Believe me when I say equipment, we have equipment; so much so that it takes a 3/4 ton truck to haul all that my buddy and I take with us on a weekend dive. It’s like we are moving.

 Tech divers have even more equipment; two sets of 130's steel doubles (that’s 4 130's); 2 -aluminum 80’s used as Deco bottles; 2 each 40 cubic inch aluminum bottles and 2 argon bottles. This is just a start. Now we put in the weights, dry suits, 2 sets of fins each, two of everything it takes to make a dive and all the extra regulators, hoses, gloves, two save a dive kits, and two first aid kits which include two 100% 0-2 bottles. Also lights and battery chargers are necessities. We take two laptop computers with a DVD player, speakers, and several movies to watch at night and only after the equipment has been checked and made ready for the next day. 

 We haven’t said anything about personal items, but I think you get the idea about diving. When you get ready for a dive it’s just not let’s go. No, we plan a dive in advance and starting several days ahead, we make sure that we have what we need and that it’s in good working order. Believe me when I say many divers have missed really good dives because of either leaving equipment at home or experiencing equipment failure and not having replacements. As for me, I just don’t like missing a dive. My dive buddy keeps telling me that we are sick because we’re both really hooked on diving. 

 Now that we have almost all the equipment needed for diving, (the word almost is the operative word here since there is always room for two scooters someday) you have to take care of it. This is so very important. After a dive you have to clean and wash down the equipment and remove any rubbish from it. You can ask divers if they ever have had rocks or sand in the second stage. You can’t just lay this equipment down; remember it’s your life support. So a well regimented cleaning program and maintenance schedule is a must for any serious diver. Storing it clean and out of the way after it has air dried takes up a lot of room. 

 Is there a class for equipment repair? Sure, there are several classes that you can take. Contact your dive shop to see if they have a class going or one that is ready to begin. Any class that will aid in your safe diving experience is a good class to take. I am not on any dive shop payroll when I suggest that the dive shop is the best place to get your information on diving education. The more information you have the safer the dive.

 The dive shop is a place for real divers to pick up on diving information about other sites, news, safety, and equipment. It’s also a great place to meet other divers who like to talk diving. You will be surprised what you will learn. 

 Hood Sports and Dive is always a good stop for dive information and a visit because Ron and Michael have a wealth of knowledge. Ron, the owner, and Michael are really good and know the conditions there. Ron, who is a former Navy diver, and who continues to dive, has so much information on diving that you could sit there for weeks learning from him. Good to have friends such as these guys. They can keep you out of trouble and direct you to the best diving locations along the Hood Canal. Also if you ever get in there, Art, the resident coffee pot guard, is always on duty. He is a great guy to talk to. 

 © 03-07-2005 G McK