medics and police officers as well as family members, friends and even some strangers supported Sherrod on his quest. He was quoted as stating that the atmosphere in the water was a bit dark so the sunlight was a welcome sight. Sherrod’s dive was about more than just making the world record. He was also motivated by the fact that the dive was raising money. All the proceeds from the pursuit went to the Wounded Warriors. Wounded Warriors is a non-profit agency that helps soldiers wounded in combat utilize diving as a form of rehabilitation as well as a method to regain lost movement back.
See the Power
All the features of the JT-50. Smaller and designed for single tank use. 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”
JT-40D
Email us for a full list of spec’s
info@istdivingsystem.com 8
Dive Locally - Where It Really Matters
REGIONAL NEWS
dy. son Co Abel is h h it sa Allen wourtesy Alys C o t o Ph Sherrod used a computer monitor and keyboard water proofed and set up so that he could watch movies, listen to music and log onto Facebook. Towards the end of the dive, the monitor and keyboard set up sprung a leak, and Sherrod was left to his own devices for the remainder of the dive. He says that at that point the dive got tough because he was unable to keep busy. According to the determined diver the toughest part of the dive physically was getting through the night hours. Mentally the dark coupled with the need for sleep while being underwater was hard. He added that
The best place
to get your regulator serviced is the store you it from
purchased
Longest Dive
Be sure and check back on Allen’s progress. On Oct. 22, he will be attempting to break the longest dive in salt water! Allen did it! He beat the record! Photo Courtesy Alyssa Abel
the waiting was also hard because he could not physically talk to anyone. During the dive Sherrod built up a lot of nitrogen in his body from being underwater. Once the dive was completed he had to spend hours hooked up to an oxygen tank. This is necessary for the diver to re-adjust his body to being above water. Sherrod survived on a liquid diet of Ensure and Gatorade during the dive. It is important to note that the Guinness World Records, Dive News Network and the dive industry does not advocate taking on a task such as this without the proper training and
guidance as well as support. “Being in the water for that long takes special preparation and it can be very dangerous if a diver does not know what they are doing,” says Dive News Publisher Rick Stratton. “It is important that others do not try this at home.” Currently Sherrod holds the record for longest fresh water dive but rest assured others will attempt to beat the record once again. The record for the longest open salt water dive is 48 hours, 8 minutes and 17 seconds which was set by William Goodman, a resident of the United Kingdom, at Blue Marlin Dive in Lombok, Indonesia. ■
DIVE CHARTERS Tampa St. Petersburg Clearwater
Servicing dive equipment since 1985 Supporting our dive retailers they are the heart of our dive community
3651 Bastion Lane; Raleigh, NC, 27604
(866) 287-0850 www.airtechscubaservices.com
U.S. Coast Guard Certified Dive Boat
(727) 798-1269 TanksALotDiveCharter.com
We support local divers - Local divers support the industry.
9
southwest FLORIDA SOUTHEAST DESTINATION
SHARK DIVING at the Florida Aquarium
Photo Courtesy The Florida Aquarium
O
kay, queue the theme music from Jaws. Because when you get in the water with a handful of sharks, larger than you, that is what you hear. The Dive with the Sharks guest program at The Florida Aquarium is a perfect way to get up close and personal with some very big sharks. It is a controlled environment with excellent visibility and you are guaranteed to see some amazing sharks (plus a few other cool marine animals to boot)! Certified SCUBA divers 15 and older can Dive with the Sharks every day at The Florida Aquarium. The 90-minute-long program includes a safety briefing, an educational presentation in the shark 10
classroom and 30 minutes hanging out with sand tiger sharks as long as your car! The largest comes in at about 10 feet! Divers experience the shark dive with certified NAUI dive professionals. Don’t worry about lugging your equipment for this dive, Zeagle Systems scuba equipment is provided! When I’m travelling, being able to jump in with sharks without having to worry about gear is a major plus. While the sharks are definitely the main attraction of this adventure, they aren’t the only residents of the Aquarium’s Coral Reef exhibit (their largest) with 500,000-gallons displaying more than 100 species of fish! Some of the fan favorites include moray
Sign up for our NEW E-Subscription at www.divenewsnetwork.com
SOUTHEAST DESTINATION
Diving WITH THE SHARKS
2 exciting holiday gifts for the diver in your life! Santa’s Booty Dive Fin Stocking SPECIAL FOR SOUTHEAST DIVE NEWS READERS: Come check at The Florida Aquarium at DEMA booth #2638 and sign up to get the Dive with the Sharks for $150 (and save $25).
Photo Courtesy The Florida Aquarium
eels (some of them more than 6 feet long), a green sea turtle named Flip, a goliath grouper, tarpon and barracuda. The first thing you see as you approach the tank from topside is a big yellow cage. As intimidating as that sounds, it really is more for the shark’s safety than the divers. The sharks stay clear of the cage so divers can enter the exhibit easily and safely. After a few minutes gathering yourself (and your courage) in the cage, the dive masters escort you out of the cage and nose-to-nose with these amazing animals! You don’t get to dive freely wherever you want, but the dive master does escort you
to three different spots in the exhibit to give you a few difference angles and experiences while in the water with all of these great fish. It even includes a few minutes to hunt for shark’s teeth (the sand tigers can go through 30,000 in their lifetime!). The price tag on this adventure is $175, but it is well worth the money. The package allows you to spend the day at The Florida Aquarium ($20 value) and includes a souvenir baseball cap and photo of you in the exhibit with the sharks. But even without the awesome extras, just getting within inches of a shark is worth it. An experience to remember! ■
UniqUe Dive SiteS Recreational and Technical $40 CharterS 2 dives includes air tanks ServiCeS Instruction from beginner to expert Air, Nitrox & Tri-mix available 710 Dive Buddy Lane, Salem, SC 29676
864.944.9255 www.jocasseediveshop.com www.facebook.com/lakejocasseediveshop
Stuff this unique holiday stocking with all of your diver’s goodies and hang it by the chimney with care.
Children’s book, “My Daddy Wears a Different Kind of Suit to Work” s My Daddy WeKiar nd a Different rk Wo of Suit to
By Josephine Amy Dituri and Joseph Dituri Illustrated by Lucy Monette
Mi papá vi st un tipo difere e de nt traje al trab e de ajo
Por Josephine Amy Dituri & Joseph Dituri
ISBN 978-0-5 78-0898
1-2
$19.95
51995 >
Ilustrado por Lucy Monett e 9 780578 089812
This book allows you to share the marvels of the undersea world with your children through radiant illustrations and a heartwarming tale. In both English and Spanish under one hardcover.
Just $19.95 ea. Gallant Aquatic Ventures International (858) 337-9418
www.gallantaquatic.com
We support our local dive shop - without them we will not have a dive industry.
11
TECHNICAL DIVING
SOUTHEAST DIVE DESTINATION
Intro To
CAVE DIVING 101
Why would you want to go in there? FIVE GOLDEN RULES OF CAVE DIVING 5: Use Three Sources of Light 4: Remain Within the Safest Possible Operating Limits for Your Breathing Media 3. Keep Two Thirds of Your Starting Gas Volume in Reserve to Exit the Cave 2. Maintain a Continuous Guideline to the Cave Exit 1. Be Trained for Cave Diving, and Remain Within the Limits of Your Training
Photo by Gene Page
By Rick Stratton re you thinking about cave diving? Do you have an updated life insurance policy? The last question frequents the common non-diver when I ask about cave diving. Many are in the dark about what cave diving actually entails. As a diver for over 30 years, I respect cave divers for the level of commitment they have for the sport. In doing research for this series of articles, I had the chance to speak with Marc Bryan of Cave Country Dive Shop in High Springs, FL. He has been diving since 1996, and he’s been teaching cave diving since 2008. “People come in to go diving, then they experience diving and all it has to offer. Naturally, they look for ways to take their diving to the next level. Naturally, because of the cave systems Florida has to offer, they start considering cave diving.” Marc goes on, “They read forums or their friends have refined their skills through cave diving, and they start asking questions.” The truth is that cave diving used to be extraordinarily dangerous. As the sport first evolved and became popular in the 60s and 70s there were a disproportionate number of fatalities. But the divers were true pioneers then; they were literally making it up as they went along. Some were dry cavers who wanted to pass a cave sump but had little dive experience. Others were experienced open water divers but had no understanding of the unique hazards of the overhead environment. Silting, inadequate air reserves, lack of lighting and depth all were factors that claimed lives. But slowly lessons were learned and techniques developed that allowed these unexplored and hidden parts of our planet to be revealed and these lessons were literally paid for in lives. From great divers like Sheck Exley in the USA, the five Golden Rules of cave diving developed and from that point on the sport took a turn for the better. See the sidebar for full list of rules.
A
12
Sign up for our NEW E-Subscription at www.divenewsnetwork.com
SUOTHEAST TRAVEL
SPECIALTY DIVING: TIPS But what makes cave diving special? According to Marc, “Divers seek cave diving out to take their dive training to another level, for their equipment, or really to dive in some of the most spectacular environments the globe has to offer.” He explains, “Also, there isn’t an issue of having to be on time like there is for a charter. Most of the cave systems have reasonable and open hours. So you aren’t stuck if the boat has to stick to their schedule.” Marc also talks about the reliability of the conditions. With waters unaffected by weather, caves offer divers 65-75 degree waters with vis that is excellent (and by excellent, we mean EXCELLENT). The other great aspect of being a cave diver lies in the cost. Yes, the initial gear setup can be expensive. Getting certified appropriately costs a little bit (but no more than getting certified in general). However, once all these requirements are met, you can enter the cave systems in Florida for as little as $4. That’s right! Four. Dollars. All the diving you could want in your cave system. Realistically this can be a bit more depending on where you dive, but from what we’ve found not by too much. We are excited to share cave diving with you, and of course remind you to follow the rules. We are doing a series of cave diving stories beginning with this intro. Stay tuned to this channel for the next installment: Cave Diving 101. ■
Photo by Gene Page
Hybrid 1 - Monostar P4H
Go Hybrid Foto: Bruno Van Saen - HugyCup 2010
Are you looking for a career in scuba diving? Look no further than
3 PADI Course Directors on staff who have trained thousands of Instructors.
260 lumen 110 min
Hybrid 2 - Tristar P4H
780 lumen 75 min
Hybrid 8 - Monostar P7H
900 lumen 100 min
Incredible Location at Bahia Mar Beach Resort on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Just 10 minutes from the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport.
954-770-DIVE (3483) www.diveFortLauderdale.com Use Discount Code DNN11 for $50 OFF Phase II
Green Force Hybrid* * Compact - Lightweight - Powerful - Low consumption 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
We support local divers - Local divers support the industry.
13
SOUTHEAST DESTINATIONS
CENTRAL FLORIDA
FLORIDA Diving in the Heart of Cave Diving Country
By Marc Bryan Guest Writer, Dive News Network
I
n north central Florida one expects to find oranges, retired folks and even a few gators but the heart of cave country USA? The answer is yes, north central Florida is, in fact, a karst environment with underground rivers that form a maze of springs that burst from the ground and provide a window of opportunity to explore an underground world of wonder. It is one of the best kept secrets of the southern dive community. Located in central Florida, on the Santa Fe River, is the Devil’s Cave system. It is one of the crown jewels of Florida cave diving. Divers travel from all over the world to experience this vast network of passages that run for a total of over 30,000 ft. There are two diver accessible entries into the cave. The first, the Devil’s Eye Spring is a round limestone shaft carved out of the river bed. It is marked by a large gin-clear pool of water approximately twenty ft. across and twenty ft. deep. This opening is in the lower end of the 300 ft. long spring run, about fifty ft. from the river. At the bottom of the shaft is a cavern entrance that leads into the cave system. The second, the Devil’s Ear Spring lies in the bed of the river just at the confluence of the spring run and is marked by a tethered red float and a large boil on the surface created by the flow from the spring. Devil’s Ear is a limestone chimney and differs from its sister entrance, the Eye, in that it is less round and more oblong, and there 14
is no spring pool since the spring is in the river itself beyond where the Devil’s run meets the river. While the bottom of Devil’s Ear is at about 30 ft., the spring opening is at a depth of approximately five ft. and is wide enough for divers to descend into a chimneylike cave system. Water flowing from the spring is clear during low river levels. However, at higher river levels, the combination of the tea-colored tannic water of the Santa Fe, and the bright rays of the sun, can create a picturesque and colorful underwater display above the spring entrance. The two entrances connect approximately one hundred ft. inside the system. Water temperature in the system is 72 degrees year round. The history of the Devil’s Cave system is filled with excitement and discovery. The property connected to the system contains multiple springs. In the late 1960’s to mid-1970 there were two systems on a property that became the focus of divers, the Devils system and the Ginnie system. The Ginnie system was grated off in 1976, mainly to keep Devil’s Eye open. At the time “Ginnie” held the ominous record for number of diving fatalities among cave systems. The beginning of the cave is very tempting with a large room and a sandy bottom. However, multiple small tunnels lie beyond this room and they are low and full of silt providing a technically challenging dive even for experienced cave divers. Open water divers tended to wander into the passages, decrease the visibility by stirring up the silt with improper techniques, get lost and then run out of air attempting
Dive Locally - Where It Really Matters
FLORIDA CAVE DIVING
DEVIL’S CAVE SYSTEM
Photo by Gene Page
to find the exit. Because of this tendency, at one time the property owner wanted to close all springs on the property to diving. Cave divers, realizing the possible loss of the site, approached the land owner to see if a compromise could be reached. A deal was struck between the cave divers and the owner; cave divers would grate the cave at Ginnie, in exchange for keeping Devil’s Eye open to cave diving. In 1971 the first dive past the Cornflakes Restriction, so named for large orange colored “corn flakes” formations the size of small plates, was made by John Harper and Paul Havins. The permanent line at that time began over 200 ft. into the cave near the corn flakes. At that time you had to negotiate your vehicle through the woods to get to Devil’s Eye or Devil’s Ear. Walking from “Ginnie” was a long way with double cylinders. “Back in those days near the entrance to Ginnie, what is now a horse pasture, was a watermelon field,” says Jim Wyatt, a diver who completed cave diving instruction at
the National Association of Cave Divers Instructor Institute at Ginnie Springs in 1975. He was taught by Sheck Exley, Gene Melton, and Mary Melton, dive instructors noted for their expertise. Wyatt became NACD Instructor number 28 and has been diving the Springs for years. In 1975 Lewis Holtzendorff, Sheck Exley, and Court Smith made record penetrations in the Devil’s cave system of 3,105 ft. and 3,305 ft. on April 13 and April 20. As a result, several survey maps were produced, laying out the passageways. Renowned cave explorer and photographer Wes Skiles also produced a map in 1977 from the compiled work of that team of divers as well as others. Now days there are highly accurate and detailed maps that many divers use as a valuable resource for planning dives into the system. Today the cave is among the most visited in the world and in addition to being a popular destination for locals and vacationing divers, it is heavily used as a training site for new cave diver instruction.
We support our local dive shopS - without them we will not have a dive industry.
15
CAVE DIVE REPORT
SOUTHEAST DIVE DESTINATION
Photo by Gene Page
A gold primary line now begins around 100 ft. from the cavern zones and after tying into the gold line divers travel through a large beautiful passageway known as the Gallery at a depth of 65 ft. The gold line then makes a turn to the right and enters a famous restriction known as the Lips. Just past the Lips is a large breakdown room that leads to another restriction called the Keyhole. Just past that the cave drops to a depth of 95 ft. and makes a 90 degree turn to the right where divers will find the first marked jump in the system off of the mainline onto an alternate line. This line, known as the Bone Line, leads to two huge rooms, known as the Bone Room and the Big Room; they are large enough in places to drive a couple of tractor trailers side by side through. This line loops back around to the main line near 1000 ft. close to a formation in the cave known as the Maple Leaf. Continuing on the mainline past the first marked jump and traveling on 200 ft. into the cave leads to the famous Hill 400 tunnel. This passageway leads to thousands of ft. of other passages, such as July Springs, Parallel Lines, The Wormhole, Sherwood Split, and the world famous “BATS”. Past Hill 400 the primary line travels approximately 3000 ft. past several side passageways on its way to a restriction known as the Henkel. Past the Henkel the cave continues to branch out. The cave was once thought to terminate around 4200 ft. from the entrance but in late 2007 and early 2008, a Swiss diver name Marius Frei was exploring the back of the cave and pushed through a restriction at the end of the old line to discover a new passageway. This newly discovered section has since been explored out to over 7000 ft. at a depth of over 160 ft. and skilled divers are continuing to explore it now. Once hidden deep in the woods, and out of the sight of divers, the Devil’s Cave system has become one of the most well-known, thoroughly explored, cave systems in the world. Accessible from the beautiful and diver friendly Ginnie Springs Outdoors property, this area is a maze of beauty and wonder waiting for the properly trained adventurous soul to explore. ■ 16
Sign up for our NEW E-Subscription at www.divenewsnetwork.com
SOUTHEAST DIVE DESTINATION
FLORIDA CAVE DIVING
EDUCATION IS KEY! The essentials a new IANTD program a manual and a Dvd for recreational and technical divers
All New Advanced Wreck Diving Book Revolutionary Concept in Wreck Diving New Chapter in In-Water Recompression
First Nitrox • CCR Books • Instruction
COME SEE SEE US US AT AT DEMA•BOOTH#1216 DEMA • BOOTH # COME For additional IANTD dive publication, facility and instructor listings visit:
WWW.IANTD.COM Or call us direct at (786) 704-9722.
This publication supports the southeast Dive Community
17
TROPICAL DESTINATIONS SOUTHEAST TRAVEL
Manatees Gentle Giants
By Jill Andrews Guest Writer, Dive News Network
C
onfessions up front, I am NOT a scuba diver or a snorkeler. I am a swimmer. I grew up swimming for a small town swim team in the local pool and in the Columbia and Snake rivers; wetsuits, face masks, flippers, and the scuba accoutrement is all foreign to me. All that being said, imagine my excitement when I had the opportunity to swim with the manatees in Florida. As a Northwest native, I’ve always been fascinated with large water mammals and their natural dwellings; however, swimming in the cold waters of the Puget Sound with the resident Orca whales just didn’t sound appealing or legal. Seeing the manatees in their natural, warm-water setting was much closer to my cup of tea, and when given the chance, I jumped at it. Luckily I also landed a trip to sunny Florida in February: BONUS!
Going Diving ? Go Here First !
www.FloridaManateeTours.com www.DiveOrlando.com www.DiveDaytona.com www.DiveStPete.com www.DivingTampa.com www.DivingClearwater.com www.DiveFloridaKeys.com
Let me start with a word of advice, bring your sense of humor and a camera to your first wetsuit fitting. I’m sure this is nothing new for the experienced readers of Dive News, but, as a novice wetsuit user, anytime I feel the need to go off my diet I will remember my time in my wetsuit. Standing in front of a mirror looking like the Stay Puff marshmallow woman I found myself wondering, “Do I really need to look like a manatee to see the manatees?” Wetsuit modeling is a humbling experience at best. I only brought my own mask and snorkel (because it had been professionally fitted), and the sacrificed suitcase space was worth it! The boots and fins completed my ensemble making me ready for the winter waters of the Kings Bay and the Rainbow River. Crystal River is a spring system composed of more than 40 springs and makes up a perfect habitat for Manatees. We arrived at Crystal River to amazing
blues skies, no clouds, and perfect 70°F weather; it was warm and beautiful on the Florida Sun coast. We were also instantly greeted by all things manatee...shirts, charms, bumper stickers, signs, etc. Best of all, everyone from the front desk at the hotel to the rental shops had information about the rules of engagement with the manatees for protection and to insure the manatees are not injured or bullied. The Florida coast is home to the Florida Manatees, a Sub Species of the West Indian Manatees. Adults range from 10-13 feet long, an average weight of 1200 pounds, (some as large as 3000 pounds) with females being larger than the males. There are several manatee sanctuaries including one at the mouth of the Three Sisters Springs in the Crystal River which was our destination. This area is known for its amazing fresh water diving. The springs’ source is consistently 15-20 ft in depth.
Dolphin Sun Dive Charters
We take care of everything so you can relax & enjoy hassle-free diving! locally owned & operated
We offer the best selection of scuba diving equipment, expert training, equipment repair & servicing and scuba dive certification programs in South Florida.
(561) 732-8590
www.boyntonbeachdivecenter.com
1019 Harker’s Island Rd. Beaufort, NC 28516
(252)504-3483
(561) 886-8925
poseydondive@embarqmail.com
www.dolphinsun.com www.poseydondive.info
we support the southeast dive community
CENTRAL FLORIDA
CRYSTAL RIVER Our time with the manatees was fantastic; you literally have to keep your face in the water. This isn’t a heavy swimming event, in fact manatees prefer shallow warm water, so most of the time I was nearly standing on the bottom of the river or just barely floating. According to Jerry Hogan, owner of Crystal Lodge Dive Center and Vice President of the Manatee Eco-Tourism Association, divers should always float and never put their feet down. It stirs the bottom and destroys the visibility in the water. Federal law requires all professional boat rental operators, kayak rentals etc to have all their customers watch an 11 minute video on Manatee etiquette to help prevent harm to manatees and more enjoyment of the trip for site seers. The manatees move at their own pace, slightly faster than paint drying but slower than the algae growing on their backs. A manatee would literally be swimming within inches of the snorkelers without notice along the bottom of the river. We were told to look for small circling ripples in the water and if we found some, it was probably a manatee getting a sip of air before slowing sinking back to the bottom. Our guide and family member, Jeremy Lee, was an expert in pointing out what I thought were rocks on the edges of the channel, but were, in fact, baby manatees sleeping. Even at rest, they simply float. No noisy blows or thrilling breaches, no spy hops or cartwheels, just slow elegant movements. Who knew something so huge could also be so graceful. I could have spent all day meditating and floating with the manatees. According to Capt Traci of Native Vacations, who offers guided Manatee trips, “Manatees are extremely gentle & curious, and seem to be almost as interested in us as we are them. They come to look at us, and sometimes touch us. If a mother does not want her calf near us, she will simply call the calf and they will leave the area. At no time, has a manatee ever been aggressive toward another
You haven’t dived Fiji until you dive
wananavu
From beginners to braggers, there’s something for everyone at dive wananavu; from the thousand fish frenzies of Sailstone Reef to the awe inspiring soft coral and big, big fish of the bligh waters.
679.669.4433 www.wananavu.com
Local divers don’t just dive locally - they dive globally!
19
CRYSTAL RIVER MANATEES being. Manatee Cows will sometimes leave their calves alone with humans while she sleeps or eats. Free Babysitting!” My wetsuit lasted less than 1 hour, by the way, and after taking it off all I could think was, FREEDOM! The water was very warm so I shed the suit. Our next adventure took us up the Rainbow River from KP Hole Park in Dunnellon, FL. Our guide pointed out the best routes to float down including deeper dive spots and caves. Once again we suited up and entered the river in a shallow spot with a floating dive marker. The river float was about an hour back to the boat launch in deep river water that is surrounded by southern charm. Fresh water diving and snorkeling on the Rainbow River was amazing! This river is loaded with diving birds, turtles, fish, grass islands, and to my surprise, fresh water caves. Locals and visitors we saw along the way enjoyed the banks of the river and floating, but we were also cautioned to be careful of private land and stay in the main waterways. We finally ended up at Homosassa State Park, formerly a private wildlife zoo, which is a great place for kids. There are a lot of ways that they educate people on local native animals. We took a quirky ride up a man-made river and it was a lot of fun. My adventure with the manatees was
Discover the rich beauty and thrilling experience of diving the largest clear water cavern in Florida. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 8 am - 6 pm
Fully Equipped Dive Shop Full Service Air Station Bathhouses w/showers BBQ/ Picnic Pavilions
amazing. I have decided that I will definitely go back some time and perhaps spend even more time hanging out with the large graceful creatures. There is nothing like seeing marine life in action to make a person realize what they may be missing out on. The snorkeling was amazing, but I would love to see more without the limitations. Diving here I come… ■ Editors Note: Special thanks for technical details in this article goes to Michael Mancke of Plantation Inn and Dive Center: Ron Goodel of American Pro Diving Center, Captain Traci of Native Vacations.
FORCE-E has 3 Course Directors on staff in Southeast Florida. Flexible Times and Dates and Great Rates Call toll free 866-307-3483 Info@Force-E.com or Force-E.com Join Force-E Divers on Facebook
PADI Instructors have more fun and EARN MORE MONEY - BECOME ONE
3852 NE 172nd Ct. Williston, FL 32696
352-528-5770
www. divebluegrotto.com 20
we support the southeast dive community
SOUTHEAST GEAR REVIEWS EQUIPMENT D1 Hybrid Drysuit
The D1 Hybrid Drysuit gives new meaning to “revolutionary design”. This drysuit includes integrated silicone seals, a drybag, hose, and a 5/7MM H1 Hood. Three years were spent analyzing the problems of standard drysuits before the patented D1 Hybrid was developed. The D1 is the world’s first insulated constant volume drysuit with a 10 Butyl layer Trilaminate shell and 3-D mesh inner lining with suspenders. The suit is designed to provide a constant distance to the outer shell while acting as a vapor barrier keeping the diver dry at all times. The D1Hybrid Drysuit also provides unrestricted airflow throughout the suit so that no trapped air or squeeze is ever allowed. It also sports a warm neck valve and elastic waist band, an armored dry zipper with a chill guard and polyurethane embossed seat area for non-slip and abrasion protection. For more info visit http://waterproof.mwrc.net.
Get the free mobile app for your phone
http:/ / gettag.mobi
Santa’s Booty
Get the free mobile app for your phone
“Santa’s Booty”, is just the gift for that diver in your life this holiday season. It is a diver oriented Christmas stacking and can be embroidered to personalize. This fin is different and will tell your friends and family that you are a diver. The Santa’s Booty Christmas stocking is made in the shape of a jet fin. The Santa’s Booty Christmas stocking, comes in red, pink, and blue with a diagonal white stripe just like a dive flag. A black model comes without the white stripe. For more info visit www.gallantaquatic.com.
http:/ / gettag.mobi Oceanic B.U.D. scuba diving computer
(DiverWire) In the past, divers have had their “buddy” (or bud) – you know, the person you team up with to look out for you and vice-versa. Now, there’s a new B.U.D that can watch your back. Oceanic Worldwide has just released the B.U.D. (backup dive computer) and it’s quickly becoming a favorite of techsavvy divers. What a concept. Now, you don’t have to worry that if your primary computer fails, your diving day is finished. With a back-up computer, you can still dive! That’s one thing your “traditional” dive buddy can’t help you do. The B.U.D. is an innovative backup device that clips onto your BC or placed in a pocket that constantly tracks your dive profile, just as your primary computer is doing. Using the same two algorithms that are set into your computer, whether you are diving on air or nitrox, NDL or Decompression diving, having this small guy diving along with you takes that worry away. Having only one button to adjust your settings, it is simple to use, read and even gives you visual alarms to finish your dive if it becomes necessary to use. Read the rest of the review at www.diverwire.com
Get the free mobile app for your phone
http:/ / gettag.mobi
Children’s book
Get the free mobile app for your phone
http:/ / gettag.mobi
“My Daddy Wears a Different Kind of Suit to Work” is a full color illustrated children’s book sharing the undersea world with your children. Full color pictures and a heartwarming tale; the story is translated by the 13 year old author to Spanish in the back of the book. This is a dual language book. A hard cover (6”x9”) bound bed time story book; this is designed for any child who loves the ocean. For more info about the book visit www.gallantaquatic.com
Local divers don’t just divewww.mwdivenews.com locally - they dive globally!
Northeast & Midwest Dive News JANUARY 2011
21 21
TROPICAL DIVE DIRECTORY
DIVE DIRECTORY Atlantic Pro Divers
Jacksonville Beach
(904) 270-1747
Store/Charter
Auburn
(334) 887-8005
Store
First Coast Divers
Jacksonville
(904) 264-4744
Store
Southern Skin Divers Supply
Birmingham
(205) 595-3052
Store
Blue Iguana Charters
Key Largo
(561) 797-2540
Charter
Down Under Dive Shop
Gulf Shores
(251) 968-3483
Store
Bluewater Divers
Key Largo
(305) 453-9600
Store
Captain Slate’s Atlantis Dive Center
Key Largo
www.captainslate.com
Store
Horizon Divers
Key Largo
(800) 984-3483
Charter
Island Ventures Diving
Key Largo
(305) 451-4957
Training/Charter
Key Largo
(800) 809-9881
Store
Key West
(305) 296-8865
Store
Key West
(800) 891-3483
Charter
Lantana
(561) 547-4343
Store
Largo
(727) 585-0938
Store/Charter
Live Oak
(386) 776-2299
Charter
Live Oak
(386) 776-1449
Charter
ALABAMA Adventure Sport, Inc.
Gary’s Gulf Divers Dive Alabama
Orange Beach
(251) 747-6563
Charter
Pelham
(205) 663-7428
Store/Charter
FLORIDA Southern Most Diving
Big Pine
(305) 974-DIVE
Charter
Force-E Scuba
Boca Raton
(561) 368-0555
Store
Boynton Beach
(561) 732 8590
Store/Charter
Boynton Beach Dive Center Dolphin Sun Dive Charters
Boynton Beach
(561) 886-8925
Charter
Tanks-A-Lot Dive Charters
Clearwater
(727) 798-1269
Charter
Grove Scuba
Pirate Island Dive Shop Captain’s Corner Dive Center Southpoint Divers Wet Pleasures Dive Outfitters Sunshine Scuba
Coconut Grove (305) 443-1313 Store/Charter Cave Excursions
Bird’s Underwater
Crystal River
(800) 771-2763
Store
Crystal River Water Sports Crystal River (352) 795-7033
Charter
Dive Outpost
Madeira Beach
(727) 320-0201
Store
Scuba Network
Deerfield Beach
(954) 422-9982
Store
Abyss Dive Center
Marathon
(800) 457-0134
Store/Charter
Scuba Network
Delray Beach
(561) 330-8501
Store
Cave Adventures
Marianna
(850) 272-2346
Store
The Scuba Center
Delray Beach
(561) 278-7020
Store
Diver’s Den Miami
Miami
Dunedin
(727) 733-1919
Store
Scubadventures
Naples
(239) 434-7477
Store/Charter/Training
Store
Ocala Dive Center
Ocala
(352) 732-9779
Store
Orange Park
(904) 269-8021
Store
Ocean Sports of North Pinellas Divers Discount Florida
Fort Lauderdale (800) 752-6386
Suncoast Dive Center
Lauderdale Diver
Fort Lauderdale
(800) 654-2073
Store
Scuba Extreme Adv.Sports & Travel
Scuba Network (E Sunrise Blvd)
Fort Lauderdale
(954) 467-7872
Store
Scuba Tiger
Scuba Network (N Federal Hwy)
Fort Lauderdale
(954) 491-7793
Store
Scuba Network
Sea Experience
Fort Lauderdale (954) 770-3483 Store/Charter The Dive Station
Captain Pete’s Diving Outfitters
Fort Myers
(239) 337-9564
Store/Charter
Bay Breeze Dive Center
Gulf Breeze
(850) 934-8363
Store
Parrot Island Scuba Adventures
Atlantic Scuba, Inc.
Holly Hill
(386) 253-7558
Store
Dive Pros
Dive Locker
(305) 595-2010 Store/Charter
Orange Park (904) 264-4744 Store/Charter Orlando
(407) 354-1234
Store
Orlando
(407) 843-3483
Store
Panama City Beach
(850) 230-8006
Store/Charter
Pompano Beach
(954) 942-7333
Charter
Pensecola
(866) 348-3776
Store
TROPICAL DIVE DIRECTORY An alphabetical listing of participating dive shops, charters, live aboards and resorts in tropical locations around the world. BRITISH VIRGIN ISlAND cURAcAO BAHAMAS Sea Dragon Bahamas Diving
Small Hope Bay Lodge 800.223.6961 www.smallhope.com SEA DRAGON” DIVE LIVE-ABOARD www.seadragonbahamas.com Unexso Grand Bahamas 800.992.3483 www.unexso.com
BelIze Calypso Beach Retreat 303.264.8333 www.calypsobeachretreat.com Hugh Parkeys 888.223.5403 www.belizediving.com Sun Breeze Hotel 1.800.688.0191 www.sunbreeze.net
BONAIRe Buddy Dive Resort 599.717.5080.518 www.buddydive.com Divi Resorts 954.545.0269 www.diviresorts.com Quest Dive Adventures 770.992.8414 www.questdive.com 22 22
NV Yacht Charters 443.829.8576 www.nvcharters.com
cAYMAN ISlANDS Divetech@Cobal Coast Dive Resort 888.946.5656 divetech.com cobaltcoast.com Southern Cross Club 800.899.2582 www.southerncrossclub.com Sunset House 800.854.4767 www.sunsethouse.com
cOzUMel Albatros Charters 888.333.4643 www.cozumel-fishing.com BlueBubbleScuba 987.872.4240 www.bluebubble.com Island DreamsTravel 800.346.6116 www.divetrip.com Scuba Du 310.684.5556 www.scubadu.com Sea Robin 951.824.9073 www.searobincozumel.com www.nedivenews.com
Ocean Encounters 800.932.6237 www.oceanencounters.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 Lalati 877.750.0233 www.lalatifiji.com Qamea Resort & Spa 649.360.0217 www.qamea.com Scuba Travel Ventures 800.298.9009 www.scubatravelventures.com Wananavu 679.669.4433 www.wananavu.com
GAlAPAGOS Blue Ocean Marine Pty.Ltd. 415.830.3846 www.abyssworld.com Northeast Dive News JANUARY 2008
We support our local dive shop - without them we will not have a dive industry.
DIVE DIRECTORY TROPICAL DIVE DIRECTORY Dr Dive
Pensacola
(617) 943 5553
Charter
Scuba Ventures
Scuba Shack/Wet Dreams Charters
Pensecola
(850) 433-4319 Store/Charter Coral Reef Dive Shop
Viking Diving
Pensacola
(850) 916-3483
Charter
Force-E Scuba
Pompano Beach
(954) 943-3483
Charter
Scuba Network
Pompano Beach
(954) 785-0399
Store
Fantasea Scuba
Port Charlotte
(941) 627-3888
Store
Force-E Scuba
Riviera Beach (561) 845-2333
Shreveport
(318) 222-3483
Charter
Slidell
(985) 641-9888
Store/Charter
(228) 392-7830
Store/Charter
MISSISSIPPI The Dive Shop Llc
D’Iberville
NORTH CAROLINA Black Jack Tech Diving
Charter
Aberdeen
(910) 426-3483
Store
Atlantis Charters
Atlantic Beach
www.atlantischarters.net
6pack Charter
Beaufort
(252) 728-2265 Store/Charter
Depth Perception
Tampa
(813) 689-3483
Store
Discovery Diving Co.
Scuba Haven
Tampa
(813) 972-4455
Store
Poseydon Dive Center
Beaufort
(252) 504-3483
Store/Charter
Conch Republic Divers
Tavernier
(800) 274-3483
Store/Charter
Cape Fear Dive Center
Carolina Beach
(910) 458-7390
Store/Charter
Narcosis Scuba Center
Tarpon Springs
(727) 934-6474
Store/Charter
Dive Hatteras
Venice
(941) 483-3483
Charter
Florida West Scuba & Charters Blue Grotto
Williston
Frisco
(703) 818-1850
Charter
Outer Banks Diving
Hatteras
(252) 986-1056
Charter
(352) 528-5770 Store/Diving Triad Divers Supply
High Point
(336) 886-8808
Store
Monroe
(704) 219-0198
Store
Morehead City
(252) 726-9432
Store/Charter
New Bern
(252) 638-3432
Store
GEORGIA
Diver Style Scuba
Dolphin Dive Center
Athens
(706) 548-3483
Store
Olympus Dive Center
Adventure Dive Center, LLC
Albany
(229) 888-3483
Store
Divin’ Dawgs
The Dive Shop on McEver
Gainesville
(770) 503-0040
Store
Ghost Fleet Dive Charters
Lawrenceville
(678) 407-2442
Store
Rum Runner Dive Shop
Marietta
(770) 973-7909
Store
Stockbridge
(770) 389-9949
Store
Dive Dive Dive, Inc. The Dive Shop Wet Set Scuba & Travel
Wanchese
(252) 491-8475 Store/Charter
Winterville
(252) 439-4390
Store/Charter
SOUTH CAROLINA Charleston Scuba
Charleston
(843) 763-3483
Store/Charter
Diver’s Den Georgia
Saint Marys
(912) 882-7078
Store/Charter
Upstate Scuba
Clemson
(864) 653-3483
Store
South Georgia Dive Charters
Saint Marys
(912) 882-7078
Store/Charter
Columbia Scuba, Inc.
Columbia
(803) 788-9166
Store/Charter
Bermuda Triangle
Greenville
(864) 286-3483
Store
LOUISIANA Underwater Adventures
Baton Rouge
(225) 927-3483
Store/Charter
Low Country Scuba
Mount Pleasant
(843) 884-1500
Store/Charter
Red River Scuba
Bossier City
(318) 629-3483
Store
Coastal Scuba
N. Myrtle Beach
(800) 249-9388
Charter
Mike’s Dive Center
Lake Charles
(337) 430-0073
Store
Off The Wall Charters, Inc.
Salem
(864) 944-9255
Charter
True Blue Watersports
Lake Charles
(337) 310-1681
Store
Metairie
(504) 888-4882
Store/Charter
(703) 263-0427
Store
Harry’s Dive Shop
VIRGINIA Adventure Scuba Company
Chantilly
To be listed in our Tropical Dive Directory call (360) 240-1874 or email us at keath@divenewsmag.com
Divencounters Alliance 877.323.DIVE www.divencounters.com
HAWAII Maui Dreams Dive Co 808.874.5332 www.mauidreamsdiveco.com
HONDURAS Deep Blue Resort 504.95.76.36.97 www.deepblueutila.com Utila Tours 800.668.8452 337.893.0013 www.utila.com
INDONeSIA 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 Sea Safari Cruises 623.6172.1212 www.seasafaricruises.com/ Tasik Ria Resort Spa & Diving 62.431 -.824.445 www.tasikria.com Northeast Dive News JANUARY 2008
Worldwide Dive and Sail 866.258.6398 www.worldwidediveandsail.com
MexIcO Abyss Dive Center 52.984.873.2164 www.abyssdivecenter.com Aquanauts Dive Adv. 998.206.9365 www.aquanautsdiveadventures.com
ReD SeA - eGYPT Fly & Sea Dive Adventures 888.995.DIVE(3483) www.redseadiving.ca Learning Through Travel 516.781.5556 www.learningthroughtravel.com
ROATAN CoCo View Resort Roatan 800.282.8932 www.roatan.com GoRoatan.com 888.405.8737 www.goroatan.com
SeA Of cORTez/SOcORRO ISlANDS Rocio Del Mar 602.558.9580 www.rociodelmarliveaboard.com www.nedivenews.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 667.745.6126 www.saireecottagediving.com
TURkS & cAIcOS Oasis Divers 649.946.1128 www.oasisdivers.com
Want to support local diving in your part of the globe? email keath@divenewsmag.com!
23 23
DIVE DRY.
DIVE DUI.
For your first cave dive...
or your 101st... TOP PHOTO: GENE PAGE
BOTTOM PHOTO: DAVID RHEA
DUI is the #1 choice of cave divers around the world. Whether it’s your first cave dive...or your 801st, you need dependability and comfort. Most of all, cave divers need a great fitting drysuit. DUI gives you the most streamlined fit with maximum range of movement. Perfect for tight spaces. DUI - ONLINE.COM/C AVE