May Monthly Shore Dive - Redondo Beach (Sat. 5/11)

Seven Seas Divers dive Redondo Beach, Seattle, WA!
When: Saturday, May 11th
Dive Site Meet time: 9-10am
Dive Time: 10am-3pm

Directions: From I-5 take exit 147 (South 272nd Street). Head west on South 272nd Street and follow Salty's “Food Signs” along this street, go through the stop lights all the way to the Puget Sound waterfront.
Click here for a google maps location

Dver can find limited free parking along the street or pay parking in the parking lot directly across from the bathrooms. The boat wash station is great for dive gear and there are showers for divers nearby. Hungry divers can also enjoy food after the dives at Salty's next door!

Carpooling is always recommended. Divers interested in carpooling should post on our FaceBook Page to connect with other Seven Seas Divers! :)

Click here for the dive day release form

NEED GEAR? Call us today to reserve your rental gear!

DUI Demo Tour 2013 comes to the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport!

April 12-14, 2013

DUI and your participating DUI dealer are excited you will be participating in the DUI DOG RALLY & DEMO DAYS at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, OR. For the 10th year, the Aquarium is welcoming divers to explore their pristine giant ocean exhibits and pools and test dive DUI at the same time. This unique opportunity to try DUI drysuits, DiveWear insulation and other DUI products will be made all the more exciting when you are swimming with the fishes of the Aquarium. Your friends can come and watch you from the see-through underwater walkway. If you would like to learn more about photography, take a class from the world famous Amos Nachoum. DUI owners (DOGs) will get a special gift commemorating our 50th anniversary as well as have the opportunity to try our newest insulation: BLUEHEAT!

ABOUT THE EVENT AND THE AQUARIUM
Your basic event ticket of $50 entitles you to participate in all aspects of the demos, lunch, as well as admission to the Aquarium and access to the behind-the-scenes area of Passages of the Deep. Pre-registration is required and you will be assigned a specific time to arrive at the facility ready to dive.

Tickets are limited so please contact the shop today (360.260.9969) to purchase your tickets! The aquarium has 3 giant ocean pools which will be made available to divers. The Shark Observation Pool is not visible to the aquarium visitors but does have the best view of the shark exhibit and it is inhabited by baby sharks and other fish. All divers will start in this tank so that the aquarium staff may check your buoyancy in a drysuit. A few divers, especially those new to drysuits, will do their entire dive in this pool. The second exhibit is called "Halibut Flats" and has a sunken wreck on a rubble bottom and is home to halibut, ling cod, sturgeon, rock fish and more. Divers who are already comfortable with drysuits and have excellent buoyancy skills may be assigned to dive in "Orford Reef" which features wolf eels, perch, rock fish and other Pacific Northwest creatures and lots of them. The Aquarium staff will make the final determination of which dive site divers will be assigned based on skill, availability, animal care considerations and the schedule of the day. In addition to the regular demo dives, we are offering several opportunities:

• This year, we will be offering a special underwater photography program hosted by world famous Amos Nachoum. Most well known for his “Big Animal” photography, Amos will use his photos to demonstrate lighting, composition and other techniques. Participants are expected to bring a sampling of their own photos to critique as that discussion will be an important part of the program. Participants should bring their own photography equipment. Each participate will have 60-90 minutes of dive time in the Aquarium exhibits. As the groups entering the exhibits must be staggered, we can not guarantee a particular time. Time will be provided for the fitting of the drysuit etc. This program is $150/person. Participants may register with the Aquarium or with the dealers and must be at least 12 years of age. To maximize the photographic possibilities, drysuit experience is recommended. Photography class is open booking; first-come-first-serve.
• Catered dinner and presentation at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. This is a fantastic setting for dinner so we hope you will join us. All Crew members are our guests but must pre-register. Cash bar! This year, we will have a special presentation by Amos Nachoum as well as presentations commemorating DUI’s 50th anniversary and our 10th anniversary of the DEMOTOUR at OCA. Don’t miss it! Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 onsite (availability limited). Children under 12 are $15.
• Our partners, Light and Motion Divers Alert network, will also be there with demos of underwater lights and DAN experts to answer your questions about diving medicine.
• All proceeds from the weekend support the Oregon Coast Aquarium Volunteer Diving Program.

THINGS TO BRING

All divers will be required to use our specially treated diving equipment to minimize the possibility of contamination within the exhibit. Please bring the following items:

•  Diver Certification Card
• Credit Card or Drivers License
• Swimsuit or Lightweight Clothing
• Regulator mouth piece (if you have it)
• Mask and Snorkel
• A very small towel to dry your damp hair

 

All divers must fill out liability and rental forms for DUI prior to the event. If you would like complete the DUI Rental Form and Liability Release Form in advance, they are available at www.DUI-Online.com/dog_forms.html.

LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS

The Aquarium is located at 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd, just off Hwy. 101 in Newport, OR. For detailed directions, go to www.aquarium.org. General admission to the Aquarium begins at 9am. While your demo ticket includes admission to the Aquarium, your other guests will need to pay admission. Regular admission to Oregon Coast Aquarium is $18.95/person, $11.95 for children 3-12 and $16.95 for seniors.

EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE TO TEST DIVE

• 120+ drysuits in various standard sizes and styles. Sizes range from XXS-6XL. While not all styles are available in all sizes, we have a DUI to fit most any diver!
• 140+ divewear insulation in various styles and sizes including the Xm450, Xm250, Polartec PowerStretch, ActionWear Professional and more
• BLUEHEAT: our revolutionary heated insulation. Pre-registration is required 
• Weight & Trim Systems, RockBoots and Ultra Drysuit Hoods
• ZipGloves

ARRIVING AT THE AQUARIUM

There will be a special entrance for divers participating in the event at the 29th Street gate so look for the signs directing you to that area. You will be able to pull up your car and drop off your gear before parking in the main lot. Please DO NOT park in the staff parking lot where you will be dropping off your equipment. The facility will open at 8am for divers participating in the event only. Upon arrival at your designated registration time you will be asked to fill out a liability release form and rental form so bring your certification card and a credit card that can be held as a deposit. A parent or guardian who can sign the appropriate forms must accompany participants under 18.

SCHEDULE

Friday, April 12

9:00am-4:00pm Underwater photography program hosted by world famous Amos Nachoum. Most well known for his “Big Animal” photography, Amos will use his photos to demonstrate lighting, composition and other techniques. Participants are expected to bring a sampling of their own photos to critique as that discussion will be an important part of the program. Participants should bring their own photography equipment. Each participate will have 60-90 minutes of dive time in the Aquarium exhibits. As the groups entering the exhibits must be staggered, we can not guarantee a particular time. Time will be provided for the fitting of the drysuit etc.

12noon-2pm Demo Dives: For those of you that are available on Friday, this is a great time to participate in the event when it is less busy. The time you signed up for is your registration time. If you are not sure what time you signed up for, please check with the store you purchased your ticket from. Please meet at the registration area with your mask and fins and be ready to go by that time. To allow time for drysuit fitting and orientation, your actual dive time will be one to two hours after your registration time. All divers must fill out liability and rental forms at registration prior to being fitted with equipment. All divers will be fitted into a drysuit and insulation as well as various accessories such as zip gloves and hoods. Divers will be assigned to an exhibit based on their comfort level with diving and drysuits. The aquarium has 3 giant ocean pools which will be made available to divers. The Shark Observation Pool is not visible to the aquarium visitors but does have the best view of the shark exhibit and it is home to baby sharks and other fish. Most divers will start in this tank so we may check your buoyancy in a drysuit and some divers, especially those new to drysuits, will do their entire dive in this pool. The second exhibit is called "Halibut Flats" and has a sunken wreck on a rubble bottom with lots of fish. Divers who are already comfortable with drysuits and have excellent buoyancy skills may be assigned to dive in "Orford Reef" which features wolf eels, rock fish, perch and other Pacific Northwest creatures and lots of them. The Aquarium staff will make the final determination of which dive site divers will be assigned based on skill, availability, animal care considerations and the schedule of the day.

Divers who are new to drysuits will be guided on their test dive by a certified and insured instructor or divemaster. DUI staff will be on hand to assist with the sizing and fitting of suits and answer technical questions. All test divers will be given a free Test Diver hat, DUI catalog and an Equipment Log coupon for free "stuff" if they purchase a drysuit or insulation after the demo.

11:00am-2:00pm Lunch will be available to all staff and participants during this time. Please plan your diving and work schedule appropriately to ensure you have lunch. We will have hamburgers, hotdogs and veggie burgers as well as chips and drinks.

Saturday, April 13

8:00am-5:00pm Demo Dives: See Details from Friday Demo Dives.

8:00am Registered divers check-in and begin drysuit fitting for the 9am and 10am dives

10:00am Registered divers check-in and begin drysuit fitting for the 11am and 12pm dives

11:00am-2:00pm Lunch will be available to all staff and participants during this time. Please plan your diving schedule appropriately to ensure you have lunch. We will have hamburgers, hotdogs and veggie burgers as well as chips and drinks. Northwest Dive News is handling the duties at the grill and will have BBQ Tri-tip available as well! Yum!

12:00pm Registered divers check-in and begin drysuit fitting for the 1pm and 2pm dives

2:00pm Registered divers check-in and begin drysuit fitting for the 3pm and 4pm dives

6:00pm Dinner and Presentation . Get your tickets early! Join us for a catered dinner and presentation at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. This is a fantastic setting for dinner so we hope you will join us. Cash bar. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 onsite though the number of onsite tickets will be severely limited. This ticket includes private access to the exhibits following the dinner presentation until 8:30pm.

Sunday, April 14

8:00am-5:00pm Demo Dives: See Details from Friday Demo Dives.

8:00am Registered divers check-in and immediately begin fitting for 9am dive

9:00am Registered divers check-in and begin drysuit fitting for 10am and 11am dives

11:00am Registered divers check-in and begin drysuit fitting for 12pm and 1pm dives

11:00am-2:00pm Lunch will be available to all staff and participants during this time. Please plan your diving and work schedule appropriately to ensure you have lunch. We will have hamburgers, hotdogs and veggie burgers as well as chips and drinks

1:00pm Registered divers check-in and begin drysuit fitting for 2pm and 3pm dives

3:00pm Registered divers check-in and begin drysuit fitting for 4pm dive

ACTIVITIES

Obviously the main focus of the event is the drysuit demos. However, there are a number of other activities to entertain you throughout the day:

• Meet the Team from Dive News Network!
• FREE TEST DIVE TEAM hat for Test Divers and DUI Owners. DUI Owners will need to present their DUI equipment and an event ticket to receive their hats
• Special coupon offer! DUI has designed coupons for all DUI Demo Tour divers that will provide an incentive to buy NOW. 
• DUI owners will get a special 50th anniversary commemorative pin!
• Check out DUI’s newest products including BLUEHEAT! Preregister online to ensure your spot or contact DUI at support@dui-online.com
• Try out the newest in lights from our friends at Light and Motion! http://lightandmotion.com/underwater
• Meet the Team from DAN!

We look forward to seeing you there!

March 2013 Beach/Underwater Cleanup Event

March 2013 Beach/Underwater Cleanup Event!
Through the Eyes of a Teenage Diver - Alli Webb

photo courtesy of the Surfrider Foundation

Most people in society know that pollution harms the environment in one way or another; however, no one has ever given me specific facts as to why polluting affects the environment in such dramatic ways. After reading numerous articles on the subject, and through personal research, I have discovered that pollution is the main reason Washington’s rivers and lakes have been losing their overall original status of being and beauty.

In an article titled “Hood Canal: Something Fishy Here,” from North America Dive News, author and fish expert Andy Lamb said that his “prime takeaway from the Hood Canal diving experience was a desire to see more fish population recoveries throughout the Pacific North West.” Through further research I discovered that fish populations in this area have decreased immensely due to water pollution.

Additionally, through another article entitled “Puget Sound Partnership Making a Difference”, from Dive Training, I learned that working to restore habitats and prevent water pollution does indeed pay off. The Puget Sound Partnership recently honored six individuals for their exceptional work protecting and restoring habitat and engaging the community. Through their work, the team organized a plethora of cleanup events along with fundraisers and has successfully reduced pollution percentages in more than fifty rivers and lakes around our region.

All in all, these stories have inspired me to work on helping reduce pollution in my community and I have decided to take on a pollution prevention event of my own. By organizing clean up events, my hope is to restore beauty and attract an abundance of marine life back into the area.

I have organized a special dive clean-up event which will take place on Saturday, March 30th, 2013, at Alki Cove 2 in Seattle, Washington (pictured below). For the event, I am planning on recruiting at least twenty (20) volunteer divers to help pick up underwater, along with about thirty (30) volunteers to pick up litter along the mile long beach. This particular spot has easy accessibility to the shore and is appropriate for all levels of divers.

Though the dive spot had very high ratings, while looking further into other reviews I discovered that many were shocked by the amount of industrial waste above and under water. One diver said “I found an 18’ metal ladder which was new [and] still white.”

Through this specific event, I am hoping to make a difference in the amount of pollution located here and bring the spot back to the great ratings it used to have. I am also hoping to raise awareness about pollution by promoting the event through various aquariums and restaurants throughout the Seattle community.

Anyone interested in participating with me can contact Seven Seas Scuba at 360.260.9969 or info@sevenseasscuba.com for more information. 

By Alli Webb

Feb Monthly Shore Dive - Les Davis (Sat. 2/23)

Seven Seas Divers dive Les Davis, Tacoma, WA!

When: Saturday, February 23rd
Dive Site Meet time: 9am (earlier arrival ensures a better parking spot at this local favorite site)
Who to look for: Our infamous Divemaster extraordinaire Steve Zedekar!
Dive Time: 10am-1pm
Click here for a google maps location and more site information

Email us know if you are interested in joining us for the day. If you are interested in carpooling, start your conversation with other Seven Seas Divers on our FaceBook page.

Click here for the dive day release form

NEED GEAR? Call us today to reserve your rental gear!

January Monthly Shore Dive - Sund Rock (Sat. 1/26)

Seven Seas Divers dive Sund Rock, Hoodsport, WA!
Sund Rock is an excellent dive site for Winter time shore diving.  Divers have access to a private parking area where you can put up pop-ups and put out ground mats, a large port-o-potty, and a divers equipment bench.  The site is also excellent as it offers multiple sites in one location.  Divers can explore South Wall (20'-60'+), North Wall (20'-80') and the Fish Bowl (20'), the Wreck (50-70'+), East Wall (90'-120'+) and all the areas in-between (10'-40').  This site offers great diving for all experience levels, but please keep in mind that divers are personally responsible for their own dive plans and dive safety. 

When: Saturday, January 26th
Meet time: 8am (This is a recommended meeting time when Hoodsport n' Dive opens to ensure optimal parking spots. They do not take resrevations, so this a first come first serve location.) Dive Site Fee; $16 + tax payable to Hoodsport n' Dive
Dive Time: 9am-1pm

Click here for a google maps location and more site information

Please call, Email, or sign up online to let us know you will be joining us for the day. To discuss carpooling with other divers, Please post on our FaceBook page.

Click here for the dive day release form

NEED GEAR? Call us today to reserve your rental gear!

ADVISORY NOTE: Due to dive site parking limitations, we always recommend carpooling.
Reminder: Shore dives are coordinated for divers to get together to go fun diving, however Seven Seas Scuba, the Staff of Seven Seas Scuba, and associated dive professionals are not responsible for pairing divers together nor are any dive professionals responsible for guiding any dives unless prior arrangments have been made through the dive shop contracting a dive professional for a guided dive.  All scuba divers must accept full and complete responsible for themselves, their actions, and their equipment. In addition, divers must at all times adhere to PADI Safe Diving Standards.

12 Days of Christmas!

Everyone knows holiday shopping can be exhausting and tedious work.  But before you start thinking “bah humbug” and give up Christmas shopping, consider these MIND-BLOWING deals and FANTASTIC gift ideas to make holiday shopping easier for you, and filled with tons of diving fun!

Alli Webb presents: 

 

12 Days of Christmas!

Day 1: 20% off all Bare and DUI dry suits!

Day 2: COOL STOCKING STUFFERS all under $20!

Seal saver, underwater noisemakers, o- rings, Aquaseal, and scuba multi-tools are great gifts for experienced divers or beginner divers!

Day 3: Unique handmade art bells for $99!

Crafted by our very own Billy Snook, these bells made from recycled scuba tanks have pizzazz and are unlike any other modern decoration! Even if someone is not a diver, these decorations are unique enough to spice up any home or garden.



Day 4: 15% off beginners dive kit!



Kit includes mask, fins and snorkel.  (Must be purchased all together for the discount).

Day 5: Fish ID Books! These books include amazing pictures of life under the sea, are informational and extremely helpful when identifying fish, and are a great gift for under the Christmas tree!



Day 6: 10% off all service and maintenance work for scuba equipment!



Cary will make sure all of your gear is performing at its best!

Day 7: 15% off advanced diver kit!

Kit includes compass, slates and knife (Must be purchased all together for the discount).

Day 8: 15% off divers safety kit!



Kit includes a buoy, reel and whistle. (Must be purchased all together for the discount).

Day 9: Purchase a gift card or an air fill card for your favorite dive buddy's stocking! Great stocking stuffer and gets you awesome deals inside the store!



Day 10: 15% off all suit cleaners!

This discount includes suit shampoos and conditioners, along with all odor eliminators. Great for stocking stuffers, or just general gifts to help keep clean during the holidays!




Day 11: $30 for a Discover Scuba Diving lesson!

Take advantage of this crazy awesome deal! This gift is for anyone! This program allows people interested in diving to get into the water with an instructor and try scuba diving before investing in a certification course. If you like it you can apply the cost of the lesson to the Open Water Diver course!

Day 12: BEST DEAL EVER! Used gear special just $500!!!

       

This equipment includes a Zeagle BCD, and an Oceanic regulator set, all in perfect condition! (Regulator includes octopus and pressure gauge).

Have an exciting and scuba filled Christmas, and don't forget to check out all the other holiday deals inside the shop!

If you're still having trouble deciding on a cool gift idea, here are some other options:

* Beautiful, original pictures by photographers Steve Zedekar and Dan Tyrpak

* Haven't been diving in awhile? Try a scuba review session for just $75!

Through the Eyes of a Teenage Diver: Volume One

Hello fellow scuba divers! My name is Alli Webb and I am currently a Senior at Washougal High School. After earning my Open Water Diver certification this past summer, I simply could not stay away from the scuba shop! The Seven Seas Scuba employees have been trying to get rid of me, but my blog entrees were just so awesome they had to let me stick around. You'll be hearing a lot more from me, and my "youthful" perspective on scuba diving!

Through my experiences with Seven Seas Scuba, I have found that diving can be exhausting both physically and mentally. However, it wasn't until after reading multiple articles on divers with extreme disabilities that I realized just how much determination and courage diving can take!

An article titled "Disability and Determination," from the magazine Dive Training, describes Fed Barona's death defying journey after his head struck the bottom of the sea floor when diving into shallow water off a Florida Pier. Barona became paralyzed from the neck down, but instead of giving up on his scuba diving dreams, he was determined enough to continue his diving and was back in the water within one year of the accident.

          

This magnificent story has inspired businesses around the world to invest in programs which provide people with disabilities the chance to scuba dive. One of the most notable is the Dive Heart program, which has been a miracle worker in the diving world for nearly twelve years and has spread throughout areas in the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, Israel, China, and Australia. Through further research, I discovered that not only is diving with disabilities a rehabilitation process, but it is also bringing people with disabilities together. The Wounded Warrior project is an incredible program that has allowed injured veterans to improve their mobility along with boosting self esteem through scuba diving.

            

Though some of these people are unable to move their legs, or even move a muscle, while scuba diving they feel free to wander wherever their heart desires. Robert Sagartz, who suffered a spinal cord injury and stroke says that, "On land I can't walk, but underwater, I fly."

            

After reading this article, I have determined that through immense passion and perseverance nearly anything can be accomplished, no matter how impossible the task may seem.