
- Conditions Report
- Dive Site Spotlight: SS Copenhagen and the Pompano Drop Off
- In-Store Specials
- Dive Tips: How to Dive Like a Pro
Dive Conditions Report: The weather is heating up, the ocean is getting smoother and water temps are on the rise. It all adds up for some terrific diving conditions! The forecast for the rest of the week is mostly sunny with the occasional isolated thunderstorm. Water conditions should be favorable the entire week, with waves 2 feet or less on both Saturday and Sunday. This weekend, temps are going to be close to 90 with lots and lots of sun. It translates into smooth water, good visibility and awesome diving! If it's been a while since you've gotten wet, this weekend is an excellent time to get back into the water.
Dive Site Spotlight: SS Copenhagen and The Pompano Drop Off
This 325-foot steamer was built in 1898, just two years before it sunk about 1/2 mile due east of the large blue water tower on Pompano Beach. It ran aground on a rock ledge while transporting a large cargo of coal to Havana. The wreck site was protected as a Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve site in June of 1994. It is also a Florida Heritage site. This is one of Florida's best historical shipwreck dives. Sitting in only about 15-30 feet of water, the ship's hull has collapsed, but a lot of wreckage is still scattered around for exploring. It is overgrown with hard and soft coral and home to many species of fish, including parrotfish, sargeant majors, damselfish, scorpionfish and even several species of grouper. On our last visit to the Copenhagen, we also spotted Yellow Stingrays, Goldentail Morays and lots of lobsters. (No spearfishing or lobstering is allowed.) The Pompano Drop Off runs north and south of the wreck, and because of the shallow depths, you will have plenty of time to explore the Drop Off on the same dive. It is swimmable from shore for stronger swimmers in smooth conditions. Don't forget your dive flag! Part of the collapsed hull A large scorpionfish under a ledge on the Drop Off Pink Lumpy Sponge Goldentail Moray Eel In Store Specials: Summer will be here soon. We are having a sale on all our warm water wetsuits. Men's and Women's full 3MM Body Glove Core X wetsuits are on sale for $59.99 (reduced from $79.99) and Men's and Women's 3MM Body Glove Core X shortie wetsuits are on sale for $35.99 (reduced from $49.99). You won't find a better price on exposure suits anywhere else! Our most popular complete dive package is always at the low price of $599.00. (Retail $900.00) The package includes a Tusa BC, Tusa Platina adjustable, balanced regulator with SS-10 octo and double analog depth and pressure gauge. Receive a free Aquatic Ventures t-shirt with the purchase of a complete dive package! Easy Shore Entries- 5 Steps to Success Here at Aquatic Ventures, we are huge proponents of beach diving. We are lucky enough to live in an area with many beautiful reefs accessible from shore. Beach diving is very rewarding and also a great workout. If haven't tried it, give us a call and we'll tell you some of our favorite spots! Step #1: Gear Up! Put on all your gear except fins before approaching the water so you're prepared to be a scuba diver as soon as you're wet. Gear should be clipped in close. A flying console could smack your head in rough surf. Make sure your fin straps are tight. Gearing up on the beach can get sand into everything. If possible, suit up at your vehicle, or bring a tarp to spread on the sand. Step #2: Check the Surf. Watch the waves for a few minutes. A set of bigger waves will be followed a lull of smaller ones. A shorter period between waves implies faster, harder-hitting waves. Look for where the racks are, if there are any, and pick your entry (and exit) point. Finally, after evaluating the conditions, ask yourself, "Is it safe to dive here? Am I prepared for this dive?" Don't let enthusiasm or peer pressure overrule good judgement. Step #3: Go! Before you head out into the water, identify a landmark or place a marker at the shore point where you are entering, so you can find it at the end of the dive. There are quite a few beaches in the area that have large dive flag signs at entry points where the reefs are off the beach. Walk into the water until you are about waist deep. Continue out into the water, swimming past the point where waves break to begin your swim out to the reef. If conditions are relatively wavy, put your regulator into your mouth and your mask on before attempting to put on your fins. Walk backwards into the waves, while looking backwards over your shoulder. Tow your float or dive flag behind you, don't push it ahead of you, the waves could throw it into your face. Also, don't walk too close to your buddy, and don't be behind him. He could be pushed right into you. Step #4: Duck and Cover If conditions are calm, you will have no problem donning your fins and swimming out to the reef while snorkeling, or kicking out on your back. Follow these procedures if the waves are larger than 2-3 feet: When a wave comes, spread your legs and brace yourself. Lean into the wave. You may also want to hold your reg and mask onto your face. Don't try to swim over the break. You may be able to duck under large waves. Big waves in a rocky area? Don't even try it. Find another spot where a safe entry is possible, or abandon the dive for a better day. Step #5: Check Your Gear Again, try to get past the surf line as quickly as possible. If you don't make it and are tossed back towards the shore, rest and try again. You'll probably do better the second time. Once through the surf, pause to recheck your equipment for security and adjustment. Check your reg for sand and swish it around in the water to dislodge any that may have gotten into the second stage. Once your gear is secure, begin your dive.
Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Lucky for him, it's not lobster season!)
Dive Tips: How to Dive Like a Pro
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