June 15 2012 (learning to dive) New Compass

   So as I drop down the usual swarm of fish come to see whats up and whats for dinner.
   But as I am making my way across the bottom in about 15 feet of water there is this little statue of two girls sitting on a bench. How awesome I thought to myself. I know it wasnt an old piece but it was neat to me. I decided it was time to practice buoyancy and took pictures and video while navigating around it. I didnt touch it and I tried not to stir up the bottom silt. Not too bad, but can still use a little work. There were plenty of fish hanging around too.

Air Temp--95
surface temp--80
Bottom Temp--75
Depth-25' + 10' altitude+35'
Total bottom time 50 min.

  I got a new compass that I was dieing to try! It was A retractable one that locked. I was able to snap it onto my upper BCD and still have easy access.
  I thought it would be a good idea to learn how so that when diving in the ocean I would have a better idea where the boat was. Plus I kept losing direction of my dive flag. So when I left the Statue I set my compass lumber line to come back in that direction, and off I went.
   So after I explored for about 20 minutes I started back while following my compass. I kept thinking it was off, but when I came within 5 feet of it I knew not only did it work, but it gave me confidence about where I was and where i have been.

This picture was pretty cool because the perch just hovered there watching me.
 It was like it had wings.

June 8 2012- beaver lake

Awesome dive!
    As I approached where I was going to take a dip I can see a gravel bar that protruded about 300 feet from the bank and there was only about 3 feet of water above it. So I thought that would be nice to dive all the way around it..

Air temp-92
Surface temp-80+
bottom temp-75
depth-27 +10 altitude=37'
total bottom time--45 min.

   I dropped off on the one side and started down. It was very murky. Not much to see and only a few fish. the bottom was all turned up, so I worked my away around the point and headed towards the other side. Much better. the viz was better and almost intermediately the fish started to show up.

   The rock formations was pretty good also.
It seemed there were fish under
every set of rocks. I played peek-a-boo with one under a stump. you will see it in the video below.
  The parent fish are amazing. I watched one for a long time protecting its nest from all the smaller fish. I am sure I didn't help by hanging around. Their seemed to be another nest that was abandoned near by. The small fish were all over it.



   Today I found the thermocline. It was at about 27'. I couldn't believe how cold it was and how foggy the water looked. I didn't go below it. didn't see any need for it. oh, and there was no pictures or photos because my little cheap camera wouldn't function at that depth. I tried. I didnt see any fish at all at that depth.

   The last time I had my tank filled, I talked to Nate about my pink dive sack that I used for an anchor for my flag. I asked if he had any solutions. He did. I guess they make a sack divers use gather stuff with. it was of a red mesh and closed and locked at the top. It was from Trident (yeah another sticker for my tank). It absolutely worked fantastic. It was cheap too! So I hooked my snap onto the metal ring that locked at the top, filled it up with some big rocks when I got to the bottom, and wala! Perfect anchor for my dive flag.
When I am done I just place the 30' rope in the sack and close it up. And also if I find anything cool or garbage, I can just swim back to my flag and put it in the sack.

My fins are starting to loosen up. Not as stiff any more. I am using a set of ScubaPro Sport jets. Nothing too fancy and only about $69.00. I will upgrade when I figure out what I think is best for me. But they work great for now.
 Here is my video below. Yep still the ole cheap camera!

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Ocean's Silent Killer

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We need your help to fight back against marine debris. Dear Derrick, Can you hear it? No? Neither can I, but I assure you it is happening. Tragically and silently, human carelessness results in precious marine life being killed by man-made waste in the ocean…every day. That is why I’m writing to you on behalf of the ocean to ask for your help: because together we can stop this silent killer before it is too late. Project AWARE needs people like you, people who care about the ocean, to take a stand with us! In today’s “throw-away” society, it is all too easy to forget that we are drowning the ocean planet in our trash like plastic bottles and bags: plastics that never biodegrade in the ocean and instead break down into even smaller pieces that remain a danger to marine animals that mistake them for food. The impact is both massive and horrific, and we urgently need your help to stop this.    Last year, with your financial support, Project AWARE launched the Dive Against Debris program, a year-round underwater debris removal and data collection effort carried out by our volunteer divers to reduce the devastating impacts of marine debris. Concerned divers around the world turn their recreational dives into ocean-saving actions by physically removing trash from our seas. This month, we are rallying our forces to strengthen and expand this program, and we hope you will be part of September’s Debris Month of Action. In addition to removing existing debris, our goal is to prevent it from entering the ocean. We already have more than 5,000 volunteer divers working around the world to improve the state of the oceans. In just one year, divers have removed tons of trash, and have completed over 500 valuable surveys about the debris they have removed. Surveys that give us hard data that we can use to prevent, reduce, and stop this silent killer before it ever reaches the ocean. This data is critical in supporting the development of coordinated governmental policies and strategies with a local, regional and global reach. Our Dive Against Debris program is the largest collective underwater clean up activity in the world. This program is vital to proactively ending debris-related destruction of the oceans. Your support to expand our activities is one of the most important investments you can make for the future of our planet. Please donate today, and ensure that Project AWARE has the resources needed to continue working to make global change—big, effective, impactful change for the ocean and for our collective future.                        Whatever you can give will help make a difference.                  Help us rescue the ocean from suffocating debris by donating today.    Thank you for your commitment to helping stop the ocean’s silent killer. We cannot do it without you! For the Ocean, Alex Earl Executive Director, Project AWARE Foundation P.S. Help us make September’s Debris of Month of Action a success by giving a gift today. Your financial support is vital to increasing our global reach and defeating the ocean’s silent killer!

Second time out-dive 7 & 8

It was a cloudy day, but still clear down below. As I brought dog food again this time I used an orange juice bottle. It didnt leak like the pill bottle that I used last time.
so the food stayed dry until needed.

I could squeeze the bottle and the fish loved it. It came out fast or slow as I needed it, even the bass came in for a closer look.

air temp-90
surface temp-80
bottom temp-74
depth-25'+10'alt =35'
total time 45 min.

On this dive I went a few feet deeper, but there was more activity at 20 feet. 

It is getting easier now to stay hovering instead of floundering like a sick fish. I am able to control my breathing better also.

It is getting darker as the storm comes up but viz is still fairly clear. I can see this will be my therapy from the rest of the world. I sat on the bottom and was mesmerized by the fish. It seemed that life was so...simple. I cleared all my thoughts from my everyday life and the business that I owned. It was nice.

Last time I filled my tank, I decided to get a small dive knife in case I got entangled with fishing line or something. It is a small knife without a point. I didn't want a point because I figure it would just be a hazard only to myself. It came with a small hard plastic sheath that I was able to attach to my upper BCD.
I remember to give it a quick rinse when I rinse all my other gear after each dive also.

I used a plastic bag (it was pink) for an anchor. Last dive, I tied my dive flag to some boulder on the bottom, but it didnt hold very well. So I brought a sack that came from a department store. I had a 30 foot rope tied to the flag and a snap on the end to clip on the bag. Then I filled the bag up with heavy rocks on the bottom. Now I dont need to find something to tie to. Nor do I have to carry a boat anchor with me. I will try to find a sturdier sack (not pink) for the next dive.

First dive since certified

This was a great dive! I dived solo which wasn't any problem, I just stayed in the safe zone. The viz was amazing! So many fish. I found a fallen tree and the fish were everywhere. I brought dog food to feed them, which they loved. some peices would float and some would sink. There were brim, perch, and a few bass.
There also was fish nesting. It was interesting. They wouldn't leave the nest for very long at all.

The water was warming up and it was sunny on this day.
Air temp--85
surface temp--76
bottom temp--70

My overall depth was 20' which with the high altitude of 10' feet it becomes 30'

Viz--20-25'

2 dives totaling just over an hour.

I bought a new tank (Neon yellow) I bought the base protection and valve cover.

The video below was taken with a cheap underwater camera from walmart that was limited to 10 feet but it took great photos and videos at 20'
 It only cost 50.00

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This #scuba diving video has gone viral around the world and it’s about ice diving - actually, it’s about pretending to be “Fishing Under Ice” in Finland :)

Last night of class

Well this was the last night of the class until we meet at the lake.
This was also test night. I studied the dive tables a lot and it was a good thing since there was several questions pertaining to the tables. The test wasn't too bad. I did miss 3 because I was thinking too much intro the questions. They were simple, but I had to make them complicated. It took an hour to take a 50 multiple choice questionnaire. Everyone passed in the class. Then we went to the pool to finish off the pool training. Again what a great night. We learned how to remove and replace our weight belt at the surface and at the bottom of the pool. Which was great because that night I bought my own weight belt so that I can get used to my own. The weight belt cost 25.00 and all the weights that I needed cost 50.00. so for 75.00 I got a new belt that was comfortable. There was cheaper ones but it would of only saved me 16.00.
Then we practiced removing and replacing our BCD with tank at the surface and at the bottom of the pool. Now as easy as that sounds, and it is....kinda. When trying to do this at the surface there is some tricks to it. Dont over inflate your BC or you will fight it the whole time. Keep it Buoyant but only semi. And you think well it will be easy to do on the bottom. Here is the trick. Although you think well I can stand up and just take it off. Well make sure you are not the first one doing it so that you can share a giggle with the instructor when everyone loses their balance. Now for the trick. Kneel on the floor and take it off. but be prepared to lay on the floor forward, because you will automatically start to fall forward and then just put your bcd back on as you are slightly falling forward. Its simple once you do it.
Next, the instructor turned off our air underwater so that we can feel what it feels like to run out of air. We watch the pressure gauge as she did it and then we practiced an emergency accent to the surface and manually inflated the bc when we surfaced. Very interesting night. I was amazed on how much we actually learned in only 4 nights in the pool. We all wished there was more. But now we are waiting for the lake to warm up to finish the certification. It will be 2 days with 4 dives total including navigation and a dive to 60 feet. It should be great!

3rd Class

   Ok, so it is getting easier to understand. This class was one that I was dreading because we had to go over using the RDP (recreational dive planer) Its  tales you how deep and how long you can stay underwater.

   But I studied it a lot and was prepared. So the class went well.  We learned the difference in emergency accent and normal accent in case of and emergency lack of air. That was helpfull.

   In the pool we started off by jumping in the pool properly with all our gear on making sure we held our mask as we leaped in. 

   My buddy and I simulated running out of air  and practiced swimming together as we shared air off the alternate. Well that was exciting because I was using my own equipment that just got over hauled and my alternate was turned down some I guess. So as we started swimming, My buddy had a hard time breathing and had to revert back to his air. Very good experience, because he had to change air midstream which he easily done without panicking and we also found out what that little dial is for on the side of the mouth piece.

  So if a buddy needs your alternate air, turn it completely up after he places it in his mouth. I am glad I am using my own equipment to find these things out!

   We honed our buoyancy skills. Tonight was much better. I wasn't flopping around like a drunk fish going strait to the top are falling to the bottom. I was able to hover at one spot and controlling my motions was a lot easier.

   Also tonight which I thought was really cool and easy, we learned how to breath on a free flow regulator! So when the air just keeps coming out freely, you just put your mouth on one side of your mouth piece and suck the air from it using your tongue as a baffle from the water.  It was great! Very interesting night!

  

Second Class

   Another great class. It was a little more challenging than the first. We learned how to equalize as we descend and how to take our mask off and on under water. Then we started buoyancy control. That was pretty cool. We would only put enough air in our BCD to get us off the floor a little as we breathed out and then in. I had a hard time staying down as we swam though. Every time I kicked it seem to push me further to the top. But I am determined to get it down.
   We went over some more gear and their functions. Also I used my own regulator this class. Had it completely rebuilt for around $170.00 And that is with an alternate second stage too. Its nice to use your own gear so that you can work the kinks out of everything before the fun starts.
   Cant wait to learn a little more. Every day it seems I get more comfortable with it.
Hand signals was next. That was great. Were all learning them and also a few more that the instructor has showed us for like fish identification.

First Class

   WOW!! What an amazing class! I got there early, so I was able to watch a recent trip to Fiji. Very nice. Then once everyone got there we did the basic book review and go over anything that we didnt understand.
    It was easy to understand and when we finally got in the pool (which didn't take too long) It was like being a kid in the candy store. First we went over how to set up the tank. It looked confusing at first because of all the hoses and stuff hanging down, but after doing it the first time it comes naturally.
   We snorkeled first around the pool to get used to the snorkel and then we was able to get our tanks on. I had a small leak in my own BCD but nothing too bad. I left it so that it can be fixed.
   Once we went over how to breath the air under water we went around the pool several times to get used to having the gear on.  

   We went over taking the mouth piece out and reinserting it into the mouth, and how to retrieve it if it gets accidentally yanked out. Then we went over sharing air with a buddy. It was so great. The manual really prepared me for what I was going to be doing.
   After our pool time we rinsed our gear and set our gear up against the wall in preparation for our next class.
   Once home, I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking about the lessons and what I needed to review before the next class.  Must be why they give you a day off before the next class,lol

 

My old gear didnt pass

   So I went to pick up my BCD and my regulator and just as we thought, the BCD was shot. the bladder could not be replaced. The Regulator had to be over hauled but worth it. Cost me $130.00 to replace some seals and hoses, but since it had the alternate second stage, I thought it was well worth it.
   There was some used BCD's for sale and I found one that was in almost new condition for $115. It was  Scuba Pro and the instructor said I can use it while I take the course. So I thought that was great. It didnt have the integrated weight system but it did have the double quick air release on the front and the back like I wanted. So now I have Scuba Pro fins, boots, and BCD. This I feel is a good start. My dive bag is completely full. May need a bigger bag if they make one.
   Dive class starts tonight and I am excited but nervous. I think I have forgot some of the literature that I thought I had familiarized. Oh well, I guess it will come back to me when we start going over it in class.
   

Easy manual to learn

   Well I have been studying and reveiwing the dive manual and watching the videos.
Wow! all my fears of diving is gone. They go over everything. From leg cramps (which I have had since I was a small kid) to running out of air. You will learn how to remove your gear and replace it under water. And learn how to use a buddies alternate air source. 
   The manual is easy to read and understand. and the videos are exactly the same as the book, so it makes it even easier to learn.  The RDP (recreational dive planner) looked like it was going to be hard to understand with all its numbers and letters, but after following the directions and going over the manual it was pretty easy to pick up.
   I am excited. I have readjusted my goggles several times, and have watched the videos over and over too.
  
  

Dropping off gear

   Yep! I am signed up. I start class in three weeks and until then I am given home work. chapters to be read, and quizzes to take. That is so great! Which means I can start now. I was given a video to watch and a manual to read.
   The BCD was left but not a lot of hope. It was almost obsolete. Some of the manufacturers was no longer in business but they was going to take a look and see what they could do. Secretly I am hoping that it is too far gone so that I can get an up to date one. 
   The snorkel and mask should be fine but I will have to get different fins. I thought my fins were ok because they were supposedly dive fins, but I guess they arr better off using for snorkeling. They were a closed foot fin instead of open fin with a strap to hold your foot in. Oh well, that just means I get to buy another set. I picked out a medium price pair of fins until I figure out what I am doing and get other reviews. Of course you want the best of the best right off. But not yet.
    I went with the popular brand of Scuba Pro with a strait fin. My other fins were Ocean Quest and I am actually really happy with them for snorkeling. They are split finned and are not to hard to push.
   Next week I get to pick up the old BCB

Signing up

   Ok, so I am so stoked! I stopped by and picked up some info on the lessons and the schedule to see when was the next class. Very helpful guys.
   Tomorrow I am signing up and dropping off the BCD that my uncle gave me to get checked out. I already know that there is a hole on the bladder, but would like to know what can be fixed.
   Also I am bringing in my fins snorkle and mask to see if these are up to standard for the class.

Why did I want to dive

      As you grow up you watch a few movies that has underwater life, and you let your mind wander with the whales and sharks and of course the loved dolphins. I have an uncle that worked over seas in the Virgin Islands and I would hear his stories on the wrecks he dove. I had a friend that lived in Honduras that lived on the island of Roatan and he was the one that brought the underwater life alive. We would snorkel right off his dock and see every color fish, lobsters, octopus eating a conch, and so much more.
 Although he has passed on I will never forget the first time my face went under water. It was clear and I was hooked.
   So I bought my own set of snorkeling gear and traveled back and forth to the island enjoying what the reef around the island had to offer me, but I longed for more. I would see divers leave on a boat that was headed for a wreck or just a simple reef dive. I would hear there stories at the local beach bar and I finally realized that I would have to dive.
   So on  a recent visit to see family in Louisiana my uncle gave me his BCD and told me he couldn,t dive any more because of troubled ears. (not from diving) I was stoked so. I couldnt wait. So after a year past, I did it! I signed up for Diving class.
    I hope to note the experiences and what I have learned through this blog.