Northwest Dive Club

Camera envy! I have been using a D300 since that came out in Sept 2007. I am still VERY happy with that camera and it takes great pictures. But I am curious about exploring full frame, integrated video, and the option of still using some DX lenses. I was considering moving to whatever the D400 turns...

I thought the pelagics were mainly in the area in late Summer/early Fall. Is this usually a good time of year to make this trip? Thanks, Keith Yes. I went last month, and that was just the beginning of Humpback season. There was no shortage of sharks or mantas in February, so I'd say it's a great t...

I put my email address (which contains my full name) and my mobile phone on my labels. I figure at least someone who finds any of my items has a chance to do the right thing. I think most people are going to be honest and make the effort.

The best $20 add-on to your dive kit you can spend.

Brother P-Touch Label Maker

Sunrise reef on Saturday March 3rd had at least 20 feet of vis.

Sold!

I clip off my big SLR dual strobe rig on a bungie lanyard to a right side D ring. I think it would be pretty bizzare to dive a system like this without some attachment. If I have even a minor issue, buddy problem, gear problem, that needs both hands I don't have to worry about losing the camera. I c...

Thanks. It was a great trip, and I highly recommend it. I just can't say enough about how cool diving with Mantas is.

And it's a short, cheap flight from here to Cabo. The trip cost is actually pretty reasonable for 9 days (6 diving) on one of the worlds best liveaboards.

Dave

I just returned from a fantastic week of diving the Soccorro islands of Mexico this last week. It was great to escape the NW winter weather for some sun and blue water. Soccorro is about 300 miles out in the Pacific southwest of Cabo San Lucas and well know for big pelagic creatures. Manta rays, Gal...

Daily disposable contact lens are the way to go. I have never had a problem with them during 20 years of diving. I keep a few extras in my save a dive kit for good measure. The dailies solve a lot of problems. No sanitary issues, and if you even have a hint of a problem or discomfort you don't feel ...

Wetsuit for Sale! Henderson H2 Titanium Men's 5mm Black/Navy Jumpsuit X-Large http://hendersonusa.com/product/h2-jumpsuit-mens/ Sized for someone in the 5'11" - 6'1" range 190 - 220 lbs It is in excellent condition. Bought in March 2010, and used for about 50 dives. I lost a bunch of weigh...

Mounting the light ON the strobe is not ideal because you don't always want to point the strobe directly at your subject. I suggest you mount your light on a seperate arm of your camera rig. Pick a good focus light and you can use it as your primary dive light as well. I currently use a Sola 1200 (w...

Yes, check out the KISS GEM system. It is a Semi-Closed rebreather system that just attaches to a standard scuba tank running air or nitrox. Very little training required as well compared to a conventional CCR.

Check out Clipframes for a sharp and attractive framing option that is really cheap. Under $10 per frame if you buy online. I prefer to print at 11x14 and put them in a glass clipframe that is 100% of the size of the print. These frames are basically a sheet of glass, solid backing, and 4 metal clip...

Really nice work! I am heading up to Browning Pass in the morning and this is great inspiration. I am just starting to shoot video and this is a great example of what is possible. I like the editing you did as well.

Bravo!

Dave

Well, you may avoid some nasty nightmares. I know I feel really good about getting in the water with a drysuit between me and unwelcome guests. :-)

I just read and posted about an article in the Health section of the LA Times which was really inspiring and interesting. I also came across this article. DO NOT READ IT!

I always knew that diving is a great boost for my health and well-being, but it looks like it might be a real benefit for people with serious injuries. Here is a snippet from an interesting article in the LA Times. Among the disabled vets, researchers found an average 15% drop in muscle spasticity, ...

FYI: You can buy generic smart chargers that work with the DS-125 for under $25. The Ikelite chargers retail for over $100. http://www.batteryjunction.com/unsmch.html

Do Octopus like Crab Cakes? (with a bit of green garnish on the side)

How did you tie the gunnel into a knot like that?

The surge of DIY joy sure is great, don't you think?

I had the pleasure of diving KVI and Maury Island rockpile this weekend and was treated to some great conditions and vis especially at Maury Island. A bright and clear 30+ feet at 50-80fsw. I played with a cute little GPO out in the open, hoards of ratfish, but the highlight was a big GPO on eggs! S...

You have to make it to Farnsworth bank. It is a great dive, covered in Purple coral. It is on the west side of the Islands, a open pacific ocean dive. Sail rock is another polynomial dive. And a stop at the oil rigs for a dive with the sea-lions. You'll do all of these things on the Nautilus route:...

I did a Channel Islands trip on the Nautilus Explorer in 2008. It was pretty darn awesome! No doubt the best way to do this trip, with get support and accomdations. Lots of photos here: Channel Island Slideshow http://www.pbase.com/davehicks/image/97821087.jpg http://www.pbase.com/davehicks/image/97...