Meeting the Master Scuba Diver Challenge

Hey all,

Have you seen the PADI Hype about the Master Scuba Diver Challenge? Are you looking for a fun way to achieve your goal to be a Master Scuba Diver? PATRIOT SCUBA can help you out. We have a great facility at Lake Rawlings that makes PADI specialties fun, and efficient. Everything from a prime dive site pavilion, to a comfortable place to stay and learn, cookouts, campfires...you name it. Join the Challenge, join the fun and join the Adventure of Diving with us at PATRIOT SCUBA!

Jeff Currer
Vice President
PATRIOT SCUBA
Diving@patriotscuba.com

ps. PS also offers all levels of recreational diving training right here in Northern VA. Start right away!

The Preparation

Well, We have the books and we have the plan. Time to get reading!
The three of us have gotten together with our Course Director and we are developing the plan. If it works we will be Instructors by the end of June!

We have a lot of work to do and the difference between Divemaster and Instructor with regards to skills and training has become apparent. We have opted to begin weekly practice sessions before we start our IDC.

So far it has been very successful. We have an instructor critiquing us as we critique each other.
Together we can't loose!

PATRIOT SCUBA - The Quest for Instructor

So we've done the DIVEMASTER cert and it has been a blast! Helping instructors and students has been absolutely Awesome! Now it is time to try on the instructor hat.

I'e got the books and I've got the instructor and now we've got the plan! Time to move out.

Follow three DIVEMASTERS from PATRIOT SCUBA into the pool and into the classroom and all the way to the IE. Comments, recommendations and advice are more than welcome.

Jeff

EFR Instructor!

I have just completed my first real instructor certification: Emergency First Response Instructor! Now I can teach Primary (CPR/AED) and Secondary (First Aid). Great course and I am very excited to get started.

So If you are in the Northern VA area and need CPR/AED training for Adults or Children, send me a note!

Thank God for Dive Buddies

Short and sweet. I've been a Diver for more than 20 Years, but it has only been the last five years that I've become really and active diver. In that time I've met more fun and interesting people than the 15 years before. I wish I would have been more active sooner!

Now that I've become a Divemaster and a PADI professional, I've bee able to both share my love of the adventure of diving as well as train and train with people of the same mind, despite coming from different generations or walks of life.

To all my new friends and colleagues, thanks for the help, friendship, sharing and the opportunity to learn! Happy Thanksgiving!

End of the Dive Season? No Way!

I just spent the weekend at Lake Rawlings helping to teach a Rescue Diver Course. The Water temp was a balmy 62 degrees, cool but nothing my Pinnacle 7mm couldn't handle. One of the crowd (about 15 of us) that came down just to dive while the class was in session commented that he came because he figured it was the last dive of the season. Our instructor said "what season is that?" and the response was, "Well, the Dive season!" Without batting an eye the instructor responded " you got it wrong. It isn't the end of Dive Season. It is the end of Wet Suit Season! Get ready for Dry Suit Season!"

I thought about that exchange and I gotta say I really agree with our instructor. There should be no seasonal boundaries for Scuba. With today's gear and technology, it is a year around sport no matter where you are! In fact a store owner in Michigan told a seminar I was in that if water temperature defined his season, he'd have no dive season! This Michigan owner in fact developed slates that help him combine Dry Suit and Open Water skills into one course.

Now I am dry suit certified, and while I don't own a dry suit yet, I most certainly will pick one up in time so that I too can help our students understand that Scuba shouldn't really be held to seasonal boundaries!

Diving in Hawaii

Yesterday I was afforded the opportunity to do an impromtu dive on the Island of Oahu, HI while traveling on business. Since this was rather short notice and I wanted a nice dive on the cheap, I contacted one of my business acquaintances, whom I had recently learned was a diver, and said "Hey I'm in town tomorrow, lets go diving!" Great news, he said sure.

Upon arriving on the island I contacted a favorite shop of mine, Ocean Concepts (www.oceanconcepts.com ), and they advised me (and later equipped me) on where the best spot for was for a shore dive. If any one is looking to dive on Oahu, I highly recommend diving through Ocean Concepts. Full service, fully equipped and very friendly.

My friend and I were able to get two shore dives in on a spectacular day. You know its amazing how many people are certified divers and you don't know it till you ask. Many times they just don't have anyone (local friend etc.) to go diving with or are overcome by very busy lives. Sometimes it just takes you to say, "hey...lets go diving!" to rekindle the spark and ta-da, a renewed dive buddy is born. So talk up diving as you go through your travels...never know where you might find a new buddy!

DEMA Show 2008

My wife and I attended our first DEMA Show. DEMA Show 2008, held in Las Vegas, Nevada was an exciting and well attended Diving Professional Conference. To the uninitiated, it was sensory overload. Vendor products from all over the world, travel, accessories and professional training as well as advice could keep a diver running from room to booth and back for a week or more. Without some sort of plan, one would only get a fraction of the value available during the four days of the show.

I am a relatively new PADI Professional (although I’ve been certified for over 20 years), only getting my Dive Master Certification earlier this year in May. My wife is a retail professional and together we are very interested in operating our own dive shop. For us, this DEMA was very special, encouraging and inspiring. Between the PADI Pro mini seminars, interactions with the PADI staff, and DEMA seminars, we learned an immense amount and made contacts that will undoubtedly help us reach our goals. Additionally, personal interactions with leaders in the vendor industry were invaluable and exciting. By the end, we were much more knowledgeable and definitely more pumped and ready to go!

If you are a PADI Professional, my wife and I recommend you attend DEMA next year (Nov 4-7) in Orlando. Try it and you’ll love it!

DAN and the Diving Emergency Provider Course

I just completed one of the best advanced courses I've taken to date. The DAN Diving Emergency Provider course was outstanding, interesting and a natural follow-on to the PADI Emergency First Responder Course. I was able to hone my EFT skills while getting advanced training and confidence with O2 (includes use of the MTG and BLG) , Neurological Assessments, additional Marine Life first aid and of course additional AED and CPR training. Great course. I was certified a DAN Diving Emergency Specialist by completing all portions of the Course. Splash Dive Center in Alexandria is now a DAN course provider and I highly recommend them. Go DAN!

DC Dive Show

This past weekend was the first DC Dive Show. Overall it was a great first show with good speakers and a great showing of vendors, travel locations and, of course, the Mid-Atlantic Scuba Retailer's Association. Attendees had the opportunity to register to win a trip to St. Croix, check out the latest gear and new dive locations. All in all the biggest short-coming was the lack of advertising. I work across the street from the Hyatt where the show was held and I found out about the show through dumb luck. Even whe you went in the Hotel, the dive show location wasn't obvious. If they can improve advertising, next year will be even better.

Discover Scuba - Discover Adventure!

Two weekends ago I was able to take my Father-In-Law on a Discover Scuba adventure at lake Rawlings, VA. As a DSD certified PADI Divemaster it was an outstanding experience to share the adventure with a relative. At age 73, Dad was a little worried at first, but came through with shining colors. He performed wonderfully, and totally enjoyed the diving experience. He is even considering getting his Open Water Certification!

Thanks Dad for the opportunity and a great dive!

Dive Master!

Well, after 6 months I have finally made it! A PADI Professional at last.

For any serious diver, I would highly recommend pursuing the Dive Master certification. This past six months I have learned more, been diving more and have interacted more with groups of excitingly motivated divers than the last 20 years of my open water certification. I have more confidence in my skills and abilities, and I've been able to share this passion others.

The next big step for me will be working on an Assistant Instructor certification. I think I'd like to get more experience as Dive Master before I jump in with both feet on that, however. But not too much! In the mean time, I'll be working on my wife to join me in the water!

DUI - Dog Days at Lake Rawlings, VA

Diving Dry! The Diving Unlimited International Dry Suit Demo is conducted all over the US annually. I had the opportunity to attend this year's event at Lake Rawlings in VA. What a great time. Not only did I get to try the pick of any dry suit that DUI carries, I also had the opportunity to certify as a dry suit diver. While there are procedures and skills to master unique to the suit, diving dry was quite an experience and a must-do for divers in northern latitudes, if they expect to dive year round. DUI did a great job educating, fitting and explaining. They also fed us and had booths on photography and DAN onsite. Highly recommended for all serious recreational divers, and those who just want to check it out!

Peet's Coffee - Major Dickason's Blend

I've been hearing about Peet's Coffee (http://www.peets.com) from a number of folks recently, giving it rave reviews. Most notably, however, the "raves" have also made comment that Peet's is hard to find. Well, in the vane of "finding the perfect cup", find it I did. Unfortunately I did not find the "Complete Collection" of Peet's, and only Ground coffee (I'd prefered whole bean for freshness). I did find what Peet's calls "Our most famous blend." That would be Major Dickason's Blend.

Major Dickason's Blend is cited by Peet's as "This is the coffee that many of our customers identify with Peet's. Over the years it has gained a reputation among coffee lovers for its satisfying, rich and mellow (some say comforting) flavor qualities. The blend's components contribute their regional characteristics but are balanced to make a well-rounded cup that is complex yet smooth." So I figured this would be a great introduction to Peet's.

Overall, a very good cup of coffee. I would agree with most of the adjectives, smooth, rich and complex. I don't think it is particularly "Very Full-bodied". Which is good as I think that would detract from the smoothness. I equate this coffee to Seattle's Best Henry's Blend, which is one of my favorites. I'd buy it again, although, Henry's is about a $1.00 cheaper a pound.

The Happiest (Underwater) Place on Earth

Although I’ve been certified Open Water since 1982, I’ve recently re-discovered my diving itch and my desire to be a master diver. My wife and kids have joined in to help me and support my quest. Now we look at every family trip for opportunities to dive.
This year’s family vacation was planned to celebrate my in-law’s 50th wedding anniversary. We planned a couple of days at Disney World followed by a four day cruise aboard the Disney Wonder. This was my chance to see how diving at the Happiest Place on Earth would pan out.

My wife, who is not too fond of the water, set up a dive as a surprise. Both of my sons are Advance Open Water certified and my wife signed us up for Dive Quest at Disney’s Epcot Center. Dive Quest is a great opportunity to see Epcot’s 5.7 million gallon Living Seas aquarium from a very unique point of view.

We showed up at about 5:30PM and began our pre-dive tour of the Epcot Living Seas Aquarium. We began with the back stage tour, visiting the water processing and monitoring facility. Then we visited the marine research and medical facility where many medical procedures have been pioneered. The Dive Quest team explained how the health of the Living Seas inhabitants is monitored and maintained. We visited the holding tanks for the manatees and dolphins. Finally, we visited the galley, where we learned that the inhabitants of the Living Seas Aquarium get first pick of the food as it comes into the park.
The dive brief was next. For this dive all gear must be provided by Epcot. The gear was in great condition and most of the spectators thought we worked for Disney. The average dive depth was 25 feet, temperature 73 degrees, visibility was end to end (203ft) and the expected dive duration, 45 minutes. The Living Seas contains the world's sixth-largest ocean and is the biggest facility ever dedicated to man and ocean. Inside the aquarium we would find a complete coral reef inhabited by more than 2,000 tropical fish that represents over 70 species. The population includes sharks, rays and dolphins, all exotic and colorful forms of life that normally migrate in Caribbean reefs.

This was easily the most relaxed dive I’ve ever had with sites from many different areas. A camera man followed us through our tour of the tank. Photo opportunities included masks off in the submerged dive bell and a family photo with my wife at the viewing window. After the tour, we were able to explore on our own as five Dive Masters watched over us. Four sharks, including a 10ft sand tiger and a 400lb sea turtle were the stars. However, the eagle rays, groupers and assorted fish provided a great supporting cast. And, as the aquarium also provides a back drop to the restaurant, we could swim up and entertain the watching diners and invite them to join us.
It was the happiest dive on earth. Very professional, efficient and enjoyable, Dive Quest was an outstanding family dive. The fees were 100% donated to the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund. Although I am pursuing my Rescue Diver Certification, I’d say Dive Quest a must see and must do for any level of diver.

Dive Master Quest Part II

Today my two sons and I began our Advance Open Water Certification thru Splash Dive Center. We held our classroom phase on Thursday and today we performed three dives at Millbrook Quarry. Our focus was Peak Buoyancy Control, Navigation and Search and Recovery. It was a long day, but a very fun one. The dives were very relaxed as we were certified divers with few basic skills being tested.

Sunday was Deep Dive day and Wreck Dive day. Conditions were a might bitter at depth. I logged 42 degrees at 62 feet. The 7mm suit was at its limits for any length of time. Great experience as our instructor had us perform simple tasks at depth to understand the difficulties. We were tying knots for this demonstration. While the desire to accomplish the task and get back to warmer waters was great, it was offset by the narcosis effect of depth and the cold!

All three of us certified Advanced Open Water. The next step is Rescue Diver. We'll do an interlude dive in the Bahamas first but we have the end of August targeted for Rescue Diver!

Lake Rawlings Dive

To Give my younger son more experience before our Advanced Open Water Course, we did a dive in Lake Rawlings (http://www.lakerawlings.com/). Great dive location. Very good Dive shop with camping and cabins available. It is a quarry lake and is very clear. It is reportedly the clearest lake on the Eastern Seaboard. Average visibility this past weekend was about 20-30 Ft. We dove an average of 30ft, temps around 73. At 36 ft the temps dropped to 58. We dove 7mm suits as alot of the sights were below 36 ft. There were many fish. 5-6lb Largemouth Bass, slab sized Bluegill and Small mouth bass abounded. They showed little fear and would come very close looking for handouts. The lake has a large quantity of freshwater clams. Divers have been using them to feed the fish, but now it is prohibited to keep them from killing them all. Great Dive, good experience.

Divemaster Quest Part I

Step 1: Generate support. I'm a 24 year navy Vet, I've Commanded a Nuclear Submarine, I've commanded men in battle, but at home I've only made it to First mate! Soooo...to avoid all out mutiny I've enlisted my Crew (my sons) into my quest. Both boys are now Open Water Qualified and I have them jazzed up to certify Advanced open water next month and we've penciled in Rescue Diver in August! That support and the lure of more travel to exotic places has softened my bride to the crazy idea of opening my own shop.

Now, my lovely wife enjoys watching the water from shore or the balcony of a 100,000 ton cruise ship, but do not ask her to actually get in the water. (and yes she married a sailor...never underestimate the power of charm and a uniform!) How do I take advantage of this softening of heart to seal the deal? Any advice?

Why Java-nate?

Coffee... that elixir of life. Well, at least morning life. I can't think of a morning where my first thought has not been where and when I would get that first cup of coffee. As a Naval Officer, a coffee cup rapidly became a treasured appendage. Long days, dark wet nights, it was a natural...right? I mean everyone was doing it? It was served 24-7. Hmmm... sounds like some other addictive substance. Is it an addiction? or habit?

Now, here I am, still drinking coffee, but now its decaf and I still desire it. Habit? I don't know. What is addiction...can't live without it? What is habit? Too lazy to do something else? Heck I find myself researching how to make a better cup. I spend more time in the preparation in anticipation of the relaxing and mind learing cup of rejuvination.

Regardless, I want to pursue that perfect cup of home brewed coffee, what brand, what water, what brewer etc. Share with me those special techniques! Please!

Why Dive?

So why do people Scuba Dive? I am sure there are many reasons. I for one, love the underwater environment, the beauty and the adventure of exploring "another world". However, I don't think I would pursue Diving like I am now, if I wasn't diving with my Kids. It is the shared experience that makes it so important right now. I want to get my Master Diver Certification. My wife and I (believe it or not) are also toying with opening or running our own Dive Shop when I retire from the Navy in the next year or so. My sons opened that passion for me again and I am now in a place in my life that I can take advantage of it.

Why do you Dive?