| Sunken Treasure's Current Hours | ||
Winter Hours Closed all Holidays |
February/March 2012 at a glance
Is there a class we can offer to fit your time needs? |
 | Why Rescue Diver? Rewarding and fun – that best describes the PADI Rescue Diver course. This course will expand your knowledge and experience level: Rescue Divers learn to look beyond themselves and consider the safety and well being of other divers. Although this course is serious, it is an enjoyable way to build your confidence. |
Water Diver and participate in the Rescue Diver knowledge development and rescue training sessions, in confined water only, while working on your Advanced Open Water Diver certification. ► Minimum age: 15 years old (12 for PADI Junior Rescue Diver) |
| Beginner Scuba Program |
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| There is nothing like breathing underwater for the very first time. It takes a little getting used to -after all, human beings weren't designed to do that - but after a few minutes of awestruck wonder, most participants realize how easy scuba diving really is. The biggest challenge instructors have with teaching new divers is coaxing them out of the water each night when class is over. The fun part? Well it's all fun! As a certified diver, fabulous dive destinations, exciting people, unparalleled adventure and uncommon tranquility await you. |
| Eastern Lycoming YMCA Pool - Coming March 8, 2012 Current Class Doesn't Fit Your Schedule Ask us how to start Private Lessons today or eLearning |
| Not Sure Try Scuba Free |
| NEXT.....Discover the Scuba Experience There is nothing like breathing underwater for the very first time. It takes a little getting used to -after all, human beings weren't designed to do that - but after a few minutes of awestruck wonder, most participants realize how easy scuba diving really is. The biggest challenge instructors have with the Discover Scuba Diving program is not coaxing participants into the water, but coaxing them out when the program is over. The fun part? It's all fun! February 23rd - East Lycoming County YMCA - 7:30pm......Please RSVP due to limited event |  |
| "Dip - Dive - Socialize" |
| The staff at Sunken Treasure has arranged to have the East Lycoming YMCA pool twice a month for the next three months. Each of the Saturdays you can come to the YMCA to swim laps, try out new dive gear, keep skill levels up or anything else you would like to do. Just get wet and keep in touch with other divers If you own your own equipment the entry fee into the Y is just $7.00. On top of that after you get out of the pool you can use the rest of the facilities for the day. Dates available: 1/14, 1/28, 2/18, 2/25, 3/10 & 3/17 - 10:30 am at the eLYMCA |
| Coffee Socials are Back |
| Well it seems that the dive season has come to a close for many so we wanted to bring back our Friday Night Coffee Socials at the store. Keep up to date on the latest dive gear and theory, see your old dive buddies, meet new ones and share stories from dives seasons past. Express you ideas on things you would like to see in the future at STSC. So stop in any Friday evening. |  |
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Exhibitors ~~ Dive Presentations ~~ Travel Seminars
♦ Best of Show is a week aboard the Utila Aggressor II ♦ People's Choice is a $500 Gift Certificate for the dive trip of your choice through Deep ---------Blue Adventures |
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| Beneath The Sea annually presents the largest consumer scuba & dive travel show in America, in March in Secaucus, NJ, featuring hundreds of exhibitors, seminars, workshops, and an Underwater Film Festival starring world-renowned photographers & cinematographers. BTS also hosts an annual amateur photo/video competition and the Ocean Pals education-through-art poster contest for children. The main event starts Friday at 6:00pm when the exhibits open, along with Tech Wreck CCR Party at 9:00pm. Saturday the seminars, workshops and exhibits are open from 9:30am - 5:00pm. Then it's off to the film festival from 8:00pm - 10:30pm followed by the Decompression Party until 1:00am. Sunday the show once again has Seminars, Workshops , Exhibits and starts at 10:00am and closes at 4:30pm. To find out more information or purchase tickets click here. Location: Meadowlands Exposition Cente 355 Plaza Dr. Secaucus, NJ 70940 |
| Jay Street Bridge Dive Site Waiver |
If you didn't know, the Jay Street Dive site was closed down in 2011 and No Trespassing signs were posted. At a monthly meeting Woodward Township voted to keep the signs up and enforce No Trespassing. However the relationship that the Township has had with the divers has been a good one and they will allow divers to continue to dive there as long as they fill out a wavier which you can download here. This waiver is good for one year. You can either mail it or drop it off at the Woodward Township Police Station/Township Building or drop it off at Sunken Treasure Scuba Center and we'll make sure it gets there. Please don't dive until you fill out the wavier. They can just as easily close down the site to all. Please have your C-card available when diving here in case you are asked to show it. |
 | The goal of Project Pink Tank is to improve our understanding of the health benefits and potential diver health issues that exist among the breast cancer survivor community. The knowledge gained from this research study will be used to create a platform for future research and dive medicine consensus conferences for cancer survivorship and diving. Research studies include only people who choose to take part. Please read this form carefully and take your time making your decision to participate. You may choose not to be in the study, |
or, if you agree to be in the study, you may stop your participation at any time. These questions will involve your giving information about your medical history. Answering these questions is voluntary. Some of the questions we will ask you as part of this study may make you feel uncomfortable. You may refuse to answer any of the questions. The risk for participating in this study is minimal since no personal identifiers will be collected to link participants with survey responses. There will not be any direct benefits to you if you decide to participate in this research project. However, your participation with the project may help researchers improve their understanding of the benefits and potential health issues for breast cancer survivors who scuba dive. Thank you for your interest and to participate in this survey click here. |
| YouTube Video of the Week |
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| *** See A New Video Every Week ***>>>>>This video posted 2/21/12 Want More YouTube ??? Look what we've been doing on the STSC Channel....It's Just a start! |
| Is Your Picture On The Wall of Fame? Stop in at STSC and find out. |
| Air Cards Don't forget to get your STSC Air Card and save. Air fills are normally $6.00/tank however if you buy thirteen fills it is only $50.00. That's just $3.85 for each air fill. |
 | The Barrel is back. This is a product Surffur had in their line a few years ago and lost their supplier of material. After talking with them a year ago they are now back in production. The Barrel is a personal changing tent so you can change to and from your |
| swimsuit while at a dive site and don't have to worry about things hanging out while in plblic. So stop in Sunken Treasure, checkout The Barrel and get your color choice while supplies last. |
| Aqua Box |
Aqua Box is a waterproof smart phone case that allows for touch screen functionality of your phone. You now have the ability to text, email, make and take calls, listen to music over the speaker, take photos/video and use your apps while enjoying your favorite activities. With simple flip, twist and lock access, this easy to use product provides all the PROTECTION you need for your smart phone Aqua Box PROTECTS against water, sand, dirt, mud and snow. Additionally, Aqua Box has a hard outer shell that may PROTECT your device against unexpected impact. With a transparent |  |
| silicone membrane you maintain the touch screen functionality of your phone. With the technology savvy enthusiast in mind, Aqua Box™ was designed to allow you to take your phone in all the environments you enjoy. Features: | |
| AERIS A300 AI Coming Soon |
The A300 AI is a powerful air-integrated dive computer with an impressive list of features including a 3-axis digital compass, yet is one of the industry’s easiest to use thanks to its intuitive menu system, 3-button user interface and well organized display. The A300 AI displays your tank pressure, remaining air time and no-deco time for at-a-glance monitoring of your data.
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The new AERIS A300 AI created a buzz when it was debuted at DEMA this year and is currently out the the field being tested. This addition to the AERIS dive computer line is expected to pass all tests with no problems so expect it to be shipping and available soon. |
Sea Cure Custom Mouthpieces |
| The Seacure mouthpiece is the Only mouthpiece GUARANTEED to fit you Perfectly! The new and improved "Hi-Flow" Seacure Mouthpiece replaces the previous "Sport" model. It offers an expanded port for increased air flow. It also includes a new one piece molding and sealing attachment. This device allows for easier molding and is then used to protect the regulator from debris and unwelcome guests during storage.The Seacure Hi-Flow model is available in all three sizes and still offers its time tested, unbeatable security and comfort. It is the only moldable "and remoldable" mouthpiece offset for both the upper and lower jaw positions. SeaCure Mouthpiece was created by an orthodontist, to fit your mouth, teeth and gums perfectly. You boil and bite this so the mouthpiece fits your mouth. A perfect fit! Get the one that fits your regulator. SeaCure has been documented by |  |
| electromyographic muscle testing to reduce muscle activity by up to 90% over conventional mouthpieces (see graph below). Because the mouthpiece grips the diver, the diver does not have to grip the mouthpiece. SeaCure has also been specifically designed to provide maximum stiffness (unlike some moldable mouthpieces) which again reduces muscle activity. This reduction of muscle activity can help divers who are prone to clearing problems. Many divers have told us of this very important benefit. |
| Xit 404 Aqua Pencil |
Xit 404 is introducing the Aqua Pencil, Tether, and Slate to the diving public. Designed by scuba divers who believe golf pencils need to stay on the greens, the Aqua Pencil will not rust, swell, nor fail to write. It has replaceable lead and stylish design. |  |
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Aqua Pencil Slate, provided in the kit, has been specially designed to fit the Aqua Pencil. It has a basket to capture the tip and a spot for the pencil to snap on. There is a hole designed to accept the Tether. A slot and larger hole provide various means to attach the slate to your gear. The Slate is 4" wide x 6" high. Other sizes of Slates will become available in the future. |  |
| The Aqua Pencil (with spare lead) and Aqua Tether are sold individually or as part of a complete kit that includes an eraser as well. |
| Light & Motion - Sola 1200 |
We asked divers what they wanted in a dive light. They told us; spot & flood beams, small, lightweight, easy to use and easy to charge. Simply the best. At ¼ the size and nearly 2x as bright as any hand held dive light on the market with both Spot and Flood beams at your fingertips and a convenient wrist mount. Introducing the Sola 1200. Its the lightest, brightest and smallest dive light you have ever seen. |  | |
Lumens (Flood/Spot)
Charge Time | Run Time (Flood/Spot) High- 65/70 Med- 130/140 Low- 260/280 Size/Weight 57mm x 101mm & 305 gr. w/ Wrist Strap | |
| Sola 1200 Video Spot & flood beams, small, lightweight, easy to use and easy to charge. Introducing the Sola Video 1200. Its the lightest, brightest and smallest video light you have ever seen. Comes standard with the 1/2" Loc-line mount. Sola Video 1200 lights have a factory sealed body so you never need to worry. Control is accomplished through an easy tap magnetic slider on the body. Three indicator lights behind the bezel report the power, and battery status. The tap switch quickly changes modes and power levels. The external charger keeps things simple and fast. |
| Reef Fish Identification TRAVEL EDITION |
Are airline weight restrictions forcing you to leave your prized Reef Fish Identification book at home? The digital age is upon us, but divers still want a book in their hands when they return from a dive to look up the fishes they encounter. At 3/4 of a pound, our new Reef Fish Identification - TRAVEL EDITION - Caribbean Bahamas South Florida is the answer! The Travel Edition is a Portable, lightweight field guide rugged enough for luggage, gear bag and boat. Durable waterproof and tear-proof PVC covers combined with sturdy plastic comb binding allow a quick wet-handed search for your favorite fishes 281 species, 560 photographs, 132 pages in a 6 " x 9" format. Information on each species including their common, scientific and family names, descriptions, identification markings, preferred habitat and the animal's range. |  |
Now divers can leave their larger book safely at home and rely on their Travel Edition for the ultimate reference on the boat. |
| Equipment Specialist Course |
| Don’t miss a dive due to a scuba gear issue. Whether it's a blown o-ring, regulator problem, wetsuit tear or a broken fin strap, you can learn how to manage basic scuba equipment adjustments. As a PADI Equipment Specialist, you are prepared for the basic scuba equipment maintenance, care and adjustments you'll encounter every day. In addition, you'll learn interesting background information about how your gear works, how it’s repaired and other information that helps you with your equipment investment. Classes Apr 9 & 10th - 6:30pm at STSC |  |
| First Aid/CPR Course |
| Be a Safer Diver. Be Prepared....First aid and CPR are good skills for anyone involved in adventure sports – just in case. And, you need these skills for the PADI Rescue Diver course. Emergency First Response specializes in teaching these lifesaving skills – and they’re for anyone, not just divers. The fun part about Emergency First Response training is learning serious medical emergency response skills in an upbeat, positive environment. You gain the confidence that you are prepared to help in an emergency. Classes starting February '12 call for details |  |
| STSC Trivia : |
The greatest ocean depth at which life exists is: |
| Would You Like More Bottom Time ??? |
| FEBRUARY NITROX COURSE |
| With Enriched Air (Nitrox), you can get it...Take a minute and look at your dive tables! How would you like to increase your bottom time at 55 feet to 155 minutes or 80 feet for 55 minutes? Now with enriched air 36, you can. One of PADI's most popular specialties is the PADI Enriched Air Diver course. Diving with enriched air nitrox lets you safely extend your no stop time beyond the no decompression limits for air. Diving with enriched air means more time underwater - but you need to be certified as an Enriched Air Diver to get enriched air fills. |  |
| So whether you're into underwater photography or wreck diving, on vacation in some tropical paradise or just out for a leisurely day of diving at your local dive site, the PADI Enriched Air Diver course helps you get more out of diving by giving you more time underwater and this course counts towards you're Master Scuba Diver program. |
 | OK, I understand your diving here locally however you just might spend a $1000.00 for that special trip and have the chance to do a lot of diving (it's a dive vacation...dah). Let's say you make three dives in one day, here is the profile: Dive 1 - 62ft/35 min after a 1 hour surface interval Dive 2 is to 57ft/28min, after another 1 hour surface interval you're back down the reef to 52ft. How long could you stay there? Ok, I'll help. On air you could stay for 34 minutes however if you did the book work at home |
| and came to STSC for the one night class your bottom time could have been 90 minutes on Enriched Air 32%......HUMMMM. You travel so far for good diving and now you're able to get more bottom time. Seems the thing to do now days many resorts are giving free nitrox if you're certified. Course info Class is Mar 20 - 6:30pm at STSC. You should pre-register by Mar 10th so you have your book work completed for the first night of class. |  |
| Open Water Training Dives |
| Please remember that you have only 12 months to complete open water dives or you will be required to take a scuba review (cost $39.95). Dates for 2012 are listed on the Schedule page of our web site as time nears or you can call the store to make arrangements to do your dives by appointment. Group training dives during the summer are $35.00/dive and $45.00/dive from September 1st thru May 31st. Currently we are doing training dives by appointment only. Remember you can always do training dives in Florida on our Manatee trip!!! |
| Did You Know |
| Earn Free Gear Rentals with STSC's new referral program |
| Use our Dive Gear FREE....That's right!! We want you to go diving this year. No excuses! So here is what we're doing to help you dive free. Every time we get a new student who lists you on their student file as the referring person you get one day free gear rental, no matter how many friends you send us. There is one catch. They must list you on the folder as the referrer the first night of class (No Exceptions) We think this should be a win-win for all of us. |
| Diver Definitions |
DPV
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| Photo Tip of the Month Take pictures when the sun is overhead |
| Tip #25....In order to get the maximum light into your pictures, shoot while the sun is directly overhead for the best natural lighting photos. The reasons for this is that the light refracts off the surface of the water when the sun’s light is angled, and only a part of the light enters the water. When overhead, the suns light entering the water is the greatest. Even so, using a strobe or fill flash in addition to the suns light will help improve your photographs further. |  |
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| AWARE Tip #16 |
| On ocean dives, in rivers, and in some other areas, strong currents are the rule. When you exit the boat, do not take your own sweet time to adjust your mask, your BC, etc. In a strong current you will end up far behind the boat, requiring a long pull to the stern, hopefully via a trailing line, and then a swim for the anchor line. Instead, be slightly uncomfortable for long enough to get on the anchor line or a descending line, and then adjust everything before going on with the dive. That way you don't end up all alone, way behind the boat, and use up much of your air or spoil a dive. |
FREE COPIES |  |
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| Scuba/Travel Insurance with options..DiveAssure.....Now, with insurance protection through your membership in the DiveAssure association, you can have the comprehensive coverage you need to enjoy your year round dives and diving vacations. For as little as $75, DiveAssure gives you immediate membership that includes worldwide coverage for a full year. Before you gear up, or when preparing for your diving vacation, spend the few minutes it takes to become a DiveAssure member. DiveAssure offers 3 levels of Annual Coverage: Gold, Platinum and our all-in-one dive medical and dive travel comprehensive program - the Diamond (recommended especially if you plan to dive travel this coming year) DiveAssure is happy to make available to you its video presentation. Not Sure...check out this video from DiveAssure. This video will assist you to judge the importance of dive accident coverage and travel protection, as well as to the superior DiveAssure programs. It's simple - secure & fast. It only takes about three minutes from the time you ask to apply for membership until your application is approved over the Internet, and you receive your membership certificate and Family discounts apply to all programs. Why wait? Just Click on the banner below and get covered NOW !! |
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“Making a difference one marine mural at a time” |
| Fort Pierce, FL - Marine life artist David Dunleavy painted another Endangered Species Mural to raise public awareness about the importance of manatees, their habitat and the Florida's ecosystem. The mural was completed in three days on an exterior wall of Manatee Observation and Education Center. A dedication ceremony with Mayor Benton and city counsel members was held on October 7th. The mural features a family of life sized mantees |
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| and other indigenous wildlife to Fort Pierce. Manatees were added to the endangered species list in 1967 and the population has been slowly growing. Once thought to the number as few as 1000, more than 5000 were counted last year. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, in the process of being saved, manatees have been thoroughly urbanized, and the transformation puts them at serious risk. Like Dunleavy's previous walls, the manatee |
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| mural is designed to increase global awareness and stewardship, mainly in children. During the dedication day festivities a giant children's canvas was set up and Dunleavy painted with over 200 local kids and was also teaching them to find creative ways to protect our ocean planet. Wayne Hasson from The Ocean For Youth Foundation was onsite and gave a presentation to the children about endangered manatees. Dunleavy's Endangered Species murals can be |
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seen in the U.S., the Bahamas Islands, Australia and a mural in the Florida Keys at the History of Diving Museum in Islamorada. Dunleavy's Art and conservation commitment have been praised by divers and world renowned explore Jean Michele Cousteau. Dunleavy and Cousteau partnered with the Oceans for Youth Foundation in 2002 to bring environmental awareness programs and materials to children of all ages. His conservation message has reached an even broader audience with his collaboration with Cousteau and the Ocean for Youth Foundation. Manatees and ocean lovers alike will be able to celebrate this mural for many years to come. Dunleavy hopes the mural will serve as a constant reminder and inspire people to help protect these creatures and their pristine environments for future generations as we continue exploring our amazing ocean planet. |
DAVID DUNLEAVY - Removable Vinyl Skins |
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| David Dunleavy has partnered with DecalGirl a leading provider of removable vinyl skins for laptops, cell phones, game consoles and iPods to suit every one of your needs. You can also find on Amazon David Dunleavy Kindle Skins! A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these products will be donated to marine conservation and education organizations to help protect our ocean planet. For information on our removable vinyl skins by Decal Girl please visit http://www.daviddunleavy.com/ and click on the link provided on our home page for these excellent products. STSC has also added new designs to it's collection of Dunleavy T's. |
| Why Dive Dry Pt. 2 from Diving Unlimited International, INC |
| WOMAN & DRYSUITS......A match made in heaven! |
| Ever been around a group of divers where the ladies complained about how cold their dive was and the guys either didn’t understand or thought they were a bunch of wimps? Being a wimp has nothing to do with it! Ladies, rest assured, there are real physiological reasons why women tend to get colder easier than men and if you want to have fun diving, you need to know about these things. |
Our body temperature must be kept at 98.6°. What this means is diving in any water temperature below that will, sooner or later, cool us off. While there are great variations in how individuals respond to water temperatures, most women tend to feel cold sooner and continue to feel colder longer than men in the same water temperatures. The main difference between the genders is in the rate of onset and level of vasoconstriction that takes place. Vasoconstriction is the phenomenon by which blood vessels near the surface of the skin constrict to minimize heat loss. Women experience vasoconstriction sooner, and to a higher degree, so we feel the cold sooner, particularly in the extremities and on the surface of the skin. In addition, we generally are smaller than men which means we have more surface area over which to lose heat. While we usually have a higher percentage of fatty tissue (which preserves body heat), we also have a corresponding lower amount of muscle mass and do not create as much body heat during normal diving activities. |
 | With all these factors working against us, no wonder women seem to be less enthusiastic about diving than men. After all, this sport is supposed to be about having fun, not seeing who can tough it out. How can you have fun knowing that you’re going to be freezing at the end of the dive? Or the fact that you can’t make a second dive because you are still warming up from the first one. With a drysuit and the appropriate thermal insulation, a woman can dive warm and comfortable no matter what the water temperature is. Now that’s what I call fun! |
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| Ever been somewhere and suddenly wondered, “Hey, is there a PADI Dive Shop around here?” Now you can find out in a flash, with the free PADI App for your Apple and Android OS based phone or tablet. It lets you use your phone to search by city, state or zip/postal code for PADI Dive Centers or Resorts all over the world —or select your current location and find the closest PADI Dive Center or Resort. The PADI App gives you the option to view your search results in a list format starting with the closest Dive Centers and Resorts, or map format. Click on the listing and you’ll get the center’s contact information and PADI Five-Star status (PADI store rating). With some listings you’ll even get things like the PADI courses offered at that facility, brands of gear they carry and more. Your PADI App Here Today |
| PADI eCard Available Soon |
The eCard, an electronic version of a certification card available for smart phones, will be available shortly for PADI Professionals. The eCard leverages the power of the smart phone (initially available for Apple, and Android smart phones) and will be hosted, managed and displayed using the PADI App. The PADI eCard is proof of certification. Security of the eCard is a primary concern, so QR coding (a specific, two-dimensional code) is integrated to make authentication straightforward and easy. Initially, the eCard will only be available as a Replacement Card. Divers replacing existing certification cards will have the options of an eCard, plastic certification card or both |  |
| A.W.A.R.E. UPDATE |
| Protecting Our Ocean Planet............One Dive at a Time |
| We have great shark news to share with you. Two important steps for sharks have been taken in the past week as a result of all your hard work, spreading the word, shouting for sharks and petition signing! On November 22nd, the European Commission announced the long awaited proposal for closing the loopholes in the European Union’s ban on shark finning. |  |
And the European Union has become a signatory to the United Nations Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Sharks. These are important steps forward in Project AWARE’s work to protect threatened and vulnerable shark species. To learn more you can check out the full stories at: Big Day in European Shark Conservation European fishing fleets play a major role in shark fishing worldwide with a number of loopholes in legislation which have long threatened sharks not just in European waters but globally too. We’ve been battling this issue for the past few years and you’ve made your voice heard to help us get there. Thank you! In 2012, we’ll be pushing EU Member States to agree to the proposal for a strong, loophole-free EU finning ban. And we’ll be pushing harder for our goal to protect vulnerable shark species from trade under the Convention in International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) at the next CITES meeting in Thailand in 2013. There’s much to be done between now and then. For now, thank you for supporting shark protection alongside Project AWARE. Sincerely, |
| Give Sharks a Chance |
| Sharks are in serious trouble. Many of the world's shark populations are in collapse. Some shark species have declined by more than 90 percent in the last two decades. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) scientists warn that one-third of open ocean sharks are threatened with extinction. Yet sharks continue to be fished faster than they can reproduce. Losing these top predators has devastating impacts on |  |
| underwater ecosystems and local economies. Conservation hinges on effective shark finning bans, strict international fisheries management, reduction of consumer demand, increased shark research and protection of vital habitat. (Click here to read more and sign the petition) |
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| Sunken Treasure recognized for environmental work |
| In Orlando, FL at the 2011 DEMA (Diving Equipment & Marketing Association) Trade Show, Sunken Treasure Scuba Center received PADI's (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Project AWARE (Aquatic World Awareness Responsibility and Education) Environmental Award for the second year in a row. This award recognizes PADI Retailers or Resorts for outstanding achievement with respect to the aquatic environment. Sunken Treasure Scuba Center was one of just three scuba centers in the Northeastern United States to receive this prestigious recognition. This year Sunken Treasure Scuba Center worked with many local divers, kayakers and organizations including Clinton County Cleanscapes and PA Cleanways to remove more than 10 tons of trash from both the Susquehanna and Allegheny rivers here in PA. Next year Sunken Treasure will be working on four river cleanup projects between Lock Haven and Williamsport along with it's annual Allegheny River cleanup in Warren County. If you would like more information how you can get involved contact Rich. |
| Winter Storage for Scuba Gear |
| Step 1: Wash and Dry Gear Wash your dive equipment with fresh water and a shampoo designed for scuba gear. Salt water residue crystallizes and wreaks havoc on scuba gear. Chlorine discolors and slowly eats away fabrics. Even "fresh" water from lakes may contain bacteria or minerals. Dry dive gear completely before storage. This may require some patience; in humid environments scuba equipment may take several days to completely dry. Do not dry any gear in the sun. While equipment may dry quickly in the sun, UV rays can be harmful to fabric, neoprene, and silicon. Wetsuits and hoods should be dried inside-out to help prevent the seals around the neck, wrists, shoulders, and face from sticking together. Buoyancy compensators (BCDs) should be slightly inflated before drying to ensure that the interior does not adhere to itself. Step 2: Choose Storage Containers While it may seem tempting to shove all of your dive equipment into your gear bag and throw it in the closet, this is not the best way to store your gear. Scuba equipment is a favorite hideout for all sorts of creepy |  |
| crawlies. A cockroach's love of neoprene is second only to its fiendish delight in nibbling silicon mask seals. Finding a spider in your dive booties (or worse, in your regulator) is not a good way to start the new dive season. My advice? Seal your gear in plastic storage containers or hang it. A good trick when storing gear in humid environments is to purchase or save silica desiccant packets and toss them in the storage containers with your gear. This will keep scuba equipment from developing a musty or mildewy smell. |
If you choose to hang your dive gear, purchase proper hangers. Wetsuits should be hung on wide hangers that do not distort their shape. Step 3: Prepare Your Scuba Gear for Storage |  |
| the silicon from folding. An improperly stored mask will hold a distorted shape and may not fit properly after storage. Be especially careful with masks made with clear silicon. Clear silicon can easily stain if stored in contact with black rubber or other dark items. Snorkels should be detached from masks and stored in a similar manner, taking great care to avoid warping the mouthpiece. Wetsuits should be hung or rolled for storage. Folding a wetsuit can lead to permanent creases which will effect the suit's fit, comfort, and thermal properties. Drysuits usually do best when stored in their original bag. Buoyancy compensators (BCDs) must be stored with some air inside. If not, the inflatable bag in the BCD may stick to itself. Regulators should always be stored with the dust cap in place. Even in seemly dry environments, humidity from the air may creep into the first stage and do damage over a long period of time. If you plan to pack your regulators in a box, loosely coil them, ensuring that the hoses are not kinked. Step 4: Plan for Your Next Dive Season Remember that even with proper storage, dive gear should be checked for leaks and other problems after a period of disuse. O-rings and seals can dry out or stick together, and the worst place to discover this is after you have arrived at your dive destination. Now that the work is done, sit back, relax, and dream of your next dive trip or just keep diving all winter. |
| Shades of Gold |
by Charlie Hudson Mix in murder, a tenacious police detective, spice it with underwater action and blend in some Southern sass for a delicious treat. The word is out that Hollywood is coming to Verde Key, Florida, to capture local scenery, above and below water. Police Chief Taylor considers it to be an invasion and the mayor is counting the economic boost. Detective Bev Henderson is happy to hear that her friend, Chris Green, has been hired to give scuba lessons to the handsome lead actor and other members of the cast. Chris's excitement is tainted when her ex-convict, estranged husband appears in town, a new wedding ring in hand, As tension mounts into a bloody encounter, Bev begins to question what |  |
| seems to be an open and shut case of tragic obsession turned violent. Are three dead people, who apparently have nothing in common, linked to a secret from the 1940s? Plunge into an intriguing story filled with memorable characters and twists sprinkled like golden nuggets.
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| Scuba Lessons in the comfort of your home..Start Today!!! |
| That's right, let the Adventure begin. We always have private courses going, but this the flexible solution for today's busy lifestyle - eLearning or a Private Course. Start the knowledge portion of your scuba program right now and complete the water skills with STSC and open water anywhere in the world. |
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Don't Miss It ....Imagine exploring underwater with your best friends, hovering near a tropical reef, hanging with a pod of dolphins above a shipwreck. But wait! How can your friends go with you if they don't dive? This is your opportunity to turn your friends into dive buddies. The PADI Open Water Diver Course Online went worldwide on Monday, 21 May 2007. As of 4/2009 over 20, 000 divers have taken eLearning programs. So how easy is it? Just get them to push the Get Started button and before you know it they'll be right there diving with you. |
| Complete your sessions in any pool where we train at or in confined open water weather permitting. An additional instruction fee does apply for the pool/confined water and equipment use. |  |
| Cool Scientists you should know |
| Laura Francis combines education with research. Her job at the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary involves teaching others about our oceans. She has worked there for 15 years and has started a number of exciting programs to help protect the beauty of the Santa Barbara channel. What is special about the Santa Barbara channel and the Channel Islands? Within their protected waters, giant humpback whales breed and calve their young, temperate reefs flourish, and shipwrecks tell stories of our maritime history. Sanctuary habitats include beautiful rocky reefs, lush kelp forests, whale |  |
| whale migrations corridors, spectacular deep-sea canyons, and underwater archaeological sites. Our nation’s sanctuaries can provide a safe habitat for species close to extinction or protect historically significant shipwrecks. An unusual mix of warm and cool currents derwater near shore forests of giant kelp, flourishing populations of fishes and invertebrates, and abundant and diverse populations of whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions and marine birds. It serves as a natural classroom, cherished recreational spot, and valuable commercial industry. To Read More click here - and checkout Ocean Annie's web page for even more cool stuff. |
| Scuba Talk Hand Signal of the Month |
| What is Scuba Talk? Written by Keith Ellenbogen, Scuba Talk is a user friendly book with easily identifiable photographs and general information of underwater creatures. It also has interesting facts along with of course a unique hand signal. Designed specifically for recreational diver, Scuba Talk will teach you a system of carefully devised hand signals which will enable you to identify and communicate a sighting underwater to your dive partner. Above all, Scuba Talk aims to enrich your dives. Get the Scuba Talk book at a dive store near you or of course at Sunken Treasure Scuba Ctr |
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| The Force Fin Challenge |
| The Force Fin Challenge is a test you can do for yourself and on your own. It will tell you how well your fins are working for you, or if you are working for them. Force Fins work for you and harness the force of the water to maximize thrust with each kick. |  |
That means more speed with less energy expended by you.To prove our point, we offer this test and challenge: What divers believe to be power in fins is really resistance. |
| Financing available at Sunken Treasure Scuba Center |
| In our on going effort to support the changing needs of the dive community, Sunken Treasure Scuba Center is pleased to announce the availability of 48 month credit financing or 90 days same as cash for all qualified buyers on new equipment purchases at our Scuba Center. So what does this mean? Are you tired of a limited dive season or just don't want to dive cold anymore? How about a Dry Suit to keep you nice and toasty warm at prices starting under $40/month. Or a Sea & Sea 2G digital camera as low as $30/month. You can even get a complete dive package for Summer/Caribbean diving for just $29.37/month for 48 months. |
STSC Trivia Answer: Explorers who descended to the ocean's deepest spot, about 35,800 feet down, |
| MOVING your e-mail ??? Don't forget to change your address with us. |
| "Work Hard - Dive Easy" |
