February 2005
Atomic Ducks
Support your local Dive Club. Become a member. You have to be certified and like to dive. Enjoy the benefits and activities. The Atomic Ducks are always planning fun and exciting events. Have an exciting dive in mind? Join the club and voice your opinion. Meet interesting and fun people. Visit their site at
Travel
July 16—19, 2005. Let's all go to California!! It's 3 days on “The Truth” off San Clemente Island. All food and non alcoholic beverages provided. The cost is only $549. Judi, from UnderSea Adventures, will be the group leader and is anticipating having a fabulous time! Let's dive those kelp beds. There is a $100 non refundable deposit required and the balance to be paid by June 1, 2005. The sign-up sheet is awaiting your name. You can have your gear hauled down for you for $50, paid in advance.
June 11—12, 2005. This Mackenzie Wreck Dive will be one to remember! We will be diving with Deep Sea Charters. This is an excellent boat with excellent treatment. Also, Deep Sea Charters supplies the tanks and air! $310 includes lodging in Sidney, BC. Get your name on the list now.
October 8—24, 2005. Come join the adventure to Australia and Truck Lagoon. This trip includes round trip air from Seattle. Packages start as low as $4350 (PPDO). There is a $500 non refundable deposit required and the balance to be paid by September 1, 2005. Get your name on the list while there is room.
DIVING SUIT SALE
DRY SUITS
Now is the time! All dry suits are on sale. Neoprene Dry Suits are 50% off! We have Atlan and Bare. Originally $699 to $1299. Now $350 to $750. All trilaminate Dry Suits are 15% off! We have Bare and DUI. Originally $1299 to $2198. Now $750 to $1100. This sale is good on in-stock suits only. If you enjoy the great wonders of Northwest diving, now is the time to get that dry suit. It makes diving the cold water fun and exciting!
WET SUITS
Every wet suit in stock is 20% off! This includes cold water and warm water suits. We have various sizes in both men's and women's. We also have some Junior sizes. Choose from vests, shorties, farmer and supra Johns, and farmer and supra Janes. Originally $34.95 to $149.95. Now $28 to $120. Whether you are diving cold water or warm water, this is the time to get your suit.
Giant Octopus
The Giant Pacific Octopus is a cephalopod mollusc, a class that contains all other octopus, squid and cuttlefish. It is regarded as the largest species of octopus in the world. Until recently it was known as Octopus dofleini , but in 1998 was re-classified as Enteroctopus dofleini , part of a genus that includes all other giant octopus species. Rumors abound in the Pacific Northwest regarding the size to which E. dofleini is capable of growing, including one supposedly found dead years ago in the Ballard Locks in Seattle that is said to have exceeded 30 feet in local mythology. Tall tales aside, the most impressive official" record that has been located is one from the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans web site, indicating that the largest Giant Pacific Octopus on record weighed 272 kg (599.6 pounds!) with a total arm spread of 9.6 meters (31.5 feet!). Others have reportedly been found within the 300 to 400 pound range. These "records", however, are disputed by many biologists, and in reality finding one that exceeds 100 pounds is extremely unusual. Generally, it is agreed that E. dofleini can reach a size of over 150 pounds, although a typical adult will be in the 60 to 80 pound range. Still, the size of the Giant Pacific Octopus is apparently limited only by the quality and quantity of its food...literally, if it eats well, it'll GROW! This is one of the great advantages of diving the cold waters of the great Northwest. (This story is courtesy of NorthwestDiver.com)
Classes
SCUBA Diver Class :
Offered every month (except December), 4 weeks long, includes 4 classroom sessions, 4 pool sessions and a two day open water trip to the Puget Sound for certification. This class (in parts or as a whole) can be taken as a refresher for those who haven't been wet in a few years . Next class begins February 2, 2005.
Advanced SCUBA Class :
This class will be offered February 24, 2005 with check outs on March 5 & 6. It is a great way for a new diver to gain valuable experience, or for a veteran diver to get back into diving.
Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) Diver Class:
This course is to provide the diver with the information necessary to utilize EANx as a breathing medium. This class will be held February 3 at 6:00 pm in the classroom at UnderSea Adventures. David Bruns will be instructing.
Diving the Channel Islands of Southern California
Located approximately 20 to 80 miles offshore from the metropolis of Southern California are the underwater treasures called the Channel Islands. The Channel Islands consists of eight major islands. Each island is a bit unique and offers a slightly different selection of marine life, bottom depths, bottom terrain, water visibility, and gaming opportunities. This July, come with us to explore the underwater treasures off San Clemente Island, the farthest south of the Channel Islands. Located approximately 25 miles south of Santa Catalina, San Clemente Island is known for it's great variety. The "lee" of Clemente is home to consistently good water clarity, usually better than that found at Catalina. Typical visibility is 60' - 80'+. The " backside " of San Clemente is known for abundant lobster and pink and green abalone. Here there are many isolated deep water reef systems and pinnacles such as " 9-fathoms " which offers clear water, rock scallops, purple coral colonies, plus big fish. The most comfortable way to experience the magic of the islands is onboard one of the custom-built live-aboard vessels from Truth Aquatics. All of the vessels were designed by divers, for divers. The professional crews enjoy what they do, and their vast knowledge of island dive sites comes from their experience. You are treated as a guest, not simply a passenger. You will be served a delectable cuisine of three hot meals, varied and tasty, and snacks daily. We will be on “The Truth”, reputed to be one of the finest on the California Coast. There is generous room for all your gear, changing rooms and comfortable benches for suiting up. After your day's exciting adventure, hot showers welcome you from both above and below deck. Spacious sundecks beckon you to lounge, sunbathe or read. At the end of the day, you can relax into your comfortable, private bunk, complete with pillows and blanket.
Dates
Nitrox Class..................................................................................Feb 3
Cozumel .............................................................................Feb 12—19
Advanced Scuba Diver Class.......................................................Feb 24
San Juan Islands ................................................................... Mar 4 & 5
San Juan Islands ...........................................................................Apr 3
San Juan Islands ..........................................................................May 3
San Juan Islands ........................................................................May 23
Makinze Wreck Dive ..........................................................Jun 11 & 12
San Juan Island ............................................................................ Jul 16
Channel Islands .....................................................................Jul 16—19
San Juan Islands .........................................................................Aug 13
Makinze Wreck Dive ........................................................ Sep 10 & 11
San Juan Islands ............................................................................Oct 8
Australia & Truk Lagoon ...................................................... Oct 8—24
San Juan Islands ....................................................................Nov 5 & 6