Newsletter Extra

July Newsletter

Summer School can be fun! Summer is in full swing, which means there are a lot of families visiting Oahu for summer vacation. So far this season I have had the pleasure certifying many new young scuba divers. In fact, participating in a PADI open water certification course has many benefits. Students continue to learn about both marine life and some basic ideas of physics, but best of all, parents get a 3-day break!!! With age limits beginning at 10 yrs for the Jr. Open Water Diver, scuba diving has become a family sport for all ages. It's great to go diving with 3 generations of the same family at the same time. To see an example of having fun while learning, click here, or on picture to view QuickTime movie (3.0 mb).

Creature Feature CRABS In Hawaii, small crabs are common along rocky shores and under rocks in shallow water. The larger crabs with commercial value usually inhabit muddy, brackish or sandy environments. One the largest Hawaiian species is a deep-sea dweller named the Japanese Homolid Crab with a leg span of 3ft. The general name for crabs in Hawaiian is papi'i but many groups have special names like kumimi (inedible crabs), kukuma ("grapsid crabs", marsh, shore and talon crabs), 'elekuma (small "xanthid crabs", mud crabs) and pokipoki ("calappidae crabs", box crabs). Prominent or unusual species have their own unique Hawaiian names. In old times as now, crabs were prized for their flavor. Crabs were eaten raw, salted or cooked. Some inedible species were used for in sorcery or medicine. Click Here or on image to view movie (4.0 mb)

7-11 Crab

Dive Site of the month The Corsair Depth: 107 feet Location: South Shore Visibility: often 100+ feet Level: Intermediate - Advanced Sea Life: Octopus, Moray Eels, Eagle & Hawaiian Sting Rays, Oceanic Sharks, Big Eyes (in wreck), large schools of Yellow Tail Goat Fish and a huge colony of Hawaiian Garden Eels In 1946, Lieutenant Holden was piloting a U.S.Navy F4U-1A Gull Wing Corsair Fighter on a training mission when he had to make a "dead stick landing", due to mechanical problems. Lt. Holden was rescued safely however, the plane settled in 107 feet of water on the sandy bottom leaving behind an "intact" relic with the canopy open, tail hook down, propeller bent, and instruments & gull-wing clearly visible. This rare piece of history is one of the Oahu's original wrecks. Discovered only 8 -10 yrs ago, it is now a very popular dive site, however be advised, it is often accompanied by STRONG currents and choppy seas. Recommended for advanced divers only! Click here or on image to view movie (1.94 mb)

A Personal Note On a slightly more personal note, I would like to say Mahalo & Congratulations to two very dear friends of mine. I first met Ray and Cyndee at Sharks Cove during my first summer season in the video business. Right from the start they were supportive of my new business endeavor and their cheerful nature and passionate love for diving brought us together as friends. Over the next 2 ½ yrs, they guided and certified me from an Advanced Open Water Diver to the Instructor level that I am today. Their combined knowledge of the sport taught me many crucial elements to life as an SCUBA instructor. Some I have actually had to apply and therefore am especially grateful for their insights. Well it has FINALLY happened!!! They are now…… Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Frey! And as one would expect, I videotaped the beautiful ceremony on the beach. Weddings for divers don't always have to be underwater. Watch the movie and see for yourself. Many Congrat's and Thanks to Ray and Cyndee and I expect many fun years of diving ahead!! I love you guys! ScubaDrew Click here or on image to view movie (2.7 mb)

KEEP OUR OCEANS BLUE

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