ADA 2014 International Dive Trip
We have had
a lot of suggestions for trips this year and overall,
Bonaire has received the most requests, so mark your
calendar for July 19-26, 2014!! For those of you who have
never been to Bonaire, it is unique in many ways,
including being the beach diving capital of the world.
While you can do the trip simply by making beach-entry
dives, our trip will include a minimum of 2 boat dives per
day with the option to do as many beach-entry dives as the
tables will safely allow. These are not ordinary
beach-entry dives either! Swim 100 feet offshore and you
are in 80 feet of deep blue water with visibility
typically in the 100 foot plus range!!
Ten lucky divers will accompany Dan and Daryl to visit this desert paradise which makes up the “B” in the ABC Netherland Antilles islands. Just north of Venezuela, these islands are rarely impacted by hurricanes, making them a terrific summer destination. One of our favorite beach-entry dives is the Salt Pier. Entering the water at dusk as day turns to night, you will see a variety of marine life in a truly unusual environment. Another popular site is the Town Pier, featured on the cover of many dive magazines over the years, and a must-do dive.
So, save the dates on your calendar as Dan and I search for the best value package and start the arrangements. By the way, we are considering a second international trip this year if there is enough interest, so keep sending Dan and Daryl suggestions at dmbaeza@bellsouth.net and diverdaryl@bellsouth.net , respectively.
WORDS TO LIVE BY CONTEST
All members of the Active Divers Association are eligible to WIN FREE DIVE TRIPS in our monthly “Words to Live By” Contest. In this fun contest, each month from September, 2013 through March, 2014, the ADA will give away one free dive trip to be used for any local dive trip during the 2014 dive season. That’s seven free dives to be awarded in all.
If you have ideas for slogans or phrases that remind us of the need to conserve our natural resources, promote good diving habits and practices, or inspirational words to live by, send those ideas by email to roy@wassonandassociates.com. He will submit those entries anonymously to a contest judge, and each month the best entry will win a free dive trip.
Entries can -- but do not have to be -- diving-related, and can deal with subjects including but not limited to clean energy, air pollution, littering, healthy eating, conservation, and preservation of our water resources and sea creatures. We look forward to your creativity and ideas.
Here are the rules:
1.
One entry per person per month
2. Multiple winners allowed
3. Dives must be redeemed in 2014
4. No refunds or transfers of unredeemed dives
5. Trip insurance may be purchased
6. Deadline for each month is the last day of that month
7. Anonymous judge will declare winners
So get your entries into Roy by Friday, January 31, to be considered for the February competition!
Did You Know.....
Elbow Reef near Key Largo is sometimes called "Wreck Reef" because of the many shipwrecks, making it a very popular dive spot in the Florida Keys. The reef is marked by a 36-foot light tower. On one side is the City of Washington, which went aground in 1911 and where Atlantis Dive Center conducts their twice weekly "Creature Feature" dive. Nearby are "Mike’s Wreck"and a site called "Anchor Chain" because of a 30-foot length of chain. Both wrecks reside in 25 to 30 feet of water. Also popular is an area where a ship carrying train wheels sank. The Elbow is also known for its spur and groove formations and ledges where abundant corals, exotic fish and turtles can be seen. Nelson’s Ledge near the deepest portion of the reef at 85 feet, where giant barrel sponges and brain corals are found. ADA schedules dives on the Elbow via Capt. Slates Atlantis Dive Center several times each year.
JOIN THE FEW.....THE PROUD.... THE ADA SAFETY OFFICERS!!!
Calling all Dive Masters, Assistant Instructors, and Instructors. On each and every ADA dive there is supervision provided by an ADA Safety Officer. The Safety Officer's job is to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all ADA divers. It is a big job, with little or no thanks, but very rewarding for those of us who have accepted the challenge. You too can be a part of this elite fraternity.
The process of becoming an 'ADA Safety Officer begins with an orientation session conducted by the Safety Officers Committee where all your questions can be aswered.
Following the orientation, there is a period of on-the-dive observations, as well as an apprenticeship under the supervision of an ADA Safety Officer. Thereafter, the Safety Officer Committee evaluates its observations and based on a positive outcome, you are awarded the coveted ADA Safety Officers T-shirt.
Are you up to the challenge? Want to give something back to ADA? Call Lon at 305-251-4975 for more information.
BOAT FEES TO RISE IN 2014
Rising costs affect everyone, and unfortunately our industry is not immune. The fee for most 2-tank boat dives will rise in 2014 to $55, up from $49.
MY FIRST YEAR AS A
SAFETY OFFICER
Rachel Davis
In October 2012 I had the distinction of becoming the first female Safety Officer in the history of ADA. I was very proud of this honor and thrilled to be the newest member of the elite ADA Safety Officer corps. I had dreamed of becoming a Safety Officer when I first joined ADA back in 2007, so I was very happy to be selected by the committee after training as an Assistant Safety Officer for the entire 2012 season.
No stranger to sports instruction, I have been a PSIA certified ski instructor since 1991 and taught ski school lessons for many years in the mountains of Colorado and California. Ten years ago I moved to South Florida specifically to scuba dive. Four years ago while between jobs I decided to fulfill a long-time dream and become a PADI-certified scuba diving instructor. I really enjoy sharing the joy of (click to continue to page 2)
TIME TO RENEW
The new dive season is just around the corner. Renew before March 31, 2014 and your membrship is only $35 for a year. After March 31, your annual membership renewal fee is $45. Your membership includes periodic eNews emails about club activities as well as electronic access to The Mouthpiece monthly newsletter.
You may pay by check or online.To renew your membership online, go to http://activedivers.org/Membership-Renewal.html. To pay by check, mail a check made out to "Active Divers Association" with the appropriate amount to:
Dr. Dan Baeza
Membership Chairman
Active Divers Association
7592 Parkview Way
Coral Springs, FL 33065
Be sure to include your snail-mail and email addresses.