Dear Dolphin Divers of Sacramento,                                                           May/June/July 2024

SCUBA diving, a portmanteau for “Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus” diving, is a fascinating underwater activity that allows people to explore the ocean’s depths with the aid of specialized equipment.  It offers an unparalleled glimpse into the aquatic world, revealing vibrant marine life, intricate coral reefs, and submerged shipwrecks.

History and Evolution

The origins of scuba diving date back to the early 20^th century when inventors like Jacques Cousteau and Émile Gagnan developed the Aqua-Lung, the diving regulator used for the first scuba equipment – this was in 1943, a mere 81 years ago!  Their invention revolutionized underwater exploration by providing divers with a reliable source of air, thus enabling longer and deeper dives. Over the decades, advancements in technology have led to more sophisticated and safer diving equipment, making the sport more accessible to a broader audience.

Equipment

A typical scuba diving setup includes:

1. Diving Mask: Allows divers to see clearly underwater, also available in prescriptions.
2. Fins:  Provide efficient movement through the water.
3. Regulator: Delivers air from the tank to the diver.
4. Buoyancy Control Device (BCD): Helps maintain neutral buoyancy underwater.
5. Wetsuit or Drysuit: Provides thermal insulation.
6. Dive Computer: Tracks depth, time, and decompression status.
7. Air Tank: Supplies breathable air.

Training and Certification

Before venturing into the underwater world, divers must undergo training and certification. The most recognized certification agencies include PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) and SSI (Scuba Schools International). Courses typically cover essential skills, safety procedures, and theoretical knowledge about diving physics and physiology. Open water certification, the entry-level qualification, allows divers to explore depths up to 18 meters (60 feet).

Popular Dive Sites

Scuba diving offers a chance to explore some of the planet’s most stunning underwater landscapes. Notable dive sites include:

• Great Barrier Reef, Australia: The world’s largest coral reef system, teeming with marine life and vibrant corals.
• Blue Hole, Belize: A giant marine sinkhole known for its deep blue waters and diverse marine species.
• Silfra Fissure, Iceland: Offers a unique diving experience between the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia.
• Red Sea, Egypt: Famous for its clear waters, rich marine biodiversity, and historical wrecks.

Benefits and Risks

          Benefits

• Physical Fitness: Enhances cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility
• Mental Health: Promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and boosts mental well-being.
• Environmental Awareness: Encourages conservation efforts and a deeper appreciation for marine ecosystems.

Risks

• Decompression Sickness: Caused by rapid ascent, leading to nitrogen bubbles forming in the bloodstream.
• Barotrauma: Injury caused by pressure changes affecting air-filled spaces in the body.
• Marine Hazards: Encounters with potentially dangerous marine life or environmental conditions.

Proper training, adherence to safety protocols, and the use of reliable equipment can mitigate most risks, ensuring a safe and enjoyable diving experience.

Conclusion

Scuba diving is more than just a sport; it’s an adventure that opens a mesmerizing underwater world. With its rich history, diverse equipment, and numerous health benefits, scuba diving continues to captivate and inspire enthusiasts around the globe. Whether you’re exploring the coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef or the mysterious depths of a sunken shipwreck, scuba diving promises an unforgettable journey into the deep blue. Our Club offers divers to work together to keep our sport safe and fun for all. Be sure to check our website at www.dolphindivers.org for a calendar of great events and social gatherings.

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

July 17^th, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Fair Oaks Park (Note: NOT at Round Table Pizza).

Come out and enjoy Hamburgers/Hotdogs and please bring a dish to share. 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

OUR NEXT MEETING

Safety Officer’s Message
By: Brad Freelove

Whether you are a newly certified diver or have 500 dives, don’t be afraid to improve your skill level.  You can take a refresher class, or you can get out there and dive with more experienced divers.  For me, nothing compares to spending 3 or more days on a liveaboard dive trip.  Getting in 15-25 dives in a few days will refresh your skills and perhaps teach you a few new things.  If living on a boat for days at a time is not your idea of fun, then do a land-based diving experience.  Spending a week in a hotel someplace warm and making 2 dives a day might be more to your liking.  Non-diving partners can tag along and lounge by the pool while you are out diving.

What ever way you go, here are a few tips that you might want to consider.

1.  If you are using the services of a divemaster pay attention to what they have to say.  The reef you are diving on is in their backyard.  They probably have hundreds or even thousands of dives at the local dive sites.  But pay attention to your own dive computer and be aware of your own air supply and no decompression limits.  Always think for yourself. 
2. A good divemaster will make suggestions on how much weight you should use.  The tank and wetsuit you are using are important factors in determining how much weight you will need.  Before, during or after your first dive, make any necessary adjustments to your supply of lead. 
3. During the dive, maintain proper buoyancy.  You should not be walking on the bottom or struggling to stay down. 
4. Pay attention to your surroundings.  Yes, you are a certified diver.  Maybe you have 1,000 dives.  But the diver in front of you might have thousands more.  Take a few minutes to look at the other divers in your group and perhaps learn something new. 
5. Dive with a buddy, or at least stay close to your group of divers.  Most likely, nothing will go wrong during your dive.  Venturing off on your own freaks out your dive master and limits your options if something does go bad.
6. Know your limitations.  Challenging yourself is fine but don’t be afraid to tell the divemaster that you are not comfortable doing something. 
7. Buy or make a logbook and record your dives.  Many divemaster’s are now requiring them. 

Remember to have fun and practice safe diving!

QUOTES FROM THE SEA

You’re 30 feet underwater, the ocean is brisk, the slight current is stirring the sand, the colorful fish are swarming, the bright red lobsters are playfully harassing the neon eels — everything seems surreal, especially the fact that you’re breathing underwater.
NATALIE LAVERY

What all divers should remember is that SCUBA diving is a fun exploration of life. When you dive, don’t take yourself so seriously. Loosen up and relax. The point of SCUBA diving is not to focus on yourself; it’s to focus on the beauty of the underwater world. There’s nothing to accomplish on dives.
VANESSA VITRI

For the rich, there is therapy. For the rest of us, there is SCUBA DIVING! ANONYMOUS

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

July 2024 Birthdays

John Arnold 4th
Ralph McGahey 4th
Terry Motschenbacher 6th
Summer Smith 6th
Ray Martinet 9th
Brooke Hudson 10th
Sharon Furtak 10th
Adam Adcock 11th
Jessica Lampeia 13th
Michael Soldwisch 15th
Atakan Cokgor 16th
Alaric Toy 19th
Cheryl Anderson 22nd
Todd Watson 24th
John Jones 25th
Jason Moore 25th
Christine Cortez 27th
Jake Burke 28th
Christina Egan 28th
Emmanuel Chavez 31st
Brittania Junes 31st

NEW MEMBERS:
Peter Holt
Bethany Holt
Jeff Abbott
Kurt Link
Michael Panelli
Dennis Gatchalian

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

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

EVENT REPORT
ALBION RIVER CAMPGROUND CAMPOUT
JUNE 28 – 30

A group of about a dozen Dolphin Divers of Sacramento joined us at the campground.  The weather was very nice, unfortunately, the ocean was not so nice.  Swells prevented us from bringing the boats out of Albion Harbor.  Nevertheless, Chris Mathews made the short drive up to Van Damme State Park and dove in the cove.  As usual, the conditions were calm, and visibility looked to be 8 to 10 ft.  Chris reported that the water was unusually cold (about 48 degrees).  In spite of that he took some great underwater pictures. 

Some of the group went up to Mendocino and Fort Bragg for sightseeing and ice cream and a few of us played golf at Little River..  Jack took a small group up the Albion River in his inflatable for a scenic tour.  Others hung around the beach at the West end of the campground. Of course we had our fabulous potlucks.  After dinners, we gathered around the campfire and told stories about our diving and travel adventures.  Some of the stories were actually true!

Overall, everyone had a great time.  Hope you can join us next time.

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

For the full view click here…

July 10, 2024 Date changed to accomidate July 4th	DDS Board Meeting	Doug Hillblom’s	Owen Autry
July 17, 2024	Picnic in the Park/Gear Swap and Giveaway	Fair Oaks Park (Note: Not at Round Table Pizza)	Owen Autry
July 20, 2024	Inland Lobster Feed	Lake Natoma at Black Miners Bar	Jack Millard
August 7, 2024	DDS Board Meeting		Owen Autry
August 21, 2024	DDS General Meeting	Round Table Pizza	Owen Autry
August 31st, 2024	Labor Day Ocean Cove Dive weekend	Ocean Cove, CA	Owen Autry
Sept. 3, 2024	DDS Board	Via Zoom	Owen Autry
Sept 21st, 2024	GARCU Cleanup	American River	Brad Freelove
Oct. 2, 2024	DDS Board	At Ken Takata’s	Owen Autry

Inland Lobster Feed & Potluck
Saturday, July 20

Bring your family, bring your friends and join us at Lake Natoma for our “Inland Lobster Feed” dive and potluck on Saturday, July 20 at the Black Miners Bar picnic area. We have reserved the large picnic pavilion for the festivities.  A few of us will put out crawdad traps Friday to recover for the event in the morning.

Saturday morning all of the divers will meet at the black Miners Bar State Park by 9:00 to boat up past the Rainbow Bridge for a fun drift dive. You should plan on arriving at the picnic area early because we want to be in our boats and ready to dive by 9:00! There are a lot of big crayfish hiding under the rocks so, if you have a fishing license, bring a “Goody Bag” to grab the biggest and fastest ones you see. If you do not want to catch your own you can also pick one from the traps to use for the contests. There are also a lot of lost “treasures” that fishermen and swimmers have dropped in the lake so we can also do a lake cleanup and scavenger hunt while we dive. I have found several working watches and a gold ring on previous dives so be sure to keep your eyes open. The deepest you can get is only about 40 feet, and there may be a current to help us drift while we dive. Visibility is typically about 6 to 10 feet and the water temperature has been in the low sixties on previous dives.

After we have made our dives we’ll gather in the picnic area for the rest of the fun. We will have prizes for a  crawdad race for the adults and also for the kids, so be sure to save your biggest and your fastest crawdad. We will also have a “Liars Contest” where we will spin yarns about the “treasures” that we find.  While we are diving and holding our contests a few volunteers will fire up the barbecues and cook up the crawdads, hamburgers and corn-on-the-cob. Please bring $5.00 per adult to contribute toward the soft drinks, hamburgers and corn on the cob. Please also bring a potluck dish, and don’t forget your dive gear, hats, beach chairs and sunscreen.

Jack (916) 955-8017

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.

Last Labor Day

EDITOR’S NOTE
By: Joe Morgan

AM 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