Dear Dolphin Divers of Sacramento, April 2023

Will the rain ever stop? We are on pace to have a record season of rain and snow and I am thinking of planning to go snowshoeing, as I hear the snowpack should be around until late spring this year.

The Club is diving in Monterey this first weekend in April and as of the writing of this letter, the good weather is going to hold for a great weekend. Be sure to come to the next general meeting to hear the stories of the dive, and maybe even see some pictures of the trip! If you did not attend this one because you are new to the club or missed the email, we will be planning more events as the year progresses.

I would like to take this time to thank the 2022-2023 Board for volunteering and supporting the club. This last year has been busy, and the schedule is filling up with more trips being planned after each board meeting. Please join me on April 19th to vote in the new board and enjoy some free pizza! I look forward to seeing you at the meeting and getting to know each other better. At the last meeting we increased our membership with two new members, and we had a few members renewed their membership. Please take the time to renew or join our membership of the greatest club ever.

I would also like to wish everyone a Happy Easter week…and for those who will be on spring break with their friends or family, have a safe trip; or in my case, a great staycation!! I do miss the Easter Egg hunts with the kids and seeing everyone dressed up for Easter Sunday in their best dresses and suits. Easter is one of my favorite holidays with the spring flowers and sunnier days that are coming.

Please note, our next Dolphin Club General Meeting will be held in-person on Wednesday,
April 19th, 2023, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Round Table Pizza (9500 Greenback Lane in Folsom), and via Zoom for those who would prefer to attend remotely. Marilyn will send information on the day of the meeting. Our featured speaker this month is Jason, the sales representative for Scuba Pro USA. You will not want to miss this meeting…everyone is welcome to join!

Hope to see you in the water, and bubbles up!!

Owen Autry,
President

QUOTES FROM THE SEA

““In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir.

“This is my church. Down here you feel the power of nature’s imagination…” – James Cameron.

Safety Officer’s Message
By: Brad Freelove

DDS Club Safety Equipment and Safety Programs

Safety is an important part of diving.  Sometimes, we get a nick or cut and a band aid is all that is needed to keep on diving.  Other times, something more than a band aid is required.  Each situation is different.  Maybe a call to 911 is necessary.  Years ago, the Board of Directors of DDS invested the time and money into some safety equipment that is available at most club dives.  

The club has an oxygen kit that contains a tank of oxygen, a regulator, and two different masks.  Tank pressure is measured before each club dive event to make sure that the bottle is full.  Several club members have been trained in the use of the oxygen kit. 

Easy to use, the kit can support two people at the same time.

In addition to the oxygen kit, the club purchased an automated external defibrillator (AED). An automated external defibrillator is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electricity which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm.  Many businesses and most schools and public building have an AED located on site.  We have a portable unit that is battery operated.  You open the lid, press the start button and follow the directions.  The unit will tell you where and how to place the pads and how to start on the necessary corrective action. 

Can handle one person at a time.

A little more complicated than the oxygen kit but still easy to use, the AED can be a game changer in an emergency.  Your cell phone can get expert help on the way but the oxygen kit and AED might make a big difference to someone in need. 

Periodically, DDS will work with Dolphin Scuba and offer training on both kits.  We will try and set up another class this summer.  Nothing beats staying out of trouble, but having the knowledge to help someone can benefit everyone. 

Along with setting up training classes, DDS has a weight belt replacement offer for our members that ditch their weights during an emergency at club dive.  Your diving training emphasized dumping your weights if needed.  If you dive with a weight integrated system, weight belt, or a combination of both, getting rid of that weight should be a top priority.  Should you need to dump your weights during a club dive, the club has some replacement weights available.  They may not be exactly what you got rid of but they are free.  No reason to hang onto 20+ lbs. of lead just because you are worried about the cost of replacement.  Get rid of that stuff!  We would rather have you safe on shore.  We may be able to find your lost items.  Let the event leader know what happened as soon as possible.  If we cannot find them, we can replace them. 

Hopefully, you will never need to ask for replacements.

April 19th Meeting’s Guest Speaker:
Jason Gallaspi from Scubapro

Be at the April 19th General Meeting to see all of Scubapro’s latest dive gear. 

Jason Gallaspi, Scubapro’s new representative, will be there to show us all of  Scubapro’s latest dive gear and answer any questions.

THE EVOLUTION OF SCUBAPRO INNOVATIONS:

• 1963 – MK2 is introduced and is considered one of the most reliable 1st stages in Diving
• 1965 – The Jet Fin is introduced, bringing a new approach to efficient underwater propulsion
• 1971 – SCUBAPRO releases the dive industry’s first Stabilizing Jacket, known as the “Stab” Jacket, which combines front- and back inflation for superior comfort
• 1972 – The Quick Disconnect Inflator enables divers to use the air from their tanks to fill their BCDs
• 1974 – Buoyancy Control Pack combines the buoyancy compensator, automatic inflator, tank, backpack, and regulator into one functional, easy-to-handle system
• 1979 – AIR2, the first alternate inflator regulator, integrates the BCD inflator with the octopus regulator
• 1981 – Super Cinch Tank Band cam action buckle system redefines tank security
• 1986 –  The aviation-inspired Sea Wing Fin is the first of its kind to utilize lift force vs. drag and displacement for propulsion
• 1986 – G250 enters the diving scene, and quickly becomes one of the most imitated 2nd stages in diving
• 1987 – SCUBAPRO/Uwatec’s first dive computer, Aladin Pro, becomes a favorite with convenient wrist-mount design & easy-to-read screen
• 1990 – Diving’s first Frameless Mask becomes a favorite with professionals the world over
• 1996 – Seahawk becomes SCUBAPRO’s first weight-integrated BCD
• 1998 – SCUBAPRO introduces the Venus, its first back-inflation BCD designed specifically for women
• 2007 – Galileo line of technologically advanced wrist-mount dive computers is introduced
• 2009 – A700 2nd stage is introduced, offering effortless inhalation & easy exhalation in a precision-crafted full-metal package 
• 2010 – Award-winning Seawing Nova fin quickly becomes the industry standard for fin performance
• 2015 – Patented Extended Thermal Insulating System (XTIS) along with other freeze inhibiting internal components & coating transform the MK25 EVO into diving’s premier high-performance cold-water regulator
• 2017 – HYDROS PRO, diving’s most modern, innovative BCD, is introduced.  Full-color G2 wrist-mount computer marks the birth of a new generation of advanced dive computer technology
• 2018 – G2 Console offers advanced G2 technology in a streamlined console design.  SCUBAPRO launches its first wetsuit made with Naturalprene, a neoprene blend that comes primarily from renewable rubber trees 
• 2019 – Galileo HUD, our most innovative mask-mounted, heads-up display dive computer radically transforms the way the world goes diving
• 2020 – The HYDROS X is our first front-adjustable BCD to offer a fully injected Molded Monprene® thermoplastic back pad and shoulders that conform to the body like a tailored fit
• 2022 – Seawing Supernova is introduced as an innovative step up from the popular Seawing Nova in design, performance, fit, and versatility. Everflex YULEX® line of divewear is an environmentally friendly upgrade to the best-selling Everflex wetsuit, offering award-winning thermal protection that’s 100% neoprene-free

What’s new in 2023???

COLUMBUS DAY CAMPING

An FYI for anyone wondering about the annual Underwater Easter Egg Hunt: The Crazy Horse restaurant, where we held our awards dinner, has gone out of business. I did not find another venue that can accommodate our group of 60+ for a rate that makes sense. Most places charge separately for room rental and food, making them cost prohibitive.

Ken Takata is not hosting the Memorial Weekend camp/dive trip this year because of the historically rough water during most previous events. Instead
I have reserved the meadow campsites at Albion River Campground for Columbus Day weekend, October 6 – 9. Albion River Campground is right on the Albion River where it empties into the ocean. Activities can include kayaking on the river (rentals available) and/or ocean, Diving, visiting Mendocino or Fort Bragg (the ice cream at “Cowlicks” in Fort Bragg is one of the stops I NEVER miss)  or just hanging out around the campfire enjoying each others company. We will also make a couple of motorboat and kayak trips up the river into the redwoods.

If you want to join us contact the campground to make your reservation. You can choose any of our reserved sites from D1 to D25, or one off the rental trailers, B22 – B24,. There are also a few full hookup sites, A2 – A15 with sewer connections, close to the group area. (I am in site A2 because I will be there for 7 nights) When you call for a camping reservation be sure to ask for one of the sites in “D” section, that I reserved for our group. This will be a joint event with the Seahorses dive club. If you camp in a tent bring a heater and extension cord: every site has water and electricity.

Please let me know when you make a reservation so I can keep track of how many, and which, spaces we take. Any spaces not reserved by us will revert back to the Albion CG for renting to non-members.

Jack Millard 916.955.8017
https://albionrivercampground.com/
(707) 937-0606

SURFACE MARKER BOUYS AND OTHER SIGNALING DEVICES
By: Ken Takata

SURFACE MARKER BOUYS AND OTHER SIGNALING DEVICES

Having participated in  many boat dives, both as a diver and as the pilot of the diver recover boat,  I have learned that it is very important to carry a surface location device.  This is especially true when diving from a boat.  You cannot always rely on your ability to navigate back to the boat.  Currents can easily steer you off course.  Furthermore, the boat may have moved because of a dragging anchor, an emergency recovery of a diver, or some other unforeseen situation.  Since only the diver’s head is above the sea’s  surface, It is very difficult to spot a diver.   This is made worse when the seas our rough or visibility is limited by fog, wind, or rain.  A surface signaling device will make it much easier for the diver recovery vessel to pinpoint your location.  

SURFACE MARKER BOUYS: 

The most common type of surface signaling device is a surface marker buoy (aka. Safety Sausage, SMB). These brightly colored tubes vary in length from 5 to 7 feet. In my experience longer, fatter, and vividly colored tubes are easier to spot.  Some SMBs even allow you to attach a safety strobe light to the top of the tube to enhance your visibility. 

When attached to a short line or reel, SMBs are useful during your safety stop.  It signals your location to the recovery boat and other boat traffic.  Once deployed, it can help you maintain the proper safety stop depth.  A caution when  deploying the SMB underwater is not getting entangled in the line while the inflated SMB is shooting to the surface. 

Anchoring SMBs to the bottom on shore dives can be used as a “Diver Below” warning to boat traffic.

OTHER SIGNALING DEVICES: 

A flashlight may also act as a location device.  Although less effective that a Safety Sausage during daylight, it really shines during nighttime recoveries.  Forgive the pun.

Noise makers are also useful as surface signaling devices.  A simple whistle is moderately effective at short distances.  However, a compressed air device like the Dive Alert air horn is much louder and can be heard over much greater distances.  The Dive Alert is mounted to your low pressure BC inflator hose and uses the tank’s air pressure to power the  horn.  A noise making device is especially useful when surface visibility is limited.  With repeated blasts, It can also signal that you need immediate assistance. 

Although not recommended, other makeshift methods can serve to draw attention to your location.  Pointing, and firing the flash on your underwater camera can draw attention to you.  Assuming a head down position and raising your fins above the water surface will allow your colorful fins to act as a locator flag.  Again, these methods are not recommended and only offered as emergency backups.

I always carry both a Safety Sausage and a Dive Alert air horn and have used one or both of them many times. 

Ken Takata

Member News

April Birthdays:
Kerry A.
Chris B.
Laura C.
Ben C.
David F.
Brad F.
Fred K.
Gail L.
Richard M.
Rita T.
Matthew V.
Terry W.
James H.

New Members:
John Arnold
Sian Magee
David Sheh
James Houston
Amanda Diamond

Are you interested in becoming a Dolphin Divers of Sacramento member?
CLICK HERE TO JOIN

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

Shared Stories

Member Sally W. sent in a link to this story on Eugenie Clark – The Shark Lady from the Smithsonian. Its a great read…

Holger F. sent in an article from The Mercury news about Oysters in the SF Bay.
An ancient mound of shells has been mined in the San Francisco Bay for 100 years — but the oyster’s future is uncertain

Custom Dolphin Divers Swag
By – Tracy Clarke

Hey all you divers out there,
Do you want a special T-Shirt or Jacket for yourself or as a very special gift?  Bring it to me, so I can put our amazing logo on it. 

Bring it to me at our General Meeting. April -May – June You have until June to bring me your stuff to be printed. 

I’ll have it ready by the picnic in the park. 
Tracy

Trip review: Hawaii
Joy B.

I was on Big Island of HI mid-January and did multiple dives with Jack’s Diving Locker. I have dove with them on all 3 of my trips to the island and will continue to do so.

My daughter did a discover dive with them when we went in 2020 and she was 16. It’s been a great experience diving with them. Excellent guides, boats, captains, etc. The dives I did with them this time included a Manta night dive, Advanced Adventurer, and Pelagic.

We were lucky enough to see 20 mantas on our manta dive, a humpback whale on our advanced dive, and so many jellies and squid on the pelagic.

Highly recommend all of these dives that Jack’s offers if ever on the Big Island.

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Trip Pictures
Socorro (Mexico) January 9 to 18, 2023
Dave Whiteside

EDITOR’S NOTE
By: Joe Morgan

I AM LOOKING FOR MEMBERS TO SEND IN PICTURES OF DIVING, DIVING VACATIONS ETC.

Each month I will be looking for submissions in the following categories:

• Trip Reviews: Let us know where you have been diving, what operator you used, the hotel you stayed at and how was the diving there. Let us know if the operator was safe and fun. Let us know if the hotel was a good deal, give us as much detail as possible and hopefully more Dolphin Divers will venture there in the future.
  
• Recipes: I was told that in the past Dolphin Divers gave each other SEAFOOD recipes that they loved so that everyone could enjoy the bounty of the sea, I hope to continue that each month with at least one good recipe.
  
• Dive and Camping yard-sale items you wish to include in the newsletter.
  
• Dive Activities: Please let me know if there are any dive-related activities you would like included in the newsletter.
  
• Pictures from your last dive. Please make sure to let me know how you would like the picture credited in the newsletter. -example – Picture by John Member, of a Silky Shark, at Roca Partida Mexico.

PLEASE MAIL ALL SUBMISSIONS TO

Editor@dolphindivers.org

DOLPHIN DIVERS OF SACRAMENTO
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Owen Autry
Vice President: Ken Takata
Treasurer: Marlyn Sepulveda
Secretary: Elizabeth Marchiondo
Safety Officer: Brad Freelove
Activity Chair: Ilkan Cokgor
Webmaster: Renee Viehmann
Promotions Chair: Tracy Clarke
Newsletter Editor: Joe Morgan
Historian: Jack Millard
Member at Large: David Whiteside
Member at Large: Corinne Fuerst
Member at Large: Marylin Campbell
Member at Large: Steve Campbell
Member at Large: Lalanyia Little
Member at Large: Tom Mischley
Alternate Member at Large: Bob Taylor
Alternate Member at Large: Tom Oja