Dear Dolphin Divers, August 1, 2025

Why Scuba Diving Is the Only Excuse You Need to Pretend You’re a Mermaid
Let’s be honest: few things in life are as undeniably cool as breathing underwater. Yes,
astronauts get to float around in zero gravity, but do they get to swim with turtles, dodge
grumpy triggerfish, and have their hair look like a kelp forest gone rogue? I think not. Scuba
diving, the sport for anyone who’s ever looked at the surface of the ocean and thought,
“But what if I just…kept going?” is half adventure, half magic, and—if you’re me—at least
20% awkward moments involving fins and an audience of unimpressed clownfish.

First Things First: Are You Sure You’re Not a Fish?
Before you join the leagues of underwater explorers, there’s a question to ponder: Have
you ever felt a mysterious longing for seafood, a sudden desire to own eight wetsuits, or
the urge to communicate exclusively in gurgles? If so, congratulations. Scuba diving might
be your calling. But even if you answered “no,” don’t worry—scuba is less about being a
fish and more about embracing the art of bubbling gracefully while maintaining the heroic
illusion that you know exactly what you’re doing.

The Training: From Couch Potato to Human Submarine
Scuba diving, despite its glamorous image, starts with a process that’s less James Bond
and more “pop quiz with water.” You’ll learn about things like “buoyancy control,” which
basically means not face-planting into coral, and “buddy checks”—the ritual in which two
neoprene-clad individuals try to remember whether the air is supposed to go in or out.
There’s gear to memorize: the BC (buoyancy compensator, not British Columbia),
regulators (not to be confused with government officials), and that most sacred of all
items, the anti-fog mask spray.
The written test is a highlight. Nothing says “adventure” like multiple-choice questions on
decompression sickness. (“Can you get the bends from eating too many mozzarella
sticks?” is, tragically, not on the exam.) But pass you must, for freedom beneath the waves
awaits.

Gearing Up: The Fashion Statements We Make
If you thought the runway at Paris Fashion Week was wild, you’ve never seen a group of
divers assembling for a pre-dive briefing. Wetsuits in hues nature never intended, fins that
double as comedic props, and masks that transform even the most distinguished into
vaguely startled amphibians. And don’t forget the air tank—a stylish steel cylinder that’s
this season’s must-have. Pair with a weight belt for that effortlessly saggy look.
I once heard a story of a diver who wore their wetsuit backwards. The zipper was on the
front, which got some serious side-eye from the dive master, who, to be fair, was still
wearing his fins on land. We’re all learning.

The Descent: Into the Blue (But Also into the Unknown)
The first time you deflate your BC and begin to sink, it’s pure magic. The world above
disappears, replaced by a landscape where “up” and “down” are suggestions, and “left” is
wherever the current takes you. The silence is profound—broken only by the Darth Vader-
esque soundtrack of your own breathing and the occasional panicked squeak as a fish
photobombs your mask.
There’s a moment, maybe halfway down, when you realize: I am, in fact, underwater, and
so far, everything is going according to plan. This is usually the precise moment your mask
starts to leak, and you remember you were supposed to practice clearing it. Oops!

Meeting the Locals: Fish, Eels, and the Occasional Existential Crisis
Let’s talk about the neighbors. Underwater, the world is inhabited by characters straight
out of a Pixar casting call. Parrotfish that crunch coral with the enthusiasm of someone
chewing ice at 2 a.m., moray eels giving you the side-eye from their rocky fortresses, and
the eternally photogenic sea turtles who, let’s be honest, are just showing off. Then there’s
the coral—a living cityscape more vibrant than any metropolitan skyline, home to
thousands of creatures, all of whom seem to be judging your trim and buoyancy. You
haven’t truly experienced humility until a nudibranch stares you down and wins.

The Unexpected: When Things Get Weird (and Wonderful)
Every diver has a story. There’s the time a school of barracuda decided to form a living
silver tornado around one diver, or when another mistook a sea cucumber for an especially
unresponsive diver. Sometimes you emerge from a dive and realize your regulator has been
upside down, your hair has become a nest for plankton, and you have sand in places sand
should never be.
Yet for every moment of confusion, there’s several more of awe: the sudden appearance of
a manta ray gliding overhead, the intricate dance of a cuttlefish changing colors, the gentle
sway of sea grass in the current. Scuba diving is a masterclass in humility, in letting go, in
being present—because down below, Wi-Fi is just a myth and time floats away with the
tide.

Safety First: Or, How to Avoid Becoming Fish Food
Scuba diving is not without its perils. There’s the infamous “diver’s checklist,” a litany of
things you must check before plunging in; air supply, weights, zippers, dignity. The buddy
system is sacred, mostly so someone can confirm that, yes, your wetsuit is on correctly
and, no, you can’t bring that hermit crab home as a souvenir.
And let’s not forget the number one rule: “Plan your dive, dive your plan.” Which, in my
experience, means you’ll have a plan, your dive buddy will have a plan, and the resident
octopus will have an entirely different plan involving surprise camouflage and existential
dread.

Why We Dive: The Real Reason
When all the gear is packed away and the salt has been rinsed from your eyebrows, what
remains is a sense of wonder. Scuba diving is the art of exploring a world that is
tantalizingly close, yet entirely alien—a place where gravity loosens its grip and ordinary
rules are replaced by the fluid logic of tides and currents.
It’s about the stories you collect: the sunken wreck discovered by accident, the dolphin
that played in your bubbles, the moment you realized you were, for a brief and weightless
eternity, a part of something vast and mysterious. It’s about laughter muffled by
mouthpieces, new friendships forged in the glow of dive boat sunrises, and the quiet pride
of having done something slightly ridiculous, wonderfully challenging, and undeniably
cool.

Ready to Dive In?
If you’ve ever dreamed of adventure, of making friends with the fish (or at least learning to
avoid the ones with attitudes), scuba diving is waiting. Just don’t forget your anti-fog spray,
your sense of humor, and maybe a snack for after—you’ll have earned it.
So, next time you see the ocean, remember: the greatest stories are sometimes just
beneath the surface. All you have to do is take a deep breath, and dive in.

Meeting Place and Time
Please note, our next Dolphin Club General Meeting will be held in-person on Wednesday,
August 20th, 2025, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Mountain Mike’s Pizza (2210 Gold Springs
Ct, Gold River, CA 95670-4437), (916-917-551), If you want to pre order the website is
https://www.mountainmikespizza.com/locations/gold-river-gold-springs.
We will also have a Zoom link for this meeting. Marilyn will send out more information
about our guest speaker prior to the meeting. You will not want to miss this in-person
meeting…everyone is welcome to join!

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

Owen Autry,
President 2025-2026

Safety Officer’s Message
By: Brad Freelove

Labor Day Dive Just a Few Weeks Away

August 29 starts the clubs 4-day diving and camping trip.  4 fun filled days of camping, diving, fishing and a ton of fun!  If you have any doubts about the reliability of your diving equipment, get your kit to Dolphin Scuba, NOW!  Get your regulators serviced, make sure your wetsuit still fits, and pick up whatever you need to have fun at Ocean Cove. 

If you have not been in the water in a while, I suggest you head to Folsom, Natomas, or a pool that will allow you to use your SCUBA stuff.  Get in the water and refresh your skills.  Remind yourself on how to clear your mask, operate your BCD, and check your weight.  Do you have enough lead in your BCD, or too much?    Remember, you are responsible for your diving equipment and skills.  Spend some time now to reinforce your training and abilities.

There is no fill station near Ocean Cove.  Santa Rosa and Novato have fill stations.  Both are about 95 miles away from the campground.  If you do not have enough tanks for the Labor Day weekend trip, borrow or rent them.  If you rent, get a reservation made soon. 

The campground has a small store that carries a limited supply of grocery items.  About a 25-minute drive north of Ocean Cove is the town of Gualala.  The town has 2 stores, both with a larger selection of stuff. 

If you have any questions about the weekend events, please ask.  Many of our long-time members have done this event 30 or more times.  It is no problem answering your questions. 

QUOTES FROM THE SEA

“The ocean is like a living being – so full of wonder, beauty, and mystery.” – Sylvia Earle

“The grace of a manta ray gliding through the water is a sight that will leave you breathless.” – Unknown

“Coral reefs are the rainforests of the ocean, teeming with life and colors beyond imagination.” – Unknown

Member News

August 2025 Birthdays

Renee Viehmann – 8/1
Mindy Anderson – 8/5
Sam Shi – 8/9
Lalaynia Little – 8/12
Cayle Little – 8/15
Eric Nesvick – 8/15
Matt Stemple – 8/15
Richard Navarro – 8/16
Dennis King – 8/18
Alan Couch – 8/27
Melyssa Bruegeman – 8/28
Bruce Dilts – 8/29

July New Members

No new Members in July

AS MEMBERS, REMEMBER WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING TO GROW OUR “DOLPHIN DIVERS FAMILY” SO PLEASE REACH OUT TO OTHER DIVERS AND LET THEM KNOW ABOUT THE CLUB WHENEVER YOU GET THE CHANCE.

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

Just Laugh

MEET YOUR BOARD MEMBERS

Hello and welcome to our new newsletter section “Meet your board members”.  First up is our former “Fuerst Lady”, Corinne Fuerst.

For those of you that do not know me, my name is Corinne Fuerst and both my hubby and I, Holger Fuerst (the “tall” guy), have been members of Dolphin Divers of Sacramento since December 1997. 

I got PADI certified in the fall of 1997 and have been diving ever since.   Most of my dives have been in the colder waters of California, mainly in Monterey, our North Coast, and several trips to the Channel Islands.  Holger and I spent our honeymoon in the Cayman Islands and that was my intro to warm water.  We also dove Fiji, the Philippines, Belize, and Cozumel.  As a diver, I like finding critters and I am always in awe of how beautiful and different things are under water.

My current position on the Dolphin Board is Secretary.  This is my second stint as Secretary.  It is a great way to get to know your fellow Club members!   I was the Club’s president in 2007-2008 (the Fuerst Lady 😊) and also served as Member at Large on an off during the many years of being a Club member.  Besides being on the board, I like to assist other board members with organizing outings, events, finding guest speakers, or lending a helping hand during the many events that the Club puts on each year.  Three of my favorite events are coming up:  Camping at Ocean Cove over the long Labor Day Weekend, the Great American River Clean Up (GARCU), and camping at Albion River Campground.

Besides diving, I enjoy camping at the Coast with my hubby and our dog Teddy.  My other hobbies are hanging out with friends, hiking, walking, birding, reading, gardening, SUP’ing, crabbing, and cooking.  Now that I am retired, I get to enjoy these things a lot more than in years past.

Please remember that the Club does not mail out membership/airfill cards but that those are handed out at our general meetings.

Corinne

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

For the full view click here…

August 6, 2025	DDS – Board Meeting	Brad Freelove’s	Owen Autry	(916) 955-9105 ocautry@gmail.com
August 20, 2025	DDS – General Meeting	Mountain Mike’s	Owen Autry	(916) 955-9105 ocautry@gmail.com	Holger and Brad, Fish ID https://www.mountainmikespizza.com/locations/gold-river-gold-springs/
Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, 2025	Annual Ocean Cove Camping Trip Spearfishing Contest Rod and Reel Contest Sulsa Contest Cocktail Contest And Much More!!	Ocean Cove Group Campsights 2 & 3	Bob and Kim Taylor	Bob Taylor (916)-752-6017 Btaylor@tayloredbiomedical.com Owen Autry (916) 955-9105 ocautry@gmail.com	For sign ups https://www.dolphindivers.org Ocean Cove Campground 23150 CA-1 Jenner, CA 95450
Sept. 12, 2025 CHANGED	DDS Board	Jack Millard	Owen Autry	(916) 955-9105 ocautry@gmail.com
Sept. 17, 2025	DDS General Meeting	Mountain Mike’s	Owen Autry	(916) 955-9105 ocautry@gmail.com	Melissa of Dolphin SCUBA https://www.mountainmikespizza.com/locations/gold-river-gold-springs/
Sept. 20, 2025	Great American River Cleanup	American River	Brad Freelove	(916) 879-3853 bradlinda@frontiernet.com
Oct. 1, 2025	DDS Board	Corinne Fuerst	Owen Autry	(916) 955-9105 ocautry@gmail.com
Oct. 10 to Oct. 12, 2025	Albion River Dive/Fish Campout	Albion River Campground	Ken Takata	((916) 428-8883 kennethktakata@gmail.com	Camping, Fishing, Diving
Oct. 15, 2025	DDS General Meeting	Mountain Mike’s	Owen Autry	(916) 955-9105 ocautry@gmail.com	Photo Contest https://www.mountainmikespizza.com/locations/gold-river-gold-springs/
Oct. TBD	Pumpkin Carving
Nov 5, 2025	Board Meeting	Ken Takata	Owen Autry	(916) 955-9105 ocautry@gmail.com
Nov 19, 2025	General Meeting	Mountain Mike’s			https://www.mountainmikespizza.com/locations/gold-river-gold-springs/ Cookie Contest
Dec 3, 2025	DDS Board Meeting	Marlyn Sepulveda	Owen Autry	(916) 955-9105 ocautry@gmail.com
Dec. 13, 2025	Christmas Party	Aviator’s Resturant			More Information to Come.

YARD SALE

Mens xlarge ScubaPro BCD

Includes ScubaPro Air2

$150     

Contact Brad at bradlinda@frontiernet.net or 916 879-3853

Mares Abyss regulator and SSI

BCD inflator/regulator

$100                                                                                                                

Contact Brad at bradlinda@frontiernet.net or 916 879-3853

117 cuft Faber tanks. Both tanks need hydro. Yolk valves. HP 3442
$125 each or both for $225

Contact Brad at bradlinda@frontiernet.net or 916 879-3853

DOLPHIN DIVERS OF SACRAMENTO
Labor Day Camping
Aug 29 – Sept 1

Dear Dolphin Family,

Labor Day and Ocean Cove Camping will be happing this year on the Labor Day weekend!!

When: Dates August 29th to September 1st, 2025, everyone tries to come in on Friday the 29th and departs on Monday the 1st. Please come in as early as you wish, but we need to be out of the group’s sites on Monday the 1st, as the Hog Arama group takes over the whole next week.

Our hosts this year are Bob and Kim Taylor and they always make it a great time.

We will have more information out soon, but please mark your calendar for a fun group weekend.

Thank you,

Owen Autry
President 2025-2026

DOLPHIN DIVERS OF SACRAMENTO
CAMPOUT / DIVE/ FISH EVENT
OCTOBER 10 TO 12, 2025
AT THE ALBION RIVER CAMPGROUND

DOLPHIN DIVERS OF SACRAMENTO        

CAMPOUT / DIVE/ FISH EVENT

OCTOBER 10 TO 12, 2025

AT THE ALBION RIVER CAMPGROUND

albionrivercampground.com   (707) 937-0606

WE HAVE 10 CAMPSITES (D8, D9, D10, D12.D13, D14, D15, D16, D17, D18) SET ASIDE FOR OUR CLUB’S EVENT AT THE ALBION RIVER CAMPGROUND. THE EARLIER YOU CALL TO RESERVE A CAMPSITE, THE GREATER YOUR CHANCES OF SECURING A SITE.  DON’T WAIT TOO LONG BECAUSE THE CAMPGROUND IS TYPICALLY FULL DURING THE SUMMER.   THE CAMPGROUND WILL ONLY HOLD SITES FOR THE DOLPHIN DIVERS GROUP UNTIL JUNE 11th. AFTER THAT DATE, OUR VACANT SPOTS WILL BE OFFERED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CAMP IN OUR GROUP’S AREA.  I APOLOGIZE FOR THE SHORT TIMEFRAME, BUT THAT IS THEIR POLICY.   SO, CALL FOR YOUR RESERVATIONS ASAP. A FEW OF US ARE ARRIVING ON OCT 9th

THE CAMPGROUND’S TELEPHONE NUMBER IS (707) 937-0606. IDENTIFY YOURSELF A BEING WITH THE DOLPHIN DIVERS OF SACRAMENTO, AND KEN TAKATA AS THE GROUP’S LEADER WHEN MAKING YOUR RESERVATIONS. APRIL OR ELIZABETH, OF THE CAMP’S STAFF, IS FAMILIAR WITH THE OUR CLUB’S RESERVATIONS, SO IT WILL BE BEST TO TALK TO THEM.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW THE CAMPSITE NUMBER YOU HAVE RESERVED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

GROUP ACTIVITIES TYPICALLY INCLUDES POTLUCKS.  

IF OCEAN CONDITIONS PERMIT AND SPACE AVAILABLE, A FEW BOATS MAY BE AVAILABLE FOR DIVING AND/OR FISHING. YOU CAN KAYAK ON THE ALBION RIVER, DO A SHORE DIVE AT VAN DAMME STATE PARK, VISIT THE PICTUREST TOWN OF MENDOCINO, TAKE THE SKUNK TRAIN IN FORT BRAGG, PLAY GOLF AT THE LITTLE RIVER GOLF COURSE, OR JUST RELAX AT THE CAMPGROUND. LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

KEN TAKATA

kennethktakata@gmail.com

(916) 599-5270

EDITOR’S NOTE
By: Joe Morgan

I’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

Editor@dolphindivers.org

DOLPHIN DIVERS OF SACRAMENTO
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Owen Autry – President
Ken Takata – Vice President
Marlyn Sepulveda – Treasure
Corinne Fuerst – Secretary
Douglas Hillblom – Events Chair
Brad Freelove – Safety Officer
Renee Viehmann – Webmaster
Jack Millard – Historian
Joe Morgan – Editor
Tracy Clarke – Promotions
Dave Whiteside – Member at Large
Tom Mischley – Member at Large
Sally Walters – Member at Large
Cheryl Anderson – Member at Large
Ed Hurff – Member at Large
Chris Matthews – Member at Large