Staff Blog

Jeff Cinciripino completes PADI Instructor program

Completing Scuba Shack’s professional internship is certainly a high achievement, and we want to congratulate Jeff Cinciripino for going the extra step to complete the PADI Instructor Development Course and passing the PADI Instructor Examination – two full days of testing – to become Scuba Shack’s newest instructor. Read more

Kings Beach trip report – great New England summer diving

Eleven Scuba Shack divers made the trek to Newport on Aug. 16 to dive at King’s Beach. The dive team included: Dave, Bill, Devon, Paul, Bob, Joel, Katie, Maureen, Matt, Donna and Jeff.

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Chester Poling and Pickett’s Ledge with Cape Ann Divers

A group of Scuba Shack divers headed up north to dive with Cape Ann divers. The dives for the day were the Chester Poling and Pickett’s Ledge. The weather was cooperative and visability was great.

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Memorial Day Nassau group trip report

May 20, 2009 was the kick-off date for the annual Scuba Shack Nassau trip. Nineteen intrepid divers accompanied Scuba Shack instructor, Peter Katz, on a fun filled weekend of diving, dining and partying. Although the weather was not as sparkling as last year, the group’s spirit never dampened.

We were able to try new dive sites such as the BBC’s wreck, Blue Plunder. This year we did dive Hole in the Head and have the pictures to prove it.

This trip was characterized by juvenile spotted drums, turtles and the ever present lionfish.

One of our “regular” dive sites, the wreck of the Willaurie, became more interesting with the addition of skeletal remains left by a movie company.

We were fortunate to have Vivian and Barry back as our crew.

The Exuma trip was a bit of a trial for our group, but all survived and enjoyed it. All the fun was not limited to the water. We had a great meal at the Marley Resort and Spa surrounded by the memorabilia and music of legendary Bob Marley. I would have to say the “highlight” of the trip had to be the evening at Senor Frog’s. With Craig’s stirring karaoke and Bobby G’s leading the crowd in “YMCA”, the evening was a resounding hit.

I am happy to report that the hardcore blackjack players did make a dent in the Casino’s bank, with most players leaving the table with more than they started. Roulette Red started out well, but may have been overdone with the Casino scoring numerous consecutive runs of Roulette Black! Sunday night was our barbecue and farewell party with the Stuart Cove dive staff at Orange Hill.

The Three J’s held court in Orange Hill’s bar and although I recall having an adult beverage or two, my bar bill seemed to indicate I treated the entire Island!

The trip was a resounding success do to a great group of people who really know how to have a good time!

Mexico – Riviera Maya and Cenotes!

At the end of March a few friends, family and I were fortunate to take a quick trip down to Mexico.

Since the ocean wasn’t cooperating, (seas 7 – 9 feet) we decided to take in the beautiful underwater world of  ”fresh water cenotes”.  Places visited included Taj Mahal, Little Brother, Eden’s Garden, Chac Mool.  To say the cenotes are incredible is an understatement.  This was a great experience, and I will definitely be returning.  Cave diving in the future?

Along with the diving were day trips to Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and also Tulum to check out the ruins. Mexico is a great place to visit, with may fun things for the whole family!

Click on an image to to see the full size.

Classes are available

Ed and I have both noticed that it is getting harder to get all our schedules lined up for group classes like: Rescue, EFR, Buoyancy, etc. We just want to make sure you know that almost any class can be done on a semi-private or private schedule.  All you have to do is ask and we can create a schedule that works for just you or you and your dive buddy. Stop in for details.

Things to look for in the new year

DEMA was in Las Vegas last week and Scuba Shack was there. We were looking for new destinations as well as ways to improve our diving. I am very please to share just a few of the things you will see soon.

1. We are now a “She-P” dealer- now the ladies can dive their drysuits all day and be free from worrying about  getting out to pee. We have the complete solution including P-valve installation.
2. Suunto D6 & D4 pro kits. This limited time offer will have your new dive computer, downloader, software & logbook- all for one low price.
3. DUI 30/30 suits- have you ever considered diving dry in the Caribbean? A long time coming but finally we are convinced they are ready for our divers. Of course we will have the properly configured version. Stop by for more info!

Mexico trip pictures

Sorry for the delay, but I finally put the pics on the web from the Mexico trip.

I just want to express my thanks for traveling with Scuba Shack. We had a great time! I have a few destinations in mind for the coming year but I also wanted to get some input from you guys, where would you like to go next year?

Stonington Point night dive

Another great night was put together by Dennis Bosse last night, as he and a group of nine other divers headed out for a great night of diving, stuffing their faces and laughs. Dennis, Sheri, Tim, Sandy, Mark, Bill, Guy, Tom, Chris, and Randy met in Stonington for a pot luck dinner that couldn’t of been beat. Dennis brought the grill, and everybody else brought the goodies. Yes, desert was eaten before dinner! After the sun set everybody jumped into the water, for a great dive, with sightings of Lobsters (although all catch bags were empty upon return) crabs, eels, and other usual North Eastern underwater life. Everybody’s dives totaled around about an hour. There was more fun after the dive while everybody put gear away, and then a departure around 11:00 pm.

Dennis is doing an awesome job this year getting divers out diving, and they are having an excellent time enjoying everybody’s company. As the group continues to grow each week, so does the fun, and of course the menu!! Look for Dennis and his group each week at a location somewhere in the area, from the Portland Quarry to Stonington Point.

Bill, Tim, and Randy

Sandy

Chef Dennis, and he didn’t catch the grill on fire this time.

Guy prepares his salad

Mark and Chris

Tom, Bill, mark, Tim, and Dennis

Drive & Dive report: Big response to Halcyon and GUE demo days at Dutch Springs

As the title suggests, there was a lot happening down at Dutch Springs in Bethlehem, Penn. this past weekend.

This was the scheduled weekend for the Halcyon / GUE demo days, with special guest speaker Jarrod Jablonski. Halcyon had all the “goodies” on display, ready for a test dive. (I had the pleasure of taking out the new 21 watt HID light.. I can sum it up in one word – AWESOME!)

Many people tried the lights, BP/W’s, Surface markers, etc. You name it, it was there ready to be used.

At 7:30 we had the privilege of hearing Jarrod speak about the recent events with the WKPP and GUE. They are accomplishing many great goals toward conservation and exploration. He also showed a video of the traverse performed by Casey McKinley and himself from Turner Sink to Wakulla Springs. An awesome dive and flawless execution of a record breaking event performed by the GUE team. The dive spanned a total of nearly 7 miles (36,000 feet) of cave at a depth of ~300′.

Since there was a REALLY good reason to go, Scuba Shack decided to include a “Drive & Dive” trip and a PADI Advanced weekend!

We had many divers representing our shop in fine fashion!

We also had three divers working towards their advanced certification as well. Bill, Sandy and Tim worked very eagerly to learn: Buoyancy, Navigation, Search & Recovery, Wreck, and Deep diving. Support was provided by Mark, Dave and Carol.

There was much to learn, and we packed a ton of information in the 2 days. Congratulations to all 3 as they passed their advanced class, and are now ready to explore new environments in the open water.

Here are a few pictures of the weekend..

Getting the gear ready

Ready to descend on the Helicopter

Dave helping Sandy into the water

Group photo op before the S&R dive

The girls having fun

uh, ??? Stretching?

The “NE-UE” Gang

Jarrod at the Halcyon Tent

Mark & Tim after the deep dive

Carol & Sandy getting out of the water

…more can be found at: http://picasaweb.google.com/Dennis.R.Bosse/DutchSpringsJuly2008

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