Bottom Time E-Mail News Archives
July 15 th 2015

Water temperatures are in the mid to high 70 degrees above the thermocline in most of our area lakes.  Thermocline is running at about 20 feet in area lakes.  Visibility has been good to excellent in area lakes.  Two more medallions have been found in Pickerel lake and there are still about 30 out in area lakes for divers to find.
Our next Open Water Scuba Class starts August 4 th at the Detroit Lakes High School Pool and will run Tuesday and Thursday evenings for two weeks from 6 to 10 PM.  We still have a few openings for the class.
We will be running a rescue diver class in August as soon as we get a few more divers finished up with their advanced dives.
This week we got some scuba gear in on consignment. This equipment was used by an individual that belonged to a dive team and had to discontinue diving due to health issues.  These items are priced to sell.

Force Fins Pros 2XL Black $165.00. 
Force Fins Pros XL Black $165.00
Force Fins Pros XL Blue $165.00
Sherwood DSV BC large with Wenoka squeeze lock dive knife $225.00.
Sherwood Spirit BC med $195.00
Sherwood Maximus Regulator/Shadow Plus/Genesis Source Computer $525.00
Bayleys Dry Suit large/hood/dry gloves $650.00   Mint Condition
LOCHSA Dry suit undergarment $87.00

Also other assorted items.
We still have a couple of openings for the Lake Superior Trip the weekend after Labor Day and would like to have you along on the trip.  Call for more details.

Here is a video that was filmed by BBC in the Gulf of California, Mexico, as part of a new BBC / Discovery coproduction television series. In this incredible video, you see mobula rays, sometimes called “flying rays” leaping effortlessly from the sea while gathered in groups of hundreds. Why do they do it? Scientists are still completely unsure of the reason.

Mobula rays have flat bodies and pectoral fins similar to wings, which makes it easy for them to glide through the water and fly through the air. These rays can launch more than two meters (6ft 6ins) in the air, but their landing is not as graceful with a large splash and a belly-flop back into the water.

Joshua Stewart, from the Gulf of California Marine Program at Scripps Institution of Oceanography says, “Sitting in a boat in the midst of these aggregations is akin to sitting in a pot of popcorn as the kernels explode into the air. Everywhere you look mobulas are leaping out of the water and landing with a loud smack, sometimes just a couple of meters from you.”

“The mobulas launch themselves straight up out of the water at top speed, and most often they land flat on their belly. However, sometimes they seem to lose control and do flips and twists before reconnecting with the water.”

“While the jumping behavior may occur during feeding or courting events, we believe that the most likely purpose of the jumping behavior is communication, which could have a variety of applications in different behavioral scenarios. However it is very likely that mantas, mobulas and eagle rays jump for a variety of reasons.”

It is rare for scuba divers to witness this activity because mobulas seem to be pretty skittish around divers. Have you been lucky enough to witness this behavior?

For more details about this film visit Life through the Lens: Watch these giant rays fly.   Our Featured Video of the Week was filmed by BBC in the Gulf of California, Mexico, as part of a new BBC / Discovery coproduction television series. In this incredible video, you see Mobula rays, sometimes called “flying rays” leaping effortlessly from the sea while gathered in groups of hundreds. Why do they do it? Scientists are still completely unsure of the reason.

For more details about this film visit Life through the Lens: Watch these giant rays fly   http://www.padi.com/blog/video/mobula-rays-belly-flop-to-attract-mate/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_content=vow&utm_campaign=marinelife
Hear is another clip showing the largest Great White ever videotaped.  https://video-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xfa1/v/t42.1790-2/11379631_10153470332495955_106378641_n.mp4?efg=eyJybHIiOjk0MSwicmxhIjo1MTJ9&rl=941&vabr=523&oh=ee058a5fa0438a38280c91e557ef84af&oe=55A68851
Five Tips to streamline your gear by Travis Marshall
Staying streamlined underwater has many benefits, from reducing your risk of snagging hoses on delicate corals to improving air consumption by reducing drag as you swim.  Follow these five tips to help stay sleek on your next dive.
1.  Carry only what you need.

Loading down the D-rings with so much gear you look like a Christmas tree is a common mistake divers make.  Instead of clipping on every gadget you own for every dive, be selective according to your dive plan. Shallow reef? Leave the stage bottle behind.  Wreck penetration? Trade your       fish ID cards for a reel and dive light.
2. Minimize and secure hoses.
Never leave your hoses hanging, and cut out extra hoses when you can.  For example, using a computer with a remote air sensor will eliminate the need for a high pressure hose.  Otherwise, make sure your octopus and gauges are clipped securely to your BC, with the hoses routed properly under your arms.
3. Stow the snorkel.
For many divers, a snorkel can be cumbersome underwater, and a snag hazard. Sure your open-water instructor said it was required equipment.  But honestly, when is the last time you used it while scuba diving?  Instead if clipping it on your mask, opt for a collapsible model that fits in your BC Pocket.
4. Dial in your weight belt.

Wearing too much weight underwater forces you to overinflate your BC, this causes drag and burns more air.  Wear just enough weight that when you exhale completely at the surface, you sink to eye level.  You’ll have to work a little to descend at first, but once you’re 5 to 10 feet down, you’ll have near-perfect buoyancy, without adding any air to your BC.
5. Get the right fit.
Comfortable, well-fitting gear is another key to staying streamlined, and the most important pieces to consider are your wetsuit and BC.  The best way to get the right fit is to visit your local dive shop, where you can take your time to find the make, model and size that suit you perfectly.  However, if you plan to use rental gear, show at the dive center a little earlier than normal so you have time to try on a few sizes before heading to the boat.

Sea You on the Bottom

Tri-State Diving   
Making Diving Safe and Adventurous