Holidays at the Divers House

`Part 1 – Stuffing Stockings’

What does the diver want to find in his/her stocking? Easy..

·         Noise Maker

o   Name brands include; Scuba Bells, Aqua Maraca ($10 to $20)

o   Allows the diver to get others attention

o   Great budget friendly option for new divers

·         Indicator Light

o   Small, reusable light, can be attached to anchor line or to your tank on a night dive.

o   Environmentally friendly alternative to one use glow sticks

o   Price, usually under $20, or sometimes comes as part of a light kit.  Extra batteries can be found at the dollar store.

·         O-Rings

o   Small pack is about $5 to $10

o   KNOW if your diver will be diving Nitrox or Air

o   Can be bought in a handy key chain that looks like a scuba tank

·         Silicone Lube

o   A must for any seal, flashlights, camera’s and great to pre-treat zippers on wet/dry suits (and winter boots).

o   About $5

·         Anti-Fog / Defog

o   Can come in gel or spray format, used for masks

o   Some divers have a particular favourite product (sneak a peak in their dive bag)

o   Can run between $7 to $15

First Rants..

First Blog

As this is my first blog, I could spend my time quoting the number of dives, the depths I’ve reached and the amazing places I’ve had the pleasure of diving.  However that would defeat the purpose of this blog.  It’s more about the amazing people, whom you get to share your experiences with…

That being said, my first official outing as the new Communications person for the Ajax Scuba Club was a Christmas get together hosted by Pat and Ellen.  Beautiful home, delicious nibbles and warm inviting people.  An absolute perfect setting to relax, chat, and build the connections that matter.

Huge hugs and many happy thank you’s to our gracious hosts Pat and Ellen.

If you are going to dive with people, trust is a huge part of that, and getting a chance away from the boat and the hustle of setting up equipment while listing to a dive briefing, priceless.

The members of the Ajax Scuba Club are more of a family then a club, even when we first joined I was very surprised to feel so welcomed.  This night was no different, and I found myself in conversations with familiar dive buddies while sharing stories with new friends.

The conversation soon turned to the task at hand and what I would Blog about?  Many great ideas were shared (thank you Glenn, Colin and Pat for giving me a head start), and so without further ado I give you my first rant…

Run Ajax

On Sunday September 22, 2013 a group of Ajax Scuba Club volunteers met at 8 am to get prepared for our duties manning two water stations set up along the Run Ajax race route.   Let me tell you it was a chilly morning, but the sun soon warmed things up. 

Runners and walkers were doing a 5K or a half marathon.  We were inspired by every single person who came by and hope we were able to encourage and motivate them to keep going!

We handed out water and Poweraid, and even managed to give out a Ajax Scuba Club brochure to a runner who requested it :)

 

Over lunch at Magwyers Pub later on, we caught up with our own member Audrey Wood, who proudly showed off her 5K medal and a personal best!   Way to go Audrey!!

We congratulate all the runners and walkers and hope we provided some refreshment and encouragement along the way!

Laura

Ajax Scuba Club visits the wrecks of the Thousand Islands

Summer is upon us and you know what that means - dive season is underway in Ontario!   Here's an entry written by Ajax Scuba Club president Colin O'Hare on his recent dive trip with the Club to the 1,000 Islands.   

 

 It's been a long time since I dove the wrecks of the 1,000 Islands so I had forgotten just how amazing they are!  The water was warm, the visibility great, and the scenery amazing… not to mention the picture perfect weather we had. 

 

Boldt Castle - Checking in to US Customs 

Each morning we wound our way through the maze of Islands to Boldt Castle to check-in with American Customs.   It had been so long since I had last seen Boldt castle that my first view left me in awe.  It was like we were in some small Eastern European country.   The castle perched up on top of a hill surrounded by water, (as most Islands are).   Then each evening we retired to our camp sites at Ivy Lea campground, gathering around the fire at night. It was a great way to catch up with some old friends and a good way to meet some new ones. 

 

On the Saturday we dove the Keystorm and the America, then the Vickery and Kingshorn on the Sunday. Well, my buddy and I didn’t dive the Vickery on the Sunday due to some equipment issues, but we worked it out and got to dive the Kingshorn.

 

I enjoyed the dives on the Keystorm and Kingshorn the most!   The Keystorm lies on its side in about 50 to 120ft of water.   It had been a long time since I dove this wreck so my buddy lead the way taking me through a passage under the hull (which I didn’t know existed) to emerge on the other side.   We continued on down to the rudder and prop then made our way back to the wheelhouse swimming through the ships holds.   We were able to swim through the wheel house and then over to see what had doomed this ship.   A large hole punched in the side of the wreck sent it to its watery grave on the rocky shoal where it now rests.   I think it was the visibility that made this dive so amazing.   It was almost as clear as the Caribbean waters and just about as warm! 

 

 Ajax Scuba Club divers coming back up from their dive

The next was the Kingshorn which lies in 60-90ft of water just 300 yards off the Rockport dock.   This wreck was a nice easy dive with lots to look at, in particular the ships wheel and a number of items from the ships galley.    It was an interesting wreck with some easy swim-throughs,  and it was a great dive to cap off the weekend.

 

Over the past number of years Kingston and Point Traverse have been my favourite places to dive, but the 1,000 Islands really opened my eyes in terms of what it has to offer to the recreational diver.   If you plan to dive these wrecks, don't forget your passport :) 

 

I look forward to diving this area again next year!

Colin

Emergency First Aid Course - Sunday May 26, 2013

The Ajax Scuba Club is offering an Emergency First Aid + Adult/Child CPR course.

When:  Sunday May 26, 2013

Where:  Ajax Community Centre

Time:  8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Cost:  $105.00

Advanced registration is required.  There are only FOUR spots remaining so if you are interested please contact our Training Director at training@ajaxscubaclub.on.ca  to sign up or call us at 905-619-2159.    This course is open to the public. 

 

This course is of particular interest to anyone who needs to refresh their skills as part of the Rescue Diver or Divemaster certification. 

 

 

 

Your Gear - Your Lifeline.

Are you ready for the upcoming dive season?  What about your gear?  Has anything happened to it since you prepared it for winter storage several months ago?  When was the last time you had your gear serviced?
 

 Comfort, fit and performance of your scuba gear are all part of an enjoyable dive.   As part of our basic scuba certification, we all know that Scuba Cylinders require visual inspection every year and hydrostatic testing every five years.  What about regulators or Buoyancy Compensators (BCD’s)?  What about your basic snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel)?  Also included in this big question is your wetsuit/drysuit.
 

Mask:  Does it still fit comfortably?  Was it protected from the elements while in storage?  Has something been pressing on it causing it to deform?  The last thing you want during a dive is to find that your mask will not seal.  Try it on now.  Is it comfortable?  Can you hold it on your face without using the strap by a gentle inhalation from your nose?

 

Fins: Examine the blade for signs of age and the foot pocket to ensure that it will not present ‘pressure points’ on your foot, which can cause fatigue or discomfort.

 

Snorkel: A simple device that allows you to swim with your head in the water.  What could possibly go wrong with such a simple thing?  Does it have a purge valve?  Is it a multi-part construction (more than one piece)?  Check the joints between the individual parts.  Examine the mouth piece for fatigue.  If you are able, make sure the purge valve is free of contaminants.

 

Scuba Cylinders: Look at the neck of the tank for the last hydrostatic test date.  If it will be 5 years since the last test during this dive season, then NOW would be a good time to get it hydro’d.  Look on the tank body for the date of the last visual inspection.  The tank cannot be filled after this date.  If it will be expiring during the dive season, then NOW would be a good time to have it inspected by a certified facility.

 

BCD’s: When was the last time you serviced your BCD?  There are many things you can do to maintain your own BCD.  Salt, sand, chlorine, can all have an effect.  Keeping it clean and dry between dives is a good start.  Take a moment and inflate your BC.  Go away and do something else and come back in a while and examine its status.  Is it still inflated the way that you left it?  If not, you might need to have it looked at.
 

Regulators: This device provides breathing air to you while you are enjoying your dive.  An annual inspection / servicing is a wise thing to do, and in many cases is a requirement for warranty purposes.  Unless you are certified to maintain your regulators, it is advisable to have a certified technician perform any service.

 

The Ajax Scuba Club has equipment available for members to use during courses and club dives.  This equipment requires regular maintenance.   Ajax Scuba Club uses trained professionals to service our rental equipment.    Likewise, you should get to know the fantastic folks at Dive Source in Oshawa, or Innerspace Divers Supply in Pickering.  Either of these fine dive shops can professionally service your gear. 

 

The Ajax Scuba Club would like to thank Brian Pollock of Dive Source for his generous support of our club this year.  It is most gratefully appreciated. 

 

 

 

 

 

REVOLUTION - the new film by Canadian Director Rob Stewart

Rob Stewart, the director and star of the acclaimed documentary Sharkwater, continues his remarkable journey with the stunning new release of Revolution.  Filmed over four years, this new project takes him through 15 countries in an effort to uncover the truth and find the secret to saving the world's ecosystems.

This film will debut in theatres on April 12, 2013 (Toronto included).   For a chance to win tickets to the premiere and a copy of Rob Stewart's new book "Save the Humans', please click here. 

 

Director, Rob Stewart

Ajax Scuba Club - Annual Spring General Meeting - Sunday April 14th, 2013

The next Spring General Meeting of the Ajax Scuba Club will be held on Sunday, April 14th from 1:00 - 5:00 pm.  Please note change of venue this year. 

Location:  The McLean Centre
                 Community Room 3
                 95 Magill Drive
                 Ajax, ON
                

As in the past, club members will have an opportunity to select their preferred dives for the upcoming dive season.  Dive charters are now being booked.  This meeting is also open to anyone not currently a member but who is interested in learning more about the club or who wishes to dive with us this year. 

 

In addition to the dive selection process, the Executive Committee will also provide attendees with updates including social events planned for the coming year. 

 

We encourage you to attend this important meeting on April 14th. 

Click here for map. 

Pat Doherty
Secretary,
Ajax Scuba Club

Save Ontario Shipwrecks Symposium

The Niagara Divers' Association will present its 19th Annual Shipwrecks Symposium, "Shipwrecks/2013" on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at Centennial High School, 240 Thorold Road, Welland, Ontario.

 

Cost is $49 per person, with lunch, refreshments and door prizes included.  This is an all-day event, running from 9:00 am till 5:00 pm. 

 

This year there will be eight primary multimedia presentations and a number of 5-minute shorts designed to introduce new topics and speakers.    This is a great opportunity to learn about our shipwrecks and meet some new diving friends. 

 

Please click on the link below the picture for further details and to register online. 

Click here for registration information

 

Meet Your Instructor - Paul Wood

Today let's introduce you to Paul Wood, an instructor with the Ajax Scuba Club.

Paul was first certified in 1999, and became a PADI Scuba Diving Instructor in 2004.  He has been certifying all our Open Water Students since then!   In addition to the Open Water course, Paul is certified to teach through PADI up to and including Assistant Instructor. 

 

 

Paul has lived in Ajax for over 50 years.  He is a past Rotarian and has owned community-based businesses.   In 2007, Paul had a vision to help raise funds for the Ajax/Pickering hospital.  He chaired a committee which came up with an idea to do a fundraiser with the help of the Ajax Scuba Club and local sponsors.   This scuba diving marathon and silent auction successfully raised over $8,000 for the hospital.  The money  raised  bought equipment for the new maternity ward. 

During his time as a club member, Paul has served as Dive Coordinator, Training Director, Promotions Director and President.  He has volunteered his time for many Ajax Santa Claus parades and helped to represent the club at Home Week events.

 

It's not surprising to see Paul's wife Audrey helping out with the instruction of courses taught at the club, since she is a Divemaster.  Their youngest of two daughters is also a certified diver.  Home away from home and favourite place to dive is Roatan, Honduras, which they have now visited six times.  Paul's other dive travels have also taken him to the Florida Keys, Bahamas, North Carolina, Nova Scotia & Cape Breton Island, the eastern coast of the United States, and the Great Lakes.   All of these locations allow Paul to capture great memories as an underwater videographer. 

 

Anybody contemplating learning to dive should know that Paul loves teaching scuba diving because he gets to see the look on a student's face when they master a skill for the first time!   We hope you get a chance to meet him soon, and experience this for yourself :) 

Come and see the Ajax Scuba Club at the Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show!

Once again, the Outdoor Adventure Show is making an appearance in Toronto on February 22, 23 & 24th, 2013.  If you've never been to this show before, this is a perfect opportunity to check it out! 

 

Located at the International Centre in Mississauga, this is Canada's largest adventure show with over 300 exhibits, + free parking.    There is something for every outdoor enthusiast here, whether under water or on land, and there is a dedicated area known as Scuba World just for us divers :)

The Ontario Underwater Council will have a booth at the show, staffed by volunteers from various dive clubs around Ontario.  Why not plan to come out and  meet the Ajax Scuba Club at this booth on Friday February 22 between 2:00 - 4:00 pm or Saturday February 23 between 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm.  We can answer any questions you may have about the Club and about diving in general.   While you're there don't forget to watch the famous scuba diving demos in the tank! 

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about scuba diving and some of the world's best dive destinations.    Talk to the experts right at the show.  The Underwater Adventure Stage also hosts daily dive presentations (free with admission). 

 

Please visit the Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show's website for further information and don't forget to save yourself $2.00 per admission by purchasing your tickets online. 

 

 

  

Laura

Let's Get Wet! Learn To Dive Spring 2013

Have you always wondered what it would be like to scuba dive?  Like anything worth learning, this is definitely one skill worth learning well.  The Ajax Scuba Club has trained many men, women and children to learn to dive safely over the years.  Whether you yearn to dive the Great Lakes of Ontario, or the balmy waters of the Caribbean, we can get you started with our Spring 2013 Open Water Course.

 

The course consists of six weekly classroom and in-pool skill-building lessons, held at the Ajax Community Centre, 75 Centennial Road, Ajax ON  L1S 4S4.  Here are some important dates to keep in mind:

 

            Orientation Meeting - March 27th, 2013  7:00 pm

 

            Classes - April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5 & 12 - 6:30 pm

 

Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to schedule your open water checkout dives either here in Ontario (date TBA but most likely end of May/beginning of June 2013) or you may do what's called a referral check out at your destination if you have booked a trip down south, once you complete the classes. 

 

The Ajax Scuba Club is a non-profit club - we exist to serve our members.  To that end, we contain our costs as much as possible without sacrificing the quality of our programs.  Our classes are designed to provide students with total support from our Instructors, in real time, face to face.  We think you'll agree that what we have to offer our students is terrific value for the money.  

 

The cost of the 2013 Spring Open Water Course is $380 and includes all instruction (classroom and in-pool), manual, use of club equipment for the duration of the course, and one year membership to the Club (a $60 value).   Additional costs are $75 for the open water certification dives.  All students will require their own personal gear (mask, fins, boots and snorkel) by the first class.  There are several local dive shops that can accommodate your needs.    

 

A non-refundable deposit of $100 is necessary in order to reserve your spot in the class.  Maximum class size is limited to 12, and this is a very popular course, so if you're interested or require further information, please contact our Training Director at 905-619-2159 or email training@ajaxscubaclub.on.ca today!    The last day to register for this class is March 14th, 2013 but don't delay, it will fill up quickly! 

Our next blog post will introduce you to our PADI Instructor, Paul Wood.  Stay tuned!

Laura

 

    

                                          Photo courtesy of PADI. 

                                          Students learning to scuba dive in the pool. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Call To Action - Ajax Scuba Club Members!

Welcome to the Ajax Scuba Club's newest feature - our blog.  This is how you'll receive your regular updates on events and other features happening within the club.  We hope you'll enjoy this new way of communicating - it's pretty easy and painless! 

 

All you need to do is subscribe to the blog to receive each update immediately after it's published.  If you look over to the right, you'll see a box that says "Follow by email".  Simply enter your email address, click on the "Submit" button, and you'll automatically receive a new blog entry in your email every time we create one.  It's that simple!   There is no easier way to stay informed! 

 

As your Communications Director, it's my job to make sure you're all in the loop.  Please feel free to comment on any blog post (at the bottom of the page is a section for comments) and offer any suggestions or ideas you think might enhance this experience for you.  This is YOUR club so we are always interested in hearing what works for YOU.

 

I've got a few blog entries to write and post in the next several days, so please take a couple of seconds to subscribe NOW, sit back and enjoy your news delivered straight to your inbox. 

 

Laura Merzetti