Ask Sharkie

 

"Let's Go Diving ! "

Have a question, or want to share something special that you have learned? Send us an email , put "Sharkie" in the subject line, and then stay tuned to this page. Sharkie will update this page with your questions and feedback on a regular basis.

Dear Sharkie,
I love to snorkel, and I'm not ready to go diving, how can I learn about what types of fish that I'm looking at? Do I need to be a diver to identify fish, or go to classes?
Kathy,

Kathy,
No, you do not need to be a diver to learn about identifying fish. People dive and snorkel for different reasons and one of the main reasons is to watch the fish.  Knowing what each one is, is challenging and fun.
Some of my greatest dives have been snorkeling trips in-between dives. Knowing what you are looking at enhances the adventure.  Tri-State offers Fish I.D. classes that are educational and fun at the same time. You can stop by and get some information on classes, times, books, and dates.  You can also get a water proof slate to take with you and identify the fish that your looking at. The sea is a great body of water and what is just below the surface is awesome. Knowing the creatures that you are looking at will also make you look like a genius to your family and friends. In fact, if your family is also wondering the same thing, have them stop by with you. Then you can take it to the next level by participating in an underwater photography class for snorkeling.
Dear Sharkie,
I'm headed on a dive trip and wanted to know about diving in surge water. How do I get on a boat and what can you tell me about diving in surge?
Tim

Dear Tim
Surge is the billowing and swelling motion of water caused by waves. It becomes a problem particularly when you're diving near rocks and shallow wrecks or when advancing towards an anchored boat. We sharks love to swim in the surge, Divers have a harder time. Here are some clues on what to do when diving in or around surge.
1. Like the waves that create it, surges come in sets of strong crests and weak breaks.
If you're having a problem approaching the dive boat  ladder, retreat a few feet and monitor the conditions until you can recognize and feel the rhythm of the swells
2. Don't consume your energy by attempting to move against the swells. They're stronger than you are! When the surge tries to drive you backward, you should hold onto something such as a current line, anchor line, or rock and ride the wave  when it carries you forward. If you're not fortunate enough to have something to grab on to, just steadily fin forward enough to remain in one spot. Backward and forward waves are about the same and will cancel each other out
3. Before making your move, wait for a period of gentler swells If you're trying to enter a swim-through or an opening in a wreck, ride the inflow to the edge of the aperture, hang on during the outflow, and then during the pause and next inflow swim through and beyond the orifice where the surge is most forceful. If you're trying to exit the water  and you time it right, you'll be able to ride an inflow swell to the boat ladder or a rock, hang on during the outflow, and get out of the water during the lull before the next inflow surge. Be Cautious and safe It is better to fall short the first time and do it again than it is to be slammed against the side of a boat or rocks. So be careful, ask the Dive Master on the boat and always dive with a buddy,, take care.
Dear Sharkie,
I want to go on a Dive Trip; what are some of the things I should look out for? Where should I go for the best diving? Who can I see for help?
Needing help

Dear Needing Help,
First of all you came to the right place.  With my contacts at Tri-State Scuba, I have asked a very well seasoned Traveler and Owner of Tri-State to handle these very important questions. I for one have no clue on traveling above water, I'm a fish. So MaryAnn, "can you help us here"?
Sure I can!  We have travel plans that go into 2008..
We book trips for our Divers once a month. Not only do we book the trips, our Instructors are booked on each and every trip that we go on. So all your diving needs will be met.
Are you prepared to plan your first diving vacation? Probably not. It's more complex than masterminding an ordinary sight seeing vacation. Planning your first dive vacation can be nerve-racking. The most important decision is deciding on a destination compatible with your skill level, budget, time and taste. You can get the information you need from a dive travel specialist or a dive center ( Tri-State Scuba)  that is experienced in dive travel. Dive travel specialists ( Like myself ) perform the same services as ordinary travel agents, but we are experts in setting up scuba diving vacations. I have been involved in all our travel here at Tri-State and I would be more that happy to talk to you by phone.  Please stop by and we can go over all your questions and put you at ease about planning your very first dive trip with us.
Dear Sharkie,
I love sharks. Can you give me some information on sharks?
Curious Sammy

Dear Curious Sammy,
You certainly asked the right Shark, 'cause I know myself quite well.  If you can sometime, stop by and I will show you "family" pictures.  Tri-State can help you book a Dive trip to visit some of my shark buddies, I'm always looking for friendly divers, heheheheh!
The history of sharks dates back millions of years.  Divers appreciate sharks because sharks are intelligent (that's me) yet primal predators. The excitement and adrenaline rush of observing creatures like us in the wild keeps divers coming back for more. A little knowledge goes a long way in making shark diving a wonderful experience. Here are some Sharkie facts -
  • 1. I  grow about 10 inches per year. Great Whites can grow to mature lengths of 12 to 14 feet. (They are on my mothers side of the family.)
    2. New teeth are constantly being formed in rows in my jaw. My teeth are normally replaced every eight days. (It's hard to find a competent dentist these days.) 
    3. Some of my family can shed as many as 30,000 teeth in their lifetime. (Lots of bridge work in their mouths.)
    4. Whale Sharks have approximately 300 rows of teeth, with hundreds of tiny teeth in each row. (These guys have been banned from my family reunion.)
    5. My dried skin (shagreen) was used in the past as sandpaper. (Do not try to rub my skin now, as I have a rash.)
    6. In 1937, my liver oil was discovered to be rich in vitamin A. We were hunted for the vitamin until 1950, when a synthesizing method was developed for vitamin A.
    7. My average life span  is 25 years, but some family members can live to be 100. (Like Grandpa)
    8. The dogfish Kin are named for their tendency to attack their prey as a pack of wild dogs. (We do not talk about this side of the family, many of them are in jail.) 
    9. I can go as long as three months without eating. (Divers are not on the menu.)
    10. I have  more than 340 known family members.  (We gather just south of Florida for the holiday gatherings.)
    So Sammy, as you can see I'm the main fish in the sea.  Stop by Tri-State and book a Dive Trip, or get some information on the next Shark trip. Come on down and hopefully see me in action on one of your trips, I'll be waiting,,,,

Dear Sharkie,
Besides my family doctor, who can I contact about diving medical questions.
Sally

Dear Sally
That is a great question! (Man, we have some great customers out there).  Let me say this, I'm not a doctor, I've only played one on TV once.  But, I can give you the information you are seeking:
Divers Alert Network (DAN) is a non-profit medical and research organization dedicated to the safety and health of recreational scuba divers and associated with Duke University Medical Center (DUMC).
DAN, formed in 1980, has supported the scuba industry by operating a 24-hour emergency hotline, a lifesaving service for injured divers. Divers Alert Network also operates a dive related medical information line, conducts research, and provides educational programs for all scuba divers.
DAN is supported by membership dues and donations. In exchange, members receive important benefits such as emergency medical evacuation assistance, educational publications, a subscription to Alert Diver magazine, and access to dive accident insurance coverage.
Sally, To learn more about Divers Alert Network visit their web sight, or direct via our home page.  If you stop by our store, we can give you an information brochure on with DAN phone numbers. We look forward to seeing you at Tri-State.
Dear Sharkie,
I want to take better photo's underwater,  do you offer any classes on this? And can you get me started?
Flash

Dear Flash
I have asked our photo expert at Tri-State to help with this one,, I have no eye for the photo world. And we have the best one here  at the store, so here he is:
"Today, underwater photography can be fun for everyone, thanks to the variety of equipment now available," explains" Joly of Tri-State Scuba. "You don't have to be Jacques Cousteau, and you don't need expensive gear"
There's a lot of skill and equipment required for professional underwater photography, and many scuba training programs have good photography courses.  We can help you here at Tri-State, I love taking underwater pictures and would be glad to show you what gear I have and what we offer here at the store.
The best time to take underwater photos is usually mid-day because the sun is overhead and will illuminate underwater subjects clearly. Most waterproof point-and-shoot models have a built-in flash and you'll want to use your flash anytime you're more than a few feet under the water."
Thanks Joymon
Well you heard it form the expert, now stop on by and bring your camera and pictures and let Jolymon help you out.

Dear Sharkie,
I have read on your web page that you have a private Quarry." No over night travel for Open Water classes",, what do you mean by that? And is that important?
Harry

Dear Harry,
We have a very nice private Quarry about 45 min. south of Cincinnati. This is a Quarry with very easy access to the water and a platform in about 18 foot of water. We are the only Dive Center that uses this Quarry, No fighting for platform space, no other divers stirring up the bottom,  lots of grass shore line for your gear, picnic tables,( covered one also,)  shade, sun, and more that anything else you will be home by 5 pm or earlier. ( No over night expense ) With no distractions, you get a more complete one on  one diving experience. We take all the tanks that you will be needing, so no WAITING for air fills. Since this will be your first experience in the open water, it's a far better experience being in a private area than an open one. Please feel free to give us a call, or stop by and look at some pictures of the past Open Water Classes at our Private Quarry.

Dear Sharkie,
I have been shopping for a new Dive Center, I see your web-pages are full of new and different items, What make's your center different than the others? What do I need to do to check out your store?
Thanks  "Looking for a friend"

  Dear looking for a friend,

Your look is over,,,We pride ourselves on working closely with all our family members. That's right, you will be welcome into our diving family, We have a very different approach to diving, We work on customer satisfaction, and helping you advance your diving knowledge. We have a friendly staff and all our instructors and customers will make you feel very at ease. Our travel department is the best in the Mid-West, check out the places we have gone and are going to in the future.  Besides all that stuff,, we have fun, laugh, and just hang out and tell Dive stories.  Please feel free to stop by and introduce your self and you can see first hand why we at Tri-State will be the last place you look for a Dive Center.

Dear Sharkie,

I have done some "vacation" scuba dives during my travels and really like it. I would like to get more involved in scuba. My 9 year old son is also interested. What training is available for both of us to participate together?
Sincerely, Tom & Tommy

Dear Tom & Tommy,

Hi! Your son is going to be eligible for certification at age ten. At that time you could take the classes together, do the open water dives together and actually scuba anywhere in the world that you choose. Your son's certification would limit him to diving 40 feet with either you or a PADI professional. Once he turns 12 the depth becomes 60 feet with the restriction of diving with an adult, and at 15 changes over to a full certification. It's just a matter of getting his Jr Open Water card turned in for a new one(Plus PADI process fee). This might be a great Christmas present for him! Thanks-MaryAnn(Sharkie's Helper)

 

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5802 Wooster Pike
Cincinnati, Ohio 45227
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