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.