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South Florida Divers, Inc. 


September 2008 Newsletter

CONTENTS
President's Message Come Join The Fun !

 MEETING LOCATION
Calendar for September and Beyond September Meeting Program
A Safety Minute  Lobsters ??
Meeting Location FLASH September Dinner at Large
Lobster Law Changes Trivia Question
Where's Kansman Happy September Birthday
Lots of Laughs and Other Wisdom Brians Corner
LionFish Invasion !! FAQ'S 
Remember September 11, 2001  

 

 

                                        

                                                                    

 

President's Message

Get those shutters up.........

~ By Pete Stephinson

Well, first brush with a tropical storm this season - and not too bad. A group of us were in the Keys last weekend on our annual trip and the warnings started while we were down there. Fortunately the weather stayed fine while we were there and I for one certainly didn't experience any heavy traffic on my way back north. Having said that - we all had a great weekend with a couple of good dives and good times socializing. Thanks to Jeff and Ginny for a great job organizing a super weekend.

 

From all accounts a number of SFDI members have done really well on the lobsters so far this season. We had quite a few members who reached their limit on both days of mini-season and have caught quite a few since - congratulations John and others - and may the bugs continue to walk into your nets. It appears that the lobsters are more plentiful further south this year. I made a trip down there two weeks ago  with Captain Chris and we achieved our limit too.

It's the time of the year when we start organizing next year's summer trips. Places that are on the list include Saba, Belize, and Bonaire. I expect details will have firmed up before the next General Meeting. Places on some of these trips will be limited - so if you are interested, I suggest you get a deposit on your first choice shortly after it is announced so as to secure your space.

 

We have a busy schedule coming up -- private boat dives, Tenneco towers dives, Keys dives just too name a few. We also have our annual Seafood Festival in mid-September. The water is warm and the bugs are waiting......

So have fun, keep safe and I hope to see you in the water some time soon

Pete 

 

 

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 NEW MEETING LOCATION AGAIN !!!

 

New meeting Location for General Meeting starting Wednesday ,

July 2nd

 

Lauderdale Isles Yacht Club, 2637 Whale Harbor Lane, Ft. Lauderdale

The Same Place We Have The Pig Roast and Seafood Fest !!

 

Click Here for Map

 

Directions:

 

1. Take I 95 to Davie Blvd. Head West.

2. Turn Left on Riverland Road.

3. Follow around and Turn on SW 24th St.( at the Farm Store)

4. Turn left at Whale Harbor Lane.

5. Lauderdale Isles Yacht Club is on the Right

 

 

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PLEASE SEE NOTE ABOVE !!

 

SFDI meetings are the first Wednesday of each month at Lauderdale Isles Yacht Club. 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!

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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         WELCOME YOUR NEWEST DIVE BUDDIES!

 

We are delighted to welcome new members

Scott Kahn, Bill Riddick, Mike Meaoe, Janet Miller

Cary Pearl, Michael Ryan, Lori & Dave Novack,

Fernando Lopez, and Russ Jones  !!

   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...   and Beyond

                                               - By Dave Schneider, Vice President, Calendar

 

        Phone numbers of event coordinators are not posted to ensure privacy.  If you are a Club member please consult your Buddy List for the number you need.  If you do not have a copy of the Buddy List one will be available for you at the next General Meeting.

        Just a quick reminder.. The Calendar exists for the information of all our members.  Should you see an event that is of interest to you please contact the Coordinator directly.  You can sign-up for the event's) of your choice at any time of the month. The Coordinator will be more than pleased to place your name on the list and tell you where to mail payment.

HELP MAKE YOUR CLUB BETTER ! ....  We need more people to step up and 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 assist you.

August 23:  8:00 AM Show  8:30 AM Go (Saturday)  John and Dave are leading the flotilla back to sea for another Private Boat Dive. As always space is limited so be sure to sign-up early or give them a call to reserve your spot.  It may be redundant, but be on time since the boats pull out promptly at 8:30 and you don't want to be waving at them from the John U. Lloyd State Park dock.

August 23:  "Mamma Mia" with a Side of Sexy Red Wine Donna Eades is our night-at-the-movies girl and wants a good group to join her at this season's smash hit "Mamma Mia".  She will supply the glasses, you bring the red vino and Hollywood will supply the movie.  Time and place have not been finalized as yet so give Donna a call for up to the minute info.

August 24:  1:00 PM Show 1:30 PM Go (Sunday) Fred Miller has planned a trip to the Tenneco Towers aboard the American Dream II. As always, this promises to be a great dive and a great afternoon at sea. The second dive will be a reef so bring your lobster gear or just kick back and let the current take you where it may . Cost will be $61.00, tax and tip included.  Call Fred for more information or go to www.scubaftlauderdale.com. 

August 27:  Dinner-at-Large (Wednesday)  Bravo! Bravo! Bravo Italiano!  Bruce Wills invites everyone to join him for some of the best Italian eats in Broward County.  The Bravo Italiano Ristorante is located at 1515 SE 17th. Street, Ft. Lauderdale. Bruce will ring the dinner bell at 7:30. Get more details and view the menu at www.bravoitaliano.com... or give Bruce a call.

August 31:  Biscayne Wall Dive Cancelled  There is a new operator in the Marine Park and they don't do the wall, so why bother?

September 1:  Labor Day

September 3:   General Meeting  7:30 PM (Sharp!)   New Location!!  Lauderdale Isles Yacht and Tennis Club We're back at one of our favorite locations. Tonight is a "social night" so there is no speaker but there will be pizza.  Address and directions are available elsewhere in the Newsletter.

September 6:  8:00 AM Show  8:30 AM Go (Saturday) "Dirty Dozen Dive"  Gerry Cowen has given us some good diving off the Blue Runner and wants to do so again, so get your gear together and meet him at the Dania Sea Fare.  Cost will be $50.00, tax and tip included.  Gerry will be buying beer for anyone netting less than their 6 lobster quota (just joking). For more information call Gerry or go to www.coastalmarinediving.com. 

September 6:  Bowling Night With the Stars  (Saturday)  Okay, that might be a little embellished, but Joe G. is planning this Saturday event at Sparez, 5325 S. University Drive, Davie.  Not sure of the time but it will be in the evening and food is available at the lanes.  The bowling should run around $15-20.00.  Joe should have more details, so give him a call.  He's lonely and loves to hear from y'all.  Or, www.sparezbowling.com. 

September 8:  SFDI Executive Board Meeting at Connections for Business, 2843 Pembroke Road, NE corner of I-95 and Pembroke Road.  The meeting starts promptly at 7:30.  Everybody welcome.  We need your input to make our Club even better.

September 13:  8:00 Am Show  8:30 AM Go (Saturday)  Another Private Boat Dive from Dave Wills!  A perfect opportunity to bag those elusive bugs for tonight's Seafood Fest.  Space is limited so sign-up early. The boat(s) leave from John U. LLoyd State Park promptly, so be on time.

September 13:  Seafood Fest! (Saturday)  Always a highlight of the SFDI Calendar as we go through another fun- filled hurricane season.  Plan to dive today so you can bring your catch as well as the mandatory covered dish to share with all.  Cookies from Publix are not an option.  As always there will a keg, wine and chicken on the barbie.  5:00PM to Midnight.  Cost will be $5.00 for members and guests.  Lauderdale Isles Yacht Club  [Map here], 2637 Whale Harbor Lane, Ft. Lauderdale. 

September 17:  Dinner-at-Large (Wednesday)  The scene shifts to Oakland Park for a night of seafood and fun at Catfish Dewey's . John Kansman will be ringing the dinner bell at 7:30.  The restaurant is located at 4003 N. Andrews Avenue. For a look at the menu or for more information go to www.catfishdeweys.com or call John, he just loves to hear from everybody.

September 20:  1:00 PM Show  1:30 PM Go (Saturday) Join Dave and Elaine Schneider for an afternoon aboard the Starfish Enterprise out of Lantana.  We're planning on a couple of reefs so bring your lobster gear and join the fun. A dinner afterwards at the Old Key Lime House is always a great way to end the day.  Cost will be $55.00, tax and tip included.  Call Dave for more details or go to www.idivestarfish.com. 

September 26-28:  Date Change  Annual Bahamas Weekend  Flushed with success from their Keys Weekend, Jeff and Ginny are back with a special weekend of fun and diving in the Bahamas.  We'll be cruising to Grand Bahama aboard Carnival Cruise Lines.  Luxury accommodations have been secured at Pelican Bay resort.  Saturday will feature two morning dives and two afternoon dives.  There will be two more dives Sunday morning.  As an extra treat one of the dives will be a shark dive.  All this for the bargain price of $450.00.  

September 27:  Slate's Three Tank Dive Day - Cancelled due to Change in Bahamas Weekend New dates will be announced when available 

October 1:   General Meeting  7:30 PM (Sharp!)   Lauderdale Isles Yacht and Tennis Club We're back at one of our favorite locations. Tonight is a "social night" so there is no speaker but there will be pizza.  Address and directions are available elsewhere in the Newsletter.

October 6:  SFDI Executive Board Meeting at Connections for Business, 2843 Pembroke Road, NE corner of I-95 and Pembroke Road.  The meeting starts promptly at 7:30.  Everybody welcome.  We hope you will come and join us

October 8:  1:30 PM Show 2:00 Go (Wednesday) "Over-the-Hill & Off-the-Stern"  It's been awhile since the old folks have had a weekday dive, so we invite all those who can to join us on the Lady-Go-Diver out of Deerfield Beach.  Never crowded, always fun and only $55.00, tax and tip included.  Call Dave Schneider for more details or go to www.dixiedivers.com. 

October 11:  Veterans Day.

October 17 - 19:  Penne-Camp Weekend  The Spring camping weekend was so successful that we're gonna do it again, this time at John Pennekamp State Park.  There will be room for tents only.  This location will allow us to dive the park, explore Key Largo or just kick back and enjoy the good life.  Cost will be about $15.00 per person for the tent site.  Amusing yourselves, extra.   Call Dave Schneider for more details.

October 25:  1:00 PM Show  1:30 PM Go (Saturday)  If you haven't been on the Lady-Go-Diver and visited the Sea Emperor in awhile this is your chance! Join Dave and Elaine Schneider for an afternoon of fun and "adventure. The boat leaves from Deerfield Beach.  Cost is $55.00, tax and tip included.  Call Dave for more info or go to www.dixiedivers.com 

November 1:  Marine Mammal Conservancy - Key Largo (Saturday)  Adele Nicholson has arranged for us to join with the staff of the MMC for an afternoon of training in the basic handling, evaluation and transport of marine mammals.  The session is 4 hours and will cost $5.00, training manual included.  After, we can all enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.  As an added after dinner feature, those "with the stomach for it" can visit MMC's Haunted House for an additional $5.00 contribution.  Further donations to the Conservancy are encouraged.  Call Adelle for more information or go to www.marinemammalconservancy.org to learn more about MMC.

November 13:  1:30 PM Show 2:00 Go (Thursday) "Over-the-Hill & Off-the-Stern"  What a great excuse to call in sick or just tell the boss that you're taking a "personal" day.. an afternoon of diving off the Starfish Enterprise" out of Lantana.  Great weather, calm seas and lobsters aplenty, all for $55.00, tax and tip included.  Dave Schneider has the details or go to www.idivestarfish.com. 

November 15:  Slate's Three Tank Dive Day  This is the reschedule date for this dive.  Time and other details have not been finalized yet but we will be bringing 3 tanks to do 4 dives out of Key Largo.  We pick the spots so your input is requested.  Details at the September meeting or give Dave Schneider a call.

November 23:  Julie's Jewelry Exponanza! (Sunday)  What a fun way to make some extra cash selling off your old and unwanted baubles.  Gold is pretty much at an all-time high so gather them goodies and trek to Julie's place for a evening of laughs and profit.  Details forthcoming, as soon as Julie gets back from her fab time Cancun.

December 7:  Jazz Brunch (Sunday)  Steve Oller is making the arrangements for this event, held the first Sunday of every month at Riverwalk in beautiful downtown Fort Lauderdale.  Details forthcoming but for a preview go to www.ci.ftlaud.us/events/jazzbrunch/jazzbrunch.htm. 

December 11:  Holiday Party  This is the "big one".. need we say more?  Never too early to put it on your social calendar 'cause you don't want to miss it.

                                              

                                         INTERNATIONAL TRIPS FOR 2008 - 2009

January 6 - 18, 2009:   Raja Ampat, Indonesia   Seven Seas (liveaboard)     $4500.00+/-                                                               The trip includes 12 nights on the Seven Seas, all diving, meals, coffee, tea, drinking water, sodas, optional land and beach trips.  Trip cost is based on double occupancy with a deposit of 30% and balance due 90 days before departure. Cancellations made up to 90 days before departure are subject to a $500.00 cancellation fee and within 90 days there are no refunds. Not included are all airfares, hotels, transfers enroute to Sorong and mandatory trip insurance. Departure will be on or about January 2, 2009.  Return home should be by January 20,2009. For more information please go to www.thesevenseas.com or give Fred Miller a call.

June 2009:   Beqa Lagoon, Fiji  -  Susan Judah & Ray Gonzalez                                                                            It's too early to nail down the details so keep an eye out for more information. At this point it looks like the trip will run $3300.00 +/- plus air from here to California (and back, presumably).  We will have 7 nights on Beqa, which will include all meals and 10 dives plus unlimited shore diving.   A sign-up sheet will be at the next meeting and deposits will be accepted from people who sincerely want to go.  

June 2009:  Saba  -  Details forthcoming.  Pete Stephinson, Coordinator

July 2009:  Belize  -    Details forthcoming.  Dave Schneider, Coordinator

Also in '09 ....  Bonaire  -  Details forthcoming.  Barbara Sabatelli, Coordinator

 

AND SOME LAST IMPORTANT NOTES...

Club Policies on Dives and Trips:

Dives, Trips, Activities and events are run according to the SFDI Policies and Procedures, which are available to everyone.  If you don’t have a copy, please ask the Membership VP, or other E-Board member at the next General Meeting. Here is a summary of some of the important ones:

1.      Payment for Dives, Events and trips:  A member is confirmed on a dive, trip or event only after they have paid.  Payments for dives should be made when signing up.  Payments for trips should be made according to the schedule as outlined by the trip coordinator.  In the event that a dive/trip/activity is oversubscribed, then those confirmed will be determined by the order of payment.

2.      Cancellation:  Once a member signs on for a dive/event he or she is obligated to pay for that dive/event unless they contact the coordinator for that dive/event and cancel by the specified cancellation time.  Not paying immediately does not eliminate the requirement to make full payment if you do not cancel within the designated cancellation period or simply fail to show up for that dive/event.

3.      Certification Requirements:  Some dives will be restricted to divers with certain minimum certification levels.  For example Advanced Open Water.  In some cases, these requirements will be set by the dive operator.  In others they may be set by the dive organizer in conjunction with the E-Board based on the profile and characteristics of the planned dive.  In these cases the minimum certifications required for the dive will be clearly identified on the sign up sheet and in the published calendar.  No exceptions will be made for any reason.

4.      Special Needs:  Some of our members have “special needs” when participating on a dive or trip. These can be cases where the diver needs extra assistance on a dive boat or a member has particular requirements regarding accommodations. Dive organizers will check for the common ones, such as the requirement for extra assistance getting into or out of the water.  However, it is the responsibility of the member to make sure that his/her needs are known to the organizer and if there is any doubt the member should contact the operator in advance.  It is the responsibility of the club member to verify that their needs can be accommodated prior to the event/trip/activity.

 

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Where Have All The Lobster Gone ?

 

Some SFDI Members Got A Few !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Were Back  !!

 

 Members of South Florida Divers Returned From Dominica !!

 

 

 

 

 

Treat Yourself to Carmine and Tammi's Dominica Gallery

 

 

 

 

For More of Carmine & Tammi's Photos Click Here

 

Visit David & Millie Pressler's Dominica Gallery

 

Visit Pete Stephinson's Dominica Gallery

 

Visit Eddie Lim's Roatan Gallery

 

 

 

 

Please Remember Sept 11, 2001

 

 

These events will live long in our memory, both those who witnessed the unspeakable horror, those who watched it and cried from afar. Our children's children will hear of this day in future history classes.

May we never forget
May we keep this day,
The events and the tears
In our minds, our memory and our hearts
and take them with us as we carry on.

 

While September 11, 2001 is an event we can not, should not, will not forget, there is another subject that becomes equally, if not more, important:

The hundreds, the thousands of men and women,
the fathers, the mothers, the sons and daughters,
who have given their lives, their efforts, their families,
who have willingly sacrificed more than we understand,
in order that the United States of America remains
America: strong, healthy, safe and OURS.

Please remember these people every day
in prayer, thought and action,
especially during the holidays
when what we take so much for granted
is not enjoyed by all Americans.

"Live a life worthy of their sacrifice"

Lady Anne

 

September Dinner at Large

 Wednesday, September 17

 

 

       The scene shifts to Oakland Park for a night of seafood and fun at Catfish Dewey's . John Kansman will be ringing the dinner bell at 7:30.  The restaurant is located at 4003 N. Andrews Avenue. For a look at the menu or for more information go to www.catfishdeweys.com or call John, he just loves to hear from everybody.

 

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 September Meeting Program

 

 

It's A Social Night !!

Get to know your Fellow Members Better.

Pizza, Photos and Great Conversation  !!

 
 
 

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LIONFISH INVASION

 

 

 

Click Here for More Info

 

 

 

SFDI SHARE A BOOK
 

Read any good books lately?  If you have, perhaps you would like to share them with your dive buddies.

Bring a book you would like to share to the monthly meeting. We’ll put it in our “Library” with the following book plate on it:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Date)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

recommends this book.

 

(Name)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They

 

want

it back

 

 

do not want

 

 

 

 

 
         

 

 

If the book hasn’t circulated in 90 days and you don’t want it back, we’ll donate it to Hospice

 

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BEACH DIVING 101

 

A Feature by Brian Hufford

 

 

 What's all the fuss about beach diving . . . you're thinking, why not just jump off a boat and be done with it!  Beach diving is a bit more work, you've got to schlep your gear from the car to the water, swim out maybe a 100 yards, dive to 2+ hours, swim back in, schlep your gear back to the car, and you're done.  So why do all that.  Well . . . I really enjoy diving for 2+ hours, you see fish in the shallows you don't see in deeper water, and it costs maybe $7-8 (parking and air). 

 

My two favorite spots are the Johnson St Reef system in Hollywood and the Commerial Pier Reef system in Lauderdale by the Sea.  You'll be diving in 18-20 ft of water.  Both are easy to find and have good parking if you get there early.  Both have showers so you can rinse off after the dive.  Here's the basics for getting in the water.  Get everything ready just like you would on a boat.  Put your BC on and carry fins and dive flag in your hands ( no walking in fins allowed ).  Stroll down to the water and go in until the water is above your waist and below your neck, put a little air in you BC and put on your fins on.  Swim out to the reef on your back; diving in the sand can be interesting . . . save it for the way back at the end of the dive.  Enjoy the reef and at the end of the dive, reverse the process . . . no walking on the beach with your fins on!

 

I've seen lots of stuff on these dives . . . sharks. porpoise, groupers, octopus, and all the little fish that like the shallows and sand.  If you want to give this a try, get with Freddie or I, we'll get you going Beach Diving!!

Next time you're on the second dive on a shallow reef, consider diving small to see all these fun little critters.  Bring all the stuff you'll need so you can enjoy the dive.

 

 

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LOBSTER LAW CHANGES

 

by Stan Pierce

 

The Florida State FWC is about to adversely change the Lobster catch laws to favor the Trap Fisherman and reduce the sport diver's opportunity to enjoy their sport.

 Chris and I attended the Spiny Lobster Ad Hoc Advisory Board meeting at the Fishing Hall of Fame

Many points were raised but the absolute consensus was the FWCC Ad Hoc Lobster committee is under represented by recreational interests and as such, the commercial harvesters (trappers) currently have free reign to change the rules to ensuring themselves of a stable catch level taken from a dwindling resource.

A few numbers to think about:
- less than 500 trappers make a living from trapping lobsters yet they take 70+% of the resource
- over 130,000 recreational lobster stamps were sold to FL residents last year yet they only account for 20% of the catch
- commercial lobster divers account for 7% and bully netting accounts for the remaining 2-3%

We feel the Spiny Lobster Advisory Board was stacked in favor of the commercial trappers. The board is comprised of 4 commercial trappers, 3 wholesalers, 3 recreational fishers (divers) and 3 NGOs. No dive industry representative was appointed.

The meetings were held State areas, which were not populated with sport divers or dive industry businesses.  

As Divers we are not against a shorter season for all parties. We are not against a larger license fee FOR ALL PARTIES (slotted for enforcement). We welcome any suggestions leading to a sustainable lobster fishery resource.

It is proposed to:
•    Lengthen the season for Commercial Trappers.
•    Require State issue catch tags for Sport Divers
•    Reduce the limit for Sport Divers
•    Put an end to mandatory trap reductions

SAVE YOUR SPORT

 Send in your comments or need additional information go to:
 
http://myfwc.com/marine/workgroups/index.html#Spiny_Lobster

 

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America's Boating Course

 

Hey, we all spend a lot of time on boats. Why not take advantage of the Fort Lauderdale Power Squadron's "America's Boating Course" (ABC) to improve your knowledge of boating skills and safe boating practices. The course is run monthly at no charge. Details can be found at http://www.usps.org/e_stuff/ABC.html. The course is held on the first Monday of every month from 7-9PM and concludes the following Saturday from 9 til 2PM.(lunch provided).  Each person who completes the course receives an ABC text book, an informative CD and a certificate of completion which may help in reducing insurance rates for boat owners. If you are interested in signing up, or finding out more, email the Power Squadron at ABCCourse@aol.com including your name and contact information.

 

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A SAFETY MINUTE

                                                               This Months Feature by Joe Giandinoto

 

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 2008 Safety Minute 

 

Good Sportsmanship and Courtesy While Diving

 

SCUBA diving is not like a lot of sports.

 

There are no umpires, no referees to make sure everyone is doing everything according to the rules.

 

Since diving is also a relatively dangerous sport it means being courteous to your fellow dive buddies will assure you future dive buddies that will want to dive with you also.

 

Here’s a few thing to keep in mind:

 

In a confined space, such as a wreck or a cave;

 

* Beware of the number of divers that can enter and occupy that space at one time.

* Try, to move forward by crawling and not using your fins to prevent kicking-up silt.

* Be patient and wait for the diver before you to go in and signal you to follow him/her in.

 

When shooting macro photography, adjust your setting before approaching your subject so that you can take the picture quickly and allow your fellow divers to admire the subject also.

 

Always lend a helping hand on deck.

 

Keep your dive gear organized and in a tidy space.

 

Share mask-defogger, snacks, food & drinks.

 

Diving can be a fun activity, always play with courtesy and good sportsmanship.

 

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Click Here for John Beals Lembeh Straights Muck Diving Video

 

 Please Visit Sanda Hoffer's Website at

 

 Trivia Question             

 

 
Where is Roatan ?
 

 

TRIVIA QUESTION ANSWER

 

Between Utilla and Guanaja  !!

 

 

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 Fort Lauderdale Power Squadron.  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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Happy September Birthday!

Cathy Olson

Kitt Wills

Kyle Russell

Jon Black

Heather Sherman

Alan Prince

Stan Pierce

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Where's Kansman ??

 

 

 

 

 

Lots of Laughs and other WISDOM

 

 

 

A word to the wise ain't necessary, it's the stupid ones who need the advice.

 

Bill Cosby

 

 

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

 

Mark Twain


 

 

 

The Wet Zone

South Florida Divers, Inc.,
Copyright 2008

 

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