11.23.08 - "The Nursery" and "Pompano Extension"

Hello everyone.

Sunday, November 23rd once again finds the Video Dude and Scuba Goddess Terri aboard Parrot Island Scuba's "Fish Food" heading out to get some nice reef footage for a client. Terri is also trying out a new set of doubles in the shallows before heading out to do deeper wrecks later in the month. It was a picture perfect day weather-wise with seas at 2-3 feet and lots of sun. Captain Jerry and Divemaster Dale get us out to our first site in record time and we all get geared up to get in. Terri and I get a new dive buddy - recently certified diver Maria - to join our group.

Dive number 1 was on a shallow reef called "The Nursery". Water temp was 74 degrees with about 40ft of visibility. They call this reef "The Nursery" because it is a haven for juvenile fish and because you occasionally get to see a Nurse Shark or two. The first thing we all notice is a bit of surge on the reef. Besides all the juvenile fish, we also saw 3 or 4 Hogfish, Cowfish, Trunkfish, a Puffer Fish or two, and a Spanish Lobster. All too soon it's time to head up and change over our gear for the next spot.

Dive number 2 is on a new section of shallow reef called "The Pompano Extension". Water temp continued in the 74 degree range and visibility was still around 40ft. This section of reef was recently opened to diving thanks mainly to the addition of mooring balls placed by the county to prevent reef damage from anchors. Our buddy Maria decided not to join is this dive due to a foot injury, so Terri and I jump in and start heading down. More Hogfish, Puffer Fish, and a Crab or two along with more beautiful juvenile tropicals of all kinds. Made for lots of great video.

Another great day of diving here in Paradise!

The Video Dude

11.16.08 - Blue Heron Bridge Dive

Hello everyone!

Saturday November 16 finds the Video Dude and number one dive buddy/underwater model Terri at the Blue Heron Bridge in Palm Beach County (FL). This is the place where all the locals go when sea conditions are poor. There is a nice park under the bridge (Phil Foster Park) with free parking, restrooms and fresh water showers for rinsing off afterwards. There is a nice shoreline beach for entry/exits and it's a nice easy dive of 15ft (at high tide).

We were joined by Jayson and several members of ScubaBoard this day. Was nice to be able to put faces with screen names and make new friends. There was so much in the way of animal life too. Horseshoe Crabs, Eagle Rays, Spotted Eels, Lobster, Sharp-tailed Eel, Sea Robins, Batfish, Flying Gurnards, Scorpionfish, Spadefish, Grunts, Angelfish and more!


One of the best parts was the Flying Gurnard. It came right over to my camera and "struck a pose" for me, spreading it's fins and letting me see the beautiful blue coloring. Another great experience was when Terri and Jayson managed to free a Scorpionfish trapped in a fishing net. At times the Scorpionfish looked like it didn't know we were trying to help!

Overall, a great day of diving with a great group of ScubaBoarders. We're all planning to do it again real soon!

Diving the day away in Paradise!

The Video Dude

11.9.08 EPCOT DiveQuest

Hello everyone.

Just got back from doing this dive. It was FREAKIN" AWESOME! The promo video doesn't do it justice.

Everything you've ever seen posted about this dive was pretty accurate as far as what to expect from the behind the scenes tour and getting geared up and in the water. Be advised, when figuring out your wetsuit size, you might want to go a little bigger than normal. I normally wear a large and the large shorty they gave me was a bit tight in the arms and around the leg seals. Also be aware that the water is allegedly 78 degrees, but it was really cold to me and others in my group.

After getting our wetsuits on we were marched through the lobby of the aquarium for everyone to see us and headed to the aquarium entrance. Our gear was already set up and waiting for us on the ledge and after a dive briefing from the DM, we were allowed to get geared up and wet.

The fish and animal life were as advertised. Lots of close encounters with Sharks, Turtles and Rays as well as the usual reef fish. My buddy, Terri and I found ourselves at one point in the middle of a turtle fight, and the DM had to intervene between the turtles. We also had a blast playing with the kids on the other side of the windows! They were very excited to see us. We passed by a window of a private dining room where a wedding reception was happening. Everyone was dancing and waving at us so Terri and I decided to do some dance moves too. Everyone inside clapped for us when we finished. It was a lot of fun interacting with the people inside.

We got to dive around on our own for the last 25 minutes or so, and man the time flew by! All too soon the recall sound was heard and we had to get out. Total dive time was 40 minutes and I only used 1500 of my 3200psi fill.

Warm towels were given to us after getting out and we were once again marched through the aquarium lobby heading back for our lockers and warm showers and more dry towels. after everyone was cleaned up, we all met in a conference room to fill out survey forms and watch the DVD of the dive. The DVD was $35 with the money going to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund. We also got a t-shirt and a certificate.

Definitely a great experience for everyone in our group. We were able to do this trip thanks to Scuba Network in Deerfield Beach. John LaFlair put the whole thing together and did an excellent job. He mentioned there would be more trips in the future too.

Definitely go if you have never been. Well worth it in my book and I have been to a lot of places around the world. I plan on going back whenever I can!

Back in the water in Paradise!

The Video Dude