April 2011 Newsletter Volume 39, Number 4

Although South Florida’s ocean temperatures are still chilly for many of us, April marks the month when seasonal divers think about getting back in the water. In this contemporary world of gadgets and tech devices, most all divers rely upon complicated, and sometimes unreliable, dive computers to guide us safely through repetitive ocean dives. It is understood that Nitrox offers many benefits however, there may be insidious and dangerous side effects associated with diving Nitrox. As divers, we are keenly aware of the risks associated with breathing Nitrox at deeper ocean depths.  This risk becomes especially prevalent when diving walls or pinnacles that descend into very deep water. Why the discussion here?  Because USAers and guests will be exposed to deep water diving this year, starting with wall diving on USA’s overseas dive trip to Little Cayman Beach Resort in June, followed by pinnacle diving in October at Saba and St. Kitts aboard the Caribbean Explorer II. When exposed to warm, clear diving conditions, divers are often lured to maximum safe diving depths the first dive each day.  That may or may not be harmful to most divers however, decompression illness (DCI) seldom strikes during the first dive.  It’s the deep repetitive dives that frequently affect us. When diving with USAers on overseas dive trips, it’s not a bad idea to limit yourself to air tables while diving Nitrox on repetitive dives during a multi-day trip. The risk-to-reward ratio for Nitrox divers using air tables significantly enhances diver safety. One way to invite trouble is decompression diving, aka deco diving, on multi-day dive trips.  Factors that increase risks of DCI are existing chronic medical conditions like allergies, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and previous DCI encounters. The bottom line?  Know your equipment, stay current, be aware of your medical and physical limitations, plan your dive, dive the plan, and always dive with a buddy.

How about a Blast From the Past?

What appeared 13 years ago this month in USA’s April 1998 newsletter?

To view a copy of USA’s April 1998 newsletter, click here.

Questions?  Click here to contact President Russ Manhold by e-mail.

Russ Manhold
President
president@usadiveclub.com

Back to Top

Local Diving

with Kathy & John Ficarra
Hello April and Spring My favorite season with all the Florida plants coming alive, hopefully all of them with the exception of my Lemon tree.  I’ve already replaced it with a Mango tree which we picked up from a nursery located near the Flamingo Gardens Club Event last month. Unfortunately we had to cancel February and March’s local dive due to lack of participation.  We are looking forward with excitement with our 3rd year of the Easter Egg Hunt with Starfish Enterprise and still have room available. We are working hard on our 2nd annual Beach Party, Sunday, May 15th, on the south side of Commercial Blvd Pier.  Last year was great, but felt it was too hot in June, so this year its being held in May, I’m getting replies from Club Members bringing their children and grandchildren which I am looking forward to doing all my fun beach games with them.  We are have scuba diving escorts along with snorkeling throughout the day.  Or you can choose to just watch all the action going on. Whatever you desire.  It’s free. The Club is providing desserts and prizes.  Please join John and I and all your Club member friends.  Mark your calendars and let us know so we can attend the Club’s 2nd anniversary Beach Party. FOR A LIST OF UP COMING DIVES, CLICK HERE FOR USA’s ‘LOCAL DIVING’ PAGE.

Kathy & John Ficarra
VP’s of Local Diving
localdiving@usadiveclub.com

Back to Top

Social Activities

Greetings from USA’s Social Butterflies.

Sunday, March 13th, thirty-one USA members and guests became tourists for a day and entered the world of Flamingo Gardens in Davie.  Our welcoming committee consisted
of several peacocks eager to display their wonderfully striking plumage.

Flamingo Gardens is a 60-acre, not-for-profit facility that offers a glimpse into Old Florida.  It’s also a refuge for wild animals and birds that, due to permanent injury or illness, are unable to survive on their own in the wild. Beautiful, tranquil gardens surrounded us and offered a truly relaxing experience.

We all gathered at the picnic area before walking a short distance to the Tram Station where we climbed aboard the colorful cars for a delightful 25-minute private ‘Tour by Tram’.  We were soon led through groves, wetlands and native hammock.  Here we saw South Florida’s largest collection of champion trees, specialty gardens, and a host of native and exotic plants.

After the tram ride, we took a break for lunch.  Some of us packed a picnic while others purchased lunch at the Flamingo Café.  We met at the picnic pavilion and enjoyed a wonderful lunch together.  The weather was perfect and the company delightful.

The Wildlife Encounter Show was the first item on the agenda after lunch.  Here we learned first hand about a few of the incapacitated animals that are sheltered at the facility.  The show featured a baby alligator, a native Florida snake, great horned owl and red shouldered hawk.  As each animal was presented, the host gave us information about the species in general and added the history of each individual animal and the reason for its being at Flamingo Gardens.  We learned that the majority of the injured birds are victims of car and truck accidents.  One unfortunate hawk lost her entire right wing to amputation and occasionally had difficulty maintaining her balance.

The park also houses injured birds in the Free Flight Aviary.  This large enclosure was constructed to resemble the inhabitants’ natural habitat as closely as possible. The birds mate, nest and care for their young here, and many are tame enough to eat out of your hand.  When ready, the young are released into the wild.

(click image to enlarge)

By mid afternoon we meandered about and took advantage of the other features the facility had to offer.  There were butterfly and hummingbird gardens, herb gardens, alligator water holes, flamingos, geese, swans, cranes, tortoises, turtles, bobcats, panthers and otters.  The historic Wray House proved to be a highlight of the tour.

Leisurely walking around in a little bit of Old Florida…….what a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

The colorful photos in this article are thanks to Bobbi Smith, Bob Young, Russ Manhold and Julie Manhold.  If you’d like to take a peek at more pictures, simply go to the USA home page and click on the Photo Gallery button.

Coming attractions

Mark your calendar for USA's next quarterly Adopt-A-Street cleanup in Deerfield Beach which is scheduled to take place on Sunday morning, May 22nd, at 9:00 am.

Lunch will follow at Muddy Waters Restaurant and Raw Bar located just a short distance from USA’s Adopt-A-Street site.

USA’s Adopt-A-Street program gives us the opportunity to keep our streets clean.
We all know that sooner or later, much of the trash on our streets finds its way into Florida’s canals and waters offshore.  This is our way of helping the environment.

Every little bit helps so please sign up at USA’s April 7th dive club meeting.
If you can't make the meeting, call or e-mail USA’s Social Butterflies at Social@usadiveclub.com

Watch future newsletters and e-mail messages for additional information on all planned USA Dive Club activities. Our social events are open to all USA Dive Club members and their guests. So, why wait?

Sign up for a social event, get to know your fellow USAers, and let the fun begin!

Future Social events: May 22 (Sunday) - Adopt-A-Street Cleanup - Deerfield Beach Nov 12 (Saturday) - USA’s Annual Fall Party - Delray Beach

DINNER BEFORE THE MEETING Pick up your favorite meal, i.e., a sub, sandwich or pizza at your local Publix, Subway or Papa Johns and join USA’s Social Butterflies in the Newport Café located in the Best Western Deerfield Beach Hotel & Suites @ 6:00 pm. If you’d like to bring something from home, that’s OK, too.

Everyone seems to enjoy the atmosphere and camaraderie. Try it... you’ll like it! C’mon down and we’ll save y’all a seat.

Questions?  Click here to contact USA’s Social Butterflies by e-mail.



Clare Anthon & Julie Manhold
VP’s of Social Events
social@usadiveclub.com

Back to Top

Hospitality Hut

Salutations from USA’s Hospitality Hut.

‘Spring has sprung’ and we are so glad.
Most everyone welcomes this wonderful season and the changes it brings.

At USA’s March 3rd general membership meeting, there were three visitors and one ‘blast from the past’.

First, thanks to Dr. Ray McAllister for inviting his son, Keith McAllister, to the meeting.  Keith has been a diver since he was a young boy.  Undoubtedly, Keith and his Dad have many wonderful diving stories. Thanks, Keith.  Hopefully you enjoyed meeting many USA members and guests.

Mike Hriczo was visiting Force-E in Pompano where he found our USA Dive Club flyer. Mike is an Advanced Open Water diver, certified in 1985. We hope to see Mike again.

USA Hall of Fame member Larry Townsend brought former USA Dive Club member   Elisabeth “Liz” Wentser as a guest.  Liz is from Canada and has been diving since 1990 with an Advanced Open Water certification.  Perhaps USAers will see Liz soon again.

Kay Skoog was a member of the USA Dive Club back in the 1980’s.  Thanks to USA member Lisa Kennedy for bringing Kay back for a visit.  Kay has been diving since 1979 and has logged many dives.  Let’s encourage Kay to rejoin our club.

As always, thanks to all our guests for attending the March meeting.  We’d also like to thank our wonderful USA Dive Club members for talking about our club and bringing us new faces each month.

Everyone is encouraged to visit USA’s home page www.usadiveclub.com and click
on the Calendar button for details regarding USA’s very active diving and social schedule.

USA’s Photo Gallery is once again up and running so be sure to visit the home page
and click on Photo Gallery for a glimpse of USA’s past diving and social activities.
The Calendar and Photo Gallery are updated regularly so take a peek!

We wish you all ‘Happy Diving’.

Questions?  Click here to contact USA’s Hospitality Coordinators by e-mail.



Clare Anthon & Julie Manhold
Hospitality Coordinators
hospitality@usadiveclub.com

Back to Top

Membership

By April 1st, USA will publish and distribute the 2011
1st quarter Membership Directory by e-mail to all USA Dive Club members.

The list is current and reflects names of members who
paid 2011 club dues. 

If any of your personal information is incorrect or
outdated, please send an update to USA’s Membership Coordinator by clicking here.

USA’s Membership Directory is updated with the addition
of each new member.  Members are provided updated Membership Directory copies every 90-days, at the end of each calendar quarter.

If you lose your copy, or simply need extra copies, click here.

If your USA Dive Club membership has expired, and you wish to renew your USA Dive Club membership, simply submit a New Member Application, along with appropriate
pro-rated membership dues, and a $10 New Member Initiation Fee.

At USA’s March board meeting, two new member applicants were approved as USA Dive Club members. Rick Brohammer II, former USA member and son of veteran USAer Dr. Rick Brohammer, is once again a USA Dive Club member. Both Dr. Rick and Rick II are joining fellow USAers this summer at the Little Cayman Beach Resort and for the Saba/St. Kitts live aboard. Pompano Beach resident Gene de Tuscan, also one of USA’s newest members, has attended several dive club meetings with his wife, Becky. Look for both Rick and Gene to receive their new member packages at USA’s April 7th dive club meeting.

Encourage friends and fellow divers to join USAers for all club activities.
Folks don’t need to be USA members to participate in USA Dive Club activities.
Guests are always welcome if they are accompanied by a USA club member.

People interested in joining the USA Dive Club will find membership applications available by clicking on the link appearing below.

MEMBERSHIP PACKET

Questions?  Click here to contact Membership Coordinator Russ Manhold by e-mail.

Warm diving regards,

Russ Manhold
Membership Coordinator
membership@usadiveclub.com

Back to Top

Promotions

Hi y’all from the Promotions Desk of USA Dive Club.

USA’s Lobster Pot winners have been taking home on average $50 cash at monthly dive club meetings.

That’s a better return on your hard-earned money than most banks offer.

Each month we offer a variety of Lobster Pot prizes, many donated by South Florida dive shops.

Congratulations to all our Lobster Pot winners.  Be sure and drop in to see our local dive shops who support us and say ‘Thanks’.

March 3rd Lobster Pot Winners 50/50 Lobster Pot $58 - Jeff Jacobs $25 Force-E gift card - Nils Jacobsen $20 local dive coupon - Luis Monroy $20 local dive coupon - Eunice Hamblen McNet Dive Kit from Force-E - Kurt Kohler UK Q40 Dive Light from Force-E - Nils Jacobsen Mask Strap - Julie Manhold DAN luggage tags - Bill Schwabe

An absolute banner year, with several months breaking previous records.  I look  forward to bringing you another interesting year in 2011 for USA’s Lobster Pot!

If you did not contribute, then you could not have won!

At the April 7th dive club meeting, look for the following prizes in USA’s monthly
Lobster Pot:

• The usual 50/50 cash pot.
• The usual 2 each $20 off a USA local dive.
• And perhaps a couple of other little surprises for you too!

For the past several months, our 50/50 Lobster Pot has been right at $50 or more.

Unheard of in the history of the USA Dive Club.

I thank you and the club thanks you.  Let’s keep it up!

And, as I always say, ‘If U miss it, U will miss it!’

Questions?  Click here to contact Promotions Coordinator Larry Townsend by e-mail.

Larry Townsend
Promotions Coordinator
promotions@usadiveclub.com

Back to Top

USA’s Overseas Diving

USA Dive Club Overseas Diving program 2011 For 2011, we have two trips planned for USA’s overseas diving program. The dates appearing below are firm.  They will allow you to plan your 2011 overseas diving schedule. Prices are approximate at this time. Little Cayman Beach Resort, June 11-18, 2011. All meals, 17 dives, airfare, tips, etc., approximately $2,150. Non-diver option available.  More info from trip leader Kathi McCutcheon or me.   Saba and Saint Kitts live-aboard, October 8-15, 2011.  Explorer Ventures’ fleet, same as USA’s last Saba trip and the 2006 Turks and Caicos trip to Provo.  This trip is one-way from Saint Marten to Saint Kitts.  Purchase your own split ticket with American Airlines.  All meals and beverages, 27 boat dives, free NITROX, airport transfers, gratuities, port taxes, departure taxes and fuel surcharge is about $2,250.  Add approximately $600 for air travel and the total is about $2,850. More info from trip leader Julie Manhold or me.   Dry Tortugas live-aboard.  At this time, we do not have enough interest to schedule that trip for 2011 however, it remains a viable consideration. Signup rules & priority for USA Dive Club Click here to view USA DIVE TRIP GUIDELINES FOR OVERSEAS DIVE TRIPS, MINI TRIPS, LOCAL DIVES. Click here to view and print trip registration forms for Little Cayman Beach Resort. Click here to view and print trip registration forms for Saba/St.Kitts. Questions?  Click here to contact VP of Overseas Diving Nils Jacobsen by e-mail. Nils Jacobsen VP Overseas Diving overseasdiving@usadiveclub.com

Little Cayman Beach Resort “Where the livin’ is good and the divin’ is easy.” June 11-18, 2011 Spend a relaxing week at the only deluxe, full service resort on Little Cayman Island. Rated as the number one resort destination in the Caribbean for wall diving, number two for favorite reef diving and within the top five for advanced diving, sea life and underwater photography, you will enjoy outstanding visibility. The staff will handle all your gear and you need only to walk a few steps from your room to the large, comfortable, covered boats. The four boats are 42 to 46 ft long, 16 ft wide, with freshwater showers and restrooms. Kathi McCutcheon is the trip leader who will run this as a traditional USA club trip. We will dive together and enjoy group camaraderie at the daily happy hour around the pool and hot tub. Those who have been here before will vouch for the excellent cuisine, great patio bar and nicely appointed pool view rooms which have been recently redecorated and upgraded. The dive shop is fully equipped to handle refresher or specialty courses. Dive computers are offered free of charge and rentals are available for cameras, all dive equipment, kayaks, sailboats, and paddle boats. NITROX can be purchased at the dive shop. There are also bicycles, tennis courts, volleyball, and hammocks along the beach making it possible for a non-diving partner to have an enjoyable, relaxing week. Fishing charters are another option. PRICE: $2,150 for three dives per day; $1,550 non-diver $2,000 for two dives per day Extra dives purchased at resort $65 per tank NITROX $10 per single tank, $140 for the week Deluxe oceanfront room upgrade $320 per person Prices include roundtrip airfare from Miami, transfers, 3 gourmet meals daily, and all tips.  Bar drinks are extra. Questions?  Click here to contact trip leader Kathi McCutcheon by e-mail.

	Kathi McCutcheon

Saba/St. Kitts  Liveaboard The Caribbean Explorer II Luxury Dive Vessel www.explorerventures.com/cexp2/index.html A Three-Island Tour with The Most Unique Itinerary of Live-aboard Diving October 8-15, 2011 The Saba/St. Kitts live-aboard dive vacation is now full.  Unfortunately, we are limited to a maximum of 18 passengers. If you are interested in going on this trip, please add your name to the wait list.  Placing your name on the wait list is FREE. No deposit is required unless you are selected to replace a trip participant who cancels. If you have questions, or would like the names of USAers and guests going on the Saba/St. Kitts trip, click here to contact Trip Leader Julie Manhold.   Eighteen lucky USAers will be traveling to Saba/St. Kitts to experience an 8-day, 7-night liveaboard diving adventure aboard the Caribbean Explorer II. Julie Manhold is the trip leader.  We have reserved the entire boat for USAers. A Full Moon dive is scheduled for Wednesday evening, October 12th.  There are eight staterooms, all with private vanities, air conditioning and toilet facilities. What’s a liveaboard?  Just the most relaxing dive vacation you’ll ever experience.  NO SCHLEPPING of dive gear.  After you embark, set up your tank just once… that’s it.  When not in use, your other gear is stowed in your private gear locker right under your seat. Wet suits are hung to dry.  And you don’t have to switch over tanks.  Your tank is refilled right where you left it.  Warm showers and towels are offered after each of the 27 dives made available to you. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are expertly prepared as are the in-between snacks presented at the end of each dive. What do you do between dives?   RELAX… sunbathe, fill in your log book, read that novel you didn’t have time to read at home, take a nap, get to know your fellow USAers a little better while raving about the last dive.  Your time is your own.  Perhaps a land tour would be nice.  If you’re not planning to make the night dive, enjoy a glass of wine with dinner. With the exception of the airfare, this is an all-inclusive vacation.  Includes 27 boat dives, all meals and beverages, gratuities, port tax, fuel surcharge, airport transfers, departure tax and free NITROX.  We will be on our own Friday evening for dinner.  We’re even throwing in the T-shirt to let the world know you’ve ‘been there and done that’. Travel will be simple.  On Saturday, October 8th, we fly nonstop from Miami to St. Maarten and then take ground transportation a short distance to the boat.  While we sleep, we cruise to Saba where the diving begins.  We then island hop and dive our way to St. Kitts where we disembark the following Saturday, October 15th, and fly home direct from St. Kitts to Miami. You have the opportunity to make 27 dives on this expedition: 2 morning dives, 2 afternoon dives, and 1 night dive each evening.  NITROX is free. The Northeastern Caribbean is an intriguing area offering a blend of Dutch, British, French and native cultures on the most scenic islands in the Caribbean.  Our unique itinerary will combine diving and optional land tours. Saba is known for its submerged offshore pinnacles.  The abrupt topography above the sea is mirrored below and the profusion of marine life attests to the early institution of the Saba Marine Park in 1987. Underwater pinnacles -- spires of the same volcanic rock that makes up the island -- jut up from the deep blue and overflow with marine life. At Third Encounter, a notable pinnacle dive site, the surrounding deep water makes sightings of sharks and other pelagics common.  Just a short swim away, an eerie spire called the Needle, not more than 30 feet wide at its apex, rises 250 feet and points up from the depths like Neptune's finger. St. Kitts offers arguably the widest variety of sites - finger reefs, recent wrecks, and a variety of drop-offs that will capture your imagination. When you purchase your own airfare departing from Miami, price for this trip is approximately $2,850.  Book your own air travel. This will be a popular trip and a deposit is required to make your reservation. Questions?  Click here to contact trip leader Julie Manhold by e-mail.   Julie Manhold    Trip Leader

Back to Top

Equipment for Sale

	USED equipment for $150 OBO 1- Older style Large Scuba Pro Classic BC.( 50 dives) 1- Extra exhaust hose 1- Older Air 2 (inflator / octo) + 2 extra hoses for Air 2 connection 1- UK Q40 light 3- Hose protectors 2- Older min C lights FMI contact USA member Bob Lucas PH. 561-865-0308 lucas6157@yahoo.com

Back to Top

USA Calendar

• April 7th - Regular Monthly meeting @ 7:30 pm
   
• Best Western Deerfield Hotel & Suites
  1050 E Newport Center Drive
  Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
   
• April 20th - ‘Blue Holes’ on the Blue Planet
  RSMAS @ 6:00 pm
   
• University of Miami Rosenstiel of Marine and Atmospheric Science
  Rosenstiel School Auditorium
  4600 Rickenbacker Causeway
  Virginia Key, FL 33149
   
• April 24th - USA local dive @ 7:30 am
   
• Easter Egg Hunt
  2-tank wreck and drift dive
  Starfish Enterprise
  735 Casa Loma Blvd
  Boynton Beach, FL 33435

Click on USA’s calendar to view all future events.

Back to Top

Contact Info:

Under Sea Adventurers Dive Club web site: www.usadiveclub.com

Meetings: First Thursday of each month at:

Best Western Deerfield Beach Hotel & Suites
1050 E. Newport Center Drive, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
Social: 7:00 pm; Meeting: 7:30 pm

Board of Directors

Elected Officers - Title	Name	E-Mail Address
President	Russ Manhold	president@usadiveclub.com
VP of Programs	Glada Blench	programs@usadiveclub.com
VP of OS Diving	Nils Jacobsen	overseasdiving@usadiveclub.com
VP of Social Events	Clare Anthon Julie Manhold	social@usadiveclub.com
VP of Local Diving	John Ficarra Kathy Ficarra	localdiving@usadiveclub.com
Secretary	Robert Shearer	secretary@usadiveclub.com
Treasurer	Steve McCutcheon	treasurer@usadiveclub.com
Appointees - Title	Name	E-Mail Address
Audio/Video Coordinator	Roman Boszko	avguy@usadiveclub.com
OS Dive Accountant	Ronnie Farr	diveaccountant@usadiveclub.com
Membership Coordinator	Russ Manhold	membership@usadiveclub.com
Hospitality Coordinator	Clare Anthon Julie Manhold	hospitality@usadiveclub.com
Photographer/Scrapbook	Russ Hickman	awards@usadiveclub.com
Promotions	Larry Townsend	promotions@usadiveclub.com
Safety Coordinator	Paul Molinari	safety@usadiveclub.com
Newsletter/Webmaster	Russ Manhold	newsletter@usadiveclub.com

Membership Dues - $40 yearly; $70 for married USA Dive Club member couples

Download the Membership Packet from our website

Back to Top

All information and images are property of ©2011 Under Sea Adventurers Dive Club