bottom breathers dive club meeting 5-feb-2016

Bottom Breathers Dive Club Meeting: 5-Feb-2016

Today's topics: Club party report, Keys trip info, proper descent

techniques

2016 Events

• Next meeting – Mar 4• Our World Underwater – Feb 26-28• Pizza Party – Apr 23• Our "usual" Florida Keys Trip – June 16-20• Turks & Caicos Liveaboard – July 23-30

2016 Events

• Monthly Club meeting – Aug 12 (not first Friday)

• Club BBQ – Aug 13• Mermet Springs Trip – Sep 9-11• Underwater Pumpkin Carving – Oct 8• Pizza Party – Nov 12

Florida Keys Trip 2015

Florida Keys Trip 2016

• June 16-19 (flying on Jun 15 and 20)• 4 days of diving: 2 morning deep wreck dives,

2 afternoon shallower reef dives, 1 night dive (maybe)

• Sharing rooms at Ocean Pointe Condos• 8 afternoon dives + room = $595• 16 dives + room = $919• Night dive will be extra

Florida Keys Trip 2016

• Air tanks + weights included • Nitrox tanks = +$7 per tank• Flights and car rentals extra (can share cars)• $150 deposit (refundable until May 1st) to

book a spot -> info@bottombreathers.org

Annual Club Party - Jan 30

• 25 partiers attended!• Catering by Sharkos BBQ• Club spent:– $145.29 - drinks– $278.39 - BBQ– $26.65 - plates, cups, supplies– $157.28 - awards for year attendance + founding

member tags

Annual Club Party - Jan 30

Annual Club Party - Jan 30

Annual Club Party - Jan 30

Annual Club Party - Jan 30

Annual Club Party - Jan 30

Annual Club Party - Jan 30

Proper Descent Techniques

• Don't rush - higher risk of equalization issues if you go too fast

• Use snorkel or reg at the surface - unless water is flat calm, always protect the airway– this can also help you relax while waiting

• Control your descent - proper weighting– protect environment by not touching the bottom

Proper Descent Techniques

• Maintain buddy contact during descent• Equalize ears on surface before descent– One guide: equalize after every breath < 30 fsw

• Weight check, especially if long surface swim– Also make sure you have enough - air has mass

• If you aren't comfortable or not ready, don't descend (the fish will wait for you)

Proper Descent Techniques

• Remember: mnemonic SORTED– Signal– Orient– Regulator in– Time noted (start of dive time)– Exhaust BCD *and* Exhale– Descend

• Gravity works!

Proper Descent Techniques

• Stop finning/kicking• Head up orientation - helps avoid vertigo,

especially at night• Look below you, especially if bubbles are coming

up (fish don't usually blow bubbles)• Use a line or other reference if needed, ask for

one if you would like one• Others?• http://scubadiverlife.com/2016/02/03/dive-tips-

proper-descent-techniques/

Upcoming Events

• Next meeting – Mar 4