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South Florida Divers, Inc. 


September 2006 Newsletter

CONTENTS
President's Message Come Join The Fun !
Calendar for September and beyond September Meeting Program
FAQ'S   August Dinner
San Salvador, Bahama Trip Photos August Dinner at Large Pics
Lobster Queen Photos A Safety Minute
Bahamas Dive Weekend Trivia Question
Check The Weather Happy September Birthday
Lots of Laughs and Other Wisdom Attention Beach Divers
Where's Kansman Keys Trip 2006 Pics
E Board Opportunity  

 

President's Message

Are there any left ? (lobsters that is......)

~ By Pete Stephinson

Judging from the contents of my inbox the lobster population of South Florida must be taking a hammering. Unlike some of the would be "Lobster Queens", some of us actually have to work. So it was quite a surprise to open my inbox at 8:00AM on the first day of mini-season to see a photo of one of our fine ladies with her catch. By the end of the day there were quite a few more similar photos, and more still by the end of mini-season. Once the regular season started, the flow of "ladies and their lobsters" photos  resumed and I've got to believe that the pickings out there now have got to be pretty slim - prove me wrong ladies. We  have some months to go until the 2006 Lobster Queen is crowned at the annual holiday party and the competition is fierce to say the least. Let the best lady win.

At the August annual meeting I distributed a survey seeking input on destinations for our 2007 overseas summer trips. Thirty six of you responded, and the results are in. Based on your input we have scheduled three week long trips for next summer, and will also have a "getaway weekend" to the Bahamas. These trips are in addition to the trip to the Great Barrier Reef already planned.  Week long trips are being scheduled so that you can participate in more than one. They are: Cayman Brac, Turks & Caicos, And a week on a liveaboard off the Exumas. A brief description of each trip is included in this newsletter along with estimated costs. If you plan to go on one of these trips, we need your deposit at the September meeting. This is so we can lock in flights and accommodation at the current prices. I think you will agree with me, we have an outstanding trip schedule for 2007  which will satisfy the needs for different types of trips and diving experiences of our diverse membership.

As you will see in this newsletter, we have a great schedule of local dives and activities planned for the rest of the summer. The water is warm so I hope to see you in the water some time soon.

Pete

email: President@SFDI.com

 

 

Summer 2007 - Overseas Trips.

 

The following trips were selected based on input by the membership. The dates have been set so that you can plan to go on more than one trip. The price estimates below are based on the best information we have at the current time and may change. In particular airline prices are not published yet.  We need deposits to lock in the reservations we are currently holding  at the current prices. If you are planning to go on one of these trips please have a deposit of $200 at the September meeting.

June 17-21st 2007 Cayman Brac.  Marine life of all shapes and sizes abound in the clear, warm waters off Cayman Brac. The recent sinking of a Russian Destroyer has only added to it's  attractiveness as a dive destination. We plan to stay at the Brac Reef Resort, www.bracreef.com. Estimated cost is $1950 including air, lodging, meals, transfers, travel insurance and diving. Trip Organizer Dave Schneider

June 30-July 7th Exumas Liveaboard. A Bahamas dive trip aboard the luxurious AquaCat Catamaran ( www.aquacatcruises.com ). We will cruise the Exumas for the best in pristine Bahamas diving.... reef, wall, wreck, drift and Blue Hole dives. In addition to diving, snorkeling, kayaking and island exploration are available. Estimated cost $2200 all inclusive includes air, and tips. Trip organizer Fred Miller.

July 14-21st Turks & Caicos. Turks is known for it's spectacular wall diving. To satisfy recently acquired tastes for white chocolate bread we will be staying at the Club Med Turkoise   ( www.clubmed.com )  The estimated cost is $1900 including air, lodging, transfers, travel insurance, drinks and diving. Trip Organizer Pete Stephinson.

 

  email: President@SFDI.com

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         WELCOME YOUR NEWEST DIVE BUDDIES!

 

We are delighted to welcome new members

Stuart and Jane House, Hamilton and Jen Donaldson ,

Richard Belanger and Kristen Hoss !!

   We look forward to diving with you. 

         As a Reminder to Everyone, We are a NO-DECO Dive Club.        Always adhere to Safe Recreational Dive Depths and Limits.

 

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  • September 2006 Calendar and Beyond


     

    ~ By Dave Schneider, Vice President of Calendar 


    Phone numbers of trip coordinators are not posted to ensure privacy.  If you are a club member, consult your Buddy List for numbers.  If you don't have a Buddy List they are available at the monthly meeting from Melissa Ames.

    Just a quick reminder...  the Calendar exists for the information of all our members.  Should you see an event that is of interest please contact the coordinator and sign on at any time of the month.  Sign-up is not limited to the monthly General Meeting.  The coordinator will be more than pleased to place you on his/her list and tell you where to send payment.

    WE NEED YOUR HELP!!  We need more people to run events!  If you are interested in coordinating a dive, a trip, a dinner or any other type of event please contact an E-Board member.  Any member of the Board will be more than happy to advise and assist you in any way possible.                                        

    • August 22:  Dinner-at-Large  Join Joe Smariga at Mi Casa, Su Casa for an evening of fine Italian dining.  Joe is ringing the dinner bell at 7:30 PM.  The restaurant is located at 2750 Griffin Road, 1/2 mile west of I-95 on the south side. 
    • August 26 :  Private Boat Dive  8:00 AM Show  8:30 AM Go  Dave Wills is back again and will welcome a few good divers for a day of fun and diving.  Be at the dock at John U. LLoyd State Park on time. Those showing up at 8:35 will be waving at Dave's wake.  Directions at: www.floridastateparks.org/lloydbeach/default.asp
    •  August 27:  8:30 AM Show and Go  Beach Dive  Fred Miller is back on the beach and plunging  into the briny with as many SFDI beach divers as can muster the strength to join him.  Meet him at Michigan Street in Hollywood.  Ample parking is generally available.  For more details contact Fred directly.
    • It's official...  Atlantis is still lost.  Stefan vows to continue searching but holds out little hope.  If he finds it, we will dive it.  Details as they are available... if they are available.
    • September 2:   1:00 AM Show  1:30 AM Go  Fred is back from his beach dive and hopping aboard the American Dream II for an afternoon of diving off Ft. Lauderdale.  Fred hasn't chosen the dive sites yet but promises a good afternoon.   Cost - $53.00, tax and tip included.  For directions go to www.scubaftlauderdale.com
    • September 6 :  General Meeting  7:30 (Sharp!) Go   RAMADA INN FORT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT, 2275 State Road 84. [Driving directions here]  Tonight will be a "social night" so there will be no guest speaker.  Instead, pictures from the San Salvador trip will be available for viewing.
    • September 9:  Seafood Festival !!  Always a highlight of the SFDI year as we brave another fun- filled hurricane season.  Plan to dive today so you can bring your catch as well as a covered dish to share with all.  5:00PM to Midnight.  Lauderdale Isles Yacht Club  [Map here] 
    •  September 11:  SFDI Executive Board Meeting at Connections for Business, 2843 Pembroke Road, NE corner of I-95 and Pembroke Road.  All members are encouraged to join us.  The meeting starts at 7:30 PM.  Hope to see y'all there.
    • September 15-17 :  Bahamas Dive Weekend !  SOLD OUT!  Stefan Trestyn has put together a weekend in the Bahamas. 
    •  September 19:  1:00 PM Show  1:30 PM Go  Over-the-Hill and Off-the-Stern  Another weekday dive with Dave and Elaine Schneider for the retired members and all those who can steal a day off.  Into the waters off Palm Beach County aboard the Starfish Enterprise out of Lantana.  And leave the evening open for dinner at the Old Key Lime House, right at the dock.   Dive  cost - $52.00 tax and tip included.     For directions: www.idivestarfish.com
    • September 20:  Dinner-at-Large  John Kansman wants everyone to join him at his favorite Cuban restaurant, Don Arturo's, for an evening of fine food and camaraderie.  Bring a hearty appetite.  Dinner begins at 7:30 PM.  Don Arturo's is located at Davie Boulevard and Riverland Road (27th. Ave.)
    • September 23:  1:30 PM Show  2:00 PM Go  Kim Hunziger has us exploring the reefs and ledges of Palm Beach County aboard the Lady-Go-Diver. Good dives build good appetites so plan to stay for drink and vittles at afterward.  Dive cost will be $52.00, tax and tip included.  For directions..  www.idivestarfish.com
    • October 1:  8:00 AM Show  8:30 AM Go  Nansy MacKenzie has made plans for us to dive "The Wall" at Biscayne National Park.  Since this is a somewhat unique dive for this area it should fill-up quickly.  The cost will be $55.00, tax and  tip included.  For more information about the park give Nansy a call or go to      www.biscayne.national-park.com
    • October 4 :  General Meeting   7:30 PM (Sharp!) Go   RAMADA INN FORT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT, 2275 State Road 84. [Driving directions here]  The nights program will feature Steve Salach from the Marine Dive and Patrol. 
    • October 9:  SFDI Executive Board Meeting at Connections for Business, 2843 Pembroke Road, NE corner of I-95 and Pembroke Road.  All members are encouraged to join us.  The meeting starts at 7:30 PM.  Hope to see y'all there.
    • October 15:  Bike Ride  Julie Taylor wants a bunch of hardy folk to join her for a bike ride.  Meet her on Hollywood Beach at 10:00 AM.  For more information contact Julie.
    • October 17:  1:00 PM Show  1:30 PM Go  Over-the-Hill & Off-the Stern  It's time once again for all the old folk and those that can steal some time from work to join Dave and Elaine Schneider for a day of diving.  This month off the Lady-Go-Diver out of Deerfield Beach.  $53.00 covers all.  Directions at:   www.dixie divers.com
    • October 19:  Dinner-at-Large  If it's October it must be time for Oktoberfest!!  Location and time to be announced.
    • October 20-23:  Dave Wills has planned a weekend trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson.  A visit to this historic monument is always a treat, but there's more!  Dave plans two nights of camping at the National Park, snorkeling and all sorts of fun and games. Updates as available.
    • October 28:  8:30 AM Show  9:00 AM Go  Back to Key Largo with Dave and Pete for another of the popular three tank, four dive all-day fun-taculars.  This one always books quickly and is strictly limited to 17 divers.  Slates' Atlantis Dive Center promises good weather and Capt. Terry, so it should be a great day.  Total cost.. $86.00, tax and tip included.  Directions at:   www.captainslate.com
    • November 15:  Dinner-at-Large  Stefan Trestyn wants everyone to bring their appetite (you can be sure he's bringing his) to POC Buffet & Grill. The plan is to chow-down at 7:30 PM. You can find the restaurant at 1651 Bonaventure Blvd., Weston.
    • December 9 :  Annual Holiday Party !!  Same time, same place.  You know you don't want to miss this one!  Chances are you'll be hearing more about this soon.

    • And for 2007 !!....  The Club will be sponsoring several out-of-country trips in 2007.  Following are first "details"...     Galapagos Liveaboard, January/February with Julie Taylor and Joe Smariga  Cayman Brac, June 17-23 with Dave and Elaine Schneider...   Turks & Caicos/Club Med, July 14-21 with Peter Stephinson....  Bahamas Liveaboard, dates and coordinator to be announced....  Australia Liveaboard,  November 1-8 with Michele and Paul Ashby.       This is a truly exciting line-up for next year, so plan to sign-up at the September meeting, and be sure to bring your checkbook to assure your place on the trip you wish to go on.


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SFDI meetings are the first Wednesday of each month at the Ramada Inn Ft. Lauderdale Airport. The meeting starts at 7:30   If you are not a member, and you are reading this on the Internet, please join us because visitors are ALWAYS WELCOME! For driving directions to the meeting, visit our About Us page.

In an attempt to condense the length of the meetings, we are going to start the meeting PROMPTLY at 7:30. Please come earlier to socialize before the meeting starts.

 

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E Board Opportunity

There is an opening for the position of Editor.

The Editors role is to report on any club activities, to provide content for the website,

and play an active part of leadership in the club. Nominations will be taken at the September 6th meeting.

 

 

 

ATTENTION ALL BEACH DIVERS !

        The water has warmed-up substantially and the urge to submerge has started to get to everyone.  Fred Miller is our beach diving guru and wants to hear from anyone ready to start trekking over the sand and plunging into the water. Give him a call so he can start planning his weekend forays into the briny.

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AUGUST DINNER AT LARGE Pics

   On August 22, 27 Members joined Joe Smariga at Mi Casa,Su Casa for an evening of fine Mexican dining.  OLE'  !!

 

 

 

 

  Return to Table of Contents                                                Happy Birthday Capt. Sam !!        

August Meeting Program

We will have a Social Night.

It seems we never have enough time to share our thoughts, stories and adventures

with our fellow members. Here is our chance. Come join us.

 

 

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BAHAMAS DIVE WEEKEND !

SOLD OUT !!

September 15-17

           Details are in place!!

           The plan is to leave Friday morning on Discovery out of Ft. Lauderdale. The ship leaves at 8:00AM. Boarding begins at 6:00 AM. There will be diving  Saturday and Sunday (two per day).  The return trip leaves at 4:30PM Sunday.  With all likelihood there will be a shark feeding dive included. Stefan is planning to use Xanadu Undersea Adventures as our dive coordinator.

Tentative Dive Schedule

Saturday:  1.  Theo's Wreck  -  103'     2.  Dolphin Reef  -  "medium deep"

             3.  Tunnel's Ref  -  60-80'    4.  Shark feeding

Sunday:    1.  Sea Star II Wreck          2.  SPID City ("medium deep reef")

             Friday and Saturday nights we will be at the Port Lucaya Hotel. Meals and beverage will be additional and not figured in the quoted price.

        Total cost...  unbelievably less than $500.00, double occupancy.                          

 

           Stay tuned for more details!!

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A SAFETY MINUTE

                                                                                                 This Month's Feature by Michele Ashby

Diving is all about safety. After all, the equipment we wear is designed to let us humans go safely into an environment that we otherwise could only stay in for maybe a minute (or seven minutes if you’re a trained free diver).  Following good, safe diving practices and having the right safety gear makes our diving experiences that much more enjoyable.

September 2006 Safety Minute

10 Tips for Safe Diving

1.  Do not dive in dangerous waters or in an environment for which you are not qualified/certified, such as: ice, cave, and shipwreck diving. They all require special training. One can easily get lost or trapped and run out of air.

2.  Never dive by yourself. Find a buddy.

3.  Listen to and follow the rules set forth by the person in charge of the dive.

4.  Check your equipment carefully and check how the equipment functions, especially if you are renting the equipment. Make sure everything fits and works properly.

5.  Know local weather conditions before you go on a dive. Make sure the water and weather conditions are safe. Water conducts electricity. Stop swimming, boating or any other activities on the water as soon as you see or hear a storm. Getting struck by lightning isn't pleasant and heavy rains can make certain areas dangerous.

6.  Protect your skin by wearing a waterproof sunscreen with a sun protection factor containing a high rating such as 15.

7.  Drink plenty of water regularly and often even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water. Know the signs and symptoms of dehydration.

* Thirst. * Less frequent urination. * Dry skin. * Fatigue. * Light-headedness.

8.  Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and emergency treatment if you are diving in hot weather. * Heat exhaustion happens when one is exposed to heat for a prolonged period of time. The body may become overwhelmed by heat when its mechanism (sweating) for keeping cool breaks down. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, dizziness, weakness, headache, pale and moist skin, weak pulse, and disorientation.

9. Know the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and emergency treatment if you are diving in cold weather. * Shivering * Cold sensation, goose bumps, confusion, numbness * Intense shivering, lack of coordination, sluggishness * Violent shivering, difficulty speaking, mental confusion, stumbling, depression * Muscle stiffness, slurred speech and trouble seeing * Unconsciousness

10.  Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes against the suns damaging rays. Choose sunglasses that absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight.

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 Trivia Question             

 

Talk About Water.....How Much Does...?

 

TRIVIA QUESTION ANSWER

1. One cubic mile of sea water weighs about 4.718 Billion Tons.

2.There are about 1.37 billion cubic kilometers of water in all the oceans of the world.

3.The weight of all the water in all the oceans is 1.2 quintillion (1,200,000,000,000,000,000) tons. This represents 0.022 percent of the weight of the Earth.

4. The total mass of our planet is about 5.976 x 10^24 Kg.

5. All Earth's water constitutes 0.0234 % of the mass of our planet.

Now You Know...

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South Florida Divers Club

  Frequently Asked Questions  

By Brian Hufford

  What kind of club is South Florida Divers?  We are a dive and social club.  We have diving and social events almost every week.  There’s more diving in the warmer months, but we have trips every month of the year.

  What about social events?  We enjoy get togethers such as beach picnics, dinner on the town, bike rides, Holiday boat cruises, things like that.  We also have three parties each year: a pig roast in the spring, a seafood party in September and a holiday party in early December.  We usually have 80+ people in attendance; they’re always a great time. 

  Where do you dive?  Most of our diving is in the Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach area, where we do boats and shore diving.  We get down to the Keys several times each year, and we also do two or three out of country trips.  This past year we had trips to Turks and Caicos, Bimini, and Papua New Guinea.

  What about club meetings?  We have a monthly meeting, the first Wednesday of the month, at the Ramada Inn on SR 84.  The meeting starts with a 30 minute social from 7:00 to 7:30 then the business section from 7:30 til 8:00, a short break, then the program or speaker.  We’ve had some very interesting speakers this past year, covering everything from the CSS Hunly to updates on important ocean environment issues.

  How does the club organize all these events?  South Florida Divers is a volunteer organization, so it’s a club member that does each event.  Each event, social or diving, has a trip leader and a sign-up sheet.  We go over the calendar at each club meeting, plus, it’s in another section of this website. The sign-up sheet has the details about the trip, location, time, cost {if any}, trip leader.  We have a table set up with the sign-up sheets and a table for the treasury if funds are required.

  What about membership?  Membership dues cover each calendar year and are $55 for individual and $65 for family.  There is a one time set-up fee of $5.  We ask that you be a member before participating in club events [other than the club meetings]. 

  What do I need to do to join?  We have three requirements: You are a certified diver, you have and maintain diver insurance, and you pay your dues.   You can join at any club meeting, the membership table is just inside the door, or you can mail in the application.    

  What’s the best way to get involved in the club?  Become a member and join in the fun and events.  Members are always welcome to help with club work, lead a trip, organize a beach picnic, or participate on the board.  

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Lobster Queen Pictures

The Game Is On !!

 

Julie Taylor

Chris Higgins ( eleven of these are hers)

Debby Bradford

Kit Ferrer

Donna Eades

 

NICE JOB LADIES  !!

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Keys Trip 2006 Pics

Jeff Raffa hosted this years trip and stayed at

The Islander Resort in beautiful downtown Islamorada.

Photos by Dave Schneider

 

For More Keys Pics Click Here

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SAN SALVADOR PHOTOS

                                   Tatoos In San Sal Gallery

     Pete Stephinson's                       Pete Stephinson's

     Underwater Gallery                    Land Gallery

 

     Nansy Mackenzie's Gallery         Capt. Chris' Gallery

        Dave Schneider's Gallery                   Sandra Hofer's Gallery

     Steve Oller's Gallery             Debby Bradford's Gallery          

                                                                   Butch Lee's Gallery

 

 

 

         
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
to our September 
birthday celebrants!

Kit Frerrer
Jon Black
Michele Ashby
Nancy Weilert
 Stan Pierzchajlo
Cathy Olson
 Yvonne Biederman
Jeff Koloday

Bob O'Reilly

Harry Haeseker

Robert Kriebs

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Check The Weather

 Check the weather from Joe Smariga's

Weather Station. Thanks Joe  !!

Click Here    www.sfdi.com/wx.htm
 

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Where's Kansman ??

Oh, there he is !

 

 

 

LOTS OF LAUGHS and Other Wisdom

 

Formula for success: Rise early, work hard, strike oil.
 

J. Paul Getty
 

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The Wet Zone

South Florida Divers, Inc.,
Copyright 2006

 

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