Aquatic Ventures Dive Blog 
CHECK OUT THIS MONTH'S SPECIALS!
- New! Pearl Pink and Powder Blue Tusa mask, snorkel and fins package is now in stock. $179.99 for the package (usually $199) Perfect for the stylish female diver or snorkeler.
- Clearance Special: Get a complete regulator set up for only $299. Beuchat VX80 High-Performance Regulator, reduced from $299 to $249. Add the Beuchat VS Octo for only $50. Supplies Limited!
- As always our tank fill cards are $40 for 10 fills. We now can fill DIN valves too. Get those tanks ready, and take advantage of the beautiful weather before summer ends!! (VIP $5, Hydro $35, Fills $5 )
Dive Conditions Report
This week has been another wonderful week for diving. Although we could probably use the rain, the storms have managed to stay away and the water has been smooth. Visibility has been averaging 40-60 feet, depending on the dive site, and waves have been minimal. You couldn't ask for better conditions to enjoy a dive, on a boat, or off the shore. Next week should bring more of the same. Please call us at 954-965-7919 to schedule a boat dive with one of our charter partners, or for more information about the numerous, amazing shore dives in the area.
Dive Site Spotlight:
Commercial Beach, Fort Lauderdale
This is definitely one of the best beach dives around. The first and second reef line are a very manageable swim from shore for most active divers. (Don't forget your dive flag!) And, the reef life is amazing. A recent group of students spotted Great Barracuda, a school of color-changing reef squid as well as a large, resident sea turtle that is not shy around divers. You can always count on finding innumerable tropical fish, lobster, arrow crabs and much more. Commercial Beach is also great for night diving when you are likely to spot colorful reef octopus. The reef line extends south of the pier and runs north-south for hundreds of yards.
Take Commercial Boulevard east to US-1 and then head south to Datura Street and take a left. There are 10 parking spots right at the pavilion where you enter the water, but plan on arriving early to find them available. But if they're not, it's no problem. Just unload your gear at the pavilionand then park across the street.
Enter the water in line with the pavillion. You will be a few hundred yards south of the pier. Swim out just past the buoys and you should be able to see the reef. Descend and swim south along the reef line, then north back to your entry point. Average depths range from 12-20 feet depending on the tide, and their is sometimes a slight, north running current. make sure to stay 100 yards away from the pier to avoid the fishermen.Here are some pictures taken by our resident photographers, Mike and Nikki. (Thanks guys!) This happens to be their favorite beach dive.
Queen Angelfish
French Angelfish
Don't Forget! Dive Trip Tomorrow
Sunday, 9/9 at 8:00
Spaces Still Available!
On Sunday morning, September 9th, we are diving with Deep Relief Dive Charters. Call for directions, or visit their website at www.deepreliefdivecharters.com. Deep Relief is located in Pompano Beach, FL. The boat will leave at 8:30 am, divers need to be at the dock at 8:00 am It's a two tank dive, and prices are $70 with tanks, $50 w/out. Please call us or stop by our store to make arrangements for payment. We will be diving the Ancient Mariner and the Hillsboro Ledges. You can find info on both of these sites at the Deep Relieft website. If you need to rent equipment please let us know in advance what you will need. Don’t forget to bring your C-Cards!! Nitrox will be available if requested. We are meeting at Aquatic Ventures dive shop at 7:00 am for those who need equipment and those who want to carpool. Come dive with us!
Dive Tips: How to Dive Like a Pro
(In this new addition to the blog, each week we will be giving helpful tips and suggestions for a variety of dive situations.)
Tip #1: The Perfect Giant Stride Entry
- Step 1- Prep your gear.
Attach all accessories close to your body or secure them in a BC pocket. Your console should be hooked to your BC or tucked under it. Don't jump while carrying spears, cameras, large lights, DPVs or anything that could whack you when you hit the water. Besides, O-rings can be defeated by impact with the water. These accessories should be handed down by a crew member after you've entered the water. Inflate your BC only partially. If you make it too large and bouyant, it may ride up on your chest when you hit the water.
- Step 2- Look before you leap.
If you have a choice, go to the lowest, easiest entry point. Before you step out, look to be sure the previous diver has cleared the area. Don't rely solely on the divemaster's OK that it's clear; look for yourself. Allow several seconds; the previous diver may still be under water about to pop up under you.
- Step 3- Assume the position.
Get ready to dive. Put your mask on and regulator in your mouth, then take a few breaths while watching your pressure gauge to be sure you've turned the air on all the way and all is well. Hold your mask in place with your right hand. You can use the heel of your hand to hold your regulator in place. Hold your weight buckle with your left hand- they sometimes come loose upon impact with the water. If you have a loose console or other piece of gear, try to hold it with your left hand against your belt buckle.
- Step 4- Steppin' out.
After checking below you one last time, look straight ahead, not down at the water, and take a large, gentle stride out, leaving your trailing leg behind. Both feet will enter the water simultaneously. Do not attempt to jump up into the air-you could become unbalanced and land badly. be sure to step out far enough that you don't bob up under the swim platform or hit it on the way in. Hit the water with your legs well spread and your feet flat so your fin blades hit the surface and bread your fall. From heights greater than six feet, bring your legs together before hitting the water.
- Step 5- Clear the area.
As soon as you bob to the surface, give an OK to the crew or your dive buddy and move away to make room for the next diver. Grab the tag line if one has been set up due to conditions and check your gear, making sure your weight belt is still tight and in position. Join your buddy, check your instruments and proceed with your dive.
Please remember to always dive safely!
(If you'd like to be removed from the Dive Club e-mail list, please send us an e-mail at dive@aquaticventures.com with Remove in the subject line.)
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