The Academy of Scuba was out at Lake Pleasant today. Spent some time at Desert Tortoise Road. Good news is the lake is cleaning and clearing up. About 10 foot of visibility and the debris is starting to float away from the dive sites. If you are curious about the temperature, it was in the low 50s. Just fine in a 7mm and hood. Then again, the lucky folk with a Dry Suit would be very happy as well. We will be out at the lake again on Sunday and will give you and update.
Akona is running a Snorkel Kit Special. While these are not the acceptable for Scuba, if you have a young one that likes to snorkel, this makes a great set. The price is $49.95 (discounted from $75). You can get your set at AZDivers located in the Scuba Training Facility with us at 40th Street and Bell Road.
I was at a recent planning meeting being held by the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department. They had submitted a questionnaire and request to frequent users of the lake to help them identify current and prospective markets (users) for the lake itself. Approximately 15 people, who I would like to think are community leaders, attended the meeting. Out of the 15 people, Scuba diving was clearly represented as a majority area of use and interest. Other interests included hiking, boating, kayaking and even a local pilot who believes a piece of the lake should be authorized for sea plane landings.
During the meeting, the organizers asked about what drew people to the lake, beyond the individual activities of which were being represented. Some of the discussion points included (1) proximity, (2) cleanliness, (3) friendly staff, (4) safety, (5) facilities, and of course, (6) the water itself. Being in the middle of the desert a lake as attractive and large as Lake Pleasant is a real treat.
Although, I have been diving and camping at Lake Pleasant for ten years, I learned a lot during that meeting. But, one of the biggest lessons was subtle and understated. Lake Pleasant is “our” oasis in the desert. Every weekend thousands of people come to the lake to enjoy “their” activity which could include everything from Scuba diving to sea plane flying. Lake Pleasant is public access and open to everyone. That means we need to respect each other. During peak times (like weekends and holidays), the quiet lake turns into a crowded mecca. Tolerance, respect and courtesy are essential. Just because you are there first doesn’t give you any more right to the lake than anyone else. Shore access, while bountiful, is not infinite. During busy times, you can expect to have some close to your “space”. Lake Pleasant is just a few miles north of Phoenix. There are millions of people in the metro area and regardless of how much you pay in taxes, this is their lake too.
Following are some tips to help us all get along:
Follow the rules. Rules are set up for everyones safety and enjoyment. There are no exceptions.
Get there early. If there is a specific spot that you like. Get there early. If you wait until noon on Saturday to get your favorite space, it will most likely be gone. First come, first serve.
Meet the neighbors. When someone pulls up next to your spot (or you pull up next to someone), go over and greet them (hand extended and smile on your face helps). Tell them what you are up too and discuss any concerns you may have. A great example is if someone is fishing and you are Scuba diving, discuss where and how you are entering the water. Or, if someone is Jet-skiing while you are Scuba diving, explain to them what your dive flag is and how they should observe it.
Pick up your trash and more. Leave your spot cleaner than you found it. Does anymore need to be said about this. If everyone picked up their trash and one extra piece, we would have the cleanest lake in the world.
Turn your music down. You have every right to enjoy your music and your neighbor has every right to enjoy their music. Keep your music at a level that contains it to your immediate area. Or, you could just listen to the sounds of nature.
Patience. Patience at the lake can be tested from time to time. When that happens, remember you are there to have a good time. Don’t create anymore stress in your life, that is what you are there to off-gas.
For Phoenix area Scuba divers, Lake Pleasant is a true oasis. Great boat diving, unlimited shore access, fast and easy to get too, relatively inexpensive, great facilities and infrastructure and friendly staff are just a few reasons to head up to the lake. Yes, we have all had challenges when dealing with jet-skis and fisherman who think they own the cove. None of this needs to keep us from blowing bubbles and enjoying what we love to do locally.
Have fun and dive safe!
Not Certified? Go to LearnScubaToday.com for more information:
The holidays are over and, perhaps, people have returned back to sane levels. With that being said, you may think I am still punch drunk from the holidays with my next statement. Believe it or not, the Scuba season is closer than you might think.
People start thinking Scuba trips in January. Why? It could be the looming spreak break, a Valentines Day getaway or perhaps early planning for that summertime excursion. It’s never too early. The good thing about planning your Scuba adventure now, is most dive shops, equipment manufacturers and even resort destinations offer great “deals” this time of year.
One part of getting ready to dive on your next vacation or on spring break, is to get back into the water. Lake Pleasant offers a great training and practice area for local divers. I had the opportunity to head out to Lake Pleasant this morning. It was a beautiful day at the side of the lake. It was sunny with a slight breeze. Not a soul around. Almost an eerie quiet. We dove Beismeyer Point which is the location of Christmas Treef (an artificial reef created by a local dive shop). We did two great dives and have some great water conditions to report.
While the water is a bit cooler this time of year, we are experiencing incredible visibility. The water temperatures are 54 degrees and very comfortable in a 7mm Wet suit or Dry Suit. Visibility at Beismeyer Point was upwards of 50 feet in water less than 40 foot in depth.
While Christmas Tree Reef had an unusually short supply of fish today, There are still lots of catfish and many baby large mouth bass in the shallows. We did have a Karp siting in the deeper parts of the site. See you out at Lake Pleasant soon!
As the holidays speed towards us like a freight train, and the waters turn cold. Many of our thoughts turn from Scuba diving to other projects and endeavors. For many, the dive season has come to a close and their gear is dried and stored, waiting for that January trip to warmer waters.
Just because the temperatures outside are a little colder doesn’t mean we should lose focus on our passion for Scuba diving. In fact, there are plenty of things that you can do to keep your head in the proverbial Scuba game. After all, you don’t want those skills you developed over the summer to rust.
Following is a list of tips and ideas to keep you in the water (both mentally and physically):
1. Take a refresher course. Dive shops offer group and private refreshers to keep folks in the water and their skills fresh. Also look for open pool nights or demo nights as a way of keeping in the water at your local dive shop.
2. Buy a dry suit. Dry suit diving is a great way to keep in the water throughout the year.
3. Take a non-diving course. Even though you are not in the water, a non-diving course is a great way to keep your head under virtual water. You are learning new skills and meeting future dive buddies.
4. Take a warm water vacation. At least once, during the winter, I find my way to warmer climates and tropical reefs. It’s a great way to recharge the batteries and do 10 or 15 dives. Can’t take a week off in the middle of the winter, I am sure you can find a long weekend and a cheap dive boat within a two or three hour flight.
5. Start a workout regimen. Being physically fit will help you improve your diving, air consumption and enjoyment. Not only that, but you will reap the other benefits of living a healthier lifestyle. Focus on cardiovascular and core exercises. Be careful, if you lose too much weight, you may end up having to buy a new wetsuit in the spring. A great fitness idea for Scuba is swimming. Find a good gym, with a heated indoor pool.
6. Get social with other divers. Many cities have shops or groups that host monthly dive club or meet and greet “get-togethers”. Other social channels include online communities and “boards”. These activities are a great way to learn what is happening in the dive community and meet new divers.
7. Read everything you can get your hands on. There are many regional and national Scuba magazines, online news and media sites, training manuals, books and more. The more you read, the more you learn. Reading about Scuba will make you a better diver. It will expand your horizons and your knowledge.
8. Make a plan. Set some goals for the upcoming season. Your plan should include; where you want to go, what gear you want to buy and what courses you want to take. Also, start budgeting for these expenses.
9. Support your local dive shop. It’s not just a slow time for you as a diver, but a slow time for most dive shops. Their health is an integral part of our community. Whenever possible, support your local dive shop. If nothing else, stop in and visit with them. Let them know you are still a customer and supporter.
10. Convince a friend or loved one to get Scuba certified. Scuba diving is a very social sport. Why not share it with someone you care about. The more people you know that are divers, the more time you will spend below the surface.
Just because the regular dive season has come to an end, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be thinking about diving. There is plenty to do during the off-season, to keep you in Master Diver shape. Take some time every week to focus on diving and next season will be the most rewarding ever.
Did 2 Training Dives @ Desert Tortoise Road on Tuesday 11/24
Depth – 45 Feet (dive 1) – 43 Feet (Dive 2)
Visibility – 10-20 feet
Water Temps – 63 Suunto Degrees
Air Temp – 70s and breezy
Lake was fairly calm despite a consistent breeze. Workers were moving buoys into shallower waters. Lake is definitely rising again. I would say up a couple feet from a week prior. Green Algae is still very predominant in shallow areas. Didn’t see too much fish life. 1 medium size bass. Lake temp is down at least 1 degree since last week.
The weather and the water are a little cooler out at the lake these days. However, neither of these changes are keeping Scuba divers from Lake Pleasant. The shorelines are still peppered with Scuba divers from all parts of the Metro area and beyond. Desert Tortoise Road, Beismeyer Point and Vista Point remain the most popular shore diving spots. The Scubateers and other dive boats are finding great conditions at Tec Island. Unlike many areas around the U. S., diving is a year round sport in Arizona. This winter is promising some of the best conditions in years out at Lake Pleasant.
While the weather was a bit windy a cool this weekend, the water conditions were great for November Scuba diving. The water temperatures are 64 degrees and very comfortable in a 7mm Wet suit. Visibility at Desert Tortoise Road was upwards of 30 feet in water less than 40 foot in depth, and dropped off marginally deeper than that. Vista Point had 30+ foot visibility down to the 70 foot area.
There are still lots of catfish and many baby large mouth bass in the shallows over at Desert Tortoise Road. Vista Point had many Karp sitings in the deeper parts of the site. However, fish were most abundant at Christmas Tree reef off Beismeyer Point.
Have fun and dive safe!
Not Certified? Go to LearnScubaToday.com for more information
The Academy of Scuba is pleased to announce a NAUI Instructor Crossover Course is scheduled for December 4, 5, and 6, 2009. You must be an instructor with another qualified dive agency to participate. Additionally, there is some “pre-course” work that needs to be completed prior to class so it is suggested that you sign up early.
The NAUI Crossover Course is designed to serve four purposes; (1) preassessment allows the staff and each candidate to determine preparedness to become a NAUI instructor and establishes areas for self help and staff guidance, (2) NAUI orientations prepare instructors to immediately begin using NAUI methods and materials and embrace NAUI teaching opportunities, (3) evaluation assesses candidate performance so as to assure NAUI that successful candidates will represent the associations high standards of quality, (4) and final evaluation that all NAUI instructors must pass is an age old tenant of NAUI, “Would I allow this instructor to teach my loved one to dive”.
At the end of this course, the Academy of Scuba expects to certify six new NAUI Instructors.
As a Scuba diver and avid supporter of Project Aware, I try to role model and convey good ‘environmental’ dive practices with all my students and dive buddies. It’s impressive to see the dive site cleanups, environmentally conscious continuing education courses, and recycling practices divers have adopted to help preserve the incredible world in which we love to explore. It’s no wonder the Project Aware Facebook site has so many fans.
Inspired by one of Project Aware’s brochure’s I have put together a quick list about how divers (and non-divers) can help protect our underwater playground.
1. Be environmentally conscious: Think about what you use around the house, at work and in your car. Is this going to end up in the ocean. This includes waste water. Especially when visiting an island. Waste water is one of the biggest threats to coastal and island reef systems.
2. Dive and snorkel carefully: Simple contact with the fragile aquatic environment can damage decades of growth. Be very aware of you and your equipment surroundings. Protect the reef and underwater organisms from damage. Streamline your equipment. Secure your gauges and alternate air source.
3. Have good dive skills and controlled buoyancy: An infrequent diver or someone who doesn’t have buoyancy control can cause major damage to reef systems. During ascents and descents, divers can knock the reef, sponges and other life resting under the diver. During a 30 to 45 minute dive, a diver without controlled buoyancy will spend “destructive minutes” running into and pushing off the reef system. Divers who don’t get to dive often, should take refresher courses. Everyone should consider an advanced buoyancy course to learn the proper skills for diving around reef systems.
4. Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but bubbles: Divers should not interact with marine life. Divers and snorkelers are there to observe the underwater world. Stay away from dive operations that handle, feed, ride or touch aquatic life. These actions stress marine animals and interrupt normal behaviors.
5. Avoid restaurants serving endangered species: While some seafood dishes sound exotic, the killing of endangered marine life is seriously disrupting our oceans. Many countries are ignoring worldwide calls for the cessation of killing endangered species, simply because you cannot see the catastrophe being committed. Fishing practices worldwide are damaging our oceans—depleting fish populations, destroying habitats and polluting the water. Informed consumers can help turn the tide. Keep in touch with the Seafood Watch Program at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and be an environmentally conscious consumer.
6. Understand and respect marine life: A great way to understand and respect marine life is to take a continuing education course like a Marine Life Identification or a Fish ID class. Another option is to look at various “Science Diver” courses. Once you understand marine life better, you will be better suited to protect it.
7. Choose environmentally sound vendors: When you are on vacation, look for vendors who follow sound environmental practices. Recycling plastic good, having a no-touch/no chum policy, and conserving energy whenever possible. Use your dollars and cents with green vendors. Your money can change the way people do business.
8. Be a role model: Saving the underwater environment is serious. Use good practices and encourage people (even strangers) to do the same. No one wants to be part of the reason the environment is under attack. However, all divers and snorkelers should want to be part of the solution. Many times, people are unaware that they are harming the environment. Help educate other divers and save a reef!
9. Report bad environmental practices: If you note a vendor or even a diver using destructive practices or causing damage or injury to marine life, don’t be afraid to alert the authorities in the area.
10. Get involved: Now you have some tips on how to help. Spread the word. Volunteer for beach and reef cleanups. Start using better practices at home and at work. Change can start with one person and continue from there. A great way to get involved is to support Project Aware.
DURHAM, NC – Source: Diverwire – Effective immediately, the phone number for the DAN 24-Hour Diving Emergency Hotline has changed. The new number is (919) 684-9111.
The change, dubbed “One Call,” is part of the continuing mission of Divers Alert Network® (DAN®) to increase the safety of divers. With the new hotline number, divers need only to call a single phone number to activate emergency services, regardless of what kind of emergency assistance is needed.
“Over the last few years, as the benefits and resources we provided the dive industry increased, so did the phone numbers to access the assistance,” said Nicholas Bird, MD, vice president of DAN Medical Services. “Divers were getting understandably confused. By simplifying the process to a single phone number, we’ve given divers needing assistance one less thing to think about in a stressful situation.”
The new number replaces the need to decide whether to call DAN, TravelAssist to facilitate emergency evacuation, or a medical facility. Simply call DAN at the new hotline number, and all emergency assistance will be triaged and facilitated from there.
“We had a goal this year to streamline our emergency assistance resources,” said Dan Orr, president and CEO of DAN. “One Call is a huge step toward that goal, and it’s an extremely positive step in moving diver safety forward.”
DAN’s previous hotline numbers will remain in effect for a transitional grace period. However, all divers are encouraged to update their emergency contact information and emergency assistance plans as soon as possible.
As always, in the case of an immediate life-threatening emergency, contact 911 (or the equivalent emergency response system), and then call DAN.
The DAN Emergency Hotline (919-684-9111) is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. It can be reached by collect call or from outside the U.S.
10 Tips for Cleaning and Caring for your Scuba Gear. By Mark Moran – Assistant Instructor/Instructor Candidate
You just returned from that exotic dive vacation, the local lake/quarry, or your swimming pool and the last thing on your mind is cleaning your scuba gear for storage and/or your next dive trip. When you have a good amount of money invested in scuba diving equipment, it’s only logical to maintain it properly so it will last you many years. Not to mention your safety and well being are dependent on the same scuba gear used in every dive you make. Here are 10 tips that will help you keep your gear looking and working like new.
1. Fresh Water: Purchase a large 30/40 gallon bucket/tub from Home Depot or Target. Fill it with fresh water and use this to soak and rinse all of your gear in. Nothing shortens the life of your scuba equipment more than salt water, where the majority of scuba diving is done. If not properly rinsed off after a dive, salt crystals (that are extremely abrasive) will be left on your gear, and will begin to destroy it. You may have to refill the tub a couple of times to get all of your gear clean or to remove any salt or cleaning materials used on other gear. Don’t dry your scuba equipment in direct sunlight; the sun’s rays also shorten the life of scuba gear.
2. Regulators: The number one rule when washing your regulator is ensuring that your dust cap is securely in place. This ensures that no water enters the first stage regulator which has internal components that are sensitive to moisture. Before attaching the dust cap it is best to dry the inside of it and of the opening in the first stage regulator. The most common method is to blow it out with air from the dive tank, although this may sometimes be discouraged on boats due to the noise it makes. Another method is to use a dry cloth. Once the dust cap is securely in place you should gently rinse your regulator in fresh water. Avoid ’soaking’ your regulator unless it is hooked up to a Scuba tank and it has pressure on the system. Do not depress the purge buttons on either second stage regulator while they’re in the water, without pressure, as this will allow water to flow into the first stage regulator. Once the regulator is rinsed you can hang it up to dry.
3. BCD: The buoyancy compensator must be rinsed inside and out. After completely rinsing off the outside of BCD the bladder must washed out. This is very important and probably the most overlooked step in the preventive maintenance of your scuba gear. First drain out any salt water trapped in bladder. Then put some fresh water in bladder and shake vigorously letting water run out of deflate valve. Repeat this process or 3 times. Be sure all water is out of bladder. McNett makes a great product for helping to keep your BCD clean and odor free ‐ B.C. Life™ Cleaner & Conditioner for BCDs.
4. Wetsuits: After washing your wetsuit, booties, and gloves in fresh water, you may also like to use some wetsuit wash, a disinfectant detergent available at most dive supply stores. Wash the suit, booties, and gloves by submerging them in water and dunking them up and down, turning them inside out as well to ensure that both inside and outside are completely clean. You may also want to lubricate any zippers to make them easier to open and close the next time you wear the suit. Afterwards, you should hang the wetsuit inside out on a strong coat hanger to dry. The booties and gloves should also be hung up.
5. Drysuits: Drysuits have the same basic care as wetsuits, but add some additional complexity. Drysuits should be folded and stored in the bag that they came in with zippers open. If left closed for long periods, the zipper’s sealing elements can take on a “compression set” making them less effective. McNett again makes a great product for
preserving and maintaining latex and neoprene seals called Seal Saver™ Dry Suit Seal Conditioner.
6. Dive Lights & Cameras: Lights and cameras are extremely sensitive to water, sand and salt. Work all moving parts while soaking to loosen any salt and sand deposits. Allow the unit to dry completely after soaking and before opening any compartments. Once dry, loosen all connectors so they do not freeze in place. Then remove batteries, film or
storage disks. Clean and lubricate all o‐rings thoroughly before next use. Store the components in a protective case to prevent any seals from exposure to dust and dirt.
7. Knives / Cutting Devices: While they may not be used a lot in your diving, they are very valuable to have when needed. It is important that you rinse your knife in fresh water after EVERY Dive! Stainless Steel rusts and even Titanium Knives need the sand, dirt, and salt deposits washed away. If your knife disassembles, remove the end cap and rinse all components thoroughly. Be sure to completely dry your knife before reassembly and storage. Applying a protective coating is also important. Divers should avoid many common types of lubricants and knife oils because they can actually get on the wetsuit (or dry suit) and deteriorate the material. Try McNett Zip Tech™ for the blade (it lasts
longer than sprays) and Silicone Grease for threads and metal locking mechanisms. Apply a thin coating to the entire blade of the knife. If your knife disassembles, coat the threads of the end cap and the metal which sits underneath the grip.
8. Masks & Fins: After rinsing and letting your mask and fins dry, store them in a cool dry place out of direct sun light. Excess heat can warp fins and distort the silicone around the mask and mask strap. Storing fins on their tips can also warp them. Avoid contact with oil, aerosol, chemical solvents, etc. as coming in contact with any of these materials can cause these items to begin to erode or degrade.
9. Other Dive Gear: Make sure to rinse tanks, rescue sausages, whistles, dive propulsion vehicles, weights, catch bags, and anything else that may have been in the water at some point or another. Remove any batteries or other items that may corrode overtime from your gear. Tanks should be stored with at least 100 psi of air in them to keep out any moisture. You may also want to lubricate any zippers to make them easier to open and close the next time you need them.
10. Storing your gear: Make sure your scuba diving gear is completely dry before storing in a cool dry place. Hang wetsuits up in a closet and do not store folded. Keep your mask in a protective plastic box so the lens doesn’t get scratched. Store your buoyancy compensator on a sturdy hanger. The garage is not an ideal storage place for your gear
in the summer if you live in Phoenix.
Make this process a habit. Once you have made this routine a habit, you will see how quickly and easy preventive maintenance on scuba gear really is. Save yourself money and aggravation when on your next vacation trying to relax and enjoy.
