Greeting from the President, January 2025
Jim Driggers | Published on 1/25/2025
Hello Aqua Tutus,
I hope the first month of the new year has started well for everyone. Our first meeting of the month, began with a small challenge. We weren't able to coordinate with our scheduled January speaker, Dan Schwartz, for his photography presentation, so instead we discussed dive locations. Thanks to those who participated by asking whether anyone had dove at particular places, and thanks to those who shared their experiences of those places. Special thanks to Dennis Hocker, Director of Training, who began the conversation by sharing his observations of the differences between shore- and liveaboard-based diving and of a few of the places he goes to. Even though this was an impromptu presentation, from what I hear, most attendees enjoyed the discussion and were glad we had it.
For the February general meeting entertainment, True Barnes, Reef Check's Central Coast Regional Manager, will give a presentation on how Reef Check trains divers to conduct scientific surveys to assess the health of local reefs. Per Reef Check's website, it's "a non-profit organization leading citizen scientists to promote the stewardship of sustainable reef communities worldwide." I'm sure this presentation will be a wonderful introduction for those unfamiliar with Reef Check and an opportunity to consider volunteering. Several Tooters are existing members of Reef Check, and I'm sure they'd be happy to share their experiences of the training and survey work.
Since we weren't able to see Dan Schwartz's presentation, we'll work on getting him for an upcoming month. Another upcoming presentation is how to read dive condition forecast models to help you decide whether and which local dive site to visit. If you have any ideas for other presentations, please contact David Sheh, Program Director. If you have ideas for activities, such as the recent regulator repair workshop, or events such as the upcoming San Francisco International Film Festival, please share those with David as well.
Finally, thanks to all who have or will soon, renew their membership to Aqua Tutus. It's one of the Bay Area's oldest diving organizations, and it exists only to the extent its members continuing to participate in the club.
Due to dive condition concerns, our January dive has been moved to February 1 and remains scheduled for Lovers Cove 3. This is a great site to practice underwater navigation skills--and many other dive skills. If you're considering going, check out the Club Dive Communication forum in our website's Forums section. If you are planning to go, be sure to RSVP so Alan Stanek, the dive's Point of Contact and club member-at-large, knows you're coming.
If I don't see you at the dive, I hope to see you all at the club's next general meeting, February 6th.
Warmly,
Jim Driggers
Club president