tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32310481924582602762024-03-12T19:14:34.898-07:00Dive Venice FloridaThis is a dive blog about the Venice Florida area. The blog discusses fossil diving, spear fishing, and free diving in our local area waters. We review these spots and share coordinates for everyone to enjoy.COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-33795734541351410022018-08-29T16:17:00.001-07:002018-08-29T16:20:29.338-07:00Novak Reef Venice/Boca/Sarasota Florida 26 48.604N 082 19.654W Coordinates I am currently working on a YouTube channel that will be footage and coordinates of me diving local numbers. I have been having issues going out due to weather and redtide in the area currently. I have taken divers to Novak Reef on several occasions within the last few months. There are bridge rubble and culverts located with a huge service area. As far as life goes we have seen Goliath Groupers, AJs, and other fish swimming around on this reef. During the week there typically is not too much competition for spots, and it is located in approximately 40ft of water at 26 48.604N 082 19.654W.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/neyd4kfU8Ds/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/neyd4kfU8Ds?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
YouTube Link, subscribe for updated videos of when I go diving.... </div>
COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-72356938277603076142016-07-10T13:00:00.004-07:002016-07-10T13:01:27.326-07:00Caspersen Dive Report Angie a local friend of mine, went out on a dive charter today the Aristikat. These are the teeth she found in approximately 30' of depth, in the "Bone Yard" right off of Caspersen. Angie reported several feet of viz, not the best. However viz is not really a necessity when you are hunting for teeth. You are typically laying on the bottom staring at the ground looking for teeth. When you are far enough out, the bottom will have the crusty coloring you see on the one tooth in the picture. They will need to be cleaned I posted a link to how to do this and you can find it under the (TIPS) Category. See more at <span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #666666; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span id="sample-permalink" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #666666; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://xplorefl.com/dive-report-conditions-viz/caspersen-reportteeth/" style="color: #0073aa; outline: 0px; transition-duration: 0.05s; transition-property: border, background, color; transition-timing-function: ease-in-out;">http://xplorefl.com/dive-report-conditions-viz/<span id="editable-post-name" style="font-weight: 700;">caspersen-reportteeth</span>/</a></span><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #666666; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o8iPDss8ADU/V4KpXM7A8XI/AAAAAAAACrc/ZOgJZSMZQm4hPVm976AjcVViYVfj3EKdwCLcB/s1600/13599931_10208098567494633_1131691842332673521_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o8iPDss8ADU/V4KpXM7A8XI/AAAAAAAACrc/ZOgJZSMZQm4hPVm976AjcVViYVfj3EKdwCLcB/s320/13599931_10208098567494633_1131691842332673521_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-63206339586852041832016-06-12T12:05:00.001-07:002016-06-12T12:05:49.277-07:00Alhambra - Dive Report - Sharks teethAnother update from a friend in the Alhambra area, 2-3 foot VIZ around 20ish foot of depth. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PhQakrBm328/V12yZjzIKdI/AAAAAAAACqU/DamQxLP2yZYB5Lwv-TRdcnXvTDSmYRvtwCLcB/s1600/sharkstooth123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PhQakrBm328/V12yZjzIKdI/AAAAAAAACqU/DamQxLP2yZYB5Lwv-TRdcnXvTDSmYRvtwCLcB/s320/sharkstooth123.jpg" /></a></div>COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-37392456870542342162016-06-11T08:14:00.000-07:002016-06-12T08:21:02.605-07:00Dive Report- Sharks tooth diveI was personally unable to make a dive today due to my tanks being at my local dive shop getting filled/viz/hydro-static inspections. A friend of mine Angie and her brother went diving off of Alhambra and had a very productive sharks tooth dive turning up all these beauties.
The report today: Depth: 23ft. 81 degrees and viz was 5-8ft
Water looks beautiful from topside.....
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGkxSLj79wk/V119DzLtO5I/AAAAAAAACpg/1QgNB1MvqsI0LB-Jbvu_PD6HIIQwfeSAgCLcB/s1600/teeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGkxSLj79wk/V119DzLtO5I/AAAAAAAACpg/1QgNB1MvqsI0LB-Jbvu_PD6HIIQwfeSAgCLcB/s320/teeth.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09gZFMTE_X8/V119EGdsItI/AAAAAAAACpo/yPvLc57Ls2kKZrhUI3ndot10wqO0soj4wCLcB/s1600/teeth2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09gZFMTE_X8/V119EGdsItI/AAAAAAAACpo/yPvLc57Ls2kKZrhUI3ndot10wqO0soj4wCLcB/s320/teeth2.jpg" /></a></div>COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-18532338107148682992016-06-09T11:01:00.000-07:002016-06-09T11:02:00.811-07:00Getting back into itUnfortunately, I have been in a hiatus for some time. The weather is getting nice again, and I am planning on updating this blog again. I repurchased my domains that I let lapse, Got all of my gear cleaned and ready for this season. Replaced computer batteries, transmitter batteries, tanks are all at Gaspar's for new hydros/viz/fills. I have begun to research some new spots, and have been working on studying my online captains license from www.marinerslearningcenter.com. I plan on writing a review when I am done with the whole process.COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-46021630922414219822013-08-13T14:14:00.003-07:002013-08-13T14:14:29.798-07:00Picture Identification? This is unrelated to diving, however I felt this was fantastic and had to post about it. I have found a website that allows you to post a picture (Android app in the works) and post it for identification. Ok, ok at first I had the same thought..... "So what..." however after knowing about the site I had several times in a few days that my new found tool was invaluable. In the garden identifying plants, bugs.... car parts, antiques, rashes, ect. It was fantastic... the site is still in the early stages of development and needs a larger following to create a better resource, but has tons of potential. <br />
<br />
Here is the link <a href="http://www.wthisthis.com/">www.wthisthis.com</a> (What the heck is this.....) COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-22132674433889205762013-06-17T16:18:00.002-07:002013-06-17T16:20:22.687-07:00One again with the waterThis is a personal post: Mainly in regards to an experience I had today that I wish to write about. <br />
<br />
It is said that we as humans consist of mainly water, it is also said that in the cycle of life we end with becoming one with the earth upon our final resting. I was witness to this today in the most beautiful of ways. <br />
<br />
My great aunt passed in 2005, my mother in 2006, and my grandfather in 2010. Since then I have held onto all of their cremation at my home, moving from Maryland to our summer home here in Florida. I since have had many major life changes and have now become a Firefighter, gave birth to an amazing baby girl whom my mother had a premonition of; to name a few. <br />
<br />
After much procrastination we decided on placing the ashes of our beloved family members today on the calmest of days in the Gulf. In an undisclosed location near a favorite reef off of Englewood in the same waters I grew up swimming in, within sight of a beach that our family had frequented every year as far back as I can remember. We rode out the miles in our family boat that my mom had stood at the helm piloting years previous, and approached the final destination. We shut off the motors and began playing music suitable to her taste: "Diggin Up Bones" by Randy Travis, "Lucille", "Walking" Patsy Cline, and "Green Beret" all songs that were favorites and or have some sort of family history. <br />
<br />
The three of us, my father, daughter, and I stared into the vast bluish green that is the Gulf. We began to open and place the ashes of each loved one into the water in order of death. Each persons ashes created a change in water color that is something to only be described as beautiful. I had imagined that each one would slowly mix and dilute with the water upon entering but to my shock we had three separate distinct balls of discoloration in the water that seemed to gradually sink as it was absorbed back into the depths of the earth. As it sank the color of the water mixing with shimmering of the sun caused a glow, as to remind us of the spirit, memories, and heart being absorbed back to nature. <br />
<br />
I was upset until the realization that this was closure and fulfilling the wishes of my family. I found the moment to be calming, and fulfilling in ways. I then removed brightly colored flowers from the console of the boat and each of us including my three year old daughter placed flowers on this spot for them. Even the dyed color from the flowers bled into the water as if being reabsorbed back into the earth. We sat for a few moments as the boat slowly drifted away from the location we had picked. As we watched the water lose the glow and become the status quo that is the Gulf. <br />
<br />
I fired up the motors and began our journey back to shore feeling a weight lifted off me, knowing I can always look into the Gulf during my dive trips, sunsets, from shore and boat knowing my loved ones are within sight at all times. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0t36O-5Wx1E/Ub-ZrfidMlI/AAAAAAAAA60/_wwnMkX9WWs/s1600/flowersfloating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0t36O-5Wx1E/Ub-ZrfidMlI/AAAAAAAAA60/_wwnMkX9WWs/s320/flowersfloating.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-74368525416134983882013-05-31T13:51:00.000-07:002013-06-02T14:01:18.915-07:00Palm Island Ferry We have attempted two times now to dive the Palm Island Ferry. Previous attempts were foiled by boats on the dive spot, and today was no different. However there was a big enough chunk to call our own and we decided to drop and do some diving. We used the following coordinates N 26° 49.236' W 82° 31.951' however due to using a friends boat out of Boca, we did not have a depth sounder (smacks head into wall) So we dropped in the area and hoped to run into reef/bottom. This was not the case and all I got to see was flat sand bottom about 60'... however we had a blast shooting Amber Jacks, we ran into a school and had our choice of the litter. My friend fired into one and did not stone him, he pulled with great force dragging us all over the place until we were able to brain him with our knife. I could not even imagine getting into his big brother (AJs get quite big). Visibility was around 10'-12' and we walked away with a couple keepers to end out the AJ season. Overall awesome dive, however not quite the best review on the reef. We will make another dive on this location and I will post pictures of the structure/video if I can.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeufjYMVLXw/UauymTe4BUI/AAAAAAAAA6c/tVNoS383F4o/s1600/amberjack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeufjYMVLXw/UauymTe4BUI/AAAAAAAAA6c/tVNoS383F4o/s320/amberjack.jpg" width="309" /></a></div>
<br />COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-66280347309331551882013-05-25T05:50:00.001-07:002013-06-02T14:02:28.151-07:00Sunset Cruise with Rocket Launch Friends from Maryland came down for a weekend prior to them boarding a cruise ship and going to the Caribbean. They asked me to take them out on the boat and I obliged with a trip to Stump Pass. We arrived around 4pm and enjoyed beaching the boat in Ski alley, drinking a few beers, watching wake boarders/water skiers. We decided to go to the Stump Pass Tiki Bar and enjoy their food specials, which is never a disappoint, great views/food/prices and service. We then went back to our slice of heaven to attempt to witness the Green Flash (sunset phenomenon) which we unfortunately did not get to witness this time. We began our journey home and the skies were a beautiful pink/purple hue as the city scape lights began to become dominant. Prior to us passing under Englewood bridge we saw what appeared to be an airplane trail almost perfectly vertical pink as well, when we realized it was a rocket being launched by NASA in Cape Canaveral. What an unexpected surprise. All in all yet another perfect and beautiful day on the water. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-46hkQYgTsWM/UaC0Cuiw_OI/AAAAAAAAA6M/VWg8p4hRt2I/s1600/sunsetcruise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-46hkQYgTsWM/UaC0Cuiw_OI/AAAAAAAAA6M/VWg8p4hRt2I/s320/sunsetcruise.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture does the night sky no justice.....<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-45572473454210436692013-05-19T08:46:00.004-07:002013-05-19T08:46:52.957-07:00Shrimp Boat, Venice Ledge, Venice Reef I came home and noticed posts from local captains stating that the viz was top to bottom in the Venice area, and just so happened to have a friend call me and my daughter was with her mom for the day (all the planets aligned) almost begging me to dive. We loaded up the boat and launched from the Venice boat ramps, heading out on one the flattest days I have ever seen. We arrived around the coordinates I have been given for a shrimp boat wreck ( 27° 4'19.93"N , 82°36'12.61"W ) I found these coordinates to be off by about 100' to SW, get to that area and look at your depth finder for changes. We dove this site and found buried masts, and nets from what appears to be an old shrimp boat. Marine life was scarce and appeared to be relatively newer +/- 4 years? (est.), this was found at a depth of approx 50', and viz was 30+ feet above the thermocline which just so happened to be around the bottom at 40+ ' causing our bottom viz to be 6-8' viz.<br />
<br />
We then had a surface interval as we rode out to Venice ledge, which I have listed the coordinates too before. Today we saw small snook held up on the ledge, and plenty of aquarium/reef fish, but no shooters. This is located straight out of Venice beach at about 28'. Beautiful ledge/coral life. Always a pleasurable dive at really shallow depths, viz 6-8'<br />
<br />
A friend of mine wanted to take a look at the last spot of the day that a boat was on coming in, so we dropped in on Venice Reef, which he tells me is concrete rubble and several culverts. Again fish populations appeared to have moved out, and we were unable to locate any shooters here. Again a beautiful dive to round out the day, and another site to add to my list.COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-78844078579661645642013-03-01T06:20:00.000-08:002015-08-24T07:38:08.022-07:00Blue Wild Expo and Jupiter Diving<br />
I was approached by a friend of mine from the Fire Department, if I wanted to go on a two day weekend trip. When I found out we would be attending the Blue Wild expo in Ft. Lauderdale, spending the night and bug diving the next morning there was no reservations I took the days off, and made arrangements for my daughter to be watched by my father and ex. <br />
<br />
The drive over to Ft. Lauderdale was awesome, sharing stories of diving, and talking abou the industry. Local dive shop drama, and tales. Stopping to get beer for our drive and arriving at the expo around noon. We walked into a conference room filled top to bottom with amazing dive gear, and raffle prizes that we could enter with purchased tickets. Walking around were celeberties in the dive community; Sheri Daye, Manny Puig, Daryl Wong and many others I posed for pictures with many of them, listened to a thrilling conversation with Manny about his trident spear he uses underwater and for hunting wild boar on land (what a bad ass man). I took pictures with the Deep dive girls, and enjoyed looking, touching and feeling all types of dive gear. I even made a purchase for a handle for my Gopro which was a fantastic deal. Towards the end of the night we all united and I even won a "Ballenita Racks" speargun rack... not bad for 20$ worth of raffle tickets. <br />
<br />
We then drove to a friend of a friends house and spent the night, playing Call of Duty for awhile and enjoying a fantastic steak dinner. The anticipation for the dives of the next day were looming. <br />
<br />
Waking up on dive day was a thrill like a kid on Christmas, we met up with John owner of Koah Spearguns and Owner of Hypnautical Charters. Leaving the home port and exiting Jupiter pass I noticed water had top to bottom viz...... (OHHH YEAH) We filmed and did a total of 3 dives that day. 100' 40mins, 80' 40 mins, and 75' 40 mins..... water temp was around 73* at the bottom, vis was around 40' phenomenal for Florida. The entire boat (3 other divers) caught about 6 bugs, and I did not get any :( First time out, I landed on a honey hole of about 5 monsters but could not loop them or grab them out of the hole. (I guess I will practice and have to return) Overall the dives were relaxing, exciting, and the dive operation was top notch. There was not a lot of hand holding as John understood our level of experience and basically just let us do our own thing. The boat was full of friends and everyone knew eachother which was also something new to me and amazing on a charter. <br />
<br />
I plan on attending next years expo, and when I get the dive charter off the ground may even attempt at having my own booth at the expo. <br />
<br />
Dive on.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/b4OBchyvWaY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0Jupiter, FL, USA26.9342246 -80.09420869999996726.8209676 -80.255570199999966 27.0474816 -79.932847199999969tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-29333632659138614182012-11-23T06:50:00.002-08:002012-11-23T06:50:29.825-08:00Silt, Zero vis death traps.... While reading a forum I frequent (www.scubaboard.com) I came across an entry from a technical diver that was showing the risks of a controlled silt out. Long story short, people tend to under-estimate the potential dangers of silt, and just how quickly a scenario can become deadly. In this great demonstration the opening looks quite benign, and I can imagine would easily seduce a diver into its grasp. <br />
<br />
Here is the video: http://vimeo.com/53944396<br />
<br />
Here is a link to the blog: <br />http://scubatechphilippines.com/scuba_blog/silt-out-wreck-penetration-danger/<br />
<br />
Finally here is the link to the original forum post:<br />http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/advanced-scuba-discussions/439617-silt-out-wreck-danger-graphic-video-demonstration.htmlCOWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-35521145556426080362012-11-19T07:28:00.001-08:002016-06-12T08:10:07.147-07:00Mares X-Stream Fin Review I wanted to wait before I wrote a review on my new fins. Prior to a diving trip to Cozumel Mexico with Scuba Board (Invasion), I was in need of fins. My old fins had been used and abused for the past 7 years and were cheap, old, outdated, and I felt extreme fatigue with my long surface swims that we have in Venice Florida when shore diving. I was researching fins and was really intrigued how fins could vary from 60$-200$+ and all of the options. Scuba Board typically helps with reviews but even there I was hitting a dead end, with a conclusion I would wait till I went on the invasion and won a pair. I walked into the drawing the day of the contest and told Roxanne (the drawer) that I was going to win, and boy did I.<br />
<br />
I have waited about 5 months to put about 20 dives on these fins before I gave any recommendation. I can say I have owned 3 pairs of fins my entire diving career and these are by far the best I have owned. They are easy to on and doff with a thick rubber retention strap. I ordered (BLACK on BLACK), and found the fins to be light weight barely noticeable when on. The make up of the fin has both solid and soft plastics, and an interesting alien style shape/influence. The foot pocket has not lost shape at all (I store without the plastic inserts) and has holes in the pocket that I find prevent your boots from getting stuck inside with suction like my old pairs. The Mares X-Stream fins appear to have created a balance between soft/hard split/solid fins and I feel give me the best of all worlds. The surface swims for shore dives are a breeze and instead of stopping and beginning my dive feeling exhausted from the swim, I stop when I want and dive with less exertion.<br />
<br />
Now in all honesty at a current price tag at 180$ I would have passed on these fins simply because I did not see the value of the price point. I can assure you after diving these fins and seeing the night and day difference in exertion alone, I would not hesitate on recommending these fins and am in love. Mares you have a new customer.<br />
<br />
<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=twopawbreblo-20&marketplace=amazon®ion=US&placement=B0032K9OGG&asins=B0032K9OGG&linkId=c124eff83dbd4643fe1de1cea83c9063&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff">
</iframe>COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-3578355960849873892012-10-30T04:56:00.001-07:002012-10-30T04:56:41.938-07:00Perfect Storm<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8O0KwgNGwg/UI-_TudAScI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/4Onp9jbDFi8/s1600/untitled.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8O0KwgNGwg/UI-_TudAScI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/4Onp9jbDFi8/s320/untitled.JPG" width="225" /></a>Well the weather in the Venice area is getting cooler, which is bittersweet for me. It means busting out the 7mm wet suit, hood, gloves and freezing after long dives, but it also means that the clarity of winter is coming due to a lack of algae growth in the water (less "snot" or suspended particle). With the hurricane that is hitting the North East we have seen an increase in wind and wave action which again is a mixed bag of feelings. I am excited due to the teeth I am sure the rough surf are bound to uncover for me to find :) I am planning a dive as soon as the water is safe to get into, before everyone has a chance to pick over the fossil beds, expect a post soon of that adventure. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0734 N Manasota Key Rd, Englewood, FL 34223, USA27.010655243601271 -82.41308212280273426.996508743601272 -82.432823122802731 27.02480174360127 -82.393341122802738tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-78303776326918517792012-10-20T15:46:00.003-07:002012-10-20T15:46:43.585-07:00Turtle Beach- Donut Dive (Event)Today I enjoyed my first Donut Dive, this is a monthly event sponsored by a local dive shop: Florida Underwater Sports (Sarasota). Today's theme was Halloween in nature and was an underwater pumpkin carving contest. We met up in the parking lot of Turtle Beach around 9am, a group of approximately 30 divers enjoyed free donuts (hence the name) and awaited the briefing from the DM. We hit the water in self organized dive groups and began carving pumpkins just offshore from the beach. Visibility was not the best around 2-4 feet with suspended particles, however just fine enough for us to work at the task at hand. IT WAS A BLAST! After the dive (no set down time) we met back at the same meeting area for voting. A winner was selected, unfortunately not me.... and 2 dive charter packages were handed out. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/AMIant4yn0U?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>I highly recommend the "Donut Dive," great way to mingle, network, and of course dive. If your partner-less it is a great way to meet people, enjoy getting wet, and a new locale. I will have to re-dive Turtle Beach again and post a review on the spot, it lacked any structure from what I could tell and apparently has an abundant array of marine life. I was focused on an orange pumpkin so I cannot really comment on that. The dive was well organized and had a check in/out board for accountability and tracking. I have included a video of the dive and the link for the dive shop so you can find a list of events they are sponsoring. <br />
<br />
<em><a href="http://www.floridaunderwatersports.com/">www.<b>floridaunderwatersports</b>.com/</a></em><br />
<em></em><br />
COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-13485369501099699642012-10-13T16:15:00.000-07:002012-10-14T08:14:03.897-07:00Spear Fishing (Venice Reef)Today we were planning on going 15 miles off shore and attempting a shipwreck that I will write about later. However when I woke up today I found out that there were 15 MPH gusts offshore, which was upsetting, because I had looked forward to diving. I decided to go ahead and attempt a basic dive on Venice Reef (2706.29 8228.904). My friend, my Dad, and I anchored up with ease and were greeted by tons of birds on the water, and dropped down with visibility being about 10-15 feet. We found TONS of life which is amazing because we have been experiencing red tide the past few days. We had a few shooters today, and attached is a picture of my friend holding his prized keepsake. I saw a few dive charter boats out anchored which reminded me of my trip to Mexico, just seeing the life and energy out on the water. During our surface interval a local Kayak sharks tooth diver swam up to us and clipped onto our boat to take a break due to all the current. We exchanged some numbers and stories, and went for our second dive. Although the second dive of the day did not produce any keepers to get any shots off at I still enjoyed the millions of bait fish and marine life. I love the calm that comes over me during these periods of visiting another world. <br />
<br />
Brendan (Author) preparing for the dive/ Dave with his hog fish<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3NAsQx55H48/UHrWRa719XI/AAAAAAAAAJY/ZDn0ienL7IA/s1600/brendan+spear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3NAsQx55H48/UHrWRa719XI/AAAAAAAAAJY/ZDn0ienL7IA/s320/brendan+spear.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-03AfQwOpqJA/UHn1wDNk7qI/AAAAAAAAAJI/PSF34QIXhao/s1600/hogfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-03AfQwOpqJA/UHn1wDNk7qI/AAAAAAAAAJI/PSF34QIXhao/s320/hogfish.jpg" width="239" /></a>COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0255 The Esplanade N, Venice, FL 34285, USA27.100316923907595 -82.46818542480468827.093249423907594 -82.478055924804693 27.107384423907597 -82.458314924804682tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-42386923703753508562012-10-12T12:14:00.001-07:002012-10-12T12:19:22.596-07:00M15 ReefM15 Reef (27° 05.001’ 82° 32.524’)<br />
<br />
I have had the pleasure of diving this spot several times. About a week ago a friend of mine and myself decided to spearfish a few of the local reefs looking for something to shoot. We arrived to find a few fishermen on the spot and passed it to go to M16. On our way back in we dove M15 which is mainly concrete rubble, we were unable to find any shoot able fish on this day, however the colors of fish/reef are beautiful and always proves to be a very enjoyable dive. COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0408 S Casey Key Rd, Nokomis, FL 34275, USA27.097031359153 -82.48123168945312527.040489859153 -82.560195689453124 27.153572859153 -82.402267689453126tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-52549977896888063062012-09-23T15:37:00.000-07:002012-10-14T17:04:57.836-07:00Time offWell, I took a trip to Cozumel Mexico and have not dove Venice since.... ha. I love my stomping grounds its not that I am spoiled I swear :) However we have been battered by Hurricanes off the coast ect... Viz has been improving lately in the gulf to the tune of 10-15 off the beach. I am a little nervous because all the fossil beds that I had been well aware of for Megs I am sure have changed. I will be posting some spots, and finds as soon as I hit the water within this week. I have also asked a local Free Diving Spear Fisher to help add to this blog. His name is Tom, and look for some stuff from him very soon.COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-79437618089927032902012-06-06T08:04:00.002-07:002012-10-14T17:04:57.842-07:00Beach BashI am a huge fan on a website www.scubaboard.com it is a forum with tons of resources for the avid diver. One of the many perks I have found with this website is its ability to help network the dive community. Recently scheduled was a "Venice Beach Bash" an annual dive event where a bunch of divers get together, the local charter captains offer free dives out to the bone yard. If you are ever in the area around June take a look at the site and plan to meet some great people, and do some awesome dives. I recommend joining the site regardless and if there is a referral option please mention COWSskateGOOD, you will find TONS of reviews, spots, tips, accident reviews.....COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-1558580724177806912012-05-27T15:24:00.000-07:002012-10-14T17:02:51.377-07:00How to clean sharks teethI do not take credit for this, and have learned this method from a charter captain in the area. However the best way to clean megs/sharks teeth/ and found fishing rods that have years/months of encrusted coral growth is to take Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with water, depending on the level of growth 25% - 75% mixture. Let the item soak for as long as needed with mild scrubbing/scrapping/wiping until desired effect.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RYr66HmHwb0/T8KpTTqGAMI/AAAAAAAAAHA/htDpezi99kw/s1600/bigteeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RYr66HmHwb0/T8KpTTqGAMI/AAAAAAAAAHA/htDpezi99kw/s200/bigteeth.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuIN8wTzvac/T8KpU44U64I/AAAAAAAAAHI/rMTW7LnJQq0/s1600/bigteethafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuIN8wTzvac/T8KpU44U64I/AAAAAAAAAHI/rMTW7LnJQq0/s200/bigteethafter.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-72783996742106000592012-05-27T14:57:00.000-07:002012-05-27T15:00:25.981-07:00Today dove a new spot off of Venice Beach. Approximately a mile or so directly West of the life guard stands in about 25 of water you will find a 4 or 5 foot relief on your depth finder. This appears to be a natural ledge with rocks. Beautiful reef with tons of fish, hogs and varied other species. Today the viz was not quite ideal 5' range with suspended particles and areas a lot less then that. However had a great time finding big sized Meg (Sharks teeth).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1N9QkMvCIU/T8KjnNr-KII/AAAAAAAAAG0/QbobUvXcZlE/s1600/bigteeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1N9QkMvCIU/T8KjnNr-KII/AAAAAAAAAG0/QbobUvXcZlE/s400/bigteeth.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-92040752161869922732012-05-13T11:29:00.001-07:002012-05-13T11:29:51.974-07:00Sharks TeethRamble Post:<br /><br />Yesterday I had the privilege of diving Alhambra via beach. My boat has been broken this entire week and I actually had to get Tow Boat U.S. to come get me out of Lemon Bay a few days prior. I almost thumbed the dive, due to what I felt was too windy of conditions (winds from the SE 8knots) with what appeared to be strong top surge. However when I walked to the beach I saw crystal clear top to bottom viz. OHHH YEAH!!!! I went out to about 20 feet of water straight east of Alhambra and attempted to locate the bone yard ( a well known fossil bed ) I loved the dive, it was approx 8 feet of viz and very easy to find teeth, fish, structure. I had a fantastic time. My SAC rate has seemed to drop and I blame it on Insanity the work out program and my latest training with the Fire Department, I ended up spending about 1 hour at 20' with 2/3 of my tank leftover... HOW AMAZING :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OVrf9iEu_FA/T6_9i_9J17I/AAAAAAAAAGc/yc5lwp7qIQA/s1600/teeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OVrf9iEu_FA/T6_9i_9J17I/AAAAAAAAAGc/yc5lwp7qIQA/s400/teeth.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hlpJk3r_Fnk/T6_9kQw8RjI/AAAAAAAAAGk/vEGzc4PXApc/s1600/venice+florida.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hlpJk3r_Fnk/T6_9kQw8RjI/AAAAAAAAAGk/vEGzc4PXApc/s400/venice+florida.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0Venice, FL, USA27.0997775 -82.454263227.043235999999997 -82.5332272 27.156319 -82.3752992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-59189709631159647612012-04-04T06:34:00.000-07:002012-10-14T17:04:57.840-07:00Swell InfoIn an attempt to drive more traffic to our blog, and help share and promote information of the local area. I have signed up as a www.swellinfo.com poster ? Well I am not quite sure of the title, however I will be posting condition reports on the website to help out fellow divers/snorkelers. As soon as my account is set up and activated I will link to the page.COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-44681673350204429072012-03-29T17:19:00.001-07:002012-05-27T15:01:09.839-07:00M16 ReefToday's dive was a 2 tank dive at M16, after planning this dive for several days and meeting up with a couple friends we hit this spot around 11am today. I was a tad nervous getting out to this spot in our 19' Seapro CC, but it did great with the 1' waves. We arrived exactly at the coordinates listed and found concrete culverts, basins, and what appeared to be some sort of I-beam from a bridge. Tons of small fish, several Jew fish in the 30+ Lb range, and Barracuda. We also found 3 fishing rods, and a boat anchor. The site was not too crowded we were able to find our own chunk to call our own and really enjoyed the diving here.<br />
<br />
M16 is located 8.5 Miles West out of Venice Pass (<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">27° 03.827’N 82° 35.625’W)</span> at a depth of 50'</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Youtube video of us diving M16 : <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3oSffaP-Ww">HERE</a></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRcVrbb5hSg/T3T7_DNDDxI/AAAAAAAAAGE/joySGjpEk0I/s1600/m16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRcVrbb5hSg/T3T7_DNDDxI/AAAAAAAAAGE/joySGjpEk0I/s320/m16.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231048192458260276.post-17618407255290296692012-03-26T14:26:00.001-07:002012-10-14T17:04:28.884-07:00Finding Fishing/Spear Spots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Well today is far from a good dive day, I was tempted to take the boat out and search the area for "numbers or dive locations." but the wind was really to strong to make it enjoyable. I find it very difficult to find a website that shares any of this information, so I plan on updating this blog with numbers that I research/find. On my non-dive able days I find myself researching and today was no different I went to West Marine and purchased a Dive/Fishing Chart of the area that has about 100 sets of coordinates up and down the coast from Sarasota/Port Charlotte, and one of my goals is to dive almost all of them and hopefully find some fish to shoot. I have learned to look for ledges, reefs, or other structure that the fish like to use as a home, this can be done on bad viz days by driving your boat in a methodical search pattern looking for changes on your depth finder, or by sheer luck. Subscribe to my blog for updates of locations.....</div>
COWSskateGOODhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030409632094202300noreply@blogger.com0