Friday, October 5, 2007

10/06/07

Aquatic Ventures Dive Blog
5846 Stirling Road Hollywood, FL 33021 (P) 954-965-7919 Dive@AquaticVentures.com


Dive Conditions Report

I'm sure we've all noticed that the weather lately has signaled the end of summer and the arrival of fall. Wave action has increased slightly in the area due to increased winds. But, there are still calm days that are perfect to get a dive in. Dive boats are not affected by wave heights of 2-4 feet. We find that less-drowsy Dramamine is a life saver on boats. And, there are no waves 30 feet under the surface! There are also many days when the waves are 2 feet or less, which allow for smooth shore diving, no sea sickness! The conditions to the north, around Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach are slightly calmer than the Ft. Lauderdale/Miami area, so take advantage. Ask us about diving on the Deep Relief 2, a pontoon-style charter (more stable ride) that departs out of Pompano Beach. The reefs up there are beautiful!


We'd like to congratulate the following divers on completing the Advanced Open Water course. Great job!!!

Mike Sprague

Nikki Held

Amber Yuellig

Lee Florea

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Aquatic Ventures is also proud to announce that Josh is now a Nitrox Instructor. What is Nitrox? It is a gas mixture that contains a higher amount of oxygen in order to reduce the amount of nitrogen accumulated in the body while diving. Benefits include extended bottom dives as well as less fatigue after dives. This 4-hour class can be completed on a weekday evening, or on the weekends. Any Open Water diver is eligible to take the class, and the cost is only $100. Call Josh or Rachel at 954-965-7919 for more information.



Dive Spotlight: USCG Duane

The Duane is a 329-foot US Coast Guard Cutter, originally launched for service in 1936. The Duane patrolled waters all over the world before being sunk as an artificial reef off of Key Largo in 1987. She now sits upright in 130' water, with her superstructure at about 105' of depth. The USCG Duane was sunk along with her sister ship, the Bibb, and is one of the most popular wrecks in the Keys. (As always, thanks to Mike and Nikki for the great photos.)

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Other Important SCUBA notes:

PLEASE SEE THIS MOVIE!

SHARKWATER

What is it about?

For filmmaker Rob Stewart, exploring sharks began as an underwater adventure. What it turned into was a beautiful and dangerous life journey into the balance of life on earth.
Driven by passion fed from a lifelong fascination with sharks, Stewart debunks historical stereotypes and media depictions of sharks as bloodthirsty, man-eating monsters and reveals the reality of sharks as pillars in the evolution of the seas.
Filmed in visually stunning, high definition video, Sharkwater takes you into the most shark rich waters of the world, exposing the exploitation and corruption surrounding the world's shark populations in the marine reserves of Cocos Island, Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

Josh and Rachel's Review:

We saw this movie last week, and I can't remember the last time I was so moved by a motion picture. It is visually spectacular, as well as informative. Some scenes will amaze you, while other scenes will bring you to tears. Whether you are terrified of sharks, or love them (like we do) this movie will change how you feel about sharks for the rest of your life. Please, please, please go see it and then tell everyone you know to go see it. It's an extremely important film.

As a side note, a man by the name of Paul Watson is a big part of Rob Stewart's documentary. He is the best friend an ocean could ever hope for. Paul Watson was a co-founder of Greenpeace. In 1977, he left Greenpeace because he felt the original goals of the organization had been lost in the beauracratic shuffle. That same year, he founded the action-oriented conservation group, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Sea Shepherd is dedicated to research, investigation and enforcement of laws, treaties, resolutions and regulations established to protect marine wildlife worldwide. They have enacted campaigns against seal poachers, whalers, shark hunters and long-line fishing boats worldwide. Please visit their website to find out how you can directly play a big part in helping the Sea Shepherd crew to protect our oceans and its endangered animals at http://www.seashepherd.com/.



In-Store Specials

Save 20% off Masks, Fins and Snorkel

Every diver knows how important it is to have comfortable equipment that fits like a glove. If you haven't already purchased a mask, fins and snorkel, now is the time. Come on in to the store to get personally fitted and save 20% when you purchase all three together. We have a wide range of gear to fit everyone (and their budget!). A good fit is crucial, and at Aquatic Ventures, we will spend all the time necessary with you one-on-one to assure that you're getting the best fit and the best gear for your needs. Unlike those large dive discount superstores, we offer the best customer service in the area, and quality gear at a great value.

As always, fill cards can be purchased for $40 for 10 fills, saving you $1 every time you fill your tank.

New Gear:

TUSA IQ-800 DC Sapience Dive Computer

The Sapience is a Nitrox compatible dive computer, equipped with the world's first vibration warning function. It has a large square screen for high visibility, with the latest ultra-thin design.



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The DC Sapience dive computer is now in-stock, reduced from $559 to $499. Save $60!

Scub-Alert Air Horn

No diver should get wet without having a surface and underwater sound alert device. The Aquatec Scub-Alert (formerly known as the Sub Duck) has been redesigned and upgraded. The Scub-Alert fits almost all standard power inflators, as well as octo-integrated inflators. Get your dive buddy's attention underwater or signal the dive boat on a drift dive with this must-have safety device.



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If you have any questions, or suggestions, please e-mail Josh or Rachel at dive@aquaticventures.com or call us at 954-965-7919. Dive safe!

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5846 Stirling Road
Hollywood, FL 33021
(954)965-7919
http://www.aquaticventures.com/
dive@aquaticventures.com