Our annual member appreciation beach picnic was a great success. We had almost 40 people in attendance and I think everyone had a good time. The weather could not have been better and the food was terrific. Much gratitude to Steve Oller who plans the whole thing, shops for the food and gets it to the beach. Thanks also to Joe Smariga for manning the grill. We appreciate your efforts.
Lobster mini season was pretty successful, from what I hear most everyone caught their limit on Wednesday. I didn’t go out on Thursday but I hear it wasn’t bad. I’m hoping that opening day will be productive with good sea conditions.
The water is quite warm now, at long last. It’s so nice to only have to wear a one ml wetsuit and shed some of the lead. It sure is easier climbing up the ladder with less weight.
The El President birthday dive was a fun day. There were twelve of us on the boat to join me in celebrating my birthday. We did two reef dives up in Boynton Beach. It was like diving in
an aquarium, lots of fish and lots of interesting stuff. Two great dives. Afterwards we went to lunch at Two George’s which is always good. Thanks to everyone who came out to play with me.
We have several dives on the calendar so let’s get diving. As I said, the water is more than balmy so lets take advantage of it.
I hope to see many of you at the August meeting and hopefully on a dive boat.
Live long and lobster
Jeff Raffa
President SFDI
Jeff
JULY PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Presidents Message
A group of twenty-one members went to Cozumel for a week beginning June 17 through June 24. To say we had a great time would be an understatement. Everything was terrific! We stayed at the beautiful Iberostar Cozumel, as we have many times in the past. We dived with Dressel Divers, the on site dive operator. We were given our own boat and we were broken up into 3 groups, each with our own divemaster/guide. Our divemasters were terrific. They were very attentive to our needs and we grew to be quite fond of them during the course of the week. The dive sites were the sites we have been on several times in the past which I personally never grow tired of. The coral was in fantastic condition and the visibility was amazing. The water temperature was around 85 degrees. The rain gods were good to us as we only had a couple of sprinkles which didn't last long and didn't interfere with anything. All in all it was a great week of diving.
After diving was usually lunch time and that was followed by hanging out in the pool with the two swim up bars. Dinner was always fun and we all sat together at one long table. A the week progressed, some of us went to try the specialty restaurants. There were mixed reviews about them except for the Asian restaurant. The main attraction there I think was the air conditioning. Yes, the buffet restaurant is open air and isn’t air conditioned. It can be a little steamy at times. The wait staff does a great job bussing the tables and keeping the beverages coming.
All in all, as I said we had a great time and I personally would like to go back next year if at all possible. Its a place I don’t get tired of.
We have a very full calendar. Be sure to check it out and sign up for as many activities as possible. I’m hoping to see a lot of you all this summer.
Live long and lobster.
Jeff
President SFDI
MAY PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Happy May everyone! Spring has finally sprung and we are getting some warmer weather and warmer water. Hallelujah!
Our pig roast was a great party even if the attendance was a little low. That was
expected due to the postponement from the previous week. I think everyone there
had a good time. The weather couldn't have been better and the breeze kept the
mosquitoes away. As usual, thanks to Joe for his hard work and many hours at the grill.
With dive season upon us, please be sure to check your equipment and bring it to your dive shop and have it serviced if necessary. A couple of weeks ago there were two equipment malfunctions on a dive boat I was on. Luckily, no one was injured but in both cases those divers were done diving for the day. An equipment failure on the boat or at the surface is one thing but at depth its a whole other story. Don’t take a chance on your safety or that of your dive buddy.
We have lots of activities planned for the coming months. Please check out the calendar and join us for some fun. Be sure to fill out an E signup sheet so that we know you are coming. Some activities are payable at the time of the event and others require payment to the club before the event. If a payment to the club is necessary, please make that payment promptly. Another reminder about PayPal payments. Please take your time when paying by PayPal. You must choose sending to friends and family or your payment will default to paying for goods or services and you will incur a non refundable fee. Please be careful!
At this late date in the year the vast majority of the membership has paid their dues but unfortunately there are several of you that haven’t. Remember, you must be a member in good standing to take part in most of the club’s activities.
Live long and lobster.
Jeff Raff
President SFDI
APRIL PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message
Happy April everyone! Spring weather is finally with us and hopefully corresponding sea temperatures rising. My next planned dive will be in mid to late April and I’m hoping for a rise in the water temperature.
The annual pig roast will be held Saturday, April 15 at 6:30 at the VFW. It is always a fun party for us, for the pig, not so much. Don’t forget to bring either a side dish, appetizer or dessert and a big appetite. Once again, feel free to bring guests, the more the merrier. Unlike the holiday party, we are not allowed to bring any alcoholic beverages. The club, a usual, will provide beer, wine, soft drinks and water.
Don’t forget to check the calendar for scheduled events. We have lots of fun events planned including a trip to Cozumel in June and Little Cayman in late August. We usually have at least one private boat dive per month and if you haven’t done one of those you should consider it. We always have a lot of fun.
If you haven’t been diving in a while it might be a good idea to have your gear checked out. That second stage of yours might have something living in it after being in your garage so long. Now is a good time to have it serviced.
If you haven’t paid your dues for 2023 yet, please do so as soon as possible and submit your signed renewal forms
Looking forward to seeing a lot of you either a meeting or on a dive boat.
Live long and lobster!
Jeff Raffa
President SFDI