“Aye” Dolphin Divers of Sacramento,                                                          August 2024

Scuba diving is an exhilarating underwater adventure that allows individuals to explore the fascinating world beneath the ocean’s surface. Equipped with a self-contained breathing apparatus, divers can delve into vibrant coral reefs, encounter diverse marine life, and witness breathtaking underwater landscapes. This immersive experience requires proper training and adherence to safety protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive. Scuba diving not only offers a unique perspective of the ocean but also fosters a deeper appreciation for marine ecosystems and the importance of their conservation.

We have had a busy June and July!  Camping at Albion in June; and our General Meeting at our Annual Picnic in the Park in July, as well as a fun day at Black Miners Bar for the Inland Lobster Feed.  At each event we had a great group of members show up to have a fun day together.

In August, we are getting our pirate costumes on and dressing up our RV/Trailer/Tent like a pirate ship, or a pirate’s lair, for the “Pirates Gala” up north at Ocean Cove Campground in Ocean Cove, California.  Whether you are a salty dog, or have never been there, please come join us at Ocean Cove.  Some of the activities include spear fishing, rod and reel fishing, scuba diving, dressing up as a pirate, decorating your RV/Trailer/Tent in a pirate theme, and lots of other things to do and see!!  Some of the contests include the biggest fish, the most weight in total fish, best pirate costume, most unique tankard, best campsite decor, and more.  We are going to have a great time, like we always do, so please sign up as soon as possible to reserve your spot today!  The reservation deadline is August 17, 2024.  You can sign up at https://www.dolphindivers.org.  If you have any questions, please email me at ocautry@gmail.com or call to text me at 916-955-9105.

Please note, our next Dolphin Club General Meeting will be held in-person on Wednesday,

August 21^st, 2024, from 6:00 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.  You will not want to miss this meeting…everyone is welcome to join!

Hope to see you in the water and bubble’s up!!

Owen Autry,

President

Safety Officer’s Message
By: Brad Freelove

Should I buy a New or Used Regulator

A new Dolphin Divers member asked me if she should purchase a used or a new regulator.  She had a friend that was almost giving away a regulator that was supposed to be in great shape and ready to be used.  Wow, a deal almost too good to be true. 

There are several advantages to purchasing a new regulator.  You are getting a regulator this is truly ready to go.  No one has let the reg sit in their hot garage for 5 years or have forgotten to rinse out the sand from their last dive.  Depending upon your present and future needs, a new regulator gives you peace of mind.  Buying new lets you choose from a wide range of features and costs.  The ice, tech or other specialty diver will benefit from being able to select a regulator that gives better performance than a regulator designed for a shallow and warm water only diver.  Dolphin Scuba has a ton of regulators that can handle just about any type of diving that you might want to try.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  The first stage of regulators can be made from brass, stainless steel, titanium or a composite material.  Maybe the regulator is gold plated!  What is best for you should be a question for the staff at the dive store. 

The used regulator that our new member was interested in sounded like a great deal, only $200!   Half the cost of a new reg.  The regulator came with a computer, compass and a safe second.  The person selling the regulator has assured our new member that the regulator was in like-new condition and had recently been serviced.  No receipts for the service were available.  Well, a quick check on the www revealed that the manufacturer had stopped making this model about 5 years ago.  Many parts were going to be hard to find if even available.  Same for the safe second.  The dive computer looked brand new but was 6 years old and needed a new battery cover.  The battery cover was not available anywhere we looked.  I had my doubts about the recent service.  All new insides for the regulator and safe second were my recommendation.  Our local dive store estimated that parts and labor for all servicing would be around $200.  The almost new $200 regulator had now become a $400 setup that might not have parts available in the near future.  The $400 was still a good price compared to a new one, but the potential lack of parts was a deal killer. 

Before you purchase a used setup, make sure that parts are available and the cost of having a full service done is figured into your purchase price.  Buy the newest used setup that you can find.  Something that looks brand new might be 10 years old with limited parts availability.  The www and your local dive store are great sources of information. 

QUOTES FROM THE SEA

“The underwater world is like a living canvas, where every dive is a new opportunity to discover something beautiful and extraordinary.”
Laura James

“I must be a mermaid. I have no fear of depths and a great fear of shallow living.” Anaïs Nin

“Scuba diving is not just a sport, it’s a way of life that allows you to see the world from a different perspective and discover the hidden beauty of the ocean.” Unknown

Please send in your favorite “Quotes from the Sea” if you have not already seen them here. I am always looking for more.

Member News

August 2024 Birthdays

Renee Viehmann 1st
Mindy Anderson 5th
Kyri Smyth 7th
Chris Anthon 9th
Sam Shi 9th
James Murcdoch 10th
Lalaynia Little 12th
Alex Sauter 12th
Eric Nesvick 15th
Richard Navarro 16th
Gina Darin 17th
Craig Hansen 17th
Dennis King 18th
Alan Couch 27th

Carolina Hepfner
Ty Hamby

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

ChatGPT gives me advice…

For the last few days, I have been using ChatGPT for a different project, I was feeling playful today and asked it the 15 best places to dive, best time to dive there, and what animals I would encounter. I also asked it for a short sales pitch about why I should pick this place. The results were fun, so I thought I would share where ChatGPT thinks I should go next. If you haven’t yet used ChatGPT it can be a fun research tool to begin a trip. It might not always be a perfect answer but it certainly gets you moving in a good direction. Either way here is the generated response:

The 15 Best Places to Scuba Dive

Scuba diving offers an unparalleled window into the vibrant underwater world. Here are fifteen top scuba diving destinations, the best times to visit, and the marine life you can expect to encounter at each, along with a short sales pitch to help you decide on your next vacation spot.

1. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

• Best Time: June to November
• Marine Life: Clownfish, sea turtles, manta rays, and over 1,500 species of fish.
• Why Visit: Dive into the world’s largest coral reef system and experience vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters. Perfect for divers of all levels.
  

2. Blue Hole, Belize

• Best Time: April to June
• Marine Life: Reef sharks, groupers, and parrotfish.
• Why Visit: Explore this unique underwater sinkhole and its mysterious depths. A must-see for thrill-seekers and adventure divers.
  

3. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

• Best Time: December to May
• Marine Life: Hammerhead sharks, sea lions, marine iguanas, and whale sharks.
• Why Visit: Discover an ecological paradise with unique species found nowhere else on earth. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and eco-conscious travelers.
  

4. Palau, Micronesia

• Best Time: November to May
• Marine Life: Jellyfish, manta rays, and over 1,300 species of fish.
• Why Visit: Dive into Jellyfish Lake and swim among millions of harmless jellyfish. Perfect for those seeking a one-of-a-kind underwater experience.
  

5. Sipadan, Malaysia

• Best Time: April to December
• Marine Life: Barracudas, sea turtles, and hammerhead sharks.
• Why Visit: Experience one of the world’s top dive sites with stunning coral walls and abundant marine life. Great for experienced divers.
  

6. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

• Best Time: October to April
• Marine Life: Pygmy seahorses, manta rays, and over 1,500 species of reef fish.
• Why Visit: Explore the heart of the Coral Triangle with unmatched biodiversity and vibrant coral reefs. Ideal for avid underwater photographers.
  

7. Maldives

• Best Time: November to April
• Marine Life: Whale sharks, manta rays, and reef sharks.
• Why Visit: Enjoy luxury resorts and pristine dive sites in this tropical paradise. Perfect for honeymooners and those seeking relaxation with adventure.
  

8. Cozumel, Mexico

• Best Time: March to June
• Marine Life: Turtles, eagle rays, and nurse sharks.
• Why Visit: Dive in warm, clear waters with stunning coral formations. A fantastic choice for divers looking for a mix of vibrant reefs and exciting marine life.
  

9. Red Sea, Egypt

• Best Time: March to May, September to November
• Marine Life: Dolphins, reef sharks, and vibrant coral reefs.
• Why Visit: Explore ancient shipwrecks and rich coral gardens in warm, clear waters. Perfect for history buffs and wreck diving enthusiasts.
  

10. Fiji

• Best Time: April to October
• Marine Life: Reef sharks, sea turtles, and soft corals.
• Why Visit: Immerse yourself in the “Soft Coral Capital of the World” with friendly locals and breathtaking underwater scenery. Ideal for divers of all levels.
  

11. Hawaii, USA

• Best Time: April to October
• Marine Life: Manta rays, green sea turtles, and reef fish.
• Why Visit: Experience diverse dive sites with volcanic landscapes and abundant marine life. Great for combining diving with other outdoor activities.
  

12. Socorro Island, Mexico

• Best Time: November to May
• Marine Life: Manta rays, hammerhead sharks, and humpback whales.
• Why Visit: Encounter large pelagic species in remote, unspoiled waters. Perfect for advanced divers seeking big animal encounters.
  

13. Cocos Island, Costa Rica

• Best Time: June to November
• Marine Life: Hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and rays.
• Why Visit: Dive in a marine sanctuary known for its large schools of sharks and rays. Ideal for adventure seekers and shark enthusiasts.
  

14. Komodo Island, Indonesia

• Best Time: April to December
• Marine Life: Manta rays, reef sharks, and vibrant corals.
• Why Visit: Explore diverse dive sites with the chance to see the famous Komodo dragons on land. Perfect for divers seeking a mix of underwater and terrestrial adventures.
  

15. Sardine Run, South Africa

• Best Time: May to July
• Marine Life: Dolphins, sharks, and whales during the annual sardine migration.
• Why Visit: Witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles with an abundance of predators following the sardine migration. Ideal for thrill-seekers and underwater photographers.
  

Each of these destinations offers unique underwater experiences, from swimming with whale sharks in the Maldives to exploring vibrant coral reefs in Fiji. Plan your dive trips to coincide with the best times of year for optimal marine life sightings and ideal water conditions. Whether you are a seasoned diver or a beginner, these locations promise unforgettable adventures beneath the waves.

For Sale

For Sale A good Beginner Camera and Flash:  SeaLife DC1400.  The camera that goes in the underwater case works well taking both underwater and above water photo’s.  Comes with a case and a very heavy duty strap to attach to your BC, the camera does not float.  The price is only $40.00.  Please contact David Whiteside at 916-730-8282

Just Laugh

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

For the full view click here…

August 7, 2024	DDS Board Meeting		Owen Autry	(916) 955-9105 ocautry@gmail.com
August 21, 2024	DDS General Meeting	Round Table Pizza	Owen Autry	(916) 955-9105 ocautry@gmail.com
August 31st, 2024	Labor Day Ocean Cove Dive weekend	Ocean Cove, CA	Owen Autry	(916) 955-9105 ocautry@gmail.com	August 31st to September 2 Please come early
Sept. 3, 2024	DDS Board	Via Zoom	Owen Autry	(916) 955-9105 ocautry@gmail.com
Sept 21st, 2024	GARCU Cleanup	American River	Brad Freelove	(916) 879-3853 bradlinda@frontiernet.com
Oct. 2, 2024	DDS Board	At Ken Takata’s	Owen Autry	(916) 955-9105 ocautry@gmail.com

Join Us for Labor Day Camping
Aug 30 – Sept 2 2024

Join all your club buddies on our annual Labor Day camping trip at Ocean Cove Campground, August 30^th to September 2^nd, 2024. This is the weekend of our annual speargun and pole fishing contests, with LOTS of fun social time spent with other club members and guests. This year’s theme is “Pirates Gala”  Aye Matey!!

You must sign up using the club form – which was emailed to members. It will also be available soon on the club website at www.dolphindivers.org. 

We have two group areas reserved near the entrance of the campground. Look for the Dolphin Banner near the group entry gate. RV and tent camping spaces are allotted on a first-come-first-served basis. It will not be possible to save space, so please plan on arriving as early as possible. Some of us will be there earlier in the week. If you want to come early or stay late, you will need to pay for those days directly to Ocean Cove. Everyone who has signed up in advance will be issued a parking pass so Ocean Cove will know you are part of our group. After the members who signed up in advance have arrived, if there is space available, it will be possible to pay the event leader in the campground and select an available space, BUT YOU WILL STILL NEED TO USE THE CLUB SIGNUP FORM! This form will be available on our website, www.dolphindivers.org, and will be included with all messages about the event. I will track all of the early signups to monitor the available space. If our group areas fill up, it may also be possible to pay the Ocean Cove Campground and stay in a space outside of our group area, but ONLY if our group area is filled! I will send a message to everyone using our club e-mail if/when it looks like we might run out of space. If camping is not your cup of tea, there may be rooms available at the Ocean Cove Lodge: www.oceancovelodge.com.

The camping cost for this event is $40.00 per night for one camping unit including one vehicle under power. Towed vehicles, including trailer or vehicle towed by a motorhome, are included in the campsite fee. Any extra vehicles, including visitors, must pay an additional fee. The launch fees for all boats used for the event will be paid by the club. On Sunday night, after our potluck dinner and fish fry, all event prizes will be awarded, and there will be a Raffle for many GREAT dive and camping-related items. BRING CASH FOR THIS RAFFLE. If you have anything that you would like to contribute to the raffle, please let me know and bring it to the event. Because of the severe drought, Ocean Cove has requested that we bring as much of our own water as possible. If you have any, please also bring firewood to contribute to our group campfires! There are a few water faucets available and there will be portable toilets in every camp area that will be frequently pumped. Usually, it is also possible to pay the Portable Toilet service truck to pump out your RV tanks.

YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING YOUR SITE CLEAN AND FOR ANY GUESTS WHO JOIN YOU. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. There will be children playing so be careful when driving.

The closest air fill station may be in Santa Rosa, so please bring enough tanks to make all your dives. Diving will only be only allowed if conditions are safe. If it is not safe there will be an alternative method of awarding prizes to paid contest entrants. Please contact me if you have any questions or suggestions, email, text or call: Owen Autry ocautry@gmail.com or (916) 955-9105.

EDITOR’S NOTE
By: Joe Morgan

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

• 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: Brad Freelove / Corinne Fuerst
Safety Officer: Brad Freelove
Activity Chair: David Whiteside
Webmaster: Renee Viehmann
Promotions Chair: Tracy Clarke
Newsletter Editor: Joe Morgan
Historian: Jack Millard
Member at Large: Tom Mischley
Member at Large: Lalanyia Little
Member at Large: Ed Hurff
Member at Large: Sally Walters
Member at Large: Douglas Hillblom
Alternate Member at Large: Corinne Fuerst