Archive for the ‘Dive Log’ Category

Sidemount Rebreather Class in Gilboa Ohio

Friday, June 20th, 2014

This was a very busy week in June.   After packing the truck with five rebreathers, ten tanks, two drysuits, one wetsuit, camping gear clothes, sleeping bag and many spare parts, I headed out to Gilboa Quarry in Ohio.    The week included two classes; one a GEM Semi-closed sidemount class, and the other a full CCR sidemount rebreather class.

On arrival, half of the gear was unpacked and setup for the next days class.    The first class was SCR using the GEM Sidekick sidemount rebreather.  Balance, trim and proper buoyancy were some of the biggest issues.  The rebreather operation was not as much parque acuatico hinchable a concern as proper position and weighting for the best work of breathing.  I prefer to use an aluminum 80 for diluent / bailout.  However the students were more accustom to steel tanks which required more weight to counter balance.  We tried several different side mount harness during the class.  Each had pros and cons.  By the end of the class the divers were feeling much more confident and the buoyancy and trim were dialed in.

The next morning started the CCR Sidekick class.   After classroom work and gear configuration we hit the water for more trim and buoyancy work.   After a few dives and skills we were circling the quarry and starting our decompression dives.

On the next weekend we set up all of our rebreathers side by side to allow divers to go on demo dives.  Divers tried out several different units.  Others just stopped by to ask questions.   All in all a great week of classes and diving.

Fathers Day on the Northeast Barges

Sunday, June 15th, 2014

We spent Fathers Day out on the water. The forecast hinchable was a bit off, but it was still a great day out on the water. Vis was 25+ with a bottom temp of 52 deg. Lobster, fluke and lots of seabass were brought up.

Season Opener on the Dina Dee II

Monday, May 26th, 2014

San SabaGreat day out on the water with Atlantic castillo hinchable Divers. We hit the San Saba (aka Magnolia). A few artifacts came up along with sea bass and Lobster. The water was warmer than expected and sea conditions were fantastic. A great day of diving.

KISS Demos days with Columbus Scuba

Sunday, August 4th, 2013

Spirit Lite

Headed back to Gilboa Quarry for a KISS Demo weekend with Columbus Scuba. This time I had a few toys including the new KISS Spirit Lite and the GEM Sidekick. Several people tried out the Spirit Lite, the Classic, and Andy crossed over to the GEM Sidekick.

It was a busy day with over 100 people there with Columbus Scuba. I did a few dives on the Spirit Lite with just a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. It’s castillos inflables such a small light unit that it feels like your not wearing any gear.

The next weekend we headed up to Michigan to dive the Lake Huron. Another great weekend of diving to end a great dive trip.

Thanks again to everyone at Columbus Scuba for letting me join in.

Intro To Technical Diving

Sunday, March 3rd, 2013

Diving season is around the corner, and we’re getting requests for classes.
Drop a line if you are interested.
DavidAOldham@gmail.com
609.226.0570
The TDI Intro to Tech course is the perfect course for divers who have heard about technical diving and want to find out more about this exciting branch of advanced recreational diving. This course walks students through the special tobogan hinchable techniques, planning procedures and skills that set technical diving apart from traditional sport diving. It will show them how to improve their dive planning methods, in-water skills and streamline their existing gear configuration, in a non-threatening and fun learning environment. The specific skills this course will highlight are:

  • Advanced Buoyancy Control
  • 
Gas Management
  • Situational Awareness
  • Trim
  • Gear Configuration and Selection
  • Many More!

TDI’s Intro to Tech course is a useful stand-alone course for the diver who wants to become a more skilled, more proficient diver regardless of if he intends to move on to technical diving. The course may also be used as an introduction to the TDI Advanced Nitrox course and the TDI Decompression Procedures course. And finally, it is also a good refresher for certified technical divers who may want to refresh their skills or have them re-evaluated by a TDI technical instructor.