Emerald Ocean Explorers

dem bugs!

2008-08-15T18:58:00.000-07:00

We went out a couple days ago with Captain Scott (www.underwaterwonders.blogspot.com) for our first lobster day of the year. We worked our tails off to find their tails, and bring em home for dinner. Turned out well. We got 23 for the day...but we swam our butts off to get em. No slouchin here!

dive studs!

2008-07-30T16:26:00.000-07:00

These two chaps come to me from out of nowhere, booking me for two trips a day, for two days for some diving education. Monty to finish up his Open Water cert and Roger for an Advanced Open Water cert. "I'm in it to win it...are you" I asked. They survived...and we had a blast diving together. This is a shot of them with the famed "Christ of the Deep" here in Key Largo. Hope you enjoy guys - and I'll be making those CD's soon!

They soon realized just how rough it was to make 4 dives a day - their backsides were dragging pretty well on Day 2 but they hung in there and we got the job done. What's next fellas? Congratulations again and I can't wait until we get to do it again. Heck, maybe we'll even get out to chase down some lobster? I know this Captain who can get us there...

spiegel is not deep!

2008-07-30T15:37:00.001-07:00

rockstars!

2008-07-16T16:49:00.001-07:00

This is Ryan and Felicia Vandrey. The other day I come into work and learn I was finishing up these two on their open water certifications. No problem, I said! We got out on the boat that day and tore it up. Oh my gosh...it was crazy! They had paid attention during their confined water training so the open water stuff just fell into place. Talking about diving and other sports, it wasn't long and we're BS'ing about fresh tracks at Mt. Baker up in Washington, skydiving (something I've always wanted to do), music, food...yeah no doubt, these kids rock! Some seeds were planted too. They told me about so many other places they had been to that it sounds like I have a lot of miles to catch up on. That aside, I should have some bomb-diggity sushi dialed in by the next time you guys are in town so give me a shout when it goes down!

Oh yeah - and they finished their course with flying colors! Had a great time out on the reef doing it too...

Nice spot on Molasses Reef, eh? This was after they wrapped up their skills on Open Water Dive #4 on our tour. Elk horn coral is one of my favorites and what better way to congratulate them than to show them some of our better specimens! We also had the opportunity to hit the Winch Hole on one of the dives as well so nothing was left out. A class act all the way, they treated me to a fabulous dinner afterwards at Snook's Bayside Grill back in Key Largo. Here's one thing - I can't wait to make some more dive memories with these kats...hell, maybe I'll wax up the ol' Lib and we'll meet up in the Canyon sometime. Rock steady you guys - I'll see ya around!

They had pretty decent conditions down here too. Visibility on the reef that day was at about 80 feet and we didn't have much wave action. Last week it was pretty nasty though. I had a couple students, Lisa and Jacob Buohler come down from Lehigh Acres, Florida to do their open water course. Great folks they are. Once we had the classroom portion out of the way, these guys really took off.

Wouldn't you know it, we go out on the ocean for their dives and Mother Nature throws us a curve ball. We had some wind come through and build up the waves. Pretty good size ones too. My hats off to these guys however, because despite the conditions, they hung in there like champions. Sea-sickness was the order of the day that day...none of our passengers were left out. I felt so bad - even gave them the option of postponing for another day but they wouldn't have it. Damn the torpedos - we're going diving! Back in the water and we finished up dive #2 beautifully. Lisa and Jacob's efforts were rewarded the next day though. While not the best, the waves laid down some and the visibility got better. Their skill work seemed effortless...they hover beautifully and the reef is now theirs to explore. I have a feeling a career in or around the ocean is in store for Jacob too, because he's young and is already thinking like a fish. No worries, I've got a spot in line for gills right here for ya, bud. Just keep learning and keep diving. Books will get you far, but experience speaks volumes as well. All the best you guys and let me know when you start thinking of furthering your education. We have some wrecks down here I'd love to share with you when you're ready!

2008-06-19T17:59:00.001-07:00

sick thunderstorm footage from the Keys

2008-06-18T17:52:00.000-07:00

I just shot this a minute ago...literally. The storm is still rumbling through. Wait until about a minute 15 into it - enjoy!

Father's Day diving!

2008-06-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to all the Dads out there! Had the opportunity yesterday to share in making scuba memories with the Bell family. They came to the park to take part in a Discover Scuba course. It was a beatuiful day out on the water and we had a blast making two dives out on French Reef. A nurse shark and a southern stingray were out and about so everyosene had a chance to see our bigger critters too. Thanks for the great day guys - it was a pleasure diving with you all. So, have you scheduled your open water course yet? Hope you enjoy the video and we'll get the rest of the images to you soon!

showing the way...

2008-05-05T18:38:00.000-07:00

One of the things we do is guiding from time to time. This particular diver just wanted someone along with her to handle the navigation end of the dive and help her find great shots. Not a problem! We're more than happy to point the way.

Have been doing a lot of open water classes too lately! Seems there are a lot of people in Florida who want to make a splash and see what lies beneath the waves. Speaking of which...what a difference a day makes. Yesterday we had a big group of Discover Scuba Diving students who were real troopers. It was a marginal day-cloudy, raining, and waves. The wind had been blowing for a couple of days but we were going to give it a go. If we got out to the reef and it didnt look savory, we could always call the dive. What fun though. They all did extremely well, with only one gal getting seasick (she even made the dive too!). Then today, it was flat calm! NO waves at all and excellent visibility. What a treat for these guys. Maybe summer is on the way?

That's all for now - keep getting out there and putting dives in. It does a body good.

2008-02-01T18:03:00.000-08:00

Congratulations!

2008-02-01T17:08:00.000-08:00

A big round of applause for our newest nitrox diver - Francis! We had a couple of great dives on Molasses Reef yesterday to complete the class. On the first dive we spotted not only the resident grouper, but a nice nurse shark resting under one of the many ledges of the reef. Also, thanks to a little luck and a very observant divemaster, we recovered Francis' bracelet from the deep. Way to go Andy!

open water class

2007-10-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

They say a good diver never stops learning...well in this case, we're getting them off the beach on the right foot! This past weekend we had the pleasure of certifying a new batch of open water divers! They all did great. The weather was wonderful, the camraderie outstanding...and the visibility excellent. Lots of critters were out and about as well, welcoming our newly certified divers to their realm. Thank you to all the students and staff for making it an enjoyable experience for all. Special thanks to David and Michele Fessler for their surface interval snacks...these guys know how to keep people charged up for their next dive!

Congratulations to you all! Keep diving and keep learning - this is only the beginning!

Sund Rock

2007-10-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

It’s always a pleasure being able to hit the road and make some quality dives with good friends. This particular journey was no exception. For this episode, we hooked up with Joe from Tentacleboy Adventure take a trip out to the Hood. No, not Compton-style ‘hood G, we’re talking Hood Canal, Washington.

This wasn’t going to be one of our average “Central or South Sound, diving with a class” days. We brought the cameras, filled the bottles with Enriched Air Nitrox - and made sure to pack the extra thermals…because we were planning to stay a while! We loaded the gear in no time and were on our way to the dive site. Within minutes of our departure, we knew for certain fall was upon us. The colors were changing in the leaves, the sky was grey and overcast, and of course - you can’t forget about the wind and the rain. Don’t you just love Washington diving? We do!

Eager to get our dive day started, we made a quick stop at Hoodsport N Dive to sign in and get a key for the access gate at the site. After a short trek down the trail, we made our way out from shore a ways and dropped below the surface. Immediately, we realized why we’ve heard so many great things about Sund Rock when it came up in conversation with other divers. There is literally life everywhere you look. Plumose and swimming anemone, lingcod, multiple species of nudibranch, the venerable wolfeel…this place has quite a diverse cast of characters. One species we don’t see much – the squat lobster – is especially plentiful at the site. Also of note was an interesting outcropping just teeming with rockfish – so many we ended up calling it Rockfish Alley by the end of the day.

It’s always a shame when the diving day has to come to an end…and unfortunately, this time was no different. We did get to make two outstanding dives and had shot plenty of images of the bountiful variety of critters, so there were no worries – we’ll just have to come back for more on another trip!

We want to give a special thanks to our host for the day – Joe Bass of Tentacleboy Adventures – the warm soup for lunch was a big hit. So the next time you’re looking for some good scenery and some great diving, give a call and let’s “trip” on out the Hood. Canal that is.

Welcome

2007-09-26T15:42:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Emerald Ocean Explorers!

Always looking for a new adventure, we specialize in group or private SCUBA instruction and Underwater Imagery. Whether it be the warm blue waters of the Florida Keys or the emerald sea we know fondly as Puget Sound, our intent is to bring the undersea world to you either as an excited participant or a casual observer.

Ever thought about taking the plunge yourself? Through group or private instruction, we can teach you the skills necessary to start down your own path in the aquatic realm. Starting with the introductory Discover Scuba Diving experience, all the way through leadership-level courses such as Assistant Instructor, we can tailor a program to meet your goals. Couple that with an additonal 13 specialty courses, we let your interest and enthusiasm be our guide.

So you say you'd rather stay dry? Not a problem! Our creative imagery can help bring the depths to you.

Why are you waiting? Contact us today to begin YOUR adventure!

Stay tuned to this blog for updates as we bring more creativity online.