Indian Cellars Update
At a spring meeting while discussing "wish list dives" the topic of the "Indian Caves" which proved to the Indian Cellars on the Saco River was brought up. A recent expedition investigated this site. The take-away is that the formation is not reasonably penetrable and that the site is dark and very hazardous. Current, boat traffic, large masses of sunken timbers, total darkness and varriable visibility not to mention a very significant hike in rule this out as any sort of fun dive. You can read Jeff's report of the exploration here.
Mentoring
Some articles in the April 2010 issue of Dive Training magazine really brought clarity to some issues the dive club and dive community at large faces. The average age of divers is on the rise and the drop-out rate of new divers is very high, sometimes cited as 95%.
The editorial feature related some of the problem to the contemporary short format courses. The blame was not placed on the quality of training but a side effect. Once upon a time would be scuba divers would attend class for 3 months, several nights a week with time divided between class and pool work. This could be followed by several months of open water work. Aside from the depth of experience these divers gained these divers had been part of the diving community for a good number of months and knew their way around. They had formed relationships with a good many seasoned divers and mentoring relationships formed easily.
A feature story related the tale of a young couple that got certified on the fast track to spend their honeymoon scuba diving. They had a great time and were looking forward to many more adventures. When they got home they had no ties to the local diving community. They didn't know local sites and were not oriented to local conditions. Before long frustration gave way to other interests and life took them in other directions. A great start in diving had been squandered. Imagine the challenge faced by a lone diver after private lessons!
A members of the Maine-iac Divers we are fortunate to be able to draw on each other for experience and camaraderie. Being a group of active local divers we are uniquely qualified to aid divers in transition. They may be new to the sport or returning after being dry for years. Be on the lookout for the chance to lend your experience and patience to that diver in need of a jump start. It's possible that you will meet your next best buddy!
Is Your Gear Ready?
Its already April and conditions are 3 weeks ahead of schedule! Are you and your gear ready for the dive season? if yu haven;t been diving it's time to dust things off and tend to your gear. If you want to do some regulator triage the Regulator Checklist mentioned at the March meeting can be found here.
Reaching Your Valves
Have you even been in the middle of a dive and wondered if you had fully opened your tank valve while chatting pre-dive? What if you jumpped off the boat and you valve wasn't open. Dropping weight or a helpful buddy might be able to assist but being able to handle it yourself would be even better. Here is a sequence of stretches that will help you reach that awkward knob. As an added benefit when a mosquito decides to attack that vulnerable spot in the middle of you back you may have a surprise for him!
New DAN Phone Number
Divers Alert Network has changed their emergency contact number. The new number is 1-919-684-9111. The old number will be phased out over time. Now is the time to update your cell phone directory, dive log contacts page and emergency plan.
Dues Time
With the new calendar year comes the time to renew (or establish) your Maine-iac-Divers membership. Individual dues are $24 per year and there is a family rate of $30. Each individual/family gets a fashionable and collectible Maine-iac Divers T-Shirt. See Scott at the next meeting.
