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Weekend at Table Rock Lake 7/25-7/27/08

July 22, 2008 By Shannon

July 18-20th

Michael and I spent last weekend down at Table Rock Lake with some friends of ours, Sherri, Sherry, Allyson, and Crystal (fellow Prairie Divers). Instead of diving under the water, though, we decided to try some ‘on the water’ activities. Allyson and Sherri have an awesome ski boat, and a lovely pontoon which served as the platform for all of our activities.  The temperature was quite warm – mid 90’s, but the intermittent swims in the lake, and the breeze kept the heat tolerable.

After a smorgasbord of fruit and muffins, we started out each morning on the ski boat. Michael tried out some activities he’d never done before. The first day he worked on mastering wake boarding, but getting out of the water proved to be quite the challenge for the newbie. After many tries and a little rest, he decided to try an alternate skill. This time he successfully achieved a constant upright posture on both the knee board and the, ever so cool, surf board! He did so great! I was proud of him! As for me, I prefer to avoid the activities which could mame me!.  At the lake I’m just as happy being in the boat, watching the others try their tricks, and saying “They’re down!”, all the while thanking God that their last crash on the water was not mine! J

Our skilled boat driver, Sherri, did her usual wonderful job of keeping us safe.  Crystal was the Wakeboard Queen, while "Ms. Balance", aka Sherry worked on mastering her new, and very slippery, water skateboard.  Later she showed off with the surfboard by landing on the boat (while it was running).  She stepped right off the board on to the moving boat (don't try this at home, folks!).  Allyson is the slalem master, but can do it all upon request.  All in all, quite a skilled bunch!!  After many runs, it was time to return to the house for a little rest and some lunch.

In the afternoon, after everyone was rejuvenated,  we headed back out for the pontoon boat. This time we were to meet Crystal’s parents at the marina to take them for a spin. It was a very pleasant visit, and a good time was had by all. We finished up on an entertaining note for them, as Sherry and Michael decided to do a little tubing on something of a ‘two seater’. They bounced around and around, and up and down. They even swapped seats with each other multiple times. I thought they were crazy! Sherry told me she and Mike couldn’t stop laughing throughout the experience, even when she was taking in lake water!! I consider those two to be the dare devils of the group!

Our final stop of the day was at the “jumping rock”. Usually the jump is ridiculously high which makes it for dare devils only. Due to the heavy rainfall this year, the lake was up, and there was only about a 6-12 foot drop from the jumping rock, so almost everyone decided to try it. After the jumping rock it was time to head for the house. It was getting late, and everyone was ready for a rest.

Saturday evening was very relaxed. There was much story swapping and some burgers on the grill. The lake house we were at had a great view overlooking the water. We sat outside for every meal to soak up the ambiance. Everyone turned in to bed early that night, as the sun, wind, water, and activities had taken their toll (or we’re all just getting old! J). It was time for a good night’s rest so we could do it all again tomorrow.

Sunday morning we headed back to the ski boat. The skiers and boarders did their thing. Michael tried the skate board and the wake board, which he finally got up on, but was unable to stay long before being thrown off by the water! Still, he’d come a long way for never doing it before. The next time we go down I think he’ll have it mastered!!  Sadly, the noon hour came too soon, but everyone decided it was time to head back to the house, gather our things, and head for home.

All and all it was a fantastic weekend on the water. Aside from some sore muscles, and some minor sunburns, everyone came out of the weekend unscathed. It was a good time had by all. We’re all looking forward to the next time, and will keep everyone posted on future events.

Thanks for the read, and enjoy the photos!


Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With:

Bonaire Diving Review

July 17, 2008 By Mike

Bonaire Diving Review
By Michael James Smith

Bonaire is a small island located about 120 miles off the coast of Venezuela in the southern Caribbean. It is renowned for great diving. Everyone from novice to advanced divers will find something to their liking here. Although it has endured an occasional hurricane in its history, it is generally considered to be out of the hurricane belt, which allows for great diving year round.

Bonaire is considered by many, including myself, to be one of the best diving destinations in the world. I actually visited three times within a period of eighteen months because I enjoy it so much. There's something to be said for returning to places you are familiar and comfortable with. The people are warm. The system for accessing your tanks for shore diving is very user friendly. Nitrox was not an additional charge, as the dive shops felt it was important to encourage its use to protect its divers. It's also an island that's very easy to get around. Rent a truck at the airport, and off you go.

To date, I've gone diving with 'Buddy Dive' and 'Toucan Diving' dive shops. Both dive shops were very accommodating as far as staff goes. Toucan Diving had a 'one-up', however, as their dive boats are stored in a protected area. You're able to load your things and get your gear organized prior to leaving the dock in calm waters. The Buddy Dive boats were on a dock adjacent to open ocean, which was a nice view, but the boats were constantly slamming into the dock as divers were trying to board with heavy equipment. You have to get your gear ready on the way to, or at the dive site, because you just need to sit down and hang on as the boat bangs away while everyone else is loading. Another reason I favor Toucan Diving is one dive master in particular. His name is Jackson. He is ever enthusiastic about the sport despite doing it for years, and is always making a point to show divers the cool things, like frog fish, and the air pocket at the 99' deep Hilma Hooker wreck. Of the two dive shops, Toucan diving has always been my preference.

Bonaire's marine creatures are plentiful. I started my first dive with a beautiful floating spotted eagle ray, and saw several more as the week progressed. There were also turtles on several dives. These will always be some of my favorites. Bonaire also has several dive sites where the seahorses tend to gather. These are definitely a creature you don't see often, but I've seen them on every trip to Bonaire. There were also several chances to see the frog fish, as well as many smaller creatures allowing for great macro photography. There were many more marine animals which deserve honorable mention, but too many to include them all here! Let's just say the diving here gets a definite thumbs up!!

Bonaire is well known for its shore diving, and I have tried that many times. Although the freedom of the shore diving is wonderful, the entries at many sites are still quite challenging as they are often rocky and slippery. Be sure to watch your fingers because there are little eels everywhere (and no gloves allowed as Bonaire is considered a marine sanctuary)! There are several shore diving sites I do favor such as "Oil Slick" because you can enter via platform ladder. We also like "Angel City" because that site has never disappointed me. The old coral is a bit of a tricky entrance, but it's definitely worth it when you jump in and see all the squid that like to hang out here. I will always like the boat diving best because I like jumping right in to the water without the hazards of spraining an ankle on the way in (which happened to a friend of mine even before she made it into the water)! Also, if shore diving, make sure not to leave anything valuable in the car as I've heard of theft issues, but have never experienced them.

So, whether it's boat diving or shore diving that suits you, you'll find it in Bonaire. This quaint little island allows for both a relaxed and rewarding dive experience. Call your travel agent, and pack your gear. Great diving in a tropical paradise awaits you. There's no better formula for a great dive vacation.

Are you a new or seasoned SCUBA Diver looking for great deals on SCUBA Equipment? Check out our SCUBA Auction Store to find the lowest prices on Scuba Equipment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_James_Smith
http://EzineArticles.com/?Bonaire-Diving-Review&id=1322268

Filed Under: Articles, Travel Tagged With: , ,

Recall of Titan / Conshelf DIN Handwheel Retainers

July 14, 2008 By Mike

Recall of Titan / Conshelf DIN Handwheel Retainers
Part # 106056 in America (124606 elsewhere in the world)

Apeks Regulator and OctoVista, California
18 June 2008

Dear Authorized Aqua Lung Dealer,

Please find the following links: a Technical Bulletin announcing a recall of Titan / Conshelf DIN handwheel retainers, a Consumer Notice for posting, Technical Instructions for your service technician and an Acknowledgement Coupon to be returned to Aqua Lung. Although the situation described in the documents provided has arisen following inappropriate and incorrect usage, as a precautionary measure we prefer to take into account the realities of actual usage and the safety of your customers, yourselves and your technicians.

The purpose of this email is to explain in detail the procedure for the replacement of the part in question.

  1. Supply of Parts

    If a consumer brings a Titan or Conshelf DIN regulator(s) to you with the part in question, give us a call at 1-877-253-3483 and we will dispatch the appropriate number of replacement screws to you immediately.

  2. Implementation of actions:

a. We ask that you post the consumer notice in your place of business where it can be seen
by all.
b. You should make every effort to inform your clients in which ever way you deem suitable.
For our part we are advising the diving media, diving forums and education/training
organizations such as SSI and PADI.
c. In particular, please adhere to the instructions provided. We have tested this operation and it
only requires a two minute service.

  1. Traceability of Actions Carried Out:

    In order to ensure that this operation is successfully carried out, please provide to Aqua Lung a list of the serial numbers of the Titan / Conshelf DIN first stages that you have upgraded. It is essential that this is done regularly. Serial numbers can be:
    a. Faxed to 1-760-597-5080 or 1-800-882-3483 or
    b. Emailed to weserve@aqualung.com
    Old parts can be discarded at your place of business. There is no need to return them.

  2. Acknowledgement

    We need to confirm that you have received the enclosed documents. Please sign and return the enclosed acknowledgement coupon. You can fax it back to us at 1-760-597-5080 or 1-800-882-3483
    or send it by mail to:

    Aqua Lung America
    Recall Confirmation
    2340 Cousteau Ct.
    Vista, CA 92081

We would like to thank you for your attention to this matter. For further information please do not hesitate to contact us.

The Aqua Lung Team

Filed Under: Equipment Recalls Tagged With:

Limited Recall of Apeks TX, ATX and XTX 2nd Stages

July 14, 2008 By Mike

Limited Recall of Apeks TX, ATX and XTX 2nd Stages

Filed Under: Equipment Recalls Tagged With: ,

In's and Out's of Cave Diving – Exciting, Dangerous, Or Both

July 13, 2008 By Mike

By Darrell Young

Participating in cave dives can be the most exciting adventure on this planet. If you are the adventurous type that is. Some divers don't care for the claustrophobic affect of cave diving. If you do have a touch of claustrophobia on your phobia list, you might want to consider spear fishing or just sight seeing. Panic state at 120 fsw(feet sea water) is not healthy.

Tip: 120 fsw is 120 ft, no matter how you measure it. The only difference between 120 ft sea water and 120 ft fresh water is the density factor( I'll have an article covering that kind of stuff in an up-coming article).

Here are some things you can look forward to in your quest into cave diving. To conduct a safe cave dive, you need to, ( no you must) participate in a cave and cavern training course. Your open water certification does not give you the experience you'll need for cave diving, (period). Without proper training, cave diving can lead to Many dangerous situations. Many cave diving fatalities over the years were due to the fact that divers were not cave certified. Here are some things you'll learn in your training for cave diving.

Having the right special equipment.

Continuous Guideline: To avoid getting hopelessly lost inside a cave, you must run a guideline from the cave entrance through-out your dive. If you have dove in a particular cave before, don't assume you remember how to get in and out without using a guideline. Things can change from dive to dive.

Air Supply: Never use more than a third of your gas supply to enter a cave. Reasoning is, you'll need a third to exit. Keep the rest of your air for surfacing and for any catastrophic events e.g. your buddy had a gas loss due to equipment failure, you would have to help him get to the surface, and vice-versa. That's only one example of what having a diving buddy is all about.

Recreational dives are limited to 130 fsw. More than likely you'll be using compressed air. Deeper than 130 fsw on standard air increases the risk of Nitrogen Narcosis. Your fine to go deeper (if) your advanced in the application of mixed gases. Mixed gases reduces oxygen toxicity and Nitrogen Narcosis. which leads to safe diving. Tip: If your not certified through training, do not attempt to use mixed gases. Keep your dives at the recreational depth, limited to 130 fsw.

Battery Powered Lights: You want to be able to see inside a cave, the standards for lights, are to carry two battery powered lights. But to be on the safe side, carry three. Lights are very vulnerable and can fail. Tip: Make sure to care for your lights. If you have rechargeable lights, make sure all three are fully charged prior to a dive. You don't want your dive to be a dark one.

If your planning a collection of artifacts(providing there are any), you'll need to purchase a collection bag. $20 to $50 bucks, depending on size. Collection Bags come in all sizes and shapes and are usually made of nylon mesh. Most bags clip to your waist belt D rings. Tip: Get the kind that rolls up when not in use, that keeps the bag from dangling.

You'll need to communicate with your buddy or buddies underwater, and also keep notes and records of various events. So, you'll need a Dive Slate. $10 to $20 bucks. Tip: Carry your dive slate in your pocket so they don't cause drag. I've seen some divers have them dangling from their belt. (Not good), they can catch on all sorts of things underwater, so keep them in your pocket.

I hope some of the subjects I've covered will shed some light on your quest to become the best scuba diver you can be. It's never to late to pursue the beautiful art of scuba diving. It's for the young and old. Just make sure you have the physical requirements and the ability to make sound judgment, and always take a buddy with you to dive. For your equipment needs, advice. tips and information on this great hobby, visit my website at http://www.scuba-pro-tips.com

Darrell Young

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darrell_Young
http://EzineArticles.com/?Ins-and-Outs-of-Cave-Diving---Exciting,-Dangerous,-Or-Both&id=1312347

 

Filed Under: Articles, Travel Tagged With: , , , , ,
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