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Tag Archives: February

Goin’ Fishing (Options for the Non-diver)

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Goin’ Fishing, since we can’t spend all of our time underwater while on vacation.  We have to find other activities to fill our time when we can’t be diving.  Like many other four state divers, I grew up fishing, swimming, boating, and canoeing on the lakes, rivers, and creeks in our area.  As a diver, I’ve always tried to go by the take only pictures and leave only bubbles philosophy.  Though I have invited about every lobster I’ve seen while diving to dinner. But alas, none have taken me up on my offer. I get a bit of fishing fever when I see the fishing boats coming and going or the sport fishing tournaments.

Cozumel 2019

My parents went with me on the February 2019 Group Dive trip to Cozumel. My dad said that he would like to go deep sea fishing.  Continue reading→

Cozumel February 2019

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This trip should have been called, the Whose who of sick people. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but not by much. There were 39 people who were able to make the trek this year and sadly there were 4 who were unable at the last minute. Every day you were unsure who your dive buddy would be because it’s that time of year, winter… when everyone gets sick. But, the good news is, we toughed it out and had a great diving adventure to the land of warm water and sand (especially in February).

One thing that can be said about all group dive trips is, we have busy weeks with great travelers. And of course, there are good eats, good friends, and good times. It seems like after the trip to Cozumel in May 2016, the submarine can be seen at the wreck dive in the afternoons. In fact, we’ve seen the submarine every time we’ve dove there since, including this trip where we saw it 3 times, twice at the wreck and once at Chankanaab. Continue reading→

Diving Abroad: The final preparations

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Finally, it’s time to board that airplane and head off for your dive destination. You have all your paperwork, you have your dive bag packed, and your luggage for when you are out of the water. So, have you considered everything? Maybe, or maybe not. Let’s see.

Things to consider before taking off on your travel adventure

Cell Phones. Are you planning on using your cell phone out of the country? Make sure you contact your provider and see what it will take to make your phone work in other countries.

Bills. Unfortunately, we all have bills. They say that is part of adulting. Make sure you check that all of your bills have been paid so that you can have a clear mind while on vacation. Continue reading→

New Year’s Day Dive 2019

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Since we’re focusing on “travel” this month… and we have a huge group that is either a) in Cozumel or b) on their way to Cozumel to dive in WARM waters… let’s talk about the group that braved the cold waters of New Year’s Day.

What? New Year’s Day? Well, it has been brought to my attention that we didn’t do a recap on New Year’s Day. Such a shame since the waters were a warm 40 something degrees. Yes, you heard that correctly, or in this case, read it correctly… 40 something degrees. I heard 43, I heard 44. At that point does the degree difference matter? Continue reading→

How to Pack: Carry-on, Personal Item, Checked Bag

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Now that we know what to pack for trips to foreign countries (i.e. Cozumel, Mexico), the next thing we’ll look at is how to pack.

Keep in mind that you are allowed a carry-on, a personal item (i.e. purse, briefcase), and with a trip like this you’ll need a checked bag. Nowadays, checked bags cost a few extra dollars. Each airline is different so make sure that you check with the designated airline to make sure you meet regulations.

Other regulations to keep in mind items that can and cannot be included in carry-on bags as well as size limitations (think 3oz or less). With this day in age, there are many regulations on what you can travel with and where. Better to be prepared. Continue reading→

Foreign Travel: the Group Trip to Cozumel

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Saturday was Ground Hog Day. Ground Hog said early spring. Now on top of that, they say that the groundhog has been correct only 40% of the time he predicts early spring… So, take his word for what it is worth. Ground Hog day is actually in February. Do you know what February equals here at Extreme Sports SCUBA… other than Extreme Dive Club (tomorrow, Thursday, February 7, 2019) … The Group Trip to Cozumel.

So, either the joke will be on you, you as in those headed to the land of warmth and water… or the joke will be on us… the ones who have to stay here in the bitter cold. We’ll see. Ground Hog, who will win? The Group Trip to Cozumel or the rest of us.

What to pack for the Group Trip to Cozumel?

Paperwork:

If you have never traveled to a foreign country, make sure you know what paperwork is required. For the Group Trip to Cozumel, you need a passport.

2 tips about your passport:

  1. If you’ve never had a passport, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get a passport. They say to allow yourself at least 3 months. There is a website that tells you everything you need to apply for a passport.
  2. Check the date on your passport. It needs to be valid. Don’t let it expire while you are on your trip. Double check the valid date at least 3 months in advance in case you need to renew your passport. Also, check with the countries policies, some countries say a passport can’t expire within X number of months of your trip so you can get in.

Continue reading→

Equipment Maintenance Seminar, When, Where, Why?

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Equipment Maintenance Seminar

  • When: Saturday, February 2, 2019
  • Who: Grady Weston AND YOU
  • Where: Extreme Sports SCUBA classroom
  • Why: Because there will be donuts!… Haha, just kidding! To learn Equipment Maintenance
  • How much: FREE

So this month, if you have been following along, we have been talking about equipment maintenance. So far we have covered Cylinder Maintenance, Regulator Maintenance, How to Store Equipment, and Wetsuit Maintenance. This was leading up to the Equipment Maintenance Seminar class THIS SATURDAY.

What will be covered in the class?

  • Regulators
  • BCs
  • Cylinders
  • Fins
  • Masks
  • Wetsuits
  • Save-a-Dive kits

Continue reading→

Cozumel Group Trip – February 2018

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Time for a recap of our Cozumel 2 week trip. Grady and I went down to Cozumel a day early so that we could get everything ready for our group before they arrived.

After the group arrived for the first week, they did some shore dives to do weight checks and get comfortable with their equipment before heading out on the boat the next day. Continue reading→