http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ Napa Valley Divers Forum: Recent Posts en Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:53:25 +0000 http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=16#post-29 Sun, 17 Aug 2008 07:50:23 +0000 dtopper 29@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>Ray - It looks like Napa Dive &#38; Sport is back in the game. Roger will post some information about the cleanup on his site soon. He's working on the details now. See: <a href="http://napadiveandsport.com/hot-news/" rel="nofollow">http://napadiveandsport.com/hot-news/</a></p> <p>Having said that, I applaud the plans you and Bruce came up with. </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=16#post-28 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:54:14 +0000 rpettigrew 28@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>As everyone should know by now, all the resorts at Lake Berryessa have been shut down by the BLM. This prevents Napa Dive and Sport from putting on their annual Berryessa Cleanup on Ocean Cleanup Day. Bruce Fauss and I intend to do our own cleanup at the bridge on 9/20. Nothing fancy, no barbeque, T shirts or door prizes. We'll probably bring some cold cuts for after the dive, to be consumed in the parking lot. Care to join us?<br /> Ray Pettigrew (morerayp@yahoo.com) </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=14#post-26 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 21:16:38 +0000 dtopper 26@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>Roger will be at Breakwater with an Open Water Class on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27. If anyone would like to join him in Monterey to do some shore diving... come on down! </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=13#post-25 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:49:22 +0000 dtopper 25@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>I was having trouble seeing my Cobra underwater and unfortunately, I couldn't reach for my cheap reading glasses (I have a pair in just about every room of the house because I refuse to carry then with me or around my neck - we'll call it denial). Life threatening? I'd say so.</p> <p>I discovered DiveOptx! These are the equivalent of reading glasses for underwater use. They are applied inside of your mask with no adhesives. They were easy to apply (but need 24 hours to set up) and I can now see again.</p> <p>Image: <a href="http://www.scuba.com/images/masks/diveoptx/index.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.scuba.com/images/masks/diveoptx/index.html</a></p> <p>I purchased these in Monterey but I think Roger (Napa Dive &#38; Sport) carries these now and can order for your particular needs (they are ordered similar to over-the-counter reading glasses... mine are 1.75 diopters).</p> <p>They were about $37.00 and worth every penny!</p> <p>More...</p> <p>DiveOptx</p> <p>DiveOptx are ingenious magnification lenses that bring the pleasure and safety back to diving. Imagine no more squinting and no more worrying about being able to ready your critical gauges.</p> <p>They Cling Like Magic: DiveOptx magnifying lenses are soft, pliable plastic lenses shaped in a half moon. These lenses cling through a revolutionary molecular technology that bonds DiveOptx to your dive mask. They are applied with water and use no glues or messy adhesives.</p> <p>Removeable and Reusable: DiveOptx lenses cling snugly to your dive mask and stay on even when the mask is flooded. These flexible lenses leave no residue. If you change masks, you can remove the DiveOptx lenses and reinstall them in your new mask.</p> <p>Fits Any Shape Or Style: Dive Optx magnifying lenses are optically correct from edge to edge, providing distortion free magnification. If you need to trim the lenses to smaller shape, it will not alter the power. DiveOptx may be placed anywhere in your mask at any angle that is comfortable for your vision.</p> <p>4 Simple Steps to Easy Installation</p> <p>Step 1: Wash your hands, dive mask and DiveOptx lenses with liquid soap and warm water. Place the concave side of your DiveOptx Lens against your mask.</p> <p>Step 2: Use clear, warm water to apply your DiveOptx lenses to either the inside or the outside of your mask. Placement adjustments are made by sliding your DivOptx lenses while they are still wet.</p> <p>Step 3: To check for proper placement, try on your mask and look through your DiveOptx lenses. Look down at your watch or small print to make sure your DiveOptx lenses are in the best position. DiveOptx lenses can be placed in any location on your mask.</p> <p>Step 4: When finished positioning, pat dry with a towel. Please allow 36 hours drying time. DiveOptx lenses are removable and can be reinstalled by repeating these instructions.</p> <p>Available in nine magnifications from +1.00 to +3.00 diopters in .25 diopter steps. </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=10#post-24 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:25:02 +0000 dtopper 24@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>Sorry we missed this! We were too busy setting leprechaun traps with our 5 year old son Ryan.</p> <p>David, Jennifer and Colleen Topper (aka: Colleen Louise Maloney) </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=12#post-23 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:19:35 +0000 dtopper 23@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>Do you experience leg cramps while scuba diving? Here are some of the causes and some rather surprising remedy tips!</p> <p>In our Open Water instruction, we learned how to stretch our leg straight out and bend the toes back toward our head by holding the tip of the fin. Holding in this position for 30 seconds, relax, and repeating until the cramp is gone seems to work well.</p> <p>But what causes these leg cramps and how can we try to put an end to them before they occur?</p> <p>Cramps are often caused by a lack of potassium, resulting in an electrytic imbalance. Another cause may be a deficiency in hesperidin, one of the bioflavonoids (sometimes called vitamin P), naturally occurring nutrients usually found in association with vitamin C.</p> <p>Cramping often comes while you are exercising so follow these tips:<br /> * Keep hydrated. As you sweat, you lose important electrolytes, which are needed to prevent cramps.<br /> * Warm up for 10-15 minutes before exercising. This will stretch out the muscles you will be using.<br /> * Take magnesium, potassium and calcium supplements daily, especially before exercising.<br /> * If you exercise and get cramps after eating, you have probably begun your exercise too soon after eating. As you digest, your body diverts blood from your muscles and cramping can result.</p> <p>Here are some more remedies that athletes and their coaches swear by:</p> <p>* To stop leg/foot cramping, firmly press in on the upper lip. This is the meridian which is connected to the legs and feet.</p> <p>* Drink a mixture of two teaspoons of Apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of warm water. Apple cider vinegar is high in potassium. The traditional (everyday) dosage for apple cider vinegar is two tablespoons in eight ounces of water three times a day. I add honey to it to make it taste better. Some people may drink it with something different like, with ginger ale and white grape juice, or with some grape juice.</p> <p>* Magnesium will help the smooth muscles that surround your arteries to relax, and your body uses it to process calcium. Try taking 400 mg of magnesium.</p> <p>* For years coaches have given mustard to their athletes with leg cramps. Cramps are sometimes caused by a deficiency in acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter that stimulates your muscles to work. Mustard has acetic acid, which helps the body make more acetylcholine. Take a spoonful or two of mustard.</p> <p>* As with mustard coaches have given pickle juice to their athletes with leg cramps. Cramps are sometimes caused by a deficiency in acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter that stimulates your muscles to work. Pickle juice has acetic acid, which helps the body make more acetylcholine. Take a few ounces of pickle juice. </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=11#post-22 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 04:41:28 +0000 tstigall 22@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>Minnow and I will be going to Sipadan/Mabul the first two weeks in September 2009 and staying at Borneo Divers Resort on Mabul. (www.borneodivers.info/) We are going with some friends from my work. We are still working out all of the details, but we think the price will be $3,300 to $3,500. We will dive for 6 or 7 days; depending on the availability and cost of the flight home. If you are interested in going with us let me know. Terry </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=10#post-21 Mon, 10 Mar 2008 05:00:24 +0000 eirechris 21@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>Come and be Irish with us at our </p> <p>St. Patricks Day Party </p> <p>Saturday March 15th</p> <p>4pm until late</p> <p>Leprechaun costumes</p> <p>required !! (There will be prizes).</p> <p>We’ll supply the food</p> <p>Bring a beverage of your choice</p> <p>Chris &#38; Geraldine Connolly</p> <p>2083 Silverado Trail</p> <p>Napa</p> <p>707-226-6979</p> <p><a href="mailto:Eirechris@hotmail.com">Eirechris@hotmail.com</a> </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=9#post-20 Sat, 16 Feb 2008 04:24:31 +0000 dtopper 20@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>Roger will be in Monterey for one day: Saturday, February 16... anyone want to join him? Meet at San Carlos beach. </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=8#post-19 Mon, 07 Jan 2008 23:45:19 +0000 knoyes 19@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>This trip is for 2009. I know its early to be looking for a buddy but, the boat only had 4 spaces left last time I checked. Must be popular since this is a new location for the Aggressor. </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=8#post-18 Mon, 07 Jan 2008 21:42:14 +0000 rpettigrew 18@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>I guess this means you won't be going on the April trip to Indonesia? Or are you going to "piggy-back" them since you will already be in the area? </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=8#post-17 Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:47:57 +0000 dtopper 17@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>Is this dive trip in April 2008 or April 2009? </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=8#post-16 Sat, 05 Jan 2008 22:05:54 +0000 knoyes 16@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>I am booked on the Aggressor Fleet in April 2009 for a week in the Maldives. Brand new boat under construction at time of post. Anyone interested in joining me? Cost of boat $2400. airfare extra. </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=7#post-15 Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:09:09 +0000 knoyes 15@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>I am planning a trip to the Maldives for April 2009. Anyone interested? Seven nights on the Aggressor (new boat being built in Greece at time of this post), then a side trip to somewhere in the area. India would be a natural. </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=7#post-14 Sat, 29 Dec 2007 23:09:59 +0000 dtopper 14@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>Roger will be in Monterey (Breakwater) on January 26 &#38; 27, 2008 teaching a private Open Water class. Would anyone like to meet in Monterey that weekend to do some shore diving? </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=5#post-13 Tue, 25 Sep 2007 04:11:58 +0000 bfauss 13@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>How much trash was picked up this year at the cleanup? I overheard someone say how much, trash and recyclables but can't remember an exact figure. </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=6#post-12 Wed, 05 Sep 2007 01:48:35 +0000 dtopper 12@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>Note from Bob McGahey: Hey all, I will be attending the picnic on Sept. 8. I am wondering who else will be staying the night in Monterey and where you will be staying. I would like to stay there Saturday night and hang out with folks. I will also have a friend along too. Contact me by email or here in the forum: <a href="mailto:drrjmac@aol.com">drrjmac@aol.com</a> </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=6#post-11 Tue, 04 Sep 2007 19:23:15 +0000 dtopper 11@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>This forum post seems to be continuing on the blog: <a href="http://napavalleydivers.com/2007/08/21/napa-valley-divers-club-picnic/" rel="nofollow">http://napavalleydivers.com/2007/08/21/napa-valley-divers-club-picnic/</a> </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=6#post-10 Wed, 22 Aug 2007 04:20:02 +0000 jclaus 10@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>Hey David,<br /> If we can extend our stay, we would love to do a boat dive. Last time was great, and it was great to dive in the morning, eat lunch and have a relaxing drive home. Would love to do it again. Would be great if some others join us, Jayma </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=6#post-9 Wed, 22 Aug 2007 01:37:10 +0000 dtopper 9@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>We may stay over Saturday night and dive Monday Sunday morning (Sunday, September 9)... boat or shore. Anyone want to join us? David &#38; Jennifer </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=6#post-8 Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:02:36 +0000 jclaus 8@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>Saturday, September 8 - For those looking for some Monterey dive buddies, many of the dive club members will be at the Monterey Bay Breakwater for diving. Those without buddies will be able to join others in some great diving. There will also be a Napa valley Divers club picnic and all are welcome to attend. </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=2#post-7 Tue, 14 Aug 2007 04:40:17 +0000 tstigall 7@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>I used to have problems with my ears after a few days of making 3 or more dives a day. It wrecked many a great dive trip.</p> <p>I started using "Docs" ear plugs for divers on every dive. I also use a mix that I read about in 'Alert Diver'. The mix is what you have listed above as your "third vinegar" remedy; 50/50 mix of white vinegar and isopropyl alcohol. I pour it in each ear let each soak for 5 minutes in the morning before my first dive of the day and then for 5 minutes in each ear after my last dive of the day. I also take an ibuprophen each day that I am diving. It reduces any swelling in the eustachian tubes. I have made as many as 5 dives a day over a 2-3 day timeframe with no problems since I started this routine. It has kept me diving. </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=5#post-6 Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:46:57 +0000 bfauss 6@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>Napa Dive and Sport is sponsoring its yearly underwater lake cleanup as a part of National Sea Shore cleanup day at Lake Berryessa. You will need to pre-register at Napa Dive and Sport (707) 257-2822. Some of the details are it costs $20.00. however you get a free T-Shirt, BBQed Lunch, tank fill, and a raffle ticket where most everyone seems to win something from gift certificates, dive gear, or bottles of wine. The date is Saturday September 15th 8:45am at the Putah Creek Bridge. There is plenty of trash to be found. You should be comfortable diving in a low vis environment. Contact Roger if you have any further details at the above phone number </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=4#post-5 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 23:59:51 +0000 dtopper 5@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>Jayma - That sounds incredible! Jennifer and I will make every effort to join you and others to some of these "warm water" locations in the future. 100+ foot of visibility, little to no surge, all types of cool stuff to see (isn't that what it's about!). Thanks for sharing... any photos? - David </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=4#post-4 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:59:48 +0000 jclaus 4@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>Wow. Steve and I just got back form a great dive in the Cayman Islands on the Nekton Rorqual. Almost every dive was 84 degrees with 100+ foot of viz. Friendly and engaging staff, Great food, and best of all there were only 11 divers. It was like having a private staff. The Nekton Rorqual is a great live aboard. We saw, all kinds of rays, a reef shark, some nurse sharks, all kinds of fish, great walls, it was like swimming in the best maintained fish tank ever. There was little to no surge or current because Captain Dave did his best to keep us away from any strong weather. We even visited the Lost City of Alantis on Cayman Brac (now the "found" city of Alantis).<br /> Jayma </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=3#post-3 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 04:45:57 +0000 dtopper 3@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>Here's the story: Air temp - about 78 degrees, sunny and clear, not a cloud in the sky. We wake up in the Channel Islands to a morning snack, we dive, a full breakfast is served, we dive, a snack is served, we dive, lunch is served, we dive, a snack is served, we dive, dinner is served, we dive... this didn't change for three days. In between we laughed with friends, made new friends, enjoyed a jacuzzi on deck, and took naps. Oh, and the ladies got to ballroom dance at the bottom of the ocean with "Bear"... This is a trip not to miss! </p> http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/topic.php?id=2#post-2 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 03:33:54 +0000 dtopper 2@http://napavalleydivers.com/forums/ <p>Causes</p> <p>Swimmer's ear is an inflammation of the external ear canal. The result may be itching, pain or temporary hearing loss. After swimming or showering you may notice your hearing is fuzzy, which indicates water in the ear. There may also be an infection in the outer ear, too, that appears later.</p> <p>Use this simple test to see if you have swimmer's ear: grab your ear and pull it forward gently, and wiggle it. If the pain increases you more than likely have an ear problem that can be helped with one of the following remedies. If the pain stays the same, you may have a middle ear problem which will need medical attention. Other symptoms of an inner ear infection are: hearing loss, a yellowish or milky discharge from the ear, or a sudden, sharp pain in the ear.</p> <p>Preventative Solutions: Mineral oil, baby oil, or lanolin. These can be preventive solutions before swimming or diving.</p> <p>Tips</p> <p>Keep your ear dry while it is healing. Use ear plugs or Vaseline-coated cotton balls when swimming or showering.</p> <p>CAUTION: If you have an earache, fever, chills or discharge from your ear, see your doctor immediately.</p> <p>Remedies</p> <p>Alcohol - Rubbing Rubbing alcohol not only kills germs but causes water trapped in the ear to evaporate. See the remedies below under vinegar. </p> <p>Apple cider vinegar - If you notice water stopping up your ears, put three or four drops, diluted in equal parts with water or alcohol, in your ear after showering or swimming. This is a good preventive measure against future infection.</p> <p>Hair dryer - Use the warm (never hot!) setting of your hair dryer and place it about an arm's length from the ear and slowly move it back and forth. Test it on your wrist after it has been running a while before using it on the ear. The warm air will evaporate any trapped water.</p> <p>Vinegar (distilled white) - Put 2-3 drops of full strength white vinegar into the ear every two hours. This will be effective against any bacterial or fungal infection.</p> <p>Another similar remedy is to make a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and warm water and apply four drops in the ear three times a day for three days. However, the water can harbor bacteria and fungus. One of the other two vinegar remedies is preferred. Pull on the earlobe to straighten out the ear canal. This will get the drops to their destination. The alcohol may sting, but this needs to be done.</p> <p>A third vinegar remedy is to make a 50/50 mixture using equal parts of rubbing alcohol and distilled white vinegar. Put the mixture in a clean eyedropper bottle. The alcohol will kill germs and evaporate any water that's trapped in the ear. Use several drops after swimming. Tilt your head and pull your earlobe to get the mixture into the ear canal. This will help cure swimmer's ear or prevent it from happening in the first place. See the caution warning below.</p> <p>These remedies can be mixed up in a clean eye dropper bottle.</p> <p>CAUTION: Consult with your doctor before using these remedies if you have ever punctured your eardrum or had ear surgery (including having tubes inserted). </p>