Sharkie's Blog

Local Diving

2009-05-20T12:54:00.002-04:00

Come join us on June 13th & 14th to kick off the Tri-State Scuba 2009 local summer dive season. We will be heading to "The Quarribbean" to compete Open Water and Rescue certifications. If you would like to complete either of these certifications, come join us. If you are a certified diver and would like to join us for a fun day of diving just email scubafun@tristatescuba.com or call 513-271-2800. Please pre-register for the dives by the 6th of June. Don't miss out on the fun!

Flying Pig Divers

2009-05-20T12:37:00.004-04:00

Sharky and Tri-State Scuba had a blast cheering on fellow dive junkies as they competed in the "2009 Flying Pig Marathon". On Sunday May 3rd Margaret, Stephanie, Rolan, Sue & Scott passed right by the store as they approached mile marker 18 of their 26.2 mile run. It was a great turn out at the Tri-State Corner. We had a group of enthusiastic supporters armed with coffee and big cheers for there dive buddies and friends. We also had some great live acoustic music to enjoy as all the racers passed by. Congrats to all the runners and a big round of applause to all of our dive buddies that participated.

What to go to Boston?

Stephanie qualified for the Boston Marathon with her run time of the "Pig". She will be competing in the 2010 Boston Marathon. Congrats! You Rock, Steph!

Colorful Curacao

2009-04-30T17:16:00.004-04:00

Where is Curacao?

We'll Sharky's not telling. Curacao is truly a hidden dive paradise. Fourteen of us enjoyed a fantastic week of diving, fun & sun. We got to see some world class dive sites. Some of the favorites were Santa Cruz, Mushroom Forest, Black Coral Garden & who can forget Watamula. Most of the sites had relatively no current and 100 ft vis. We did have one wild drift dive that allowed us to enjoy 4 different dive sites in 45 minutes!! King's Island roller coasters don't get close to the speeds that we were cruising!!

While we were there Jennifer completed her Open Water Certification and 4 or the 5 Advanced Open Water dives. Helen hit the 150 dive mark. The rest of the crew dove, dove and then lounged in the hot tub and pool. We completed the week with a tour of the island, including downtown shopping. Downtown Willemstad has a Dutch architectural influence and has more colors than a crayon box! We truly had a blast.

Ok, I'll tell you, if you have not already "Googled" Curacao. Curacao sits off the coast of Venezuela. It is also part of the ABC chain that includes Aruba and Bonaire. For more pictures check out our travel page in the next week.

Balance & Libra Do It Again!!

2009-04-01T13:02:00.002-04:00

Once again the Aqua Lung "Balance" & "Libra" has earned Sport Divers Editor's Pick Award. Although Aqua Lung has not changed anything on the "Balance" & "Libra" for 2009, they have once again earned top marks. These BCD's are not the most expensive that Aqua Lung offers but they come loaded with features that any diver can appreciate. The "Balance" is the male version and the "Libra" is built just right for female divers. These back-inflate BCD's are ideal for travel without compromising quality and performance. They are made with long wearing Cordura fabrics for maximum durability and lightweight strength. These BCD's are weight integrated with patented Sure-Lock weight system. With a total of four weight pockets, every diver will be able to put themselves in the perfect dive profile. The innovative swivel buckles provide fantastic comfort and adjustability. Self-Adjusting Lumbar Support system (SLS) conforms to the divers lower lumbar to maximize comfort on land or in the water. This is a very versatile BCD, so whether you are just a tropical diver or dive a drysuit in frigid conditions, the "Balance" or "Libra" is the right choice. Check out these BCD's anytime at the divecenter. On April 11th receive great savings on both of these fantastic BCD's.

Great Entry Level Reg!

2009-03-27T13:08:00.002-04:00

Just getting started diving or looking for a nice back up reg? The Aqua Lung Titan is a perfect pick. The Titan regulator series features a balanced diaphram first stage that is equiped with the "Air Turbo System", an additional channel that is built into the first stage designed to boost the breathing performance. That means from the very first breath from a full tank to the last breath this reg will deliver the air smoothly. This reg is also Nitrox compatable up to 40%, out of the box. The new, easy to grip, Vane Adjustment Switch (VAS) controls venturi assist to reduce sensitivity to freeflow on the surface and provide maximum airflow at deeper depths. The Titan also comes with the smaller Comfo-bite mouthpiece that is perfect for younger diver or divers with smaller mouths. This reg normally retails at $330 but during our Spring Sale you can get one for $250!! Don't miss out, this sale is for in stock products only. There are 4 available. The Spring Sale is one day only (April 11th from 10am to 5pm).

Quantum 7 Wetsuit Sale

2009-03-27T12:54:00.004-04:00

Getting ready for the local summer quarry diving or just a diver that gets cold easily? Check out the Deep See Quantum 7 wetsuit. This suit is a fantastic value made with premium quality Thermo-flex high stretch neoprene. The Thermo-flex neoprene is a 4 way stretch material that stretches 3 times more than conventional neoprene. The skin to skin back zipper seal minimizes water exchange to keep you warmer wether your are diving local quarries or hitting the springs in Florida. Heavy duty #10 back zipper has a stainless steel zipper pull for easy zip ups at your favorite dive site. All seams are triple glued and blindstitched for water tight integrity. This suit will keep you warm! It also features durable molded kneepads. This suit normally retails at $299. During our Spring Sale on April 11th from 10am to 5pm, you can get this suit for $225. Don't miss out! This price is for in stock suits only! Get here early, we have a large variety of sizes, but once gone the price will go back to normal retail.

St. Croix Live A Board Adventure

2009-03-16T15:25:00.005-04:00

If you have never had the chance to experience "live-a-board" diving, put it on your top 5 of "must do's" as a diver! We just returned from a fantastic week of "live-a-board" diving in St. Croix USVI. For those not familiar with "live-a-board" diving, here is how it works:

Imagine setting up your dive gear once, moving it only to roll in Caribbean blue water.
Fresh baked cookies and naps in between dives.
Lounging on the sun deck with the hills of St. Croix as a backdrop.
And did I forget the 4 to 5 dives a day!

The week was beautiful, full of dive achievements and exploration. George completed his Advanced certification and Deep Diver Speciality. Mike & Nick completed their Deep Diver Speciality, Boat Speciality & Night Diving Speciality. Nick also received the "best eater" award, out doing Dale at most meals! Sorry Nick, I don't think there is a speciality for that. Will & Julie hit the 50 dive mark. Julie earned the nickname the "seahorse whisperer" by finding 6 seahorses in one dive. Some girls have all the luck! Joyce hit the 200 dive milestone during her week on board and took lots and lots of pictures. Dale logged his 300th dive and as always was the "best dressed in the water" with his outstanding outerwear collection! Amy did the most dives during her week, chalking up 26 dives.

We hit some great divesites during our week of fun in the sun including Cane Bay, Friedricksted Pier, Vertigo and Armageddon. The dives varied from shallow coral gardens that were great for finding your tropical favorites and taking pictures to virtually bottomless wall dives with huge barrel sponges and fans. The night dives brought out octopus, lobsters and cool bioluminescence. The highlight of the week for some was the Captain authorized food fight!

So if you have never experienced a "live-a-board" dive trip, keep it on your "must do" list. If you have been "on-board", you know how spoiled you can get. Check out our 2010 travel for great dive destinations and "live-a-board" adventures.

See you "on board"!!

Had A Grand Time!

2009-02-03T13:20:00.004-05:00

Wow, did we time the last trip right! While most of the mid-west was digging out of tons of snow and ice, we enjoyed 85 degree days and beautiful Caribbean evenings in Grand Turk. Timing is everything!

We had a wonderful week at the Bohio dive resort soaking up the sun, dining looking out over clear blue water and great wall diving that Grand Turk has become famous for.

Tri-State Scuba would like to congratulate Glo on her Open Water certification. We would also like to congratulate Ryan and Heather on their Advanced Open Water certification.

Everyone enjoyed great visibility and tons of marine life during our week of fun in the sun. Seth earned the nickname "Shark Whisperer" by finding 5 nurse sharks in our first six dives! Trudy and Andy took pictures of creatures great and small. Together creating a fantastic photo team. Diver Don and Nils became the best "got a new buddy" team. Geri came back with some great culinary ideas on how to prepare conch. Sally enjoyed cruising the walls and dodging some winter weather back home.

Don't miss your chance to dodge some lousy winter weather. There are still a few spaces on the trip to St. Croix at the end of February. See the website for St. Croix details and the rest of the 2009 travel schedule. www.tristatescuba.com

Take Some Very Cool Pix

2009-01-15T14:25:00.003-05:00

Want to get started taking great underwater pictures?

Check out the very cool camera and housing package from Ikelite. Ikelite has teamed up with Nikon to create a fantastic camera package that is ready to hit the water. Nikon is one of the most trusted camera companies in the world. The Coolpix L18 is a 8megapixel camera that has a huge 3 inch LCD screen for easy viewing both on land and underwater. The camera itself is not much bigger than a deck of cards! All the camera controls can be accessed thru the housing and rated to 200 ft. This camera also takes video! Now you are taking not just great underwater still photos but video too! Check out the camera package at http://www.ikelite.com/web_two/nik_l18.html. Then call Joly at the divecenter (513-271-2800) and order your new way to share all the cool pix from your next dive vacation. With a retail price of $380 for both the camera and housing, your still have enough money for that upcoming dive trip. Learn more about the Nikon Coolpix L18 and underwater photography in the upcoming digital photo class at Tri-State Scuba on February 14th from 9 to noon. Pre-registration for the course is required.

Tri-State Divers on WNKU

2009-01-07T12:45:00.004-05:00

WNKU is by far the best radio in the Tri-State area. If you are not familiar with the station, check them out! They have really good music for everyone that you will not find on commercial radio stations. One of my favorite features of WNKU is their "Top 89". This is compiled by the listeners via email and then counted down on New Years Day. When you vote you also enter to win Cd's. I won on New Years day.

I had been listening most of the day, except when we were underwater and when I was hanging up my drysuit. Within a minute or two I received phone calls from two different friends letting me know that I had won! Not only did I win some CD's but after speaking to one of the DJ's (John Patrick) and telling him about or New Years Day diving adventure, he gave me and Tri-State Scuba a "shout out" over the air waves. I think it was just to let the rest of the listeners know we were crazy to be diving in 35 degree water.

I have meet John a few times and he always puts on a great afternoon program. Check out John weekdays starting at noon for some great tunes. Put WNKU on your radio dial for great music, new and much, much more. But please don't forget why WNKU has such great programing and lots of music. They are public radio and rely on listener support to keep the great music flowing. Become a member, I am! Check them out at 89.7 or 94.5 on your FM dial or at http://www.wnku.org/

Thanks John and WNKU for all the great music!

New Years Day Diving

2009-01-06T13:51:00.004-05:00

A few brave and slightly crazy divers hit the water New Years Day to ring in 2009. We met at the divecenter at 9:30am while most of the rest of the population was still sleeping or nursing hangovers from the New Years Eve celebrations. By 10am we had loaded up all the dive gear and were on our way. At 10:30 it was about 18 degrees and we were at our dive destination, Indian Hill Quarry.

With some help from Ray, Tim, Dave, Amy and Hailey we geared up in our thickest undergarments and drysuits. The brave and slightly crazy divers were Mary Ann, Todd, Dave and Joly. The mission: Looking for some fishing poles that were lost during one of the most recent fishing tournaments that was held in the fall. Oh yeah, and trying not to get frost bite! The water temperature was a chilly 35 degrees. We dove until we could barely feel our fingers, then called it quits. Our shore crew assisted with pulling off gloves and assisting us out of our drysuits. By the time we got out of the drysuits, they had begun to freeze and ice up. We did not find the fishing poles. Oh well, there is always next year!

The ride back to the divecenter is only 20 minutes. By that time we started to feel our fingers. Back at the divecenter, Joly's chili was bubbling in the crockpot. A big bowl of chili with plenty of hot sauce and a cold beer hit the spot. We reveled in our braving the elements and decided that this was the best way to ring in the New Year. How can you beat a good dive with some good dive buddies!

Very Cool Travel Reg! Aqua Lung Mikron

2009-01-03T11:06:00.001-05:00

Check out this very cool new regulator. It is super lightweight, great for travel. It has the new braided hoses that are 30% lighter in weight and designed to outperform and outlive traditional rubber hoses. The hoses are also extremely flexible, which helps reduce jaw fatigue.

Aqua Lung has once again raised the bar on regulator design with the release of Mikron – the smallest and lightest weight regulator on the market today. Weighing in at just 26 oz. (din) and 31 oz. (yoke), the traveling diver will benefit tremendously. Even more amazing is that performance is not sacrificed by the extreme compactness of the regulator. Its balanced first and second stages produce exceptional breathing performance.

Come by the divecenter to check out the new Mikron regulator. Not ready for a new regulator. Hotrod your regulator with the flexible hoses! Hoses available for regulator low pressure and BCD quick-disconnect. Check out more information on the Mikron. http://www.aqualung.com/us/content/view/222/

Create New Dive Buddies this January!

2009-01-02T12:50:00.005-05:00

Do you have some friends that have always wanted to try scuba diving? They have heard all your cool dive stories and tall fish tales. Now, there is a opportunity for YOU to show them what scuba is about. In January, we have two dates that YOU can introduce you friends to scuba!

On January 17th from 9 to 11am or January 22nd from 6 to 8pm bring your "new dive buddy" to the divecenter and prepare to have some fun introducing them to the basics of scuba diving. All they will need is a bathing suit and a towel. All you will need is to want to share the love of scuba!

The cost of the program is $20. If your buddy signs up for class, they will get a $20 discount on the Open Water scuba course. You gain a dive buddy and your buddy gets to start telling their own dive stories. Please pre-register for the "New Dive Buddy" events a week prior. If you have any questions feel free to call (513-271-2800) or email scubafun@tristatescuba.com.

Success?

2008-12-31T12:28:00.002-05:00

We may have learned to post a written blog and how to insert a picture. Let's see.....

Test Picture

2008-12-31T12:22:00.001-05:00

Test

2008-12-31T12:14:00.002-05:00

Test

"I have done some "vacation" scuba dives during my travels and really like it. I would like to get more involved in scuba. My 9 year old son is..."

2008-09-02T19:04:00.000-04:00

Dear Sharkie,

I have done some "vacation" scuba dives during my travels and really like it. I would like to get more involved in scuba. My 9 year old son is also interested. What training is available for both of us to participate together?
Sincerely, Tom & Tommy

Dear Tom & Tommy,

Hi! Your son is going to be eligible for certification at age ten. At that time you could take the classes together, do the open water dives together and actually scuba anywhere in the world that you choose. Your son's certification would limit him to diving 40 feet with either you or a PADI professional. Once he turns 12 the depth becomes 60 feet with the restriction of diving with an adult, and at 15 changes over to a full certification. It's just a matter of getting his Jr Open Water card turned in for a new one(Plus PADI process fee). This might be a great Christmas present for him! Thanks-MaryAnn(Sharkie's Helper)

"I have been shopping for a new Dive Center, I see your web-pages are full of new and different items, What make's your center different..."

2008-09-02T19:02:00.000-04:00

Dear Sharkie,
I have been shopping for a new Dive Center, I see your web-pages are full of new and different items, What make's your center different than the others? What do I need to do to check out your store?
Thanks "Looking for a friend"

Dear looking for a friend,

Your look is over,,,We pride ourselves on working closely with all our family members. That's right, you will be welcome into our diving family, We have a very different approach to diving, We work on customer satisfaction, and helping you advance your diving knowledge. We have a friendly staff and all our instructors and customers will make you feel very at ease. Our travel department is the best in the Mid-West, check out the places we have gone and are going to in the future. Besides all that stuff,, we have fun, laugh, and just hang out and tell Dive stories. Please feel free to stop by and introduce your self and you can see first hand why we at Tri-State will be the last place you look for a Dive Center.

"I have read on your web page that you have a private Quarry." No over night travel for Open Water classes",, what do you mean by that? ..."

2008-09-02T19:01:00.000-04:00

Dear Sharkie,
I have read on your web page that you have a private Quarry." No over night travel for Open Water classes",, what do you mean by that? And is that important?
Harry

Dear Harry,
We have a very nice private Quarry about 45 min. south of Cincinnati. This is a Quarry with very easy access to the water and a platform in about 18 foot of water. We are the only Dive Center that uses this Quarry, No fighting for platform space, no other divers stirring up the bottom, lots of grass shore line for your gear, picnic tables,( covered one also,) shade, sun, and more that anything else you will be home by 5 pm or earlier. ( No over night expense ) With no distractions, you get a more complete one on one diving experience. We take all the tanks that you will be needing, so no WAITING for air fills. Since this will be your first experience in the open water, it's a far better experience being in a private area than an open one. Please feel free to give us a call, or stop by and look at some pictures of the past Open Water Classes at our Private Quarry.

"I want to take better photo's underwater, do you offer any classes on this? And can you get me started?"

2008-09-02T19:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Sharkie,
I want to take better photo's underwater, do you offer any classes on this? And can you get me started?
Flash

Dear Flash
I have asked our photo expert at Tri-State to help with this one,, I have no eye for the photo world. And we have the best one here at the store, so here he is:
"Today, underwater photography can be fun for everyone, thanks to the variety of equipment now available," explains" Joly of Tri-State Scuba. "You don't have to be Jacques Cousteau, and you don't need expensive gear"
There's a lot of skill and equipment required for professional underwater photography, and many scuba training programs have good photography courses. We can help you here at Tri-State, I love taking underwater pictures and would be glad to show you what gear I have and what we offer here at the store.
The best time to take underwater photos is usually mid-day because the sun is overhead and will illuminate underwater subjects clearly. Most waterproof point-and-shoot models have a built-in flash and you'll want to use your flash anytime you're more than a few feet under the water."
Thanks Joymon
Well you heard it form the expert, now stop on by and bring your camera and pictures and let Jolymon help you out.

"Besides my family doctor, who can I contact about diving medical questions."

2008-09-02T18:59:00.002-04:00

Dear Sharkie,
Besides my family doctor, who can I contact about diving medical questions.
Sally

Dear Sally
That is a great question! (Man, we have some great customers out there). Let me say this, I'm not a doctor, I've only played one on TV once. But, I can give you the information you are seeking:
Divers Alert Network (DAN) is a non-profit medical and research organization dedicated to the safety and health of recreational scuba divers and associated with Duke University Medical Center (DUMC).
DAN, formed in 1980, has supported the scuba industry by operating a 24-hour emergency hotline, a lifesaving service for injured divers. Divers Alert Network also operates a dive related medical information line, conducts research, and provides educational programs for all scuba divers.
DAN is supported by membership dues and donations. In exchange, members receive important benefits such as emergency medical evacuation assistance, educational publications, a subscription to Alert Diver magazine, and access to dive accident insurance coverage.
Sally, To learn more about Divers Alert Network visit their web sight, or direct via our home page. If you stop by our store, we can give you an information brochure on with DAN phone numbers. We look forward to seeing you at Tri-State.

"I love sharks. Can you give me some information on sharks?"

2008-09-02T18:58:00.001-04:00

Dear Sharkie,
I love sharks. Can you give me some information on sharks?
Curious Sammy

Dear Curious Sammy,
You certainly asked the right Shark, 'cause I know myself quite well. If you can sometime, stop by and I will show you "family" pictures. Tri-State can help you book a Dive trip to visit some of my shark buddies, I'm always looking for friendly divers, heheheheh!
The history of sharks dates back millions of years. Divers appreciate sharks because sharks are intelligent (that's me) yet primal predators. The excitement and adrenaline rush of observing creatures like us in the wild keeps divers coming back for more. A little knowledge goes a long way in making shark diving a wonderful experience. Here are some Sharkie facts -

1. I grow about 10 inches per year. Great Whites can grow to mature lengths of 12 to 14 feet. (They are on my mothers side of the family.)
2. New teeth are constantly being formed in rows in my jaw. My teeth are normally replaced every eight days. (It's hard to find a competent dentist these days.)
3. Some of my family can shed as many as 30,000 teeth in their lifetime. (Lots of bridge work in their mouths.)
4. Whale Sharks have approximately 300 rows of teeth, with hundreds of tiny teeth in each row. (These guys have been banned from my family reunion.)
5. My dried skin (shagreen) was used in the past as sandpaper. (Do not try to rub my skin now, as I have a rash.)
6. In 1937, my liver oil was discovered to be rich in vitamin A. We were hunted for the vitamin until 1950, when a synthesizing method was developed for vitamin A.
7. My average life span is 25 years, but some family members can live to be 100. (Like Grandpa)
8. The dogfish Kin are named for their tendency to attack their prey as a pack of wild dogs. (We do not talk about this side of the family, many of them are in jail.)
9. I can go as long as three months without eating. (Divers are not on the menu.)
10. I have more than 340 known family members. (We gather just south of Florida for the holiday gatherings.)
So Sammy, as you can see I'm the main fish in the sea. Stop by Tri-State and book a Dive Trip, or get some information on the next Shark trip. Come on down and hopefully see me in action on one of your trips, I'll be waiting,,,,

"I want to go on a Dive Trip; what are some of the things I should look out for? Where should I go for the best diving? Who can I see for help?"

2008-09-02T18:56:00.000-04:00

Dear Sharkie,
I want to go on a Dive Trip; what are some of the things I should look out for? Where should I go for the best diving? Who can I see for help?
Needing help

Dear Needing Help,
First of all you came to the right place. With my contacts at Tri-State Scuba, I have asked a very well seasoned Traveler and Owner of Tri-State to handle these very important questions. I for one have no clue on traveling above water, I'm a fish. So MaryAnn, "can you help us here"?
Sure I can! We have travel plans that go into 2008..

We book trips for our Divers once a month. Not only do we book the trips, our Instructors are booked on each and every trip that we go on. So all your diving needs will be met.
Are you prepared to plan your first diving vacation? Probably not. It's more complex than masterminding an ordinary sight seeing vacation. Planning your first dive vacation can be nerve-racking. The most important decision is deciding on a destination compatible with your skill level, budget, time and taste. You can get the information you need from a dive travel specialist or a dive center ( Tri-State Scuba) that is experienced in dive travel. Dive travel specialists ( Like myself ) perform the same services as ordinary travel agents, but we are experts in setting up scuba diving vacations. I have been involved in all our travel here at Tri-State and I would be more that happy to talk to you by phone. Please stop by and we can go over all your questions and put you at ease about planning your very first dive trip with us.

"I'm headed on a dive trip and wanted to know about diving in surge water...."

2008-08-23T00:28:00.001-04:00

Dear Sharkie,
I'm headed on a dive trip and wanted to know about diving in surge water. How do I get on a boat and what can you tell me about diving in surge?
Tim

Dear Tim
Surge is the billowing and swelling motion of water caused by waves. It becomes a problem particularly when you're diving near rocks and shallow wrecks or when advancing towards an anchored boat. We sharks love to swim in the surge, Divers have a harder time. Here are some clues on what to do when diving in or around surge.
1. Like the waves that create it, surges come in sets of strong crests and weak breaks.
If you're having a problem approaching the dive boat ladder, retreat a few feet and monitor the conditions until you can recognize and feel the rhythm of the swells
2. Don't consume your energy by attempting to move against the swells. They're stronger than you are! When the surge tries to drive you backward, you should hold onto something such as a current line, anchor line, or rock and ride the wave when it carries you forward. If you're not fortunate enough to have something to grab on to, just steadily fin forward enough to remain in one spot. Backward and forward waves are about the same and will cancel each other out
3. Before making your move, wait for a period of gentler swells If you're trying to enter a swim-through or an opening in a wreck, ride the inflow to the edge of the aperture, hang on during the outflow, and then during the pause and next inflow swim through and beyond the orifice where the surge is most forceful. If you're trying to exit the water and you time it right, you'll be able to ride an inflow swell to the boat ladder or a rock, hang on during the outflow, and get out of the water during the lull before the next inflow surge. Be Cautious and safe It is better to fall short the first time and do it again than it is to be slammed against the side of a boat or rocks. So be careful, ask the Dive Master on the boat and always dive with a buddy,, take care.

Dear Sharkie, I love to snorkel, and I'm not ready to go diving, how can I learn about what types of fish that I'm looking at? Do I need to be a diver

2008-08-22T03:35:00.000-04:00

Kathy,
No, you do not need to be a diver to learn about identifying fish. People dive and snorkel for different reasons and one of the main reasons is to watch the fish. Knowing what each one is, is challenging and fun.
Some of my greatest dives have been snorkeling trips in-between dives. Knowing what you are looking at enhances the adventure. Tri-State offers Fish I.D. classes that are educational and fun at the same time. You can stop by and get some information on classes, times, books, and dates. You can also get a water proof slate to take with you and identify the fish that your looking at. The sea is a great body of water and what is just below the surface is awesome. Knowing the creatures that you are looking at will also make you look like a genius to your family and friends. In fact, if your family is also wondering the same thing, have them stop by with you. Then you can take it to the next level by participating in an underwater photography class for snorkeling.

"I'm an advance Open Water Diver, one of my buddies is a Rescue Diver. What is a Rescue Diver and why would I want to be one? "

2008-04-08T19:05:00.000-04:00

Dear Sharkie,

I'm an advance Open Water Diver, one of my buddies is a Rescue Diver. What is a Rescue Diver and why would I want to be one?
Sincerely, Sally

Dear Sally,

The Rescue Diving Class is a class to enhance your diving skills. It gives you training on what to do if there is a problem with you or your diving buddy. We show you how to react during a major problem under the water and above. We teach you what to look for to prevent a problem, but mostly it's a class to give your confidence a major boost. This class is for divers that want to be more confident in and around water, and also in your every day life's little and major problems. With teams you will go over all types of problems that get you thinking on what to do and more importantly what to look for before a problem becomes an all out emergency. Please stop in, we would be glad to talk more on this very important part of your dive training.

" Wow! What a web site! You must have a huge team working on this 24 hours a day! "

2008-04-02T19:14:00.001-04:00

Dear Sharkie,

Wow! What a web site! You must have a huge team working on this 24 hours a day!
Sincerely,"Impressed!"

Dear "Impressed!",

Thanks, but the "huge team" is one little rat in the closet .

"I just completed my Open Water with you, I wanted to Tell you how much I enjoyed the two days of diving, Your instructors and Staff were very.."

2008-04-02T19:14:00.000-04:00

Dear Sharkie,

I just completed my Open Water with you, I wanted to Tell you how much I enjoyed the two days of diving, Your instructors and Staff were very friendly, The private Quarry was wonderful!
Sincerely,, Shark Watcher

Dear "Shark Watcher",

YOU ARE SO VERY WELCOME,, We have the best Trained instructors in the Diving World, and our Staff is second to none. We are a diving family, and you are now part of our family, Bring a partner over to our store and show them around, introduce them to YOUR new Diving Family, But please do not ask for an allowance!

" I have not been Diving in a long time, what do I need to do to get re-certified? "

2008-04-02T19:13:00.000-04:00

Dear Sharkie,

I have not been Diving in a long time, what do I need to do to get re-certified?
Sincerely,,, I want to get wet again,,

Dear "I want to get wet again",

First of all my diving water friend "you need to get wet",, Once you have your Open Water you do not need to get Re-Certified, You are in it for life. We "DO" recommend a Refresher class for you, We can handle this and all your Diving needs here at Tri-State Scuba,, We also have a Discover Scuba for your partner so that He or She can experience that thrill of breathing under water, this can be done while you are taking the refresher. So get that partner and come on down, the water is calling you back,,, can you hear it?

"After I finish my Open Water class, Why is it so important for me to take the Advance Open Water Class? What benefit will I get for taken this..?"

2008-04-02T19:11:00.000-04:00

Dear Sharkie,

After I finish my Open Water class, Why is it so important for me to take the Advance Open Water Class? What benefit will I get for taken this class?
Sincerely,
New Diver

Dear "New Diver" ,

"We get more money" That's what everyone thinks, but continuing your Diving education is very Important, not only for you, but your diving Buddy. It also gives you a lot more confidence in your ability to dive more comfortably. Night Diving, Search and Recovery,( Looking for a NASA Satellite) and Deep Diving are only a few items that you will be doing. Safety is our main concern, and we will teach you how to enjoy diving much, much more!

"When I am diving, occasionally I will see something that I would like to know the name of and a little bit about. The problem is that when I..."

2008-04-02T19:09:00.000-04:00

Dear Sharkie,

When I am diving, occasionally I will see something that I would like to know the name of and a little bit about. The problem is that when I get back on the boat, I can’t make anyone understand what I am trying to describe. (And I have tried some strange gyrations!) How can I find a way to describe the animal more effectively?
Sincerely, Frustrated

Dear Frustrated,

Kill It! Bring it up to the boat and show everyone. (Not really.) How about an AWARE Fish or Creature Identification Course? It could minimize the gyrations and save you some energy.

"I am going to the Bahamas in July. From what I’ve been told, there are lots of sharks in that area. What kind of problems may I encounter?"

2008-04-02T19:08:00.000-04:00

Dear Sharkie,

I am going to the Bahamas in July. From what I’ve been told, there are lots of sharks in that area. What kind of problems may I encounter?
Sincerely, Fearless

Dear Fearless,

None.

"With all the fuss over internet pricing, and all the different Web pages on Diving gear, why would I want to buy gear from a local dive shop? "

2008-04-02T19:06:00.000-04:00

Dear Sharkie,

With all the fuss over internet pricing, and all the different Web pages on Diving gear, why would I want to buy gear from a local dive shop?
Sincerely, "Diver on a Budget"

Dear "Diver on a Budget",

You are correct about all the web sights on diving gear, but you need to know the facts. Most all major dive equipment manufacturers do not warrant products sold on line. For instance - An Aqua Lung Regulator purchased on-line is not covered under warranty by Aqua Lung. Some of the e-stores will carry their there own warranty, but that warranty is only as good as the e-store issuing it. The e-store is not an authorized dealer. These major manufacturers are protecting the investment and overhead expense that a retail dealer must incur in order to stay in business and service the gear. Over head expenses include an onsite technician, compressors for filling tanks, a retail establishment, etc. Products purchased online often are "gray market" items, meaning, while not necessarily used, it is still a second sale. It is also VERY difficult to get equipment purchased online serviced. An authorized dealer will require both a purchase receipt and the warranty card in order to perform annual maintenance. Some dive centers will service this gear without the necessary paperwork, but the service price is a premium and eats the initial savings up immediately.

The second part to this is the service that you receive when working directly with an authorized dealer. We are taught by the manufacturer how to custom fit your body; from wet suits all the way to fin straps. We have the staff and training to talk to you specifically about the type of diving you are going to do.( Ocean, Fresh, Cold or cool water) You might buy an item from the internet only to try it and find it is not what you thought it might do for you. Our staff gives you personal care in fitting you with the most comfortable gear that you will need on your type of diving, without over selling or underselling based on needs and budget. We ask questions, one on one, service the way you want it, something the internet can not do! Stop by and see for yourself. You will learn that even a diver on a budget can afford the best at ,,,,OOH MY,, a dive store!!!