Seven Seas Scuba

Seven Seas Monthly Shore Dive- Three Tree North 1/14/12

2012-01-26T13:28:00.000-08:00

It was rainy and cold as we made our way north to Burien. I had brought the propane heater so we could all earn our "propane divers cert" specialty we created last New Years at Octopus Hole where the water was 45F while air temps were below freezing. We get to the small parking lot at 3T and notice that the lot is very full....some folks are sitting in their cars running the heaters, others gearing up, and some are obviously in the water already.

We go down and take a look at the water. It's a pretty blustery day- the wind is whipping up white caps pretty viciously just around the point- we had drove over there and looked earlier and it was churning. Looking at the dive site, you can see a very distinct line where that water is ripping past the more calm water at 3T. I had hoped to try to find the Cabin Cruiser which is located out that way but it looked more like a good way to get towed into the Puget Sound....we decided not to look for it on this trip.

We decide to explore the middle section of the site that looks reasonably calm. We meet up with Trenton and Jeff P. from our Seven Seas Divers and drop our gear off since parking is tight. We get our kits on and hit the water after wading down the beach a bit.

We head straight out from the beach and hit the Golf Ball boat. Folks on the shore do driving range practice from their houses into the water, divers pick up the balls and drop them off in this boat. It has a lot of balls in it. I notice a nice shell garden to the front edge of the boat and see a pretty good sized GPO hanging out in there.

It's always nice when you find one right off the bat. We look around a bit and head off to the west. We see the usual suspects; nudibranch, flounder, tons of small stuff if you look close and hang out.

As we hit the shallows, we see a couple of good sized Red Irish Lords. They seem pretty comfortable so I snap a few pix of them. In truth, I wasn't having a good photography day on this dive; I seemed to be struggling to find the right settings and using my external flash. I even thought the best picture I took (the RIL) was bad but I checked it out again using Adobe Lightroom and I liked it more. Trenton and Jeff were great dive buds and hung out with Dea and I for the whole trip. This was like Trenton's 2nd dive as an OW Diver and he did exceptional.

The viz was pretty good- I would say maybe 20+ feet or more.

Once we surfaced, we noticed the weather was even more blustery and cold. I noticed I had gotten more than a little wet somehow through my suit. We all decided we had had enough fun for one day and decided to head home.

Dea, I and the kids go to the Elliott Bay Brewery for some food and warm drinks to recover. It made for a nice end to the dive before heading home.

February Monthly Shore Dive - Alki Cove 2 (Sat. 2/11)

2012-01-15T10:45:00.000-08:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Alki Beach, Seacrest Cove 2, Seattle, WA!

When: Saturday, February 11th
Dive Site Meet time: 10am
Dive Time: 11am-3pm
Click here for a google maps location and more site information

Join us as we travel to Alki Beach, Cove 2 directly across from the downtown Seattle skyline. This dive offers an easy sloping beach access with lots to explore underwater for divers of all levels. Divers interested in exploring Seattle after the dives will find the Seattle Aquarium and Pike Place Fish Market less than 15 minutes from this dive site!

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 - Three Tree Point North (Sat. 1/14)

2012-01-04T10:42:00.000-08:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Three Tree Point North, Seattle, WA!

When: Saturday, January 14th
Dive Site Meet time: 9am
Dive Time: 10am-1pm
Click here for street map and gps and more site information

CARPOOL NOTICE: This site has an extremely limited number of parking spots, however with carpooling planning many divers will be able to experience a beautiful dive site. Please plan to, at minimum, carpool with another diver. If you can accomodate 3 or more in your vehicle, even better. Oversized trucks will not, however, fit in the parking lot.

As carpooling is necessary, it is important that you email us know to let us know you are planning on attending and who you are carpooling with. You can connect with other Seven Seas Divers about carpooling on our FaceBook page.

DIVER COURTESY NOTICE: This site is nestled in a residential area. There are no amenities so please plan accordingly. Please also be courteous in your on-site conduct regarding parking (do not block road ways or park illegally), noise (loud music, etc.), litter, and other common courtesies.

Click here for the dive day release form

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

BARE SUPER SALE - one day only! Saturday, December 17th

2011-12-14T00:21:00.000-08:00

BARE SUPER SALE - one day only!
Saturday, December 17th 10am-4pm <-- Special hours!

Join us as we host Brian Corrion, our fantastic Bare Representative, in offering savings on drysuits and wetsuits up to 35% off! Additional stock will be available including the new Bare SB System Drysuit.

As reminder, Seven Seas Scuba is committed to bringing you the best in diver education. We offer FREE drysuit training in connection with the purchase of any new drysuit!

Some items may be limited to stock on hand, so plan to arrive early!

December Monthly Shore Dive - Les Davis (Sat. 12/17)

2011-12-13T00:18:00.000-08:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Les Davis, Tacoma, WA!

When: Saturday, December 17th
Dive Site Meet time: 10am (earlier arrival ensures a better parking spot at this local favorite site)
Dive Time: 11am-2pm
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!

November Monthly Shore Dive - Sund Rock (Sat. 11/19)

2011-11-12T12:08:00.000-08:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Sund Rock, Hoodsport, WA!

When: Saturday, November 19th
Dive Site Meet time: 9am
Dive Time: 10am-2pm
Click here for a google maps location and more site information

Please Email us know if you are interested in joining us for the day. If you are interested in carpooling with other divers, you can connect with other Seven Seas Divers on our Facebook page linked in the upper right hand conner of the Blog.

Click here for the dive day release form

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

Seven Seas Scuba Divers Dove More during Hood Canal Halloween Fest!

2011-10-18T23:35:00.000-07:00

A group of 30+ Seven Seas Divers met on Saturday, October 15th at Mike's Beach Resort to kick off our Annual Hood Canal Halloween weekend! Some were becoming Open Water Divers while others started off their day scooping out pumpkin innards to then carve them underwater!

We had some really incredible pumpkins this year and congratulate the winners. Bryan K. took top prize for his Octopus (amazingly creative!) and was rewarded with a set of yellow tipped Hollis F-1 fins! Sarah B. was runner up with her Seven Seas Scuba Logo'd pumpkin (simply incredible detailing!) and was awarded a Princeton Tec Shockwave LED!

Again another fantastic day of diving with Seven Seas Divers!

See you all at next month as we dive Sund Rock Saturday, November 19th!

October Monthly Shore Diving Events - Mike's Beach, Hood Canal Halloween Fest! (Sat. 10/15 & Sun. 10/16)

2011-10-10T11:08:00.000-07:00

Seven Seas Divers plan to have a wickedly great time with Halloween activites at Mike's Beach Resort!

Mike's Beach, Hood Canal WA Dive Day!
When: Saturday, October 15th, 2011
Join us as for fun dives at Mike's Beach in Hood Canal, WA! Mike's has lots to discover underwater including wrecks, tire reefs, and a deep platform that sits in the middle of a bed of Sea Whips. Divers are often treated to Octopus sightings at Mike's!
Dive Site Meet time: 11am
Dive Time: 1pm -3pm Underwater Pumpkin Carving will be briefed at 12pm

Underwater Pumpkin Carving: 1pm -3pm Interesting in carving a pumpkin underwater? Top three pumpkins as voted on by our divers will be awarded prizes. Divers need to bring their own pumpkins for carving.

Daytripper Info:
Beach Access Fee is $10 per diver per day and includes use of the amenities at mike's such as the bathrooms, the hot tub, and more
Meals: All divers are welcome to partake in weekend meals at $5 a meal per person. We have a dedicated diver coordinating all meals!
Location/Directions: Take I-5 North to Exit 104, Port Angeles / Ocean Beaches . Drive 5.8 miles and turn right at the Highway 101/Highway 8 junction toward Shelton and Port Angeles. Continue on the scenic highway and you'll find the resort 50 miles North of Olympia on the right side of the highway. Address is: N. 38470 Hwy 101, Lilliwaup, WA 98555.

Click here for the dive day release form

Please call or Email us know if you are interested in joining us for the dive day, Pumpkin Carving, or the weekend!

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

September Monthly Shore Diving Events - Newport, Oregon (Wed. 9/14, Sat. 9/17)

2011-09-08T01:35:00.000-07:00

Seven Seas Divers go green, go coastal, and go BBQing with South Beach Scuba in Newport, Oregon!

Project AWARE Specialty
When: Wednesday, September 14th, 2011
Learn about some of the most pressing problems facing these vulnerable environments and everyday actions you can take to help conserve them. The Project AWARE Specialty course is informative, interesting and most importantly, you will learn how to make a difference.
Location: Seven Seas Scuba
Class Time: 7-9pm
Course Price: Special course price for this event is only $35 with all course proceeds supporting the Project AWARE Foundation, a nonprofit organization! There is no age limit for this specialty. This specialty is also open to nondivers and divers. Click here to download the student manual AWARE - Our World, Our Water for free courtesy of the Project AWARE Foundation thanks to the proceeds from programs such as this one. Divers can also look forward to counting the specialty toward their Master Scuba Diver rating!

Newport, Oregon Fingers Dive Day!
When: Saturday, September 17th, 2011
Join us as we do 1-2 fun dives at Oregon Coast in Newport, Oregon. The “Fingers” are located along the South Jetty at the entrance to Yaquina Bay. This is considered an excellent dive for new divers. The fingers offer a shallow sandy area protected from most boat traffic and the speedy currents of a tidal exchange. The fingers are easy, relaxing, and great for sightseeing!
Dive Site Meet time: 10am
Dive Time: 11am-2pm
What to bring: We will be lunching beachside, so plan to pack and bring an appropriate lunch.
Beach Clean-up: In observance of International Coastal Cleanup Day we will also be conucting a beach and underwater cleanup. Divers and nondivers are encouraged to participate by bringing at least one biodegradeable trash bag per person.
Location/Directions: Take the nearest exit from the South side of the Newport Bridge. Head down hill toward the water, and turn left on SW 26th Street, which then takes you to SE Jetty Way and the park.

Diver Appreciation BBQ with South Beach Scuba!
When: Saturday, September 17th, 2011
Seven Seas Scuba and South Beach Scuba co-host a diver appreciation BBQ at the South beach Scuba dive shop in Newport! Enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, veg alternatives and more!
Meet Time: 2-4pm

Please call or Email us know if you are interested in joining us for Project AWARE, the dive day, the BBQ, or any combination of these events! If you are interested in carpooling so we may put you in contact with other interested divers.

Click here for the dive day release form

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

August Monthly Shore Dive - Clear Lake, Oregon (Sat. 8/20)

2011-08-12T22:10:00.000-07:00

Seven Seas Divers Annual Clear Lake, Oregon Dive Day!

When: Saturday, August 20th, 2011
Dive Site Meet time: 9am
Dive Time: 10am-2pm
What to bring: We also have a topside diver potluck during the surface interval so please let us know by email what favorite dish you will bring to share (side dish, main dish, dessert, etc.).

Directions:

I-5 South

Exit HWY 22 East (North Santiam Hwy, Take a left on exit)

Stay on HWY 22 through Detroit

At Intersection with HWY 20, (Santiam Hwy) Go Right (Southwest)

At Intersection with Hwy 126 (Clear Lake Belknap Springs Hwy) Head South on Hwy 126

Park Entrance off of Hwy 126, follow signs to Clear Lake Resort

Clear Lake is at an altitude of 3,000'+. If you have never dove at altitude we ask that you take Altitude Diver Specialty training with us on August 16th to learn how to safely plan and execute dives at altitude.

Please call or Email us to let us know you will be joining us for the day and if you would like to join us for the Altitude Diver Specialty course. To discuss carpooling with other divers, Please post on our FaceBook page.

Click here for the dive day release form

ADVISORY NOTE: As we have 12+ Open Water students divers headed North this same weekend, our available rental dive gear will be limited. Please call us Monday regarding your rental gear needs!

Don't forget to let us know you will be joining us so people know how big of a dish to bring :)

July Monthly Shore Dive - Mukilteo T-Dock (Sat. 7/23)

2011-07-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Mukilteo T-Dock, Washington!

When: Saturday, July 23rd
Dive Site Meet time: 9am
Dive Time: 10am-3pm
Directions: Take exit 189 off I-5 in Everett, and head West on 526. Then head North on 525. Follow signs to the Mukilteo Ferry. Take a right at the intersection just after you pass of over the railroad tracks (See the aerial photo). Just past the hotel on your left, turn left into the parking area. Click here for a google maps location

Join us as we explore the T-Docks at Mukilteo! This site holds dive excitement for divers of all experience levels with an easy entry and accessible depths varying from 0-130'. Early arrival is recommended for best parking.

Please Email us know if you are interested in joining us for the day. To contact other divers for carpooling or other dive day discussion, please post on our Seven Seas Scuba Facebook Page.

Click here for the dive day release form

NEED GEAR? Call us by Monday, April 19th to reserve your rental gear!

June Monthly Shore Dive - Edmonds Underwater Park (Sat. 6/18)

2011-06-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Edmonds Underwater Park, Seattle, WA!

When: Saturday, June 18th
Dive Site Meet time: 9-10am
Dive Time: 10am-3pm
Click here for driving directions and more site information

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!

Equipment Spotlight...literally!

2011-05-25T18:36:00.001-07:00

Light & Motion SOLA DIVE 500 Dive Light

One of the most powerful spot beams in the smallest light package yet. Introducing the Sola Dive 500; its the smallest rechargeable dive light that actually delivers its published output.

500 Lumens

¼ the size of the competition producing more light than most with a comfortable wrist mount, external wet plug and fast charger.

Lightweight at only 10 ounces!

Price: $379.00

Sola dive lights have a factory sealed body so you should never need to worry about flooding. Control is accomplished through a magnetic coupled slider on the top of the body. Slide forward or back to turn on. Hold forward or back to turn off.

Three indicator lights behind the bezel report the power; slide forward to increments the power levels.

Lumens:
High- 500
Med- 250
Low- 125

Run Time:
High- 70 Min
Med- 140 Min
Low- 280 Min

Charge Time:
150 Min

Size & Weight:
2 1/4" x 4"
10.12 ounces (only a little over 1/2 lb) w/ Wrist Strap

Light & Motion SOLA DIVE 600 Dive Light

¼ the size and brighter than any hand held dive light on the market with both Spot and Flood beams at your fingertips and a convenient wrist mount.

600 Lumens

Spot and Flood Settings

Lightweight at only 10 ounces!

Price: $579.00

Sola dive lights have a factory sealed body so you never need to worry. Control is accomplished through a locking magnetic coupled slider on the top of the body. Slide forward or back to turn on. Hold forward or back to turn off.

Three indicator lights behind the bezel report the power (high=3 lights, medium=2 lights, low = 1 light). Indexing back changes mode between spot and flood. Indexing forward increments the power levels.

Multi-voltage charger interchangeable blades and external wet connection gold plated charge pins for long life. Wrist mount offers comfortable neoprene padded molded plate with locking light release and adjustable straps. "D" ring on light offers alternative BC or wrist clip option.

Lumens (Flood/Spot):
High- 670/500
Med- 335/250
Low- 165/125

Run Time (Flood/Spot):
High- 80/70 Min
Med- 160/140 Min
Low- 320/280 Min

Charge Time:
150 Minutes

Size & Weight:
2 1/4" x 4"10.12 ounces (only a little over 1/2 lb) w/ Wrist Strap

Light & Motion SOLA DIVE 1200 Dive Light

At the size and nearly 2x as bright as any hand held dive light on the market with both Spot and Flood beams at your fingertips and a convenient wrist mount.

1200 lumens

Spot and Flood Settings

Lightweight at only 10 ounces!

Price: $679.00

Sola dive lights have a factory sealed body so you never need to worry. Control is accomplished through a locking magnetic coupled slider on the top of the body. Slide forward or back to turn on. Hold forward or back to turn off.

Three indicator lights behind the bezel report the power (high=3 lights, medium=2 lights, low = 1 light). Indexing back changes mode between spot and flood. Indexing forward increments the power levels.

Multi-voltage charger interchangeable blades and external wet connection gold plated charge
pins for long life. Wrist mount offers comfortable neoprene padded molded plate with locking light release and adjustable straps. "D" ring on light offers alternative BC or wrist clip option.

Lumens (Flood/Spot):
High- 1200/500
Med- 600/250
Low- 300/125

Run Time (Flood/Spot):
High- 70/70 Min
Med- 140/140
Low- 280/280

Charge Time:
150 Minutes

Size & Weight:
2 1/4" x 4"10.12 ounces (only a little over 1/2 lb) w/ Wrist Strap

Seven Seas Scuba Recognized by PADI as the May 2011 Dive Center of the Month

2011-05-17T15:08:00.000-07:00

Seven Seas Scuba is very honored to have been selected as PADI's Dive Center of the Month, a world wide recognition.

From PADI:

This month, PADI honors Seven Seas Scuba– Vancouver, Washington as PADI Dive Center of the Month for May, 2011.

Customer Andy Coriell wrote in to say,

"I am writing to let to know how much I have enjoyed the training and customer service at Seven Seas Scuba. I have been diving since 1998 but took a long break before catching the diving bug again. Last year, I started shopping around for new gear and was blown away by the customer service at the shop. The sales staff spent hours answering my questions and showing me the pros and cons of the latest gear. Seven Seas is not the closest dive store to my house but after getting bad information and advice from the other stores I will not go anyplace else.

Over the past few months I also had the opportunity to work with several of the Seven Seas instructors. My first experience was with Tommy Miller for Advanced Diving. On the second day of class a serious storm hit the dive site. While other classes went into water with very strong current, poor visibility (above & below) and dangerous floating debris, our class was rescheduled due to the unsafe conditions. I was very impressed with this professionalism and dedication to safety. I took the enriched air speciality class from Nicolle Pratt. She made complex principals of mathematics and physics fun and easy to understand. Lastly, I had a great time taking the equipment specialist and drysuit diver specialities from Billy Snook. Billy combined his vast first hand knowledge of diving with practical skills and personal attention to make me a better diver.

Sincerely,

Andy Coriell"

Customer feedback such as Andy's above and recognition from PADI reconfirms how committed we are to bringing our local community regular dive events, exciting dive trips, outstanding dive education and counseling, excellent equipment servicing, and superior customer service.

Alki Junkyard: Seven Seas Scuba Monthly Shore Dive

2011-05-12T06:27:00.000-07:00

Alki Junkyard or Luna Park?

by Pat G on May 8, 2011

We did a couple of dives at Alki Junkyard a few weekends ago. Sorry for the lateness of this posting-

For those who might not know, Alki Junkyard is located in West Seattle and not a long ways from the famous Alki Cove’s- you just continue driving around the point a bit till the beach looks like it ends. There is a big concrete walkway that skirts along between the water and the road there. Stairs are conveniently placed where you can access the beach.

It makes diving there pretty easy and not difficult to get your gear down near the water. But be warned- this is a current intensive site and if you don’t plan the tides right, you can be swept quite a ways from where you parked.

Brian Hull, a DM with Seven Seas Scuba was giving the dive briefing to us all and, I have to say, he did a really excellent job. Not only did he talk about the stuff you would expect- like the dive site layout, currents, safety, buddy teams, etc. but he really gave a nice back ground of the Alki/West Seattle area that was totally cool and actually pretty captivating. He even had some pictures to help illustrate some of the history of this unique spot.

In the area now known as Alki, there was an amusement park built near Duwamish Head in West Seattle in about 1907. Billed as the “Greatest Amusement Park of the West Coast” it featured some rides that were destined for the much larger San Francisco area but wound up here due to the big earthquake.

From Wikipedia:

“Luna Park’s main attractions were the Zeum Carousel, the Great Figure Eight roller coaster, the Giant Whirl, Shoot the Chutes, the Canals of Venice, and the Cave of Mystery. The Zeum Carousel was originally intended for an amusement park in San Francisco, but the earthquake of 1907 disrupted the city’s plans and the carousel was installed in Seattle instead. With vaudeville enjoying immense popularity at the time, Luna Park also housed two theaters, the Dreamland Theater and the Trocadero, with the latter performing a new play each week.

Additionally, Luna Park hosted daily acts, including the clown Uncle Hiram, Don Carlo’s Trained Monkey and Dog Circus, and the Original Human Ostrich. The park featured a live bear pit, as well as several transitory exhibits, such as Baby Incubators. The park was also host to a variety of concessions and games of chance, such as shooting galleries and ball tosses. One of the park’s most prominent structures was its Natatorium, which housed heated saltwater and freshwater swimming pools.”

“On July 4th, 1908, Luna Park became the site of Seattle’s first manned flight. L. Guy Mecklem launched his airship from the park, racing two automobiles a distance of ten miles to the Meadows Racetrack in Georgetown. A much-heralded event, Mecklem beat the automobiles with two minutes to spare. Mecklem housed his aircraft at Luna Park for a short time afterward, charging visitors ten cents each to view it.

Luna Park was accessible by trolley, the West Seattle ferry, or the Seattle Municipal Railway’s Luna Park Line. During evening hours the park was brilliantly illuminated, with each building and ride outlined in bulbs. Because of its extravagant lighting scheme the park could be seen for miles and was billed as a safe nighttime destination for women and children.

Other of Luna Park’s nighttime attractions weren’t as popular among the moral community of West Seattle. The park boasted the longest and best-stocked bar on Elliott Bay, a venue that angered the citizens around Alki. Feeling that drunks would overrun their community, West Seattle petitioned to be annexed into the City of Seattle in the hope that its conservative mayor, William Hickman Moore, would address this and other concerns.”

You can read more here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luna_Park,_Seattle

http://www.pdxhistory.com/html/luna_park_seattle.html

But you can see where it’s going. Some folks thought it was just bringing out the baser instincts in people and sought to have it shut down and removed- which it was. Parts of it remain to this day- the boardwalk pilings can be seen at extreme low tide and the carousel is still functioning at Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco, California

Fast forward to today: it is romantic to think that you could dive here and maybe find some kinds of remnants of a ferris wheel or roller coaster but I would say the chances of that would be slim to none. I do think if you were to dive in that area and were really persistent you could find stuff that would suggest that something was there long ago. But the actual site isn’t right where the amusement park was.

This was a shop organized trip from http://www.sevenseasscuba.com/ and I like going to their monthly shore dives because: #1: they are free (‘cept for fuel- ouch!) #2: you get to see a lot of great folks in one place doing the stuff you like to do and #3: It’s always funner to dive with more people- unless they stir up the bottom, in which case, I want to be first in the water.

Be advised- the current can rip here. We tried to plan our dives to straddle the slack.

First dive went pretty well. We got in swam out a bit and went down. There is a few bouys in the water – they are attached to a rope that runs parallel to shore and has “stuff” strewn about for wildlife to live in. Similar to some other dive sites in the sound. We checked out stuff along the rope as a group of 4 and were surprised to see a couple of red octos hanging out in some rubble and anemones. I tried to get a photo but was too far behind and they were well hidden when I got there. We saw some other cool things including a giant colony of feather dusters attached to some big item- they completely covered it and it looked really strange but cool.

The second dive- you could tell the waves were kicking up a lot. And toward the end of dive one, you could feel the current picking up too. I went in with Bishop, a dive buddy I have met on FB and one of his buds. We got down and the current was kicking our butts down at the bottom. We had to power along pretty well with the fins to make headway and it was a lot of work. His buddy was getting low on air and told us he was heading back so Bishop and I continued on. We did manage to see a nice young wolf eel and then came upon a big bunch of squid eggs. There was a squid doing something to the eggs– we think it was laying more maybe. I got some pics and video and it was a pretty cool thing to see.

I gotta say, I have seen squid eggs before but not with the momma squid hanging around. It was a lot of fun to watch.

To soon, the dive was over. We headed back in and, as always, it was fun diving with my main dive bud (Dea, the wife) and good friends. I will certainly dive here again to check out the wildlife- others were seeing stubby squid which is something I haven’t seen yet…though, I have seen their eggs

See you next time in the water!

May Monthly Shore Dive - Redondo Beach (Sat. 5/7)

2011-05-04T07:10:00.000-07:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Redondo Beach, Seattle, WA!

When: Saturday, May 7th
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

Reportedly, the new parking lot has a fee, 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!

Belize...I hear you calling my name!

2011-05-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Check out where Seven Seas Scuba dives Belize with Thatch Caye Resort! Click here for more info regarding travelig to Thatch Caye - a great place for groups of 2 or 20!

Click here for the full length video!

Coming soon - new footage shot by Billy Snook just last week!

Thanks for this great video goes out to Billy Snook our shop owner and videographer for Wild Child Productions and our fabulous Divemaster Jean Amendolia who runs Frogfish Films! Do you have underwater video that you would like to turn into something you can post online and share with your friends and family? Contact Jean - she is a whiz!

Weekly Special: Scuba Bucks good through May 2nd!

2011-04-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

Earth Watch: Did you know you can help the oceans anytime you go shopping?

2011-04-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

April bring us Earth Day which helps remind us of very simply things we can do to help protect our Earth's resources. One way that you can help is by making smart shopping choices with regards to fish. Monterey Bay Aquarium has a free app for your smart phone. You can browse the seafood watch lists and read about why they are on certain lists, also on the app you can locate products on their "Project Fish Map" and even tag your own locations to let others know where they can get sustainable seafood!

Search Seafood Watch in your app store or click here to download a Seafood Watch regional guides and recommendations application directly to your iPhone or iPod Touch.

Looking for a pocket guide or just wanting to learn more now? Click here to download the current Seafood Watch Sustainable Seafood Pocket Guide.

These easy-to-use guides, whether online, on your phone, or in your wallet, make it simple to decide which fish to buy and consume. Your consumer choices do make a difference!

April Monthly Shore Dive - Alki Junkyard (Sat. 4/16)

2011-04-14T16:34:00.000-07:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Alki Junkyard, Seattle, WA!

When: Saturday, April 16th

Dive Site Meet time: 9am Dive Time: 10am-1pm

Directions: From I-5, get on the West Seattle Bridge. Take the Harbor Avenue SW exit, turning right onto Harbor Ave Continue on Harbor Ave, following it past the boat launch. As you round the Duwamish Head, the street name changes to Alki Ave. Continue heading westward on Alki Ave SW past Alki Beach on the right and eateries on the left. Drive thru the stop sign at 63rd Ave SW, continuing straight for 1 more block. Park along the street in this area. The entrance to the dive site is at the end of the asphalt park along the water's edge (where the condos and private property begin). At the west end of the park, there are steps leading down to the lower section and the dive site entrance. Parking is limited so please carpool if you can!

Over the years, divers have sunk computers, toilets, shopping carts, tires, refrigerators, and the kitchen sink in order to create a series of artificial reefs. Ling cod, octopus, decorated warbonnets, hermit crabs, grunt sculpins, rockfish, and wolf eels call this junkard home. While you can see some big stuff here, this is a better dive for slowing down and looking out for the macro life: nudibranch, moon snails, sea pens, clams.

Click here for the dive day release form

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

Stanford at Sea Series - Part 3

2011-04-04T02:29:00.000-07:00

[Photo courtesy of Stephen Wood, Digital Underwater Photography Specialty Instructor. Contact us to set up an underwater photography class with Stephen!]

I had an amazing experience today. I went for a dive spontaneously with a friend since I had a free sunny afternoon. We descended into the kelp forest offshore in Monterey, and had a beautiful dive seeing all kinds of invertebrates and fish. Everything was showing that spring has sprung, with tiny juvenile fish, baby kelp plants, and reproductive coralline algae everywhere we looked. We saw a harbor seal who was crouching on the bottom with his face buried under a kelp plant. Two eyes just poked out gazing up at us. He did a playful flip in a circle and returned to his hidden position, like a puppy trying to get attention.

Our amazing experience began when we were coming up to about 15’ depth and a harbor seal (possibly the same one) came up to me and quickly poked my arm with a flipper, then swam away. But he hadn’t really gone. He came right back and began pawing my hand. I kept my fist closed to make certain I didn't lose any fingers, but he was very careful and incredibly gentle. He lightly scratched my gloved hand and my arm, sniffing my facemask. He then swam out of sight again and I thought that was all. But after another few meters he was back to checking out my arm, and touching his nose to my forehead. This continued for a good 5 minutes. He eventually worked his way to my head, pawing every inch so I felt like I was getting a head massage through my neoprene hood. I was careful to guard my gear, but he was so gentle, it wasn’t in danger. He encircled my arm with his front flippers and gave it a seal hug. My buddy and I finally had to continue towards the beach, at which point our friend grabbed my fins and swam along with us.

As we came to the surface, he poked his eyes up above the water, then below, and I followed with mine to match him. Above, below, and the last time when his head came above the water, his face was just a foot away from mine, dark brown eyes gazing at me. He watched us with his little grey head popping above the water as we exited and made our way up the beach. I’m not sure what his motivation was but I was touched. It’s such a gift to be able to have an interaction like this with a wild animal. I have talked to many other divers who have had similarly amazing experiences underwater. It’s so incredible to be able to temporarily visit a completely different world.

I am in love with diving. To me traveling briefly under an ocean or bay is just as good as traveling to another country across the world.

[submitted by Tara, Seven Seas Scuba Divemaster]

Weekly Wow Specials - Don't miss out!

2011-04-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

WEEKLY WOW SPECIALS!
Are you missing out?

Check out our weekly specials posted every Wednesday to our Facebook page. Some items are limited, so be the first to stop by or call in 360.260.9969 to cash in on your Weekly Wow savings! Next week's Wednesday Wow special - Aware Fish ID Special (May 5 & 7) $150 includes your class and the two best identification resource books: Whelks to Whales and Coastal Fishes, a $180+ value!

Stanford at Sea Series - Part 2

2011-04-02T02:27:00.000-07:00

I write as I sit in the library at Hopkins Marine Station. The floor to ceiling windows look out to a rocky beach with a strong surf in overcast light. The incoming waves crash on the rocks and send occasional bursts of spray ten feet in the air. Nearer the window, a slope of coastal succulents are mixed with blooming wildflowers. Sea birds swoop through the picture with cries of the ocean.

We have had one week of classes so far in the SEA program. Our professors are world-class scientists who are doing important research from tagging large marine mammals to get world-wide in situ oceanographic data, to studying the impact of ocean acidification and other stressors on coral reefs. When they aren’t experts in a subject, they invite other world class scientists to be guest speakers. It is a Mecca of scientific knowledge and is overwhelming but so, so inspiring.

Click here for Part 3.

[submitted by Tara, Seven Seas Scuba Divemaster]

Seven Seas Scuba Divemaster attends Stanford at Sea!

2011-03-28T02:23:00.000-07:00

An unusual sun shone brightly down on a group of scientists this morning at a coastal point in Monterey Bay, California. Many in the group were strangers to each other, but all were affiliated with Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University and all were about to embark on an adventure of scientific inquiry and ocean exploration. Amid bagels and shy introductions, the group met for the first time its new family, to be bonded through good weather and bad over the next 10 weeks. They were a melting-pot mix; of professors, sailors, and students from freshman to graduate and marine biologist to engineer. This was the start of Stanford at SEA, an immersion program in oceanographic research and vessel operation run through the Woods Hole SEA Education Association and Stanford University.

The vessel pictured above is the SVV Robert C. Seamans, a 134.5 foot brigantine sailing ship equipped with two labs and a host of modern sampling and ocean sensing equipment. We will spend five weeks on shore learning about Oceanography, Navigation, and Maritime Studies, followed by five weeks at sea doing individual research projects and putting our newfound skills to work. Our cruise will begin in Honolulu, Hawaii, travel south to the Line Islands including Kingsman Reef, Palmyra atoll, and Kritimati Island, then return to Honolulu June 10th, 2011.

Keep watching the blog for additional blog entries by Tara! Click here for Part 2.

[submitted by Tara, Seven Seas Scuba Divemaster]

March Monthly Shore Dive - Three Tree Point North (Sat. 3/26)

2011-03-18T10:07:00.000-07:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Three Tree Point North, Seattle, WA!

When: Saturday, March 26th
Dive Site Meet time: 9am
Dive Time: 10am-1pm
Click here for street map and gps and more site information

CARPOOL NOTICE: This site has an extremely limited number of parking spots, however with carpooling planning many divers will be able to experience a beautiful dive site. Please plan to, at minimum, carpool with another diver. If you can accomodate 3 or more in your vehicle, even better. Oversized trucks will not, however, fit in the parking lot.

As carpooling is necessary, it is important that you email us know to let us know you are planning on attending and who you are carpooling with.

DIVER COURTESY NOTICE: This site is nestled in a residential area. There are no amenities so please plan accordingly. Please also be courteous in your on-site conduct regarding parking (do not block road ways or park illegally), noise (loud music, etc.), litter, and other common courtesies.

Click here for the dive day release form

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

New at the dive shop: Halcyon Dive Systems!

2011-03-17T01:29:00.000-07:00

Gear Review by Thomas Miller

Halcyon: A mythical bird, said to breed at sea in a floating nest during the winter solstice, during which it charms the wind and waves into calm. Also Calm, Peaceful and Tranquil according to Wikipedia. I think this is a perfect start to a description of what I just received. Seven Seas Scuba made the decision to carry Halcyon Dive Systems and I took the opportunity to buy a new gear set-up. Long associated with DIR diving principles Halcyon has a solid engineering background of quality gear. Have you wanted to get into a set-up that’s clean, comfortable, built solid and no-nonsense? This is the stuff for you!

As soon as I picked up my gear I tinkered with it into the night. Playing with different configurations and seeing how everything fit together, I couldn’t be happier. Let’s start from the ground up, the backplate and harness. The backplate is a solid constructed stainless steel plate with holes cut for webbing, attachment points and of course your single tank adapter or bolts. The bottom of the plate has the corners bent away from the body to avoid the digging feeling some people feel. Webbing is run through the plate, in the continuous weave manner. One d-ring on each shoulder to eliminate clutter, and it also comes with bicycle tubing pre-cut and placed for storage of lights and other accessories. Here’s where things start to get interesting… Halcyon has patented a “cinch” backplate that allows you to tighten down your backplate or loosen it up, making this one size fits most, very easily. Also making it easier to get into and out of for those divers that would like to dive a continuous weave set-up. The harness has another d-ring on the left side to secure your pressure gauge. Talk about no non-sense! The crotch strap consists of 2-inch webbing with a loop and d-ring sewn in and another d-ring placed much closer to the backplate, the crotch strap is easily adjustable.

I ordered two wings, one 60-lb donut style and one 40-lb donut style. The 60-lb wing fits perfectly around my doubles, cradling them just right while the 40-lb wing looks great with a single tank inside the single tank adapter. No frills here either, just solid construction. Donut wings work to eliminate the “air bubble” that many people have experienced in a horseshoe type wing. The two cam straps have large grip pads for your tank to prevent slipping. The inflator hose comes standard as corrugated tubing and not too long to get in the way but not too short to not be accessible. Remember that bicycle tubing I was talking about? It’s here too, to retain your inflator hose and reduce drag! The word perfect is coming to mind.

On to accessories, I’ve replaced a few items of my dive collection with new halcyon products, looking for a nice reel but don’t want to pay too much? Try halcyons 400’ primary reel; the price point is awesome under $200 and it fits great in your hand as a side-winder. Halcyon makes a full line of lights from back-up to primary. The scout or mini-scout works great as a back-up light, operating on C-cell batteries and LED bulbs they are bright enough to look into nooks and crannies but small enough to tuck away when not in use. They also sell knives, these are a great accessory for recreational divers or tech divers! Placed on your waist they are easy to deploy with either hand and close to the body making them more streamlined. Tech divers are able to tuck a long hose underneath them if you’re carrying a SCULA instead of having a light canister, again keeping the set-up nice and clean.

I couldn’t be more pleased with my new toys, the cinch harness is a breeze being able to loosen and tighten but not worrying about a snap coming loose! I’m really looking forward to going diving again and trying out both new wings… I’m looking forward to a long lasting relationship with my new gear. Thinking about getting quality gear built to last? Think Halcyon. I did.

Click here to view the Halcyon Product Guide.

Seven Seas Divers thanks Fish Guy Andy Lamb!

2011-03-14T01:55:00.000-07:00

Andy Lamb, author of Marine Life in the Pacific Northwest and co-author of Coastal Fishes of the Pacific Northwest, entertained a great crowd of Seven Seas Divers on Monday, March 14th with his humor, dive stories, and wealth of fish information. Thanks to Andy we have his two books and Whelks to Whales now availble at the dive shop!

Click below for a great short diver video of a Fall 2010 trip diving the Boeing 737 and Porlier Pass, dive sites Andy takes his clients to when they visit him at the Cedar Beach Ocean Lodge B&B he operates with his wife.

Seven Seas Divers Thanks Treasure Hunter Barry Dunford

2011-03-08T02:16:00.000-08:00

Seven Seas Divers thank Barry Dunford for sharing his Tales of Treasure Hunting presentation on March 8th to a standing room only crowd! Barry shared amazing stories about his days as a professional treasure hunter, including when he had worked with Mel Fisher diving on the wreck of the Atocha! Barry shared with the group many of his incredible find with some artifacts dating back to the 1100’s.

Barry has potentially inspired a whole new generation of treasure hunters!

GO PRO Info Night this Thurs. (2/24) 7-9pm

2011-02-22T12:47:00.000-08:00

Interested in GOING PRO?

Are you looking for a passport to an exciting lifestyle of great diving, travelling, meeting new people, and best of all, working in a job you can really love? Then learn about going pro with us this Thursday 2/24, from 7-9pm! Don't miss out on special program package pricing for divers ranging from all levels!

The evening will be led by Nicolle and Jon, our two staff PADI Course Directors.

Please email or call us to let us you plan to join us.

Seven Seas Scuba Divers Dove More at Alki Cove 2!

2011-02-21T18:28:00.000-08:00

A group of 20+ Seven Seas Divers, family members, and friends, met on Saturday, February 19th at Seacrest Cove 2 (Alki Beach) located directly across the waterway from downtown Seattle with an incredible view of the city's skyline.

Diver were treated to some incredible critter sightings including the octopus pictured above. Thank you to Steve Zedekar for sharing such an incredible photo of this magnificant invertebrate, to Erick Herrmann for leading the day, and to all of the Seven Seas Divers who joined us on this day!

Again another fantastic day of diving with Seven Seas Divers!

See you all at next month as we dive Three Tree Point!

Seven Seas Divers Thanks our Wreck, Sidemount, Tec, & Rebreather Speakers!

2011-02-13T02:46:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday, February 12th! What an incredible day. The speakers, Scott Boyd, Jeff Carr, Dan Robertson, and Ron Micjan were simply outstanding.

Scott and Jeff mentioned that although they both give wreck presentations, it is on rare occasion they give their presentations together. All I can say is WOWOWOW! They are so energetic and absolutely inspiring. I think they birthed some new dive explorers on Saturday! Jeff Groth, Dive Coordinator of the Oregon Scuba Club, was the lucky recipient of our autographed copy of their book, Northwest Wreck Dives!

Dan is so incredibly talented in explaining the simple mechanics of diving that initially looks to the eye to be complicated. He also easily and unabashedly shares his passion and enthusiasm for diving. We thank Dan for presenting on not one, but two topics Saturday!

Ron Micjan with the assistance of Ashely and Jerry, Megalodon's General Manager, wrapped up the day with a fantastic presentation on rebreathers. The absolute highlight of the presentation was when he built a rebreather onsite. Billy Snook, owner of Seven Seas Scuba, didn't give it a second thought as he jumped right in testing Ron's creation which performed flawlessly providing 40% O2!

Again thank you to all who attended and our amazing presenters!

Wreck, Sidemount, Tec, and Rebreather Mini-Seminar Day!

2011-02-05T02:28:00.000-08:00

Wreck, Sidemount, Tec, and Rebreather Mini-Seminar Day! (FREE)
Saturday, February 12th (10am-2pm)

We are excited to host our first mini-seminar event! The line-up is as follows:

10am - Wreck Diving with Scott Boyd and Jeff Carr
Join Scott and Jeff in talking about their exploration of local Pacific Northwest ship wrecks! Scott and Jeff co-authored the book Northwest Wreck Dives. There will also be a drawing at the end of the presentation for a complimentary autographed copy of Northwest Wreck Dives.

11am - Sidemount with Dan Robertson
Dan is a PADI Tec Instructor and one of the few Sidemount Instructors in the Pacific Northwest. Dan is a Master Technician by trade which gives him incredible mechanical experience to draw upon and is a natural fit with more gear intensive diving. Dan's presentations take on a very round-table feel encouraging people to participate in the conversation. Dan will be talking about about Sidemount diving, equipment, it's local application, and sharing his recent dive trips to Crater Lake with an OPB film crew (click here for the OPB video online!) and diving the Titan 1 Missile Silo in Eatern Oregon in sidemount (click here for an article and photos on this trip)!

12pm - Tec Diving with Dan Robertson
After the Sidemount presentation, Dan will transition into talking about tec diving, equipment and sharing his recent tec diving trip to the Warren Wreck in Crescent Lake (click here for an article and photos of this trip).

1pm - Rebreather Diving with Ron Micjan
Ron is a certified CCR instructor and provided Megalodon training to John Chatterton and Richie Kohler of Shadow Divers fame! His other diving certifications include Mixed Gas CCR, Full Cave CCR and Sidemount Cave. He is also the designer of the COPIS version of the Megalodon CCR, and the author of a website dedicated to homebuilding rebreathers and detailed teardowns of commercial rebreathers.

Please contact the dive shop if you are interested in attending some or all of these exciting seminars so we have a head count for chairs and goodies!

February Monthly Shore Dive - Alki Cove 2 (Sat. 2/19)

2011-02-04T11:23:00.000-08:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Alki Beach, Seacrest Cove 2, Seattle, WA!

When: Saturday, February 19th
Dive Site Meet time: 10am
Dive Time: 11am-3pm
Click here for a google maps location and more site information

Email us know if you are interested in joining us for the day and if you are interested in carpooling so we may put you in contact with other interested divers.

Click here for the dive day release form

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

Cold War-Cold Diving

2011-02-02T21:33:00.000-08:00

In 1959, at the height of the Cold War, an underground three silo Titan 1 missile complex was being built in Eastern Washington, north east of Yakima. Built at a cost of $31.6 million, the site was completed in just 21 months and placed online just in time for the Cuban Missile Crisis. The local groundwater presents problems in the construction: one portion reported that it's pumps had moved 175,000 gallons of water in just one day.

The installation is only active for a little over two years before it is shut down due to newer missiles becoming available. When the pumps that staunched the water stopped, the silos filled with water and have remained that way.

A group of adventurous divers from the shop we dive with, Seven Seas Scuba, heard about this dive and decided it sounded like something way, way out of the norm and a great adventure to try.

The trip is organized by Underseas Adventures of Kennewick, WA. You can find pricing and contact information on their site if you want to try to organize your own trip.

Welden Halloway was part of this intrepid crew who journeyed to the center of Washington to dive in these man-made caves. He wrote up this report about how the dives went and was kind enough to share it with us all.

The Larson Titan I Missile Silo Dive Report
Royal City, Washington

2010

Map Coordinates: 46.54.30 119.45.23

History: Royal City, located in Central Washington, was founded in 1956 and officially incorporated on February 14, 1962. Three Titan I missile complexes were commissioned in 1961 for the 568th SMS
(Strategic Missile Squadron), an air defense system of Larson AFB; five miles from Moses Lake. Construction of the underground launch centers was completed on the 16th of March 1962. One in Odessa, one in Warden and one in Royal city.

Washington State is no stranger to the nuclear age. The nearby Hanford reactors were used to create materials used to make the plutonium bomb “Fat Man” and the Uranium bomb “Little Boy” in 1945. The history of the area inspires awe, to say the least.

Since being deactivated on March 25th, 1965 the Royal City silo complex has flooded over time via ground water seepage.

The Trip: Always looking for a new challenge and unique places to dive, it's obvious why a flooded nuclear missile silo seemed to fit the bill. Bryan Strack eagerly contacted the Tri-Cities area dive shop Undersea Adventures and set up the dive excursion. Once lodging, travel and site details were sorted out, our team set out to be some of the first of a small handful of people in the world to experience this dive.

In our caravan was seven experienced Northwest divers including some public service divers, SCUBA Divemasters and instructors. Making up this crew were Brian Strack, Dan Vaughn, Justin Bush, Barry Schafer, Dan Robertson, Michael Hunter and myself, Welden Holloway.

Site Access: Access is limited to a vertical pipe protruding above ground that leads down to a small room with a low ceiling. Tanks were lowered down the 14 foot climb via rope and pulley where tables allowed a fairly convenient staging area, save for the lack of light.

The Dive: The complex is comprised of three silos connected by a network of tunnels and catwalks. Much of the metal that once made up the inner works of this nuclear base has been scrapped by clean up crews leaving behind such imposing hazards as missing floor panels, jagged metal, exposed wiring and loose pipes. Traversing the half-flooded tunnels was a matter of pure teamwork, using a “pass-it-on” system to alert the diver behind you of the next trip, snag or crossbeam while trying not to tip the canoe that carried our fins and cameras; which happened anyway.

Once at the junction, we headed toward silo one. With about one story of airspace above us, we hung buoyant on the surface in the first silo. The bottom of the shaft was 110 feet of fresh, clear, 48 degree water beneath us. Our guide gave us a quick re-brief as we grouped into our buddy teams and began descending into surprisingly glass clear water.

With no ambient light we lit our own way careful not to disturb the fine rust that rested on the structure's beams and the silo floor. Excellent buoyancy control was critical to not stir up the particulate. Some areas of the shaft offered an overhead environment. We did some more exploring in a smaller section to the left of Silo one and trekked back to the staging area.

Words I recall hearing and saying post dive were awesome, creepy, crazy, and interesting.

I don't think the guys who built this complex imagined this kind of exploration.

After a surface interval, Silo 2 was on the agenda for a dive. Similar but also much different from Silo 1 and not quite as pristine. The same maximum depth is one similar feature, but there is a tight spot to fit through before you're in the Silo itself . Doubles are not suitable for these narrow passageways.

There was old foam insulation that had been stripped floating in the more cloudy water of Silo 2. To our relief, in research of asbestos poisoning it was found that moist/submerged environments inhibit the inhalation of asbestos particles (probably a really good thing down here).

One other detail that caught all of our attention was a few sightings of rodent remains. That's correct, rodent remains. And that's not to mention some strange white mallowish blobs of gelatinous matter floating about and settled on the bottom. This was no trip to Bonaire, to be certain. Surely you can imaging some of the nervous jokes thrown about between the team as we shared a toast to a successful mission back at the cabin.

Bizarre, dark, dank, looming, ominous and exhilarating would be words used to describe this experience. Stepping back into another time going into this man-made cave system that once housed the most powerful of weapons created by man.

Overall, it was well worth the trip. A challenge, a historical wonder and an educational adventure. I would recommend this dive to experienced divers with precise buoyancy control and a sense of adventure.

Recommended Experience Level: Rescue Diver or higher, confined space/overhead environment training a plus.

Recommended Gear Configuration: High capacity single tank with secondary air source in a front mounted sling set up. A pony mount may cause inability to access some areas. Sidemount configuration also recommended. Traditional back-mounted doubles are not useful in this sometimes tight environment. Appropriate EANx blends encouraged.

Barry Schafer

Drysuits, gloves, and hoods are the recommended exposure protection. Michael Hunter is outfitted against the cold with his drysuit, drygloves and (maybe sadly) his Seahawks cap.

Justin Bush was a member of the team that dove the silos. He wrote up this commentary about what he felt it was like to dive there:

The silo dive is the most bizarre diving I've ever done. It is not for the faint at heart; it's gritty, grimy, dark and has an apocalyptic feel--somewhat like watching a sci-fi movie where a crew finds an abandoned spaceship, enters it--only to find that everyone is mysteriously gone. Then they all get picked off one by one by a mystery monster. This feeling was reinforced by the fact that one silo was welded shut, but the dive operation torched it open. They wouldn't go back there because of "debris".

Walking in waist deep water from the entrance point to the silos was very interesting. The majority of the floor covering was scrapped, leaving divers to walk in black water on pipes--being careful not to fall into unseen holes or drop gear into the blackness.

The silos themselves are amazing. Think about diving in a shipwreck, but in a cylinder. After leaving the cramped tunnels and dark water you're immediately greeted by a large open area. You can see the bottom of the silo some 110' down and 50' above you are the blast doors. Upon descent you drop straight to the bottom, investigating catwalks, piping and all manner of odd shaped devices that supported one of the original weapons of mass destruction. One can almost still hear the drills, sirens, code reading and red phones ringing as our armed forces braced themselves for potential nuclear annihilation with the Soviets. It's interesting to think that we were visiting one of the most top secret areas from the 60's--let alone diving in it! After seeing the bottom, ascent was one large corkscrew maneuver--one of the slowest ascents in my dive log. One wants to see every marvelous piece of flooded history--always hoping and searching that a badge, pin, Id marker... something would be found to memorialize the trip!

We were the first group they'd brought in since it had been shut down due to contamination reports. We were the Guinea pigs and there is much refinement to be done to make it a totally safe destination. If one were to have an accident....and that is a real potential with this unrefined site...rescue would be very difficult and take a long time. All things to consider in this other worldly environment.

The most fun was the flooded equipment storage areas adjacent to the silo. This area had an elevator and was three stories in height. We dropped down the vacant shaft and spent time searching each level in teams of two. This was a serious overhead environment with a real potential to suffer disaster if the viz went to heck or a critical out of gas situation were to occur. Swimming through the doorways and navigating the connected rooms was amazing. I almost wished I had a poop-valve (Justin- Pat here. We're working on it but it is top-top secret. Out) when upon entering one of the furthest rooms saw "DANGER" spray painted on the concrete wall. I stopped cold and analyzed the potential dangers in the room to see what the sign was for. I concluded that it likely involved a wiring panel--now flooded and destroyed. Nonetheless, I silent thanked the scrap worker for the reminder and helicopter-turned to exit the room. The sign was still a good reminder, even today, when navigating an overhead environment.

This dive felt ominous and scary; like danger is just around the bend. If you like a good chill, come check out the silo--it's a dive unlike anything else, I promise you. And one you won't soon forget.

In retrospect, it was sensory overload at the time. Who isn't afraid of the dark, the unknown, black water and being underground in tight areas? However, the dive master guided us through every passage--telling us about each potential issue or misstep. Looking back, it was hard not to let your imagination run wild diving the silo--and one reason why a percentage of the divers involved want to return.

This article is made possible by the contributions of-

Welden Halloway is a scuba instructor with Seven Seas Scuba.

His write up of the dives formed the core of this article and I want to thank him for his work. I have dove with him several times but this picture from his Clear Lake dives is undoubtedly his coolest shot of many.

Dan Vaughn is also scuba instructor and general all-around-cool guy. I dove with him in the Bahamas (this picture is from that trip) and he is a great guy that I would dive with any day of the week. Dan took most of the photos in this posting.

Justin Bush is a divemaster with Seven Seas Scuba and is also certified in Tec Diving. He is enthusiastic about diving and generally adds to the greatness of the sport and it's people. He also thinks he is a pirate and yes, the knife is real.

Brian Strack is a scuba instructor and participates in assisting with law enforcement and public safety dive operations as well.

Dan Robertson is a scuba instructor with Seven Seas Scuba. He also manages their service department and is big into Tec diving and teaching that as well.

Crater Lake Adventure Dive with OPB and Seven Seas Scuba Staff!

2011-02-02T20:47:00.000-08:00

OPB’s Oregon Field Guide joined some local support divers including two of our Seven Seas Scuba dive professionals on a the trip of a lifetime right in Oregon's own backyard. They hauled all their gear down a steep mile-long trail and over another half mile of lava to dive off Wizard Island in the middle of Crater Lake. There they get to see formations of 2000 year old moss and bizarre wormhole-like tunnels for which scientists have no explanation.

“Diving Crater Lake” is viewable on the web here:http://www.opb.org/programs/ofg/segments/view/1771!

Seven Seas Scuba Tec 50 Graduates Explore Historic Wreck

2011-01-18T13:57:00.000-08:00

by Justin Bush, PADI Divemaster, Seven Seas Scuba, Vancouver, Washington

Nested in the northern foothills of the Olympic Mountains, in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, near Port Angeles, Washington, lays Lake Crescent. Within the Olympic National Park, the lake, with its brilliant azure water, plummets to a depth of 624 feet. Carved by glaciers and isolated by a massive landslide some 7,000 years ago, the lake has very low nitrogen levels, leading to sparse aquatic vegetation and visibility to some 60 feet. The lake is home to Crescenti and Beardslee trout, both resulted from genetic isolation following the landslide event creating the lake. These two types of fish are found nowhere else in the world.

The lake has a much darker history however, and one that Washington Tec divers sought to explore. On July 3rd, 1929, Blanch and Russel Warren were returning home from Port Angeles in their 1927 Chevrolet and disappeared without a trace. Scenic Highway 101 along the southern shore of Lake Crescent was known to be treacherous and it was suspected that the Warrens’ car had careened into the lake. After numerous attempts to drag the bottom and some exploratory dives, the vehicle was not located.

At the time, evidence gathered indicated that the wreck may have occurred on Madrona Point, but not being formally named on a map the site remained a mystery until 2002 when a fortunate glance up a cliff face revealed an old Madrona tree among the fir species. The wreck was located in 170 feet of water, by a Park Service Dive Team. Later, in 2004 human remains were discovered by John Rawlings. DNA testing later proved those to be of Russel Warren, thus ending a mystery that lasted over 75 years.*

Hailing from Vancouver, Washington, Seven Seas Scuba Tec divers Brian Strack, Justin Bush and their certifying Tec Deep instructor Dan Robertson, learned of the wreck and became captivated by the story. This prompted the group to seek a special permit to dive the point from the U.S. National Parks Service. After providing a detailed dive plan, permission was granted and the group set off to visit history.

On November 6, the group met at Madrona Point. With little information about the precise location, the group decided to begin at the point and to search at 165 ffw for 20 minutes. Upon splashing, the team was shocked by the stellar visibility not often awarded to Pacific Northwest divers. The group found searching easy with 40-60 feet of visibility in the brisk 45°f water.

After searching for 19 of their 20 planned minutes of bottom time, and with many shadows turning into false alarms of fallen trees, the team found their goal just as they began their ascent to their first decompression stop. Heading upslope and toward the highway, the team was shocked by the beauty of a glacier-cut sheer wall from 120 feet to 30 feet. The team agreed this magnificant wall alone was worth the dive.

After a surface interval and meeting with a National Parks Service Ranger who stopped to check their permit, the team prepared for their second dive that would bring them face to face with the past. To maximize their time on the wreck, the team surface swam from Medrona Point to the approximate location the wall began. Following a descent check, the team dropped easily down the sheer wall leading to the wreck.

The car sits on its side, on a very steep slope with the roof facing downhill. The bottom of the car is upslope and partially covered with rocks. Suffering little damage as it sank past the sheer wall and rocky sloping bottom, the team found that the car is still in amazingly good shape. The shards of glass still hanging precariously from the windows made the last few minutes of the Warrens’ journey vivid in the divers’ imaginations.

Within a blink of an eye it would seem, the team met their planned bottom time and turned to begin their journey back to the surface. They bid a respectful farewell to the memory of the Warrens, as they began their many stops before hitting the surface. Ascending parallel to the wall, heading toward Madrona Point the team was awestruck by the remarkable beauty of the lake. A curious Crescenti trout even kept the divers company during their lengthy last few stops.

It was an excellent experience for all divers involved. TecRec Instructor Dan Robertson and his Tec 50 graduates were able to visit history and return safely using the skills they had honed during training. The team is already planning future training and a potential return to Madrona Point, where a 1950 Dodge sedan lies even deeper in this most majestic of locations.

* Carr, Jeff and Scott Boyd. Northwest Wreck Dives. Dec. 2008.

January Monthly Shore Dive - Les Davis (Sat. 1/29

2011-01-12T13:58:00.000-08:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Les Davis, Tacoma, WA!

When: Saturday, January 29th
Dive Site Meet time: 10am (earlier arrival ensures a better parking spot at this local favorite site)
Dive Time: 11am-2pm
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!

December Monthly Shore Dive - Point Whitney (Sat. 12/18)

2010-12-17T15:16:00.000-08:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Point Whitney, Hood Canal!

When: Saturday, December 18th
Dive Site Meet time: 11am
Dive Time: 12pm-3pm
Click here for driving directions, parking fee, and more site information

Email us know if you are interested in joining us for the day and if you are interested in carpooling so we may put you in contact with other interested divers.

Click here for the dive day release form

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

GO PRO Info Night this Wed. (11/3) 7-9pm

2010-11-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

Interested in GOING PRO?

Are you looking for a passport to an exciting lifestyle of great diving, travelling, meeting new people, and best of all, working in a job you can really love? Then learn about going pro with us this Wednesday 11/3, from 7-9pm! Don't miss out on special program package pricing for divers ranging from all levels!

The evening will be led by Nicolle and Jon - our two staff Course Directors, Barry Dunford - our PADI Regional Manager, and Tessa Kinney, our guest speaker with experience instructing abroad!

Please email or call us to let us you plan to join us.

2010-10-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

Many of you were kind enough to compliment my Chicken Tortilla Soup and as the temps are dropping prompting many of us to pull out the crockpot, I am happy to share the receipe below. This is a homemade concoction based on a bbq chicken recipe, so feel free to add different things to your soup base. Perhaps you may want more of a tomato base? So many ideas in addition to making killer tacos, burritos, or even a casserole with it!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 1/2 cups tomato ketchup

3 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

1 teaspoon ground red hot pepper flakes, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Combine all ingredients for the sauce in the slow cooker. Add the chicken, try to coat it well with the sauce. Cook on high 3-4 hours, or until chicken is fully cooked all the way through. Then shred or cut up the chicken, and replace it in the Barbecue sauce in the pot; mix it all up so all the pieces are coated.

1 can black beans

1 can chili beans

1 bag or can of roasted corn

Vegetable bouillon broth or Chicken Broth/Stock

Salt

Red Pepper Flakes

Adobo seasoning

Tortilla chips

Once the chicken is shredded and returned to the crock pot, add the beans (whole contents of can including juices) and corn. Then add 2 cans of water (from the empty bean cans to get all the good juices). Gauging by the liquid level in the crock pot add vegetable bouillon broth or chicken broth/stock to desired soup quantity. Finish with Adobo seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Mix all ingredients together in crock pot on high allowing soup to fully heat and mix.

Serve soup over crushed Tortilla chips and garnish with lime wedge, cheese, and sour cream, as desired.

-nicolle

October Monthly Shore Diving Events - Yellow House aka Diver's Inn, Hoodsport, WA (Sat. 10/16 & Sun. 10/17)

2010-10-03T23:24:00.000-07:00

Seven Seas Divers plan to have a wickedly great time with Halloween activites at the Yellow House in Hood Canal, WA!

Yellow House, Hood Canal WA Dive Day!
When: Saturday, October 16th, 2010
Join us as for fun dives at the Yellow House in Hood Canal, WA! The Yellow House, aka the Diver's Inn, is a three story vacational rental home that boasts a progressing dive site directly across the highway from the house. In addition to a pvc pipe buoyancy course and diver friendly dive site navigation ropes this site has a number of small wrecks and other underwater objects that have become home to many of the Northwest's fun critters. Divers interested in diving at Sund Rock, may also do so as that site is less than 10 minutes from the house.
Dive Site Meet time: 10am
Dive Time: 11am -3pm Underwater Pumpkin Carving will be briefed at 12pm

Underwater Pumpkin Carving: 12pm -1pm Interesting in carving a pumpkin underwater? Top three pumpkins as voted on by our divers will be awarded prizes. Divers need to bring their own pumpkins for carving.

Daytripper Info:
Daytripper fee is only $10 per diver per day and includes use of the house amenities such as the dive gear drying room, covered gear up area, wetsuit/drysuit diver clad accessible bathroom, hot tub, and more. Divers interested in staying for the weekend, the Yellow House is FULL. Additional divers are staying at the Glen Ayr.
Meals: All divers are welcome to partake in weekend meals at $5 a meal per person. We have a dedicated chef coordinating all meals!
Location/Directions: Take I-5 North to Exit 104, Port Angeles / Ocean Beaches . Drive 5.8 miles and turn right at the Highway 101/Highway 8 junction toward Shelton and Port Angeles. Continue north on Highway 101 and just after the green "Entering Hoodsport" sign you will see the the Yellow House directly on the left side of the Highway. Please reference the image above to identify the house. Please think about carpooling and be reminded that we have a number of divers up for the weekend so be mindful of parking. No parking is allowed directly in front of the barn as that has been reserved for staff trucks.

Click here for the dive day release form

Night Diver Specialty Course!
When: Friday and Saturday nights (10/15-10/16)
Have you been interested in diving at night? Now is your time to see the underwater environment in a completly new light, as in your dive light! Night divers get to see lots of different critters out and active at night that otherwise might not be seen during day dives
Dive Times: Friday 9pm, Saturday 7pm and 9pm
Prices: $150

Please call or Email us know if you are interested in joining us for the dive day, Pumpkin Carving, Night Diver, or any combination of these events! If you are interested in carpooling so we may put you in contact with other interested divers.

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

Seven Seas Divers Dove More at the Oregon Coast!

2010-09-30T23:08:00.000-07:00

(photo courtesy of Mary Carr, all rights retained)

A group of 18 Seven Seas Divers, family members, and friends, met on Saturday, September 25th, 2010 at the Newport Fingers on the Oregon Coast in celebration of International Cleanup Day. Thanks to the support of SOLV, we filled up a number of donated garbage bags with both underwater and topside trash. (Did you know the first Beach Cleanup in the nation was held in Oregon in 1984?)

A group also met on Sunday, September 26th, 2010 for a special behind the scenes Oregon Coast Aquarium tour. Thanks goes out to the incredible aquarium staff for an educational morning!

Congratulations to the 6 Seven Seas Divers who earned their Project AWARE certifications the week prior!

Again another incredible DIVE MORE™ monthly event with Seven Seas Divers!

See you all at next month for our Halloween festivity day on Saturday, October 16th, 2010 where we plan to dive at the Yellow House and/or Sund Rock. Divers interested in mastering unwater pumpkin carving, bring your pumpkins and yur carving skills!

September Monthly Shore Diving Events - Newport, Oregon (Tues. 9/14, Sat. 9/25, & Sun. 9/26)

2010-09-04T15:48:00.000-07:00

Seven Seas Divers go green, go coastal, and go behind aquarium scenes in Newport, Oregon!

Project AWARE Specialty
When: Tuesday, September 14th, 2010
Learn about some of the most pressing problems facing these vulnerable environments and everyday actions you can take to help conserve them. The Project AWARE Specialty course is informative, interesting and most importantly, you will learn how to make a difference.
Location: Seven Seas Scuba
Class Time: 7-9:30pm
Course Price: Special course price for this event is only $35 with a portion of course fees supporting the Project AWARE Foundation, a nonprofit organization! There is no age limit for this specialty. This specialty is also open to nondivers and divers. Divers can look forward to counting the specialty toward their Master Scuba Diver rating!

Newport, Oregon Fingers Dive Day!
When: Saturday, September 25th, 2010
Join us as we do 1-2 fun dives at Oregon Coast in Newport, Oregon. The “Fingers” are located along the South Jetty at the entrance to Yaquina Bay. This is considered an excellent dive for new divers. The fingers offer a shallow sandy area protected from most boat traffic and the speedy currents of a tidal exchange. The fingers are easy, relaxing, and great for sightseeing!
Dive Site Meet time: 10am
Dive Time: 11am-3pm
What to bring: We will be lunching beachside, so plan to pack and bring an appropriate lunch.
Beach Clean-up: In observance of International Coastal Cleanup Day we will also be conucting a beach and underwater cleanup. Divers and nondivers are encouraged to participate by bringing at least one biodegradeable trash bag per person.
Location/Directions: Take the nearest exit from the South side of the Newport Bridge. Head down hill toward the water, and turn left on SW 26th Street, which then takes you to SE Jetty Way and the park.

Oregon Coast Aquarium Behind the Scenes our!
When: Sunday, September 26th, 2010
Join us as we explore the Oregon Coast Aquarium, one of the nation's top rated aquariums! Exhibits include: Passages of the Deep, Jellies, Oddwater, and more!
Meet Time: 10am-3pm
Admission Prices: Adults 18-64 $15.45; Seniors 65+ $13.45; Young Adults 13-17 $12.75; Children 3-12 $ 9.95; Infants/Toddlers 0-2 free
Behind the Scenes Tour: Seven Seas Divers are being treated to a special behind the scenes tour of the aquarium! Space is limited, so interested parties should reserve their spots NOW!

Please call or Email us know if you are interested in joining us for Project AWARE, the dive day, the behind the scenes Aquarium tour, or any combination of these events! If you are interested in carpooling so we may put you in contact with other interested divers.

Click here for the dive day release form

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

Exciting Exploration and Adventure Awaits You in 2011 with Seven Seas Scuba!

2010-08-30T00:08:00.000-07:00

CATALINA ISLAND (2/18/2011-2/21/2011) Catalina Island diving at it's best by boat and from shore! Divers will stay in a cute rental cottage in Avalon on Catalina Island. Continental breakfasts and lunches included! Take advantage of our Early Booking special by September 30th!
MAUI (4/2/2011-4/9/2011) Beat the Winter blues in Maui diving Molikini Crater and some of the island's best from shore! Divers will stay in condominiums with rental vehicles to explore all the island has to offer! Take advantage of our Early Booking special by September 30!
COZUMEL (6/25/2011-7/2/2011) Live the island life for a week on Cozumel at an all-inclusive resort with daily boat dives and unlimited shore dives! Take advantage of our Early Booking special by September 30!
BROWNING PASS, CANADA (9/1/2011-9/5/2011) Enjoy the best of British Columbia diving hidden away in Browning Pass off the North Shore of Vancouver Island. Divers will enjoy up to 4 dives daily, homestyle hearty meals, and floating bunk-house lodging. Take advantage of our Early Booking special by September 30!
FLORIDA (10/26/2011-10/31/2011 or 11/1/2011) Join us as we return to Wreck Alley along the West Florida Coast from Miami to the Keys. Stay an extra day to dive Epcot's Living Seas on Halloween! Take advantage of our Early Booking special by September 30!
FIJI (2/18/2012-2/25/2012) An apex all-inclusive dive trip to the South Pacific diving from Beqa Island, Fiji, featuring over 100 dive sites of breathtaking soft corals, walls, caves, a profusion of tropical fishes, pelagics, and more!

For more trip info, click any of the trip names above or call us at 360.260.9969 to reserve your spot!

Seven Seas Scuba Divers Dove More at Clear Lake, Oregon!

2010-08-24T02:09:00.000-07:00

(photo courtesy of Pat Guthrie, all rights retained)

No, you are not looking at a photo from Hawaii, you are looking at a photo of Seven Seas Divers in Clear Lake, Oregon!

A group of 40+ Seven Seas Divers, family members, and friends, met on Saturday, August 21st at Clear Lake for our annual altitude diving trip. The topside weather was wonderful while underwater a group of 31 divers enjoyed the best diving we have ever experienced at Clear Lake! The lake delivered underwater landscapes that easily rival most any diving location on the planet! Congratulations also goes out to the 19 divers who also successfully completed their Altitude Diver specialty certifications.

Event photos can be found in our Seven Seas Scuba Facebook Fan Page Photo Album!

In-between dives, the diver potluck did not disappoint. This year's yummy dish highlights included a unique popcorn salad, incredible chocolate peanut butter balls, and frosted tollhouse happiness!

Again another incredible day of diving with Seven Seas Divers!

See you all at next month for our first Oregon Coast dive trip on Saturday, September 25th where we plan to dive the Newport Fingers and then do a beach cleanup in honor of International Beach Cleanup Day! Divers wanting to stay the weekend may tour the Oregon Coast Aquarium on Sunday.

August Monthly Shore Dive - Clear Lake, Oregon (Sat. 8/21)

2010-08-15T12:12:00.000-07:00

Seven Seas Divers Annual Clear Lake, Oregon Dive Day!

When: Saturday, August 21st, 2010
Dive Site Meet time: 9am
Dive Time: 10am-2pm
What to bring: We also have a topside diver potluck during the surface interval so please let us know by email what favorite dish you will bring to share (side dish, main dish, dessert, etc.).

Directions:

I-5 South

Exit HWY 22 East (North Santiam Hwy, Take a left on exit)

Stay on HWY 22 through Detroit

At Intersection with HWY 20, (Santiam Hwy) Go Right (Southwest)

At Intersection with Hwy 126 (Clear Lake Belknap Springs Hwy) Head South on Hwy 126

Park Entrance off of Hwy 126, follow signs to Clear Lake Resort

Clear Lake is at an altitude of 3,000'+. If you have never dove at altitude we ask that you take Altitude Diver Specialty training with us on August 17th to learn how to safely plan and execute dives at altitude.

Please call or Email us to let us know you will be joining us for the day and if you would like to join us for the Altitude Diver Specialty course. To discuss carpooling with other divers, Please post on our FaceBook page.

Click here for the dive day release form

ADVISORY NOTE: As we have 20+ Open Water students divers headed North this same weekend, our available rental dive gear will be limited. Please call us Monday regarding your rental gear needs!

So far, 30+ people are signed up to go. is your name on the list? :)

Seven Seas Scuba Divers Dove More at Salt Water State Park!

2010-07-31T12:13:00.000-07:00

A group of 12+ Seven Seas Divers dove Salt Water State Park near Seattle, WA. Lots of underwater critters have populated this man made underwater park giving divers a diversity of sea life to experience!

Another enriching DIVE MORE™ shore dive!

Up next month: Clear Lake, Oregon on Saturday, August 21st!

July Monthly Shore Dive - Salt Water State Park (Sat. 7/17)

2010-06-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Point Salt Water State Park, Puget Sound, WA!

When: Saturday, July 17th
Dive Site Meet time: 9am
Dive Time: 10am-2pm
Click here for a google maps location and more site information

Email us know if you are interested in joining us for the day and if you are interested in carpooling so we may put you in contact with other interested divers.

Click here for the dive day release form

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

GO PRO Info Night this Wed. (6/23) 7-9pm

2010-06-21T13:09:00.000-07:00

Interested in GOING PRO?

Are you looking for a passport to an exciting lifestyle of great diving, travelling, meeting new people, and best of all, working in a job you can really love? Then learn about going pro with us this Wednesday 6/23, from 7-9pm! Don't miss out on special program package pricing for divers ranging from all levels!

The evening will be led by Nicolle and Jon - our two staff Course Directors, Barry Dunford - our PADI Regional Manager, and two guest instructors with 10+ years of instructing abroad!

Please email or call us to let us you plan to join us.

Seven Seas Scuba Divers Dove More at Titlow Beach!

2010-06-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

A group of 16 Seven Seas Divers and 2 topsiders dove Titlow Beach in Tacoma, WA. Divers were greeted with some current expanding their diver experience. Great job by Divemaster Candidate Pat Lynch for buddying up with new diver Cassie Capone and showing her some very cool critters including a few different Giant Pacific Octopuses!

Another enriching DIVE MORE™ shore dive!

Up next month: Salt Water State Park on Saturday, July 17th!

SUMMER SALE: Saturday, June 12th - One Day Only!

2010-06-10T11:39:00.001-07:00

Join us this Saturday, June 12th from 9am to 5pm as we dive into Summer and enjoy fantastic savings on everything!

Dive Equipment
15% off all Bare Drysuits (includes free drysuit specialty course!)
15% off all Fourth Element products
15% off Hydrolights
15% off You-Pick-5 Trident items
15% off Armor Dive Bags
15% off all Miflex hoses
15% off Build Your Own Save-A-Dive Kit (pick your own case, tools, and parts!)
FREE Chameleon Bag with purchase of a Dive Caddy Bag
FREE Weight Bag with the purchase of 2 or more Pocket Weights or 30lbs+ of soft weight
10% off all other store product (includes special orders)
FREE Regulator Bag with the purchase of a regulator

Dive Training
$25 off any recreational course
$75 off any Tec 45 or Tec 50 Course (class deposit required Saturday)
20% off any gear purchase in connection with any Tec or Sidemount class sign-up

Equipment Services
Employee Pricing on all Service Work dropped off Saturday

Dive Adventure
AQUATHERAPY, a new mobile Northwest dive charter run by Captain Bill Stillwell (PADI Divemaster), will be available for walk-throughs in our parking lot!

Break out the board shorts! Summer will arrive on our sale day with sunny skies and 80+ degree weather! :)

Seven Seas Divers June Shore Dive (Saturday, 6/19/2010)

2010-06-10T09:52:00.000-07:00

Titlow Beach!

When: Saturday, June 19th
Dive Site Meet time: 9am
Dive Time: 10am-2pm
Click here for driving directions and more site information

Email us know if you are interested in carpooling so we may put you in contact with other interested divers.

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

The weather forecast is predicting sunny clear skies with a high of 79 degrees for this Saturday! Let's welcome in Summer diving on this beautiful day? So far, 15 people are signed up to go. is your name on the list? :)

PADI Seal Team/AWARE Kids Summer Camp 2010!

2010-06-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

SEAL TEAM SUMMER CAMP!
July 26-30 (9am-1pm)

Interested in introducing your child (ages 8-10) to the world of scuba? PADI Seal Team teaches kids the basics of diving by completing five AquaMissions where they will learn scuba skills in a pool like buoyancy control, mask clearing, regulator recovery, and more. After building a solid foundation of scuba skills, kids can move on to Part Two, the PADI Master Seal Team program where they participate in specialty AquaMissions. Click here for more program information including required release forms!

In addition, kids will also participate in the AWARE Kids program completing five AWARE missions focusing on conservation, recycling, threatened underwater animals, and more. AWARE Kids are the super heros of the underwater world! Hundreds of AWARE Kids across the globe are making a difference right now in their own neighborhoods and schools.

Already a Seal Team Member? Master Seal Team Specialty AquaMissions are also available July 26-30 daily from 2-4pm.

Space is limited so to reserve your child's spot today please call or email us!

May Monthly Shore Dive - 2010 Treasure Hunt (Sun. 5/23)

2010-04-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

In support of the Northwest Dive & Travel Expo show and events, the Treasure Hunt 2010 will serve as May's DIVE MORE shore dive! Divers will plunge for prizes at Owen Beach in Pt. Defiance Park, Tacoma, WA on Sunday, May 23rd at 8:30 a.m.!

Golf balls will be placed in the water, each one representing a fantastic prize. Grab thousands of dollars in exotic trips, local charters, drysuits, wetsuits, regulators, computers and more.

Cost: $25 for Pre-registrants (click here to pre-register online) or $35 at Owen Beach starting at 6:30am on Sunday, May 23rd.

Price includes 1-day admission to the Dive and Travel Expo, the largest consumer diving and travel show in the Pacific Northwest!

Stop by and visit Seven Seas Scuba at Booth #832! Divers wearing Seven Seas Scuba T-Shirts will receive special prizes!

Seafood Watch Coming to Local Washington Area Stores!

2010-04-04T21:41:00.000-07:00

Recently while grocery shopping at my local Whole Foods Market, my questions about certain fish selections they were offering caught the attention of Bruce, the seafood manager, which led to an excellent conversation regarding responsible seafood selection. I was excited to learn that Whole Foods Market locations in Washington are going to start implementing the color-coded seafood rating system as found in the Sustainable Seafood Guide from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Iemanya Oceanica in their seafood departments this year!

These in-store color-coded ratings will make it even easier for customers to keep sustainable options in mind as they make decisions about their seafood purchases.

Interested in learning more about sustainable seafood Choices? Click here to download the current Seafood Watch Sustainable Seafood Pocket Guide or click here to download a Seafood Watch regional guides and recommendations application directly to your iPhone or iPod Touch. These easy-to-use guides make it simple to decide which fish to buy and consume. Your consumer choices do make a difference!

April Monthly Shore Dive - Mukilteo T-Dock (Sat. 4/24)

2010-04-04T21:09:00.000-07:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Mukilteo T-Dock, Washington!

When: Saturday, April 24th
Dive Site Meet time: 9am
Dive Time: 10am-3pm
Click here for a google maps location

Join us as we explore the T-Docks at Mukilteo! This site holds dive excitement for divers of all experience levels with an easy entry and accessible depths varying from 0-130'. Early arrival is recommended for best parking.

Please Email us know if you are interested in joining us for the day. To contact other divers for carpooling or other dive day discussion, please post on our Seven Seas Scuba Facebook Page.

Click here for the dive day release form

NEED GEAR? Call us by Monday, April 19th to reserve your rental gear!

Seven Seas Scuba Divers Dove More at Redondo Beach

2010-03-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

A group of 12 Seven Seas Divers and 2 topsiders met at Redondo Beach in Anacortes, WA, and enjoyed sunny skies and solid viz underwater. The highlight of the day was having 3 of our newly certified divers join us for a great day of Northwest diving!

Event photos can be found on our Seven Seas Scuba Facebook Fan Page!

Another excellent DIVE MORE™ shore dive to a new dive site!

Up next month: Mukilteo on Saturday, April 24th!

March Monthly Shore Dive - Redondo Beach (Sat. 3/27)

2010-03-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Redondo Beach, Seattle, WA!

When: Saturday, March 27th
Dive Site Meet time: 9-10am
Dive Time: 10am-3pm
Click here for a google maps location

Reportedly, the new parking lot has a fee, 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!

Seven Seas Scuba Divers Dove More at Rosario Beach

2010-02-21T11:06:00.000-08:00

A group of 14 Seven Seas Divers and 2 topsiders were again met with sunny blue skies at Rosario Beach in Anacortes, WA. Water was calm but due to the big exchanges in February visibility was less than hoped for, however divers still put their newly aquired Fish ID and Invertebrate ID skills to use! Thanks goes out to Janna Nichols for continuing to bring the Pacific Northwest incredible Fish and Invertebrate identification courses!

Event photos can be found on our Seven Seas Scuba Facebook Fan Page!

Another excellent DIVE MORE™ shore dive to a new dive site!

Up next month: Redondo Beach on Saturday, March 27th!

February Monthly Shore Dive - Rosario Beach (Sat. 2/20)

2010-02-10T11:29:00.000-08:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Rosario Beach, Anacortes, WA!

When: Saturday, February 20th
Dive Site Meet time: 1-2pm (this later start time is to allow for divers attending the PNW Invertebrate ID course at the Shannon Point Marine Center from 9am-1pm to participate and to allow for drive time to this more Northern dive site)
Dive Time: 2pm-5pm
Click here for a google maps location

As this dive will be following the PNW Invertebrate ID course being held at the Shannon Point Marine Center as taught be Janna Nichols, Janna will also be available topside for the Rosario Beach shore dives to assist divers with invertebrate surveys! Put your new identification skills to use!

Please Email us know if you are interested in joining us for the day and if you are interested in carpooling so we may put you in contact with other interested divers.

Click here for the dive day release form

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

ADVISORY NOTE: State Park facilities are closed for the Winter so divers will park at the beach gates and need to be prepared to walk gear 150 yds to water's edge. No public bathrooms will be available.

New Program Launch in 2010: DIVE MORE Tec!

2010-02-09T12:41:00.001-08:00

A group of 3 Discover Tec participants and 3 Seven Seas Scuba staff members kicked off Seven Seas Scuba's new DIVE MORE Tec™ program at Sund Rock in Hoodsport, WA. Earlier in the week 3 different participants checked out Discover Tec in the pool.

Discover Tec is an excellent way for divers to try out tec gear and learn more about the full line of PADI TecRec courses offered at Seven Seas Scuba!

Coming in April and May, more Discover Tec opportunities, Tec 40, and more!

Click here for more info regarding our PADI TecRec courses

Seven Seas Scuba IN THE NEWS: Our Discover Tec event was additionally highlighted on the PADI TecRec Blog found here: http://tecrec.wordpress.com/

Seven Seas Scuba Divers Dove More at Sund Rock!

2010-02-09T12:15:00.000-08:00

A group of 34 Seven Seas Divers and 5 topsiders were again met with open skies at Sund Rock in Hoodsport, WA. Visibility was incredible at 30+ feet! Lots of amazing critters were seen including huge Giant Pacific Octopus (some out hunting), Wolf Eels (some out of their dens exploring), schooling Copper Rockfish, Sea Lemons, Sailfin Sculpins, Water Jellies, and much much more! Teams of divers explored South Wall, North Wall, the deeper wall East from shore, and the Wreck!

What an awesome way to start off an exciting new year of monthly DIVE MORE™ shore dives!

Up next month: Rosario Beach on Saturday, February 20th!

January Monthly Shore Dive - Sund Rock (Sat. 1/30)

2010-01-25T17:52:00.000-08:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Sund Rock, Hoodsport, WA!

When: Saturday, January 30th
Dive Site Meet time: 8am (note this is a NEW TIME to ensure time to car load at Hoodsport n' Dive and parking spots)
Dive Time: 9am-1pm
Click here for a google maps location and more site information

Please Email us know if you are interested in joining us for the day and if you are interested in carpooling so we may put you in contact with other interested divers.

Click here for the dive day release form

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

ADVISORY NOTE: Due to parking limitations and the number of divers planning on joining us on this day, we are asking divers to carpool. We are meeting at Hoodsport n' Dive at 8am to pay for site access and to aditionally consolidate carpooling. Vehicles should have 3+ divers each. If you have 2 or less people, please plan to add your gear to a staff truck and then to park at the top of the site.

Dive Exploration and Adventure Awaits You in 2010 with Seven Seas Scuba!

2010-01-13T11:41:00.001-08:00

BELIZE (5/22-5/29) All-inclusive resort, Whale Sharks at Gladden Spit, Blue Hole, morning boat dives, unlimited shore dives, land excursions! Take advantage of our Early Booking special by January 15th!
SAN JUAN ISLANDS (6/5-6/6) Best weekend for predicted calm currents in 2010!
THE BAHAMAS (7/3-7/9) Experience pirate life, excellent on-board meals & beverages, and unlimited diving on Blackbeard's Cruises Live-aboard!
NANAIMO, CANADA (9/30-10/3) Dive Huge Wrecks & Walls! Take advantage of our Early Booking special by January 15th!
BONAIRE (12/4-12/11) According to Scuba Diving Magazine Reader's Choice Awards, Bonaire Shines With SEVEN #1 Ratings Including #1 Top Overall Diving in the Caribbean/Atlantic! Bonaire also received the #1 ratings for: Top Marine Life, Top Macro Life, Top Snorkeling, Top Shore Diving, Top Underwater Photography and Top Value! Enjoy unlimited shore diving with Enriched Air on our trip! Take advantage of our Early Booking special by January 15th!

For more trip info, click any of the trip names above or call us at 360.260.9969 to sign up!

New Extended Shop Hours starting Monday January 18th!

2010-01-12T18:04:00.001-08:00

To better serve the local dive community, starting Monday, January 18th, Seven Seas Scuba will extend its business hours by opening an hour early at 10am!

New shop hours:

Mon. - Fri. 10am-7pm
Sat. 10am-5pm

Dive Gear Quick Tip - Record Keeping in the New Year

2009-12-28T15:29:00.001-08:00

Your dive gear is an investment, so it may be in your best interest to keep a record of the dive gear you own. Consider our Dive Gear Quick Tip to making record keeping easy:

Take photos of each of your pieces of dive equipment and then simply write corresponding serial numbers, value, service date, and other pertinent information on the back of each photo. You can then store your photos and warranty cards in a safe and secure place for future reference.

Give the Gift of Scuba this Holiday Season!

2009-12-12T00:18:00.000-08:00

Looking for the perfect gift for the holidays? Give the gift of scuba diving! Open Water classes at Seven Seas Scuba have never been better! First, your gift recipient can get started right away with PADI eLearning, completing the classroom portion at his or her own pace – anytime, anywhere!

PADI eLearning is internet based (online) course work that can be accessed from anywhere via the world wide web. PADI's eLearning system gives dive students the flexibility to study course material at their own pace.

After completing the online knowledge-based portion of the course, the dive student then joins us for pool skills and an Enhanced Dive Curriculum unique to Seven Seas Scuba! Our Enhanced Dive Curriculum includes dive theory application, basic dive planning, equipment selection and maintainence, local diving, diving while traveling, and more!

Now diving is more convenient, more effective, and more fun than ever! Stop by Seven Seas Scuba to pick up your Gift Card and eLearning Access Pass before the holidays!

At Seven Seas Scuba, we continue to bring the local diving community and our clients new services, programs, and events!

Seven Seas Scuba Divers Dove More at Les Davis!

2009-12-06T23:51:00.000-08:00

A group of 8 Seven Seas Divers were met with clear skies at Les Davis Marine Park along Tacoma's scenic Ruston Way waterfront. Lots of critters were spotted with a summary list courtesy of Claude Nichols: Ling Cod, Painted Greenling, Black rockfish, Brown rockfish, Copper rockfish, Kelp perch, Pile perch, Striped seaperch, Coonstripe shrimp, Northern kelp crab, Plumose anemones, Tube-dwelling anemones, California Sea cucumbers, Leather stars, Spiny pink stars, Sunflower stars, White-lined dirona, swimming anemones, Cross jellies, Morning stars, Mottled stars, Ochre stars, Painted stars, and Vermilion stars!

What an awesome way to end a beautiful year of monthly DIVE MORE™ shore dives!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! See you all next year as we continue to bring you monthly shore dives (and more Seven Seas Diver events) kicking off 2010 at Sund Rock on Saturday, January 30th!

December Monthly Shore Dive - Les Davis (Sat. 12/5)

2009-11-30T11:36:00.000-08:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Les Davis, Tacoma, WA!

When: Saturday, December 5th
Dive Site Meet time: 9am (earlier arrival ensures a better parking spot at this local favorite site)
Dive Time: 10am-2pm
Click here for a google maps location and more site information

Seven Seas Divers Dove More at Seacrest Cove 2, Seattle, WA!

2009-11-19T14:24:00.000-08:00

Check out the Giant Pacific Octopus Video Andy H. (aka Shark Bait) shot under the wreck of the Honey Bear on the monthly dive!

November Monthly Shore Dive - Seacrest Cove 2 (Sat. 11/14)

2009-11-10T14:05:00.000-08:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Alki Beach, Seacrest Cove 2, Seattle, WA!

When: Saturday, November 14th
Dive Site Meet time: 10am
Dive Time: 11am-3pm
Click here for a google maps location and more site information

Tour of Florida Pictures Now Online

2009-11-08T18:03:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful time on the Tour of Florida last week. From diving the tropical reef of Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, to diving the huge Vandenberg in Key West, to the springs in north Florida and snorkeling with Manatees.

Check out pictures from each day in these galleries:

http://luckyscuba.com/photos.htm

DAN 24-Hour Diving Emergency Hotline Gets NEW PHONE NUMBER

2009-10-25T16:06:00.000-07:00

DAN Debuts "One Call" – One Number, All Assistance

Effective immediately, the phone number for the DAN 24-Hour Diving Emergency Hotline has changed. The new number is (919) 684-9111.

The change, dubbed “One Call,” is part of the continuing mission of Divers Alert Network® (DAN®) to increase the safety of divers. With the new hotline number, divers need only to call a single phone number to activate emergency services, regardless of what kind of emergency assistance is needed.

"Over the last few years, as the benefits and resources we provided the dive industry increased, so did the phone numbers to access the assistance," said Nicholas Bird, MD, vice president of DAN Medical Services. "Divers were getting understandably confused. By simplifying the process to a single phone number, we’ve given divers needing assistance one less thing to think about in a stressful situation."

The new number replaces the need to decide whether to call DAN, TravelAssist to facilitate emergency evacuation, or a medical facility. Simply call DAN at the new hotline number, and all emergency assistance will be triaged and facilitated from there.

"We had a goal this year to streamline our emergency assistance resources," said Dan Orr, president and CEO of DAN. "One Call is a huge step toward that goal, and it’s an extremely positive step in moving diver safety forward."

DAN’s previous hotline numbers will remain in effect for a transitional grace period. However, all divers are encouraged to update their emergency contact information and emergency assistance plans as soon as possible.

As always, in the case of an immediate life-threatening emergency, contact 911 (or the equivalent emergency response system), and then call DAN.

The DAN Emergency Hotline (919-684-9111) is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. It can be reached by collect call or from outside the U.S.

Seven Seas Divers Dove More at the Yellow House!

2009-10-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

(photos courtesy of Pat Guthrie and John Stoltz, all rights retained)

A group of 48 Seven Seas Divers and students met on Saturday, October 17th, 2009 at the Yellow House in Hood Canal, WA for a weekend of diving, Underwater Pumpkin carving, and socializing. The topside weather started out wet, but the skies cleared up Saturday afternoon treating the group to an incredible rainbow spanning the canal.

Several Seven Seas Divers, Open Water student divers, Advanced Open Water dive students, Night Diver Specialty students, and Drysuit Diver Specialty students were diving both at the Yellow House dive site and Sund Rock. Octos, wolfeels, lingcod, schooling black rockfish, grunt sculpins, sailfin sculpins, giant nudibranchs, sea urchins, and more were spotted.

12 Seven Seas Divers carved pumpkins with prizes awarded to the top 3 pumpkins. Congrats to Kim D. for taking the top prize, a Princenton Tec Torrent Dive Light, for her cat pumpkin. Second place, an Enriched Air Fill Card, went to Dan R. for his pumpkin turned "lift bag." Third place, a $15 gift card, went to Wayne H. for his Seven Seas Scuba inspired pumpkin. All pumpkins were excellent and all participants may stop by the dive shop for a free air fill!

Congratulations to all divers who acheived certifications over the weekend!

Again another incredible DIVE MORE™ monthly event with Seven Seas Divers!

See you all at next month as we explore Alki Beach, Seacreast Cove 2 in Seattle on Saturday, November 14th, 2009. Divers interested in staying Saturday night can join us as we tour the Seattle Aquarium and Pike's Place Sunday before heading home.

October Monthly Shore Diving Events - Yellow House aka Diver's Inn, Hoodsport, WA (Sat. 10/17 & Sun. 10/18)

2009-10-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

Seven Seas Divers plan to have a wickedly great time with Halloween activites at the Yellow House in Hood Canal, WA!

Yellow House, Hood Canal WA Dive Day!
When: Saturday, October 17th, 2009
Join us as for unlimited fun dives at the Yellow House in Hood Canal, WA! The Yellow House, aka the Diver's Inn, is a three story vacational rental home that boasts a progressing dive site directly across the highway from the house. In addition to a pvc pipe buoyancy course and diver friendly dive site navigation ropes this site has a number of small wrecks and other underwater objects that have become home to many of the Northwest's fun critters. Divers interested in diving at Sund Rock, may also do so as that site is less than 10 minutes from the house.
Dive Site Meet time: 10am
Dive Time: 11am-3pm
Daytripper Info: Daytripper fee is only $10 per diver per day and includes use of the house amenities such as the dive gear drying room, covered gear up area, wetsuit/drysuit diver clad accessible bathroom, hot tub, and more. Divers interested in staying for the weekend, the Yellow House is FULL. Additional divers are staying at the Glen Ayr and Sunrise Motel.
Saturday Meals: All divers are welcome to participate in the breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner on Saturday by contacting us to bring a $10-15 food item.
Location/Directions: Take I-5 North to Exit 104, Port Angeles / Ocean Beaches . Drive 5.8 miles and turn right at the Highway 101/Highway 8 junction toward Shelton and Port Angeles. Continue north on Highway 101 and just after the green "Entering Hoodsport" sign you will see the the Yellow House directly on the left side of the Highway. Please reference the image above to identify the house. Please think about carpooling and be reminded that we have a number of divers up for the weekend so be mindful of parking to allow parking and access for others.

Click here for the dive day release form

A La Carte Adventure Dives!
When: Saturday, October 17th, 2009 and Sunday, October 18th, 2009
Have you been interested in trying out certain types of diving? Now is your time to pick and choose from several different types of adventure dives: Peak Performance Buoyancy, Underwater Navigator, Search & Recovery, Night, Deep and Wreck
Dive Times: Saturday 10am PPB, 12pm Navigation, 2pm Search & Recovery, 6pm Night; Sunday 9am Deep, 11am Wreck (Sund Rock access fee applies on Sunday)
Prices: $35 per dive. Reminder: students receive a 50% savings on all rental gear (reserve your rental in advance!). Sund Rock access fee for Sunday divers $15 + tax. $25 Adventures in Diving Manual (if applicable - please see below)
Certifications: Divers interested in obtaining their Adventure Diver certification may do so by completing 3 Adventure Dives. Divers interested in obtaining their Advanced Open Water certification may do so by completing 5 Adventure Dives, with two of them being Underwater Navigator and Deep. Certification also requires completion of corresponding knowledge reviews from the Adventures in Diving manuals, which are being sold for a special weekend price of $25!

Please call or Email us know if you are interested in joining us for the dive day, Saturday topside activities, a la carte adventure dives, or any combination of these events! If you are interested in carpooling so we may put you in contact with other interested divers.

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

Seven Seas Divers Dove More at the Oregon Coast!

2009-10-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

(photo courtesy of Pat Guthrie, all rights retained)

A group of 26 Seven Seas Divers, family members, and friends, met on Saturday, September 19th, 2009 at the Newport Fingers on the Oregon Coast in celebration of World Oceans and International Cleanup Day. The topside weather started out a little damp, but the skies cleared up shortly after arriving at the dive site. Underwater a group of 21 divers explored the rocky fingers while picking up underwater debris. Thanks to SOLV, we filled up a number of donated garbage bags with both underwater and topside trash. (Did you know the first Beach Cleanup in the nation was held in Oregon in 1984?)

A group of 18 Seven Seas Divers, family members, and friends, also met on Sunday, September 20th, 2009 for a special behind the scenes Oregon Coast Aquarium tour. Thanks goes out to the incredible aquarium staff for an educational morning!

Congratulations to the 13 Seven Seas Divers who earned their Project AWARE certifications earlier in the week!

Again another incredible DIVE MORE™ monthly event with Seven Seas Divers!

See you all at next month for our Halloween festivity day on Saturday, October 17th, 2009 where we plan to dive at the Yellow House and/or Sund Rock. Divers interested in mastering unwater pumpkin carving, bring your pumpkins and yur carving skills! Topside we will be creating creepy cupcakes, carving pumpkins, and then enjoying a family style potluck dinner.

September Monthly Shore Diving Events - Newport, Oregon (Tues. 9/15, Sat. 9/19, & Sun. 9/20)

2009-09-01T20:14:00.000-07:00

Seven Seas Divers go green, go coastal, and go behind aquarium scenes in Newport, Oregon!

Project AWARE Specialty
When: Tuesday, September 15th, 2009
Learn about some of the most pressing problems facing these vulnerable environments and everyday actions you can take to help conserve them. The Project AWARE Specialty course is informative, interesting and most importantly, you will learn how to make a difference.
Location: Seven Seas Scuba
Class Time: 7-9:30pm
Course Price: Special course price for this event is only $25 with a portion of course fees supporting the Project AWARE Foundation, a nonprofit organization! There is no age limit for this specialty. This specialty is also open to nondivers and divers. Divers can look forward to counting the specialty toward their Master Scuba Diver rating!

Newport, Oregon Fingers Dive Day!
When: Saturday, September 19th, 2009
Join us as Jon Daane leads the Seven Seas Divers in two fun dives at Oregon Coast in Newport, Oregon. The “Fingers” are located along the South Jetty at the entrance to Yaquina Bay. This is considered an excellent dive for new divers. The fingers offer a shallow sandy area protected from most boat traffic and the speedy currents of a tidal exchange. The fingers are easy, relaxing, and great for sightseeing!
Dive Site Meet time: 10am
Dive Time: 11am-3pm
What to bring: We will be lunching beachside, so plan to pack and bring an appropriate lunch.
Beach Clean-up: In observance of World Oceans and International Cleanup Day, we will also be conucting a beach and underwater cleanup. Divers and nondivers are encouraged to participate by bringing at least one biodegradeable trash bag per person.
Location/Directions: Take the nearest exit from the South side of the Newport Bridge. Head down hill toward the water, and turn left on SW 26th Street, which then takes you to SE Jetty Way and the park.

Oregon Coast Aquarium Behind the Scenes our!
When: Sunday, September 20th, 2009
Join us as we explore the Oregon Coast Aquarium, one of the nation's top rated aquariums! Exhibits include: Passages of the Deep, Jellies, Oddwater, and more!
Meet Time: 10am-3pm
Admission Prices: Adults 18-64 $14.95; Seniors 65+ $12.95; Young Adults 13-17 $12.25; Children 3-12 $ 9.45; Infants/Toddlers 0-2
Behind the Scenes Tour: Seven Seas Divers are being treated to a special behind the scenes tour of the aquarium! Space is limited, so interested parties should reserve their spots NOW!

Please call or Email us know if you are interested in joining us for Project AWARE, the dive day, the behind the scenes Aquarium tour, or any combination of these events! If you are interested in carpooling so we may put you in contact with other interested divers.

Click here for the dive day release form

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

NEW!! Beneath Emerald Waters, Scuba Diving Locations in Puget Sound Dive Map Brochure

2009-09-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Take the plunge using this new map from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife which highlights 45 diving sites in Puget Sound and provides information about the following marine habitats: eelgrass, kelp beds, mud sand and rocky habitats. People can learn more about marine life at one of the 10 marine science centers listed on the map. Information is provided on marine protected areas, dive safety and local current information.

You may pick up your FREE copy at Seven Seas Scuba or download a PDF version of it here!

Seven Seas Scuba Divers Dove More at Clear Lake, Oregon - LOTS MORE!

2009-08-17T21:44:00.001-07:00

(photo courtesy of Pat Guthrie, all rights retained)

A group of 40 Seven Seas Divers, family members, and friends, met on Saturday, August 15th at Clear Lake, Oregon for our annual altitude diving trip. The topside weather was wonderful while underwater a group of 27 divers experienced spectacular waterscapes, some of who joined us this year from France, Guatemala, and British Columbia! Congratulations to the 14 who also earned their Altitude Diver specialty certifications.

In-between dives, the diver potluck did not disappoint. This year's yummy dish highlights included the most flavorful sausage balls and a delightful strawberry rhubarb pie duo!

Again another incredible day of diving with Seven Seas Divers!

See you all at next month for our first Oregon Coast dive trip on Saturday, September 19th where we plan to dive the Newport Fingers and then do a beach cleanup in honor of World Oceans and International Beach Cleanup Day! Divers wanting to stay the weekend may tour the Oregon Coast Aquarium on Sunday.

August Monthly Shore Dive - Clear Lake, Oregon (Sat. 8/15)

2009-08-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

Seven Seas Divers Annual Clear Lake, Oregon Dive Day!

When: Saturday, August 15th, 2009
Dive Site Meet time: 10am
Dive Time: 11am-3pm
What to bring: We also have a topside diver potluck during the surface interval so please let us know what favorite dish you will bring to share (side dish, main dish, dessert, etc.).
Directions:

I-5 South
Exit HWY 22 East (North Santiam Hwy, Take a left on exit)
Stay on HWY 22 through Detroit
At Intersection with HWY 20, (Santiam Hwy) Go Right (Southwest)
At Intersection with Hwy 126 (Clear Lake Belknap Springs Hwy) Head South on Hwy 126
Park Entrance off of Hwy 126, follow signs to Clear Lake Resort

Clear Lake is an a an altitude of 3,000'+. If you have never dove at altitude we recommend you join us for our Altitude Diver Specialty course on August 13th to learn how to safely plan dives at altitude.

Please call or Email us know if you are interested in joining us for the day, if you are interested in carpooling so we may put you in contact with other interested divers, and if you would like to join us for the Altitude Diver Specialty course.

Click here for the dive day release form

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

August Gear Special - ScubaPro!

2009-08-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

SCUBAPRO 100% Credit Back!

Buy the SCUBAPRO UWATEC Dive Package of your choice (BCD, dive computer and regulator system) and 100% of the retail price of your recent SCUBAPRO mask, fin, and snorkel purchase will be credited to the cost of the dive package at Seven Seas Scuba!

It's just that easy - pick and purchase your own gear package, and walk away with the SCUBAPRO mask, fins and snorkel of your choice, free!

Stop by the shop to put your package together today!

PADI Course Director Training in the Dominican Republic!

2009-07-23T15:30:00.000-07:00

Nicolle Pratt, Director of Training for Seven Seas Scuba, just successfully completed the PADI Course Director Training Course. 38 candidates, making up 6 teams, from all over the world met for 10 days in the Dominican Republic. Pictured above are her teammates, the Naranja All Stars!

[Pictured from left to right Front Row: Nicolle Pratt - Seven Seas Scuba USA, Daniel Schmid - Tauchsport Kaiser Switzerland, John Carlin - Aquatic Elements UK; Back Row: Sam Rutherford - Skin n' Scuba USA, Ron Bland - Tortuga Bay USA, Roberto Parola - Narwhal Brazil]

Seven Seas Scuba Divers Dove More at Salt Water State Park!

2009-07-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

(photo courtesy of Matt Garrett, all rights retained)

A group of 10 Seven Seas Divers were met with beautiful weather at Saltwater State Park on July 11th. The mission was to explore the newly installed (earlier this year) artificial reef. Although it took some exploration to locate the reef the mission was accomplished! Originally the reefs location was clearly marked with four bouys but, NONE were present for us. After an exercise swim to a fisherman's crab pot bouy we moved back into about 35 - 40 feet of water and navigated North until we located the reef system.

The reefs are definitly attracting some residents! Barnicles are attaching all over the concrete pilings, crab remains indicated possible wolf eel and or octopus activity, small rock fish and bass were enjoying the protection of crevises between boulders, and sightings of ratfish, flounder, and dogfish were abundant. Reports also included several lions manes and moon jellys manouvering thier way around us. The water was merky and full of plankten on the surface but, at depth our group experienced 35+ feet visibility... not bad and what an opportuinity to see the structure that was created here.

Again another wonderful day of diving with Seven Seas Divers!

See you all at next month at our annual altitude dive day at Clear Lake, OR on Saturday, August 15th!

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION July 25th-26th!

2009-07-13T10:26:00.001-07:00

Join us for special hours on Saturday, July 25th, 10am - 5pm, and Sunday, July 26th, 10am - 3pm as we celebrate a wonderful five years of scuba adventures!

Enjoy diver appreciation specials including new dive gear, rental sales, free air fills, and more!

July Monthly Shore Dive - Salt Water State Park (Sat. 7/11)

2009-07-01T08:00:00.001-07:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Point Salt Water State Park, Puget Sound, WA!

When: Saturday, July 11th
Dive Site Meet time: 10am
Dive Time: 11am-3pm
Click here for a google maps location and more site information

Email us know if you are interested in joining us for the day and if you are interested in carpooling so we may put you in contact with other interested divers.

Click here for the dive day release form

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

Seven Seas Scuba Divers Dove More at Point Whitney!

2009-06-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

(photo courtesy of Nicolle Pratt, all rights retained)

A group of about 10 divers led by Seven Seas Scuba dive shop owner, Billy Snook, explored Point Whitney North of Mike's Beach Resort in Hood Canal, WA on Saturday June 13th. Diver reports came back noting great visibility, warm water temps, and tons of underwater life to see. This included some amazing Lions Manes which are majestic and etherial to view from afar. Note the afar as close encounters can result in some minor stings and although discomforting at the time stings are temporary. Current reports are the Lions Mane migration has dissapaited.

Diver teams reportedly saw a number of healthy Giant Pacific Octopuses, always a delight to see at dive sites.

Again another wonderful day of diving with Seven Seas Divers!

See you all at next month at Salt Water State Park on Saturday, July 11th!

June Monthly Shore Dive - Point Whitney (Sat. 6/13)

2009-06-09T09:47:00.000-07:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Point Whitney, Hood Canal!

When: Saturday, June 13th
Dive Site Meet time: 10am
Dive Time: 11am-3pm
Click here for driving directions, parking fee, and more site information

Email us know if you are interested in joining us for the day and if you are interested in carpooling so we may put you in contact with other interested divers.

Click here for the dive day release form

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

Seven Seas Scuba Divers Dove More at Sunnyside Beach!

2009-05-31T14:48:00.000-07:00

(photo courtesy of Pat Guthrie, all rights retained)

Amazing topside weather, wonderful dive buddies, the best underwater visibility reported in the Puget Sound for the day, and lots of fun was enjoyed by 25 divers and 3 topsiders at Sunnsyside Beach on Saturday, May 16th.

After a great dive site briefing by newly minted Divemaster Bob Daane, buddy teams headed into the water to explore the pipeline and pier pilings. Lots of little critters were out and about including yet another Pacific Spiny Lumpsucker sighting by drysuit dive student Kristy! An extremely teeny tiny juvenile sailfin sculpin was also spotted and shared with some open water divers.

All in all an excellent day for diving and hanging out with super cool Seven Seas Divers!

See you all at next month at Point Whitney on Saturday, June 13th!

FREE AIR SUNDAY!! (May 17th 10am-3pm)

2009-05-15T13:07:00.001-07:00

That's right, we are offering FREE AIRFILLS* and we will be open on a special day at special times: this Sunday, May 17th from 10am to 3pm!

Need to drain your tank before Sunday, join us on our monthly fun dive at Sunnyside Beach on Saturday, May 16th! Meet time 9am, dive time 10am-2pm. Dive details blogged below.

This is our way to thank Seven Seas Divers and just in time to prepare for fund diving on Memorial Day weekend!

*Offer valid on personal tanks. Enriched air, Argon, and trimix not included.

May Monthly Shore Dive - Sunnyside Beach (Sat. 5/16)

2009-05-12T11:47:00.000-07:00

Seven Seas Divers dive Sunnyside Beach!

When: Saturday, May 16th
Dive Site Meet time: 9am
Dive Time: 10am-2pm
Click here for driving directions, parking fee, and more site information

Email us know if you are interested in carpooling so we may put you in contact with other interested divers.

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

So far, 12 people are signed up to go. is your name on the list? :)

Warmer locations await you with Seven Seas Scuba!

2009-05-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

Hawaiian Airlines

KONA, HAWAII (5/23-6/1): Flights still as low as $471!
FLORIDA (10/27-11/2): Flights now LOWER starting at $198!!

For more trip info, click any of the trip names above or call us at 360.260.9969 to sign up!

In case you don't know what you could be missing, check out the footage below from a Manata Ray dive in Kona! (Yanni performing live underwater, however, is not included)

Superior Service Center!

2009-05-03T15:43:00.000-07:00

Time to have your gear serviced? Visit Seven Seas Scuba's advanced Service Center run by manufacturer trained and certified technicians using factory specific tools and up-to-date testing procedures. Tank inspections are performed in accordance with criteria set forth by Professional Scuba Inspectors, Inc. All services are accompanied by a detailed report of work performed. Mail-in and expedite services available!

Visit our Service Center webpage for more information regarding services and pricing.

Discover the San Juan Islands Underwater!

2009-05-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

Join the Seven Seas Divers as they explore San Juan Island dive sites with Naknek Charters, a Bandito Charter affiliate, on Saturday, May 30th!

The San Juan Islands are well noted as offering some of the very best diving in the area and what better way to discover such sites than from a boat with one of the best boat crews around!

$85 includes 2 dives, lunch and snacks. Email now to reserve your spot.

April Dive Specialty of the Month: Underwater Digital Photographer

2009-04-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

If you answer yes to any or all of the following questions, this class is for you!

Ever want to show your family and friends all the cool critters you see when you're diving?

Baffled by f-stops and shutter speeds, and all that fancy digital photo equipment?

Wish U/W digital photography was made simple?

Here's your chance to learn about Underwater Digital Photography from published photographer, Janna Nichols! You can see Janna's incredible photos splashed all over the Seven Seas Scuba website!

Thursday, April 16th - Classroom session 6:30-9:30pm

Janna will be leading a pre-dive day classroom presentation discussing and emphasizing the following:

Elements of great photographs Targeted at shooting photos in our unique Pacific Northwest waters - which is quite different than diving in tropical waters!

Different kinds of digital cameras

Care of digital photography equipment

Saturday, April 18th - Dives 10am - 3pm

Dives will be held at Saltwater State Park in conjunction with the Pacific NW Critterwatchers quarterly survey dive and BBQ! Currents are predicted to mild that day so it should be nice conditions for underwater phtography. Click here for more info regarding the dive day. Saltwater State Park has a new artifical reef that just premiered in February 2009! Click here for more info regarding increasingly popular dive site!

Thursday, April 23rd - Classroom session 6:30-9:30pm

Janna will lead a follow-up classroom session to discuss:

The ins and outs of digital images

The selection of keeper shots

How to download, organize, back up, and touch up digital images using editing software

This is a FUN, hands on, no boring lecture class! Class price is $125 and includes specialty certification card, Digital Underwater Photographer manual, and white balance slate. Students must bring their own (or borrowed/rented) camera and housing to use in class. Camera rentals are available from Aquatica Camera through Seven Seas Scuba.

Please contact the dive shop to reserve your spot in class and pick up your materials in advance!

April Monthly Shore Dive - 2009 Treasure Hunt (Fri. 4/24)

2009-04-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

In support of the Northwest Dive & Travel Expo show and events, this month Seven Seas Divers will be participating the the 2009 Treasure Hunt on Friday, April 24th at Owen Beach in Pt. Defiance Park, Tacoma, WA!

Participating divers have chances to win thousands in great prizes!

Cost: $25 for Pre-registrants (click here to pre-register online) or $35 At the door (8:30am on 4/24)

Price includes admission to the Dive and Travel Expo (Saturday, April 25th - Sunday, April 26th), the largest consumer diving and travel show in the Pacific Northwest!

Stop by and visit the Seven Seas Scuba and Aquatica Camera booth! We will be located across from the pool in the middle of the Tacoma Convention Center exhibition floor!

Seven Seas Divers March Shore Dive (Saturday, 3/21/2009)

2009-03-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

Redondo Beach!

When: Saturday, March 21st
Dive Site Meet time: 9am
Dive Time: 10am-2pm
Click here for driving directions and more site information

Email us know if you are interested in carpooling so we may put you in contact with other interested divers.

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

So far, 12 people are signed up to go. is your name on the list? :)

Spring Gear Specials and Oceanic Rewards!

2009-03-03T14:51:00.000-08:00

NOW THROUGH MARCH 31ST! Bare BCs on sale 10% off IN STOCK IN ALL SIZES

NOW THROUGH MAY 31ST Save 10-15% on all safety equipment, lights, and dive bags!

Click here for detailed info

OCEANIC REWARDS - Save even more off Oceanic products!

Being a Seven Seas Scuba customer has its rewards - like getting DISCOUNTS ON THE LATEST OCEANIC GEAR just for sharing the underwater world with your friends and family.

In fact, every time you refer a friend who signs up for our scuba class, you'll both get $50 OFF OCEANIC GEAR!

As you already know, diving is one of the most exciting and rewarding activities you can do. Now it's easier than ever for your friends to get started. Just forward this message onto your friend and ask that they bring a copy of this email with them to sign up - and we'll take $50 off their purchase of Oceanic gear.

The More You Refer, the More You Save!

You can get $50 OFF ANY OCEANIC GEAR IN OUR STORE when you refer and sign up a friend. There's no limit to the savings you can enjoy!

Just tell your friends and let's take them diving!

Seven Seas Scuba Divers Dove More at Titlow Beach!

2009-02-26T12:20:00.000-08:00

(photo courtesy of Janna Nichols, all rights retained)

Sunny skies, good buddies, and lots of fun was enjoyed by the 17 divers and 2 topsiders at Titlow Beach on Saturday.

After a dive site briefing, 6 buddy teams headed into the water to explore the pilings and/the ledges. The pilings were covered in Plumose Anemones and invertebrates, which really take center stage during the Winter months, and made for interesting dives.

After a surface interval 7 buddy teams hit the water for a second dive yielding many "firsts" for some of the divers! Thanks to Georgia Arrow's invertebrate expertise and guidance several divers identified: nudibranchs (really that isn’t a rock or a piece of vegetation!), juvenile Wolf Eels, and even a Pacific Spiny Lumpsucker!! Divemaster Christine came out of the water declaring, "I think I just saw a Furbee underwater!" "Did it look like a golf ball with a tiny fin on top?" "Yes!" An exciting spotting of an unusual critter much to the chagrin of one Fish and Invertebrate expert Janna Nichols who has yet to spot a spiny lumpsucker in anything but the Seattle Aquarium.

See you all at next month at Redondo Beach on Saturday, March 21st!

Seven Seas Divers February Shore Dive (Saturday, 2/21/2009)

2009-02-18T11:27:00.000-08:00

Titlow Beach!

When: Saturday, February 21st
Dive Site Meet time: 9am
Dive Time: 10am-2pm
Click here for driving directions and more site information

Email us know if you are interested in carpooling so we may put you in contact with other interested divers.

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

So the weather forecast is predicting partly sunny with highs in the mid 50s for Saturday! Could we ask for better weather for February diving? So far, 16-20 people are signed up to go. is your name on the list? :)

Google Earth Goes Underwater!

2009-02-04T16:43:00.000-08:00

Google has just announced it first upgrade to its global mapping software, Google Earth.

Google Ocean expands their Google Earth program to include large areas of the ocean floor. Users can "virtually dive" underwater to explore the 3D sea floor terrain. This program also features information from the world's leading scientists, researchers, and ocean explorers.

Click here to download Google Earth 5.0: http://earth.google.com/ocean/.

While the launch of Google Ocean is reminding the general public that approximately 70% of the world's surface is covered by water, which contains nearly 80% of all life - yet less than 5% of it has actually been explored, we know who those explorers are...scuba divers!

Ready to explore more? Join us on our next Seven Seas Diver adventure!