Dear Dolphin Divers of Sacramento, December 1, 2024

Happy New Year to all the great members of our Fabulous Dive Club!

Our Annual Christmas party was held at the Donte Club on Saturday, December 7, 2024, and it was a great success – as guest mingled with one another before the party started, having a cocktail (or two) and enjoying the ambience of the night. We announced the winners of the best photos and the biggest fish contests held throughout the year.

Below are the winners: We respectfully request that ALL WINNERS please attend the January Club Meeting.
Photo Cat. 2 – Club event above water – Linda Freelove – #1 (seal on beach) $25.00 Amazon Card
Photo Cat. 3 – Open – Kenny Carraher – #16 (fin with seal) $25.00 Amazon Card
Photo Cat. 4 – Cell phone – Paul Rees – #23 (underwater scene with octopus) $25.00 Amazon Card
Photo Cat. 5 – Selfie – Natalie Clark – #18 (50th dive on birthday) $25.00 Amazon Card
Big fish – Jason Moore 14 pound/7 ounce Ling Cod – Filet Knife
The Member of the Year – Tracy Clark

We played some fun games and had some winners. When playing Christmas bingo, Mike Johnson won the blackout bingo prize. We finished the night dancing to the music from our very own DJ, Jason Moore; thank you again for being the guy with great tunes.

This month we have Jack Millard’s Birthday dive on Saturday the 18th where we will be diving at Point Lobos National Park in Monterey, California. Happy Birthday Jack!

Please note, our next Dolphin Club General Meeting will be held in-person on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Round Table Pizza (9500 Greenback Lane in Folsom), and we are NOT able to 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

Safety Officer’s Message
By: Brad Freelove

Dry Suit Certification

A club member asked me about dry suit diving certification.  They wanted to know if the class was worth the time, effort, and cost.  This diver has 100+ dives in various water conditions but most of the dives have been in warmer waters using a 3 or 8 mil suit.   Not a newbie but not a master diver.  

I am a firm believer in having as much diving knowledge as possible.  Taking a course will give you an advantage.  Learning in a controlled environment is a safer and more productive way to make good use of that new piece of equipment.  Learning how to maintain the suit can save you from costly and unnecessary repairs.  New dry suits can cost from $300 to over $4,000.  That may not include the cost of undergarments, spare parts, heated vests, or storage bags.  Knowing how to prevent repairs is just as important as how to make repairs.  Take the certification course! 

QUOTES FROM THE SEA

“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we are going back from whence we came.”
John F. Kennedy

“Why is it that scuba divers and surfers are some of the strongest advocates of ocean conservation? Because they’ve spent time in and around the ocean, and they’ve personally seen the beauty, the fragility, and even the degradation of our planet’s blue heart.”
Sylvia Earle

“There’s nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it’s sent away.”
Sarah Kay

“How inappropriate to call this planet Earth when it is clearly Ocean.”
Arthur C. Clarke

JANUARY MEETING
January 15th 7PM-8PM (Social Hour begins at 6PM)

Our next Dolphin Club General Meeting will be held in-person
on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Social Hour from 6:00-7:00 pm and Meeting from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at Round Table Pizza, 9500 Greenback Ln Ste 1, Folsom, CA 95630-2091

Presentation of awards for Photo of the Year competition and more! Come join us for a slice and some SCUBA talk.

UPCOMING GUEST SPEAKER
Walter Marti
On Blackwater Diving

Walter Marti will be giving a presentation at our February club meeting (Wednesday Feb 19^th )

A review of our upcoming speaker by Sally…

 I suspect some of you have already seen some of Walter’s videos and pictures on YouTube.  They are free to all, but it was better with him; he was a straightforward, natural, fun, informative speaker. Answered many questions and advised about locations, how he started to dive black water, gear, etc., and what was happening with the critters—some exciting science.

-Sally Walters

Just Laugh

Member News

January 2025 Birthdays

Michelle Hicks 5-Jan
Gil Manganaan 9-Jan
Dave Whiteside 12-Jan
Jack Millard 15-Jan
Kathy Magnani 18-Jan
Tony Jacobs 22-Jan

January 2024 New Members

We have no new members this month…

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

SCUBA DIVING… WHAT DOES IT COST?

I was recently asked by a family member who was interested in getting certified “What does SCUBA diving cost?”
I honestly could not answer. What I said was that is like buying a car, there are very cheap versions and very expensive versions of each piece of gear, and cheap as well as expensive ways to go on SCUBA diving trips. It is hard to break down the costs until you know the type of dives you want to go on, the type of gear you want, and whether you travel frugally or first class.
Are you an animal enthusiast who must check every type of large marine animal off of your SCUBA bucket list? Are you a wreck fanatic who wants to see every underwater ship, plane, and hopefully treasure? Are you a once-a-year diver who only dives the house reef at your favorite resort? Do you love night diving? Are you interested in underwater photography and videography? (I did not include underwater cameras in my cost breakdown because the cost range there is infinite. From GoPro to professional equipment the price range is just too extreme)

Here is a very broad breakdown.

Breaking Down the Costs of Scuba Diving: A Hopefully Comprehensive Guide

What does scuba diving cost? Below are outlined the typical expenses involved, with price ranges for each item and activity.

1. Scuba Certification

To scuba dive safely, you’ll need to get certified. Certification courses teach essential safety procedures, equipment usage, and diving techniques. The cost of scuba certification varies depending on location and training agency.

• Open Water Certification: $300 – $500 This entry-level certification typically includes classroom sessions (or online learning), confined water (pool) training, and open water dives.
• Advanced Courses: $250 – $400 For those looking to expand their skills, advanced certifications like Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, or specialty courses (e.g., underwater photography) are additional costs. While some courses are essential learning for safety in specific activities, (like cave diving or wreck penetration) others like underwater photography are just helpful and fun. Speak to other seasoned divers to learn more about each course.  
  As a personal note, I think every diver should strive to attend a rescue diver course.
• Dive Master or Professional Certification: $800 – $2,000 These higher-level certifications cater to divers interested in becoming instructors or dive guides.

2. Scuba Gear

While renting gear is an option, many divers prefer the comfort and reliability of owning their own equipment. The cost of scuba gear depends on the brand, quality, and type of equipment. (every piece has a premium version way higher than my “high price” but I stuck with a reasonable average for higher end gear)

• Mask, Snorkel, and Fins: $100 – $300 These are essential for both snorkeling and diving and are usually the first pieces of gear divers purchase.
• Wetsuit or Drysuit: $200 – $1,000 The type of suit depends on the water temperature where you plan to dive. A wetsuit is suitable for warmer climates, while a drysuit is necessary for cold-water diving.
• Buoyancy Control Device (BCD): $250 – $700 A BCD helps you control your buoyancy underwater and is a key part of your setup.
• Regulator and Octopus: $300 – $1,200 This equipment allows you to breathe underwater by delivering air from your tank.
• Dive Computer: $200 – $1,500 A dive computer is a crucial safety tool that tracks your depth, dive time, and ascent rate. Personally I believe every diver should have two computers on them for every dive.
• Tanks and Weights: $200 – $400 Many divers rent tanks and weights since they’re heavy to transport, but purchasing them is an option if you dive frequently.
• Full Gear Package: $1,500 – $3,500 Many retailers offer packages that include all the essential gear at a discounted rate.

3. Dive Trips

The cost of a dive trip depends on where you’re diving and whether you’re booking guided tours.

• Local Diving: $50 – $150 per dive For nearby dive sites, you’ll typically pay for tank rentals, weights, and a boat fee (if applicable).
• Tropical Dive Vacations: $1,000 – $5,000 For bucket-list destinations like the Maldives, Great Barrier Reef, or Red Sea, costs include flights, accommodations, dive packages, and sometimes marine park fees, and can reach the tens of thousands of dollars if you want first class treatment.
• Liveaboard Diving: $1,000 – $6,000 (per week) Liveaboards allow you to stay on a boat and access remote dive sites. Packages usually include accommodation, meals, and multiple dives per day.

4. Ongoing Expenses

Once certified and equipped, there are ongoing costs to consider:

• Tank Refills: $5 – $15 per tank
• Equipment Maintenance: $100 – $300 per year Regular servicing ensures your gear remains safe and functional.
• Dive Club Memberships: $35-$45 annually. Memberships often include discounts on gear rentals and group dive trips.

Tips for Managing Costs

• Rent Before You Buy: If you’re a beginner, renting equipment is a cost-effective way to try different gear before committing to purchases.
• Look for Package Deals: Many dive shops and resorts offer all-inclusive packages that combine certification, gear rental, and guided dives.
• Buy Used Gear: High-quality used gear can save you hundreds of dollars, but always have it inspected by a professional before use.

Final Thoughts

Scuba diving is an investment, but the experiences and memories are priceless. With options to suit a wide range of budgets, anyone can take up this incredible hobby. By planning your expenses and prioritizing quality and safety, you can enjoy the underwater world without breaking the bank.

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

For the full view click here… (Click 2024/2025 Tab)

Jan. 8th. 2025	DDS Board Meeting		Owen Autry
Jan. 15th. 2025	DDS General Meeting		Owen Autry
Jan. 18th. 2025	Pt. Lobos Dive to Celebrate Jack’s Birthday	Point Lobos	Jack Millard
Feb. 5th. 2025	DDS Board Meeting		Owen Autry
Feb. 19th., 2025	General Meeting		Owen Autry
Mar. 5, 2025	DDS Board Meeting		Owen Autry
Mar. 19, 2025	General Meeting		Owen Autry
Apr. 5, 2025	Easter Egg Hunt	San Carlos Beach, Monterey	Brad Freelove and Ken Takata

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

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