The Husker Divers diver training classroom is featured on page 22 of the July/August 2009 issue of Dive Training Business magazine!
The article, by Marty Snyderman, is about creating classrooms that fit the business of your dive store and promote learning, bonding, sales, and a social environment.
Dive Training Business is a sister publication of the popular Dive Training magazine that so many divers read. The business version provides helpful resources for dive business owners and managers.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Husker Divers at WITO
On Saturday, August 15th Husker Divers was pleased to be able to introduce some ladies to scuba at the Women in the Outdoors annual workshop weekend.
Held at Camp Carol Joy Holling near Ashland, Nebraska, the workshops at this event include outdoors ski
lls like geocaching, game cleaning, turkey hunting, kayaking, Dutch oven cooking, various shooting disciplines, and, this year, scuba diving!
lls like geocaching, game cleaning, turkey hunting, kayaking, Dutch oven cooking, various shooting disciplines, and, this year, scuba diving! The particpants met their Husker Divers instructor at the pool. After an introduction to what is required to earn scuba certification and a presentation on what scuba diving has to offer, as well as info on trips and other opportunities, the ladies headed for poolside. There, they received an overview of the equipment used in scuba diving. All the equipment except one set was assembled ahead of time, but one set of equipment was reserved for the students to learn to assemble.
Once they'd donned wetsuits and gotten fitted for masks and fins, they jumped into the water and got into their scuba gear. This was an enthusiastic group of women, and they took to scuba easily, with very little nervousness. Before long they were breathing underwater like old pros.
After the class, the participants disassembled the equipment and helpfully carried it out to Husker Divers' trailer for transport back to the dive shop. Each person was talking about how cool the experience was. One highlight for several of them was getting to watch a passing rainshower from under the water's surface. They could see the rain hitting the water from underneath, and even hear it hit the surface of the pool.
This was a super fun experience for both the instructor and the particpants. We hope they'll stop by the dive shop and say hi sometime soon!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
How's Your Dive Equipment Holding Up?
It's been a busy summer of diving, with local action at our sandpits near Kearney, regional trips to Oronogo, Missouri; Bull Shoals, Arkansas and Oahe Reservoir in South Dakota. New divers have been certified, certified divers have completed specialty classes, and divers of all levels have been getting their equipment wet at dive sites large and small, in salt water and fresh water, from boat and from shore.
Husker Divers' equipment servicing bench has seen a variety of maintenance needs come under the skilled hands of our on-staff tech guy. Divers have brought their equipment into the store for regular, annual servicing as well as for repairs large and small.
What about your own dive equipment? How's it holding up? When you pick up your regulator, can you hear sand inside, like a couple of 2nd stages we've had in the shop recently? How do your inflate and deflate buttons work? Does your regulator have a round, yellow SSI service tag on it from within the past year? How about the yellow service sleeve on your console hose?
We've seen dive equipment in all stages of repair and disrepair this summer. Some divers are very conscientious with their equipment. Others, unfortunately, are not. Remember what you learned in your Open Water Diver class - take care of your equipment, and it will take care of you. Do this after your next dive:
-Soak and/or thoroughly rinse your equipment, including your 2nd stages and your console, in fresh water to remove all salt or sand. Swish your gear around in the water and be sure all sand, silt, and anything else are out before you dry it.
-Rinse the inside of your BC with fresh water, slosh it around, and turn the BC upside down to drain, holding your oral inflation button open to allow the water to drain out (if you have the AirSource 3, just let the water run out the corrugated hose on the shoulder). You may need to shift the BC around in order to get the last of the water out of the nooks and crannies. Once it's empty of water, orally inflate it to keep the bladder from sticking together and hang it to dry. You can also use wetsuit/BC shampoo in water to wash and rinse out your BC.
-Take integrated weight pockets, dive knives, and other accessories off your BC and rinse those, too. If your knife sheath is mounted to your BC, check the fasteners to be sure they're tight.
-After thoroughly washing your wetsuit and other neoprene items, like boots, hoods, and gloves, in fresh water or water with wetsuit shampoo, hang them to dry inside out. Once the inside of these items is dry, turn them right side out to continue drying, and hang them, ready for your next dive. Remember to hang your suit on a hangar with wide shoulders to prevent creases in the neoprene. Neoprene boots can be unzipped, the cuffs rolled down, and left in a shady area to dry. Hang them upside down, if possible, or stuff newspaper inside to absorb moisture. 500 PSI's "Fresh Again" spray is great for spraying inside boots and on any of your neoprene for a fresh scent.
-Occasionally use 500 PSI "Mask Scrub" on your mask lenses, inside and out, to remove defog buildup and any water spots. Wash the entire mask thoroughly with dishwashing soap, using an old toothbrush to get into nooks and crevices.
-Computer screens and the glass over compasses can be scratched or broken. Always store and travel with your console inside a protective case or bag.
-Check your fin and mask straps for wear and cracks. Consider picking up spare straps to keep in your tool/spare parts kit in case one breaks at a dive site.
In the market for new dive equipment? Check out the following outstanding reasons to purchase dive equipment from Husker Divers:
-We carry the top technology available in diving industry
-We personally fit all equip not only to YOUR size but to YOUR needs
-We have a certified equipment tech on staff who services all the equipment we sell
-All the equipment we sell is fully warranted through our manufacturers and distributors
-We offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee so you're completely comfortable with your gear
-Buy a computer or camera from us and get a FREE class on how to use it
-All equipment you buy is fully assembled and tested before you receive it
-On new equip, Aqualung offers free parts for your reg every year for as long as you own it. You only pay for the labor.
-Free service on your equipment for your first year of ownership
-Test your new equipment in the pool after buying it. If it's not right we'll replace it with something that will work for you.
-Financing is available. Six months same as cash.
Your dive equipment is crucial to your safety and your enjoyment of diving. We're not satisfied until you are!
Husker Divers' equipment servicing bench has seen a variety of maintenance needs come under the skilled hands of our on-staff tech guy. Divers have brought their equipment into the store for regular, annual servicing as well as for repairs large and small.
What about your own dive equipment? How's it holding up? When you pick up your regulator, can you hear sand inside, like a couple of 2nd stages we've had in the shop recently? How do your inflate and deflate buttons work? Does your regulator have a round, yellow SSI service tag on it from within the past year? How about the yellow service sleeve on your console hose?
We've seen dive equipment in all stages of repair and disrepair this summer. Some divers are very conscientious with their equipment. Others, unfortunately, are not. Remember what you learned in your Open Water Diver class - take care of your equipment, and it will take care of you. Do this after your next dive:
-Soak and/or thoroughly rinse your equipment, including your 2nd stages and your console, in fresh water to remove all salt or sand. Swish your gear around in the water and be sure all sand, silt, and anything else are out before you dry it.
-Rinse the inside of your BC with fresh water, slosh it around, and turn the BC upside down to drain, holding your oral inflation button open to allow the water to drain out (if you have the AirSource 3, just let the water run out the corrugated hose on the shoulder). You may need to shift the BC around in order to get the last of the water out of the nooks and crannies. Once it's empty of water, orally inflate it to keep the bladder from sticking together and hang it to dry. You can also use wetsuit/BC shampoo in water to wash and rinse out your BC.
-Take integrated weight pockets, dive knives, and other accessories off your BC and rinse those, too. If your knife sheath is mounted to your BC, check the fasteners to be sure they're tight.
-After thoroughly washing your wetsuit and other neoprene items, like boots, hoods, and gloves, in fresh water or water with wetsuit shampoo, hang them to dry inside out. Once the inside of these items is dry, turn them right side out to continue drying, and hang them, ready for your next dive. Remember to hang your suit on a hangar with wide shoulders to prevent creases in the neoprene. Neoprene boots can be unzipped, the cuffs rolled down, and left in a shady area to dry. Hang them upside down, if possible, or stuff newspaper inside to absorb moisture. 500 PSI's "Fresh Again" spray is great for spraying inside boots and on any of your neoprene for a fresh scent.
-Occasionally use 500 PSI "Mask Scrub" on your mask lenses, inside and out, to remove defog buildup and any water spots. Wash the entire mask thoroughly with dishwashing soap, using an old toothbrush to get into nooks and crevices.
-Computer screens and the glass over compasses can be scratched or broken. Always store and travel with your console inside a protective case or bag.
-Check your fin and mask straps for wear and cracks. Consider picking up spare straps to keep in your tool/spare parts kit in case one breaks at a dive site.
In the market for new dive equipment? Check out the following outstanding reasons to purchase dive equipment from Husker Divers:
-We carry the top technology available in diving industry
-We personally fit all equip not only to YOUR size but to YOUR needs
-We have a certified equipment tech on staff who services all the equipment we sell
-All the equipment we sell is fully warranted through our manufacturers and distributors
-We offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee so you're completely comfortable with your gear
-Buy a computer or camera from us and get a FREE class on how to use it
-All equipment you buy is fully assembled and tested before you receive it
-On new equip, Aqualung offers free parts for your reg every year for as long as you own it. You only pay for the labor.
-Free service on your equipment for your first year of ownership
-Test your new equipment in the pool after buying it. If it's not right we'll replace it with something that will work for you.
-Financing is available. Six months same as cash.
Your dive equipment is crucial to your safety and your enjoyment of diving. We're not satisfied until you are!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Oahe Spearfishing Trip a Success!
The first of two dive trips to Oahe Reservoir in South Dakota was a great success, with over 40 fish harvested and some exciting tailrace diving, as well.
On Friday, July 31st, 17 divers from Husker Divers converged on Steamboat's Skin and Scuba shop in Pierre, South Dakota. The shop, owned by Caleb and Josh Gilkerson, is a scuba shop,
kayaking outfitter, hunting outfitter, and all around go-to spot for outdoorsmen from far and wide.
The first dive of the trip took place Friday afternoon in the tailrace, which is the water being let out of the dam. Those participating stepped off the pontoon boats into the current, dropped to the bottom at around 26 feet, and were carried downstream, watching sturgeon, drum, and even a burbot lurking behind a boulder flash by.
On Saturday the divers loaded up and headed for Spring Creek, one of the marinas on Oahe. Four platform boats loaded with divers and gear dispersed around the area, the boats captained by Caleb, Josh, and their crew. Each boat carried 4-5 divers and their gear and went to a different area of the lake to try their luck at harvesting some fish. It was the first time spearfishing for a few of the divers, but it didn't take long for them to learn the ropes, and soon the fish started filling the live wells.
All four boats met back at the marina for a tasty shore lunch of pheasant sandwiches, chips, and drinks whipped up by Steamboat's staff. After the break it was back to the fishing. At the end of the day, Steamboat's crew hauled the catch away for cleaning, then brought the filets back to the Spring Creek marina restaurant to cook up for the hungry divers.
Later Saturday night, it was time for a night dive in the tailrace. The divers stepped off the pontoon boats into the black water in pairs, with a dive flag equipped with a strobe for visibility on the surface. Dropping down, the current wasn't felt at all, but once the divers' lights hit the bottom, it was obvious the current was ripping along. Right away the hundreds of white catfish seen on this dive started appearing in the beam of the divers' lights. These fish were present along the entire route of the dive; with every single sweep of a light they could be seen, facing into the current. A few sturgeon were around too, and one set of divers said they spotted another burbot, but the fast current prevented any stopping for a closer look. This 3/4 mile drift dive was a real thrill ride, and each person who participated loved every second of it.
On Sunday, it was back to the fishing. Some of the divers were able to harvest their limit of walleye, and many bass were harvested, as well. The live wells and coolers were full of fish, and once again, Caleb, Josh, and crew cleaned all the fish. They fileted them, put them in bags, and even vacuum packed the filets. Every diver on the trip received a bag of filets, and Caleb made sure that divers who'd harvested an especially big or otherwise unique fish got to take that fish home with him or her.
All the divers had a great time spearfishing, diving the tailrace, and just spending time with other divers. The meals were good, Steamboat's staff was extremely professional and friendly, and it was just an all-around fantastic trip. A second trip to Oahe is taking off this weekend, and those divers are certainly in for as fun and exciting an experience as the first group.
If you're interested in participating in one of next year's Husker Divers trips to Oahe, see Joe or Donna Tyler at the dive shop, or give them a call at 402-420-6338 or e-mail huskerdivers@prodigy.net. You do not need to be a super experienced diver to participate in this trip. If you're a certified Open Water Diver, you're welcome. You will need to own or rent your equipment, and Husker Divers has some spearguns to rent.
On Friday, July 31st, 17 divers from Husker Divers converged on Steamboat's Skin and Scuba shop in Pierre, South Dakota. The shop, owned by Caleb and Josh Gilkerson, is a scuba shop,
kayaking outfitter, hunting outfitter, and all around go-to spot for outdoorsmen from far and wide.The first dive of the trip took place Friday afternoon in the tailrace, which is the water being let out of the dam. Those participating stepped off the pontoon boats into the current, dropped to the bottom at around 26 feet, and were carried downstream, watching sturgeon, drum, and even a burbot lurking behind a boulder flash by.
On Saturday the divers loaded up and headed for Spring Creek, one of the marinas on Oahe. Four platform boats loaded with divers and gear dispersed around the area, the boats captained by Caleb, Josh, and their crew. Each boat carried 4-5 divers and their gear and went to a different area of the lake to try their luck at harvesting some fish. It was the first time spearfishing for a few of the divers, but it didn't take long for them to learn the ropes, and soon the fish started filling the live wells.
All four boats met back at the marina for a tasty shore lunch of pheasant sandwiches, chips, and drinks whipped up by Steamboat's staff. After the break it was back to the fishing. At the end of the day, Steamboat's crew hauled the catch away for cleaning, then brought the filets back to the Spring Creek marina restaurant to cook up for the hungry divers.
Later Saturday night, it was time for a night dive in the tailrace. The divers stepped off the pontoon boats into the black water in pairs, with a dive flag equipped with a strobe for visibility on the surface. Dropping down, the current wasn't felt at all, but once the divers' lights hit the bottom, it was obvious the current was ripping along. Right away the hundreds of white catfish seen on this dive started appearing in the beam of the divers' lights. These fish were present along the entire route of the dive; with every single sweep of a light they could be seen, facing into the current. A few sturgeon were around too, and one set of divers said they spotted another burbot, but the fast current prevented any stopping for a closer look. This 3/4 mile drift dive was a real thrill ride, and each person who participated loved every second of it.
On Sunday, it was back to the fishing. Some of the divers were able to harvest their limit of walleye, and many bass were harvested, as well. The live wells and coolers were full of fish, and once again, Caleb, Josh, and crew cleaned all the fish. They fileted them, put them in bags, and even vacuum packed the filets. Every diver on the trip received a bag of filets, and Caleb made sure that divers who'd harvested an especially big or otherwise unique fish got to take that fish home with him or her.
All the divers had a great time spearfishing, diving the tailrace, and just spending time with other divers. The meals were good, Steamboat's staff was extremely professional and friendly, and it was just an all-around fantastic trip. A second trip to Oahe is taking off this weekend, and those divers are certainly in for as fun and exciting an experience as the first group.
If you're interested in participating in one of next year's Husker Divers trips to Oahe, see Joe or Donna Tyler at the dive shop, or give them a call at 402-420-6338 or e-mail huskerdivers@prodigy.net. You do not need to be a super experienced diver to participate in this trip. If you're a certified Open Water Diver, you're welcome. You will need to own or rent your equipment, and Husker Divers has some spearguns to rent.
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