Who am I?

I'm a NAUI Advanced Open Water, TDI Nitrox diver, diving at least once a month locally (Monterey/Carmel), with dive travel a couple of times a year to warmer water. I've got more than 200 dives logged.

In terms of style, I now call myself a 'Rubble Rat'. I like the small stuff. --- Seeing BIG stuff is a treat too of course.

Very safety conscious. Will dive from shore and boat. I photograph on most dives, but can be persuaded to just buddy up and look.

In California I dive dry; a Northern Diver CNX200 drysuit (see picture at right). Other standard gear includes an Oceanic Data Trans Plus Nitrox air integrated computer, U.S. Divers SEA 4 Regulator and Micra Octo. Dive 32-38% NITROX.

My underwater camera gear is Nikonos V, 28mm, 15mm, Helix extension tube set, (2) INON Z-220 StrobeS, Ultralight ArmS, and Ektachrome E100VS.  

Last updated: 9/4/07

So, how did I get INTO this stuff?

It seemed I'd always wanted to SCUBA dive, but I had thought the skills beyond my reach. One day in 1996 something just clicked. --- OK, I'll blame it on beer.

It might have had something to do with having dinner with a friend, who I'd never have guessed was a diver. We discussed his upcoming dive trip to Bonaire with his wife and another couple. As guys will do, I said that I'd always wanted to dive and would do it one day. My friend Charlie, as guys will do, invited me along on their next dive trip later that year if I ever got certified. (Charlie later admitted that he never thought I'd do it.) As they say, the rest is history. -- See what I mean about the beer? <G>

That weekend I visited a local store and signed up for my NAUI Open Water. Luckily, I found the store philosophy and instructors fit my personality. 

I took a 3 day long weekend class and finished my Open Water with dives in Monterey Bay the next weekend. I immediately signed up for, and completed, the Advanced Class the following weekend. 

As you can imagine, I immediately called up friend Charlie and asked when we were going on our Caribbean trip!? Somewhat surprised, <G> he gave me the dates but told me we weren't going to Bonaire, but Little Cayman, specifically a resort called Pirate's Point. I made my reservations that same day. As they say, the rest is history! In fact, I've been going to Little Cayman with my friends every year since!

Additional Training

I added the TDI Basic Nitrox class next and took the entire NAUI Rescue Class, although I did not complete the written test for the Rescue certification. 

Advanced NAUI - 7/96; TDI  Basic NITROX 7/97; DAN member; Took NAUI Rescue Class 4/98

My local dive shop is Any Water Sports - San Jose, CA

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