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 skills 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!

Husker Divers Spare Air Stimulus Package

Got air? You should have plenty if you monitor your guage and follow your training. In the event that you do find yourself out of air at depth and need a source of air until you can safely reach the surface, having a Spare Air attached to your scuba unit can be a lifesaver. It can also instill peace of mind, knowing that you always have another option to get air whenever you're underwater.

Husker Divers staff believe in Spare Air, which is why you'll see one on every staff member's equipment. The Spare Air unit is easy to use, small enough to be out of the way yet readily accessible if needed. It's a completely redundant system, with its own regulator and purge valve. You can even fill your Spare Air yourself from any full scuba tank before you begin your dive. If you find yourself out of air at depth, the Spare Air will allow you to get to the surface and safety - it's the ultimate buddy!

Husker Divers is offering a Spare Air Stimulus Package right now! The Spare Air comes in two sizes, and the package deal gives you the choice of either the 300 or the 170. The package also includes:

- Holster
- Safety Leash
- Refill Adapter
- Travel Kit (clear plastic case with spare O rings, regulator and bottle caps for travel)
- FREE first year service!

The cost for this entire package is just $275, which is a substantial savings over the regular retail price. This package price is good until May 31, 2009, so pick up your very own Spare Air and be ready for a safe and fun open water diving season!

Visit SpareAir.com for more information on the Spare Air.

SSI Announces the 2009 Master Diver Challenge!

Scuba Schools International, otherwise known as SSI, has announced their 2009 Master Diver Challenge. Interested divers can sign up for the challenge and, if they complete the requirements before the end of this year, will be eligible to win a dive trip!

Why pursue the Master Diver rating? Because it's the highest non-professional rating in scuba diving. When you're an SSI Master Diver, you've demonstrated that you have the diving knowledge and skills to make you worthy of the title of Master Diver. Divemasters at resorts and on liveaboards recognize that and often are willing to take a Master Diver to dive sites and underwater places that less experienced divers may not get to visit.

Here are some of the details of the 2009 challenge:

Prizes include a 7 night dive trip for two to the Cayman Islands sponsored by Divetech @ Cobalt Coast Resort, a 7 night dive trip for two to Utila sponsored by Laguna Beach Resort and Utila Dive Ventures, a t-shirt, a Master Diver patch, and a personalized diploma!

To meet the Challenge, divers will need to complete some milestones. SSI's Specialty Diver rating is 2 completed specialties plus 12 logged dives. SSI's Advanced Open Water Diver rating is 4 completed specialties plus 24 logged dives. Finally, the Master Diver rating is Diver Stress and Rescue plus the Advanced Open Water Diver rating and 50 logged dives.

When you take the Challenge, once you've earned your Master Diver rating, you'll receive a Master Diver patch, an SSI Master Diver diploma, a Master Diver t-shirt, and the chance to win one of the trips. Also, if Diver Stress and Rescue has already been taken before you sign up for the 2009 Master Diver Challenge, you're required to complete another specialty. All requirements must be met before December 31, 2009 in order for you to qualify for prizes.

Husker Divers would like to help you meet your goal, so we're offering 10% off your specialties when you sign up for the SSI 2009 Master Diver Challenge! See the store for details.

Remember, SSI does not dictate which specialties you have to take. You can personalize the program and take those specialties that match your diving interests! If you're interested in wreck diving in the Great Lakes, you might take wreck diving, drysuit diving, deep diving, and navigation, for example. If photography is your cup of tea, you might take Underwater Photography, Buoyancy, Fish Identification, and Nitrox. It's up to you!

Stop by Husker Divers when you're ready to sign up for the 2009 Master Diver Challenge. We'll have the form for you to fill out and we'll be happy to help you choose the right specialties to meet your needs. Good luck, and happy diving!