SCUBA Politics

Is it just me, or is there a bit too much politics with SCUBA divers? I think it is a bit strange considering other enthusiast groups. For example if you own a motorcycle and you pass another motorcycle on the road, they always wave to you. SCUBA divers for some reason look at you with that "THEY are from that OTHER shop". Can someone please tell me why that is?

I think it is time we all just got along and supported each other. After all, we are all into this sport for the experience and enjoyment. Networking is a GOOD thing! You can learn all kinds of things from other people. It is great to hear about the adventures and exciting things that people have done. Personally, I like to hear about trips people have taken to exotic places. I talked to one diver that went to easter island and he dove with an older fella that used to be part of Jacques Cousteau's dive team. Apparently this guy wouldn't wear weights or a BC and just strapped a tank to his back and jumped in. He also stayed down for a very long time.

Other divers that I have talked to tell me about things that they have done and people they have had as buddies how things went bad and they are lucky to be alive. That makes me feel good about the people that I dive with, because they are all pretty good buddies.

When your out diving and you see some divers that you have never met before, don't give them a dirty look, just go over, smile, and say hi. You never know who your going to run into. Keep the politics out of SCUBA.

Winter non-diving blues

Man this is painful... It is cold and windy outside and the lakes are all covered with ice. On top of that I don't have the time or money to take a dive vacation right now. All my gear is packed away in the garage awaiting a new adventure. I envy people like Mike (see underwater picture below) who lives in Maui. I would love to be able to go anytime and dive in paradise. Some people are so lucky.

Up here in Calgary, everyone is into Skiing. I like skiing but I don't have the time or money to invest in the expensive sport. I tried snowboarding once and it was a lot of fun. If you fall against the hill it is no big deal, but when you fall the other way, down the hill it is a big wake up call. I would like to do it again some time.

I am planning a trip to the Rendezvous on the West Coast of Vancouver Island for the May long weekend 2007. If you wanna go, contact me.

In the mean time, Merry Christmas to all.

Calling all U/W Photographers

Are you an Underwater Photographer? I would like to feature you on the RecSCUBA.org website. There are some amazing U/W photographers out there and I, for one, really enjoy seeing their work. Let me showcase some of your work on the site. The gallery supports EXIF comments that automatically show up under each image, so you can describe the photo or add any important text you need to (like copyrights or whatever).

Anyways, contact me and we will get you set up. I am also looking for someone who is interested in having a U/W photography column. It is a new feature I would like to add to the site that has tips and tricks as well as some information on great sites to take photos at.

People, these are excellent opportunities to promote your work at NO CHARGE!!! How often do you get that kind of a deal eh?