The Newsletter of the Northern California Rainbow Divers (NCRD)

Buddy Line February, 2006

Huge Diving for Life Success! Vote on March 16 Rainbow Divers to Donate $18,100 to Local Charities by Kelly Thiemann

Northern California Rainbow Divers sent Now comes the other fun part: choosing Please consider sharing your 29 wild and crazy divers to the annual DFL which organizations to give our “hard favorite health-related local non- jamboree in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, in earned” money to! The list of past recipi- profit with your fellow members September, 2005. Diving for Life, now in its ents includes PAWS, the Women’s Cancer and possibly garnering a contribu- 14th year, annually gathers LGBT divers from Resource Center, Billy DeFrank Center tion of DFL funds to that worthy gay dive clubs around the world to dive, party, (youth AIDS education), and Breast Cancer cause. Every deserving group and raise funds for local health-related chari- Action. We ask you, as a member of the presented has much to gain! ties. The monies raised are allocated back to dive club, to consider nominating a group Nominated groups must be participating dive groups on a pro-rata basis. that you know and support. local 501(c)(3) organizations and As the second largest contingent in Curacao, NCRD will receive a record share of the proceeds: $18,100 out of the $81,320 raised. By the way, Rainbow Divers had an unforgettably fabulous time in Curacao, a Banner ©DFL, printed with permission. small island 60 miles off the coast of Vene- At our March 16th club meeting, nomi- zuela. One hundred and sixty-two LGBT nations will be accepted from NCRD mem- serve the health needs of lesbians divers (and a straight sister or two) took every bers and short presentations made either by and/or gay men. Somewhat room in the entire Habitat Curacao Resort for sponsoring members or by representatives smaller groups have attracted the a week of diving and frolicking. DFL raised of the nominated groups. After group repre- most support in past years, as funds during the week with a raffle, plus silent sentatives depart, the members present will Rainbow Divers tend to invest and live auctions, the latter featuring a variety decide whether to grant all the funds to one these funds to make a maximum of wildly popular kitsch and queermobilia that charity or to split it among several of the difference for our community. drew exorbitant bids from the enthusiastic groups discussed at the meeting. Voting is If you don’t nominate a group, crowd. Locally donated dive items from always tough, as these are all worthy groups please still come to vote! Let’s Bamboo and Pinnacles and small enough that any contribution celebrate giving something back were the big draw of the raffle, along with would make a significant impact on their to our community while having the ever-popular L.A. coroner beach towels. budgets and activities. fun times with our fellow divers!

2005 Annual Meeting and Election Results By Dennis Nix

Our annual meetings are always dif- ner with wine, we got down to business. Prospective Board mem- ferent. In past years they've been at the Ralph Wolf chaired the meeting, review- bers talked about their plans San Francisco Zoo and the skating rink ing the accomplishments of 2005: a new for 2006 and were elected. in Embarcadero Center. This year, over logo; a new look for the newsletter; trips This new Board has a great twenty NCRD'rs met on December 8th at to St. Lucia, Monterey, the Channel Is- mix of talents and energy: the Asian Art Museum to tour the exhib- lands, Socorro Islands, and Diving for Kelly Thiemann, Ralph its, review the year's achievements, dis- Life in Curacao; and the distribution of Wolf, Gary Morgret, cuss plans for 2006 and elect the new 2004 DFL funds of over $10K to local Dennis Nix, David Zippin, Board. health agencies. Clearly it was a busy, and Feney Matthews. What After enjoying the museum’s world- productive, and fun year for the Board makes this Board unique is class collection and an Asian fusion din- and our club members. (Continued on page 2)

Page 2 February, 2006

Northern California Rainbow Divers, Inc. Editor’s Log a California non-profit mutual benefit corporation by Karen Doby OFFICERS In December, I found myself on an I was shocked — not that he didn’t get it President, Feney Matthews airplane, winging my way home from but at my own lack of clarity and words to [email protected] a wonderful 11-day dive trip in Fiji. express just exactly what the appeal of diving Secretary, Gary Morgret Images floating non-stop in my mind, is to me. I’ve been thinking about this for a [email protected] the marvels of the previous 11 days while now, and I’m curious. Why does any- Treasurer, Ralph Wolf aboard the N’aia kept re- one dive? A group of us were talking at din- [email protected] turning to me from truly one of the ner a while back and noticed amongst our- Board Member-At-Large, Dennis Nix most amazing dive adventures to be selves a tendency within diving couples for [email protected] found anywhere. The onboard natu- one person to be the more serious diver while Board Member-At-Large, Kelly Thiemann ralists, marine experts in their own their partner’s dive activities tend to be led [email protected] right, were in good company with the by the other. What makes a so-called hard- Board Member-At-Large, David Zippin passengers, largely volunteer staff and core diver tick? What drives us and calls us [email protected] marine biologists from the Monterey to ocean’s edge when too much time has VOLUNTEER STAFF passed since last we submerged? Bay Aquarium, making this one of the Classes Coordinator, Ralph Wolf most intricately informed, interest- This is the gauntlet I lay at your feet this [email protected] ingly recounted dive finds of a life- month. Reflect on it and if you can, tap into Dive Instructor, Maureen McEvoy time for six of us lucky LGBT divers. the feeling of it… Why do you dive? [email protected] The excitement exuded during our This is especially relevant in this month’s Dive Planner, Ralph Wolf [email protected] time in Fijian waters continued to issue of Buddy Line, as we reflect on the suc- work its magic as I couldn’t help but cess of this past September’s Diving For Diving For Life Liaison, Kelly Thiemann [email protected] smile at the memories. Never had I Life. Begun from inception with the notion felt more alive and thoroughly at Membership, Chris Whitney that diving can not only be fun but also raise [email protected] home as I had on this trip. money for charity, DFL has generated more Newsletter Editor, Karen Doby (Interim) My reveries were interrupted by funds this past year than in any other for Bay [email protected] Area non-profits. The articles from Peg the young man of 18 seated next to Programs, Peg Stone me, an exchange student from Aus- Stone and Michelle Clay amply demonstrate [email protected] tralia, who interestingly had nary a how much fun diving can be, while Kelly Software Development, Karen Casella thought of learning to dive. “What do Thiemann and Doug McGrath get us think- [email protected] you do down there?” he quizzed. My ing about which charities are most deserving Trip Coordinator, Ralph Wolf enthusiasm from the N’aia abounded of NCRD’s share of the DFL 2005 proceeds. [email protected] as I began to regale him with tales of We also highlight the results from this Trip Leaders - Roatan, Ralph Wolf, Larry Chow strange and exotic animals. He inter- past December’s election for a new Board as [email protected] rupted to blurt, “Really? That’s what recorded by Dennis Nix. Some bright, ener- Trip Leader - Thailand, David Zippin [email protected] you do? Look at animals?” He was getic folks are now on the line to bring you incredulous with unmistakable disbe- more of what you’d like to see in a dive club. Trip Leader - Wakatobi, Karen Doby [email protected] lief that anyone in their right mind Think about the kinds of events you’d like to Webmaster, Doug McGrath would care to spend time and money see, and drop these folks a line to help focus [email protected] looking at underwater marine life. their efforts on what’s important to you. http://www.rainbowdivers.org/

CLUB POLICIES

NCRD Election... Great plans are already in place for Board meetings are held once a month and (Continued from page 1) 2006 and beyond. Karen Doby has or- are open to any member in good standing. If interested in attending, please contact any of ganized a trip to Wakatobi; Ralph Wolf the Board members listed above for location. that many of them have been on has planned monthly dives in Monterey, Membership dues are $35/year, $55/year for domestic partners at the same address, and the Board in years past, while and David Zippin is in the final stages of $20/year for a newsletter-only subscription to others are just getting involved organizing a 2007 liveaboard in Thailand addresses >150 miles from the SF Bay area. with the club. Other members and Burma. Classes are planned as are Advertising is available for $7/month to club members for a business card-size ad, or for volunteered to fill non-Board also some great meeting topics and social $10/month for non-club members. If you are interested in advertising, please contact the posts: Peg Stone as Programs events. The 2006 Board is invigorated and editor. NCRD does not warrant, recommend or chair, Kelly Thiemann as DFL excited to be working on making the club guarantee the products or services contained in advertisements in this newsletter. Liaison, Doug McGrath as bigger and better. We're expecting great Unless otherwise noted, all monies paid for Webmaster, and Ralph Wolf as things from them, and I know we won't be club-sponsored events are non-refundable. local Dive Planner. disappointed.

February, 2006 Page 3 Diving Curacao at DFL 2005 Donating to Charity: by Peg Stone Here’s How DFL Fund Distribution Works! Rainbow Divers had a terrific a day. Other more “social” divers rose late, time in Curacao! One hundred pale and smiling, relegating their diving to the By Doug McGrath and sixty or so queer-as-a-deer house reef much later in the day, skipping the divers seized complete control of rock-and-roll rides of the small dive craft. • NCRD members contact eligible Captain Don’s Habitat Curacao 501(c)(3) health-related charities Resort for one splen- serving the LGBTT community. did September week. • If a charity is interested, the nomi- Dykes lined the edge nating NCRD member should con- of the infinity pool, tact Kelly Thiemann by March 10 greeting returning to get on the nomination agenda. lesbian divers with “How ya doin’?”, • At our March 16 general meeting, “How you doin’?” as each charity will make a 10-minute they trekked back presentation describing what they from their boat dives. do and how they would use the The first annual White funds. Party brought out • After the presentations, the chari- some spectacular drag, ties are excused, and the NCRD a plethora of angels, members present at the meeting and the Pope Himself. will choose one or more recipients The Aussies stole the and award amounts. show at the auction, contributing a wide Bright yellow and white markings make this snake eel easy to • The selected recipients will be variety of cheap, spec- spot on the Curacao reef Photo by Ralph Wolf notified and must provide DFL with tacular items that appropriate documentation (such brought shockingly high bids as tax exempt letter, etc.). You’ll have to ask someone else about the from the well-lubricated crowd. late-night party scene. I can tell you that the • DFL will send the funds directly to Some hardy souls soon real- diving sites offered all you could ask for: clear the recipients. ized that their partying brethren water, great invertebrate life, little parades of • At our April 20 meeting, NCRD will did not always rise in time to squid in marching formation, and colorful fish have a public presentation award. catch their early morning boats to galore! Toward the end of the trip, a nurse the dive sites and began edging shark took to napping on the Habitat’s house • For more information, please their way into the empty spots on reef, adding to its many attractions. And then contact Kelly Thiemann, our DFL the craft, snagging two boat trips there was the nude night dive… Liaison, at [email protected].

It’s Official! DFL Announces 2006 Location Anse Chastanet, a breathtakingly scenic resort on the island of St. Lucia in the British Virgin Islands, has been declared as the site for the Fifteenth Annual Diving For Life Jamboree on September 16-23, 2006. Check out this beautiful, romantic resort at www.ansechastanet.com DFL will offer online registration for the first time this year via a cus- tomized version of STARS (SCUBA Trip Advanced Reservation System © 2005), developed by NCRD mem- Patience and a good eye are often rewarded with sightings of captivating macro life, ber Karen Casella and piloted by NCRD’s 2006 Wakatobi adventure. such as this tiny baby filefish and Curacao seahorse Photos by Ralph Wolf

Page 4 February, 2006 Another Trip to Paradise! Reflections on Diving Bonaire by Michelle Clay

After a night and almost full day of good value and great traveling from the Great Northwest, service, both on the boat including a 4-hour-plus layover in the and for our shore diving. Curacao airport (“do you think any of our After the trip, they even luggage will show up today?”, with “any sent an email requesting of it” being the operative phrase!), Regan my address for mailing and I were so happy to walk into the my C-Card that I had left Bonaire restaurant where our six NCRD behind in the pocket of friends were patiently awaiting our the borrowed BC! This is arrival. With a round of drinks (thanks, definitely a company that Brande!), our vacation finally began! goes the extra mile for We were anxious to hear how the trip had their customers! gone so far, and of course our friends – For me, diving with old and new – were ready to share, having my NCRD friends is like An anemone shrimp ventures out onto the arms of its preceded us on the island by a few days dancing, and we quickly host Photo by Karen Doby last September for a pre-DFL dive week adapted to a diving in the underwater paradise of Bonaire. rhythm that is just …sublime. A mix destination than Bonaire! Our Sharon’s choice of the Dutch-owned of amazing photographers and not, those next week of diving at DFL in dive operation, Yellow Submarine, was with “the eye” … finding the ever elusive Curacao followed as a close superb! Upon learning that we had no octopus, the teeny tiny juvenile trunkfish second place, as the diving luggage, they quickly got us geared up … where is the head on that giant moray freedom of Bonaire is hard to and out diving. I definitely would use under the coral? The batfish is over beat for the rich color of its them again – for one, they didn’t charge here! No matter what you see or where corals and undersea life. us for the two days we had to use their you go, I just don’t think you can find One of our most amazing rental gear. They were the epitome of a more consistently magical dive experiences was diving with

Remember that Sesame Street jingle? “One of these things is not like the others …” We‘re all ready to go at the Bonaire Town Pier. From left: Regan, Michelle, Sharon, David, Kelly, Gail, Brande. Not pictured: Karen Photo by Karen Doby

February, 2006 Page 5

Caribbean squid! The only other time I have seen squid was two years ago, also in Bonaire, but this time we witnessed their mating dance in broad daylight, all the while changing colors and flashing and spreading their tentacles! Certainly that was not to be topped! Even better, our very own photographers extraordinaire not only got some awesome pictures but also some video! So, we can relive the experience over and over! You may have heard it said that you haven’t dove Bonaire until you’ve dove the Town Pier at night. I’m happy to report this as true, as that’s where we had our one and only frogfish sighting of the Changing colors and flashing tentacles were on display for the squid’s mating dance week, it being black of course. Photo by Karen Doby

so-token male, to the local grocery and “resort dining” – a much more affordable way of eating on the island than at most of the downtown restaurants. At DFL we were once again lucky to be included in the pod of our NCRD pals, all of them now feeling like old friends, for another week of excellent diving, fun, laughing and enjoying this awesome community A barbershop shrimp hanging out on pink star coral Queen parrotfish munching on the reef. Tasty! we share. Photo by Karen Doby Photo by Sharon Ponder

On our non-dive day, five of us braved the trek to the National Park — a long, dry journey, but the beauty of the northernmost coast was breathtaking as waves beat against the massive rock as we stood not all that far above them. The highlight of the trip was passing a bend in the road when suddenly our entire view was full of hundreds of pink flamingos! We could have spent hours there mesmerized by the sight of them all. Our days in Bonaire were limited and over way before we were ready. Our luggage did finally arrive just before it was time to move on to Curacao for a wonderful week at DFL. But prior to leaving, we introduced David, our not- Bonaire flamingos galore! Photo by David Zippin

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In general, I plan to cater to more experi- Meet the 2006 NCRD Board and Volunteers enced and “hard core” divers in the winter and Tales from the Deep spring, then reaching out to our newer divers, including brand new recruits from Pride, in the summer and fall. I'm also looking forward to One thing often remarked Looking forward through 2006, what do about Rainbow Divers is how working with our instructors to offer more you hope to achieve on behalf of the classes in 2006. different we all are, not just as club? fellow humans but as divers. Finally, I'd like to try doing more weekend Our dive backgrounds, under- Peg: Fun meetings and more cold-water events in Monterey to combine social and water interests, even what divers to dive with! Actually, I want to have a diving opportunities. Back-to-back events on draws us and keeps us diving Rainbow Divers float in the Gay Pride parade Saturday and Sunday give people flexibility to can be as varied as fish in the this year -- and I think we could have some sign up for either day of diving or to spend the real fun with this! So if you want to march as sea. Nowhere is this more night and make a weekend out of it. apparent than in our new 2006 a mermaid/man, a fish, an otter, a nudibranch Board and volunteer staff. or some other fabulous creature, this is your Chris: I would like to make the membership big chance to strut your stuff! process — from joining, to renewing, to December’s election has simply checking on your status — as easy David: I want to increase our membership infused the club with energetic as possible for members using a simple web and offer more fun programs and a wide range new leadership — people com- interface. I say this with a sublime ignorance of affordable dive trips for our members. I'd mitted to bringing us more of of the technical challenges this may entail. what we love about NCRD: also like to see more activities in the South safe yet exciting diving, afford- Bay to increase membership there, including Feney: I hope to help out keeping NCRD as able trips, interesting people, a renewed presence at San José Pride. a fun dive club that offers great diving oppor- tunities for queer folks. and local fun events. Doug: I’d really like to get the member's area If you have ideas or wish to of the club website and web-based member- Kelly: As the representative to DFL, I hope to volunteer, email addresses are ship tools in place and working well to add ensure that next year’s fundraising efforts will listed on page 2 of this news- value for our members. be as successful as this year’s record-breaking letter. Let us hear from you! Dennis: I'd like to see more new members event. — Karen Doby, Editor whom we can get excited about diving. I'd Maureen: Teaching more classes and like to see some of the old NCRD'rs who increasing our band of fabulous divers. Where do you live? aren't around as much get more involved and of course, lots more great trips. How long have you been diving? Peg: Oakland. Best damn city in the world. Now if I could Ralph: As dive planner, I'd like to see the Peg: I've been diving for about 9 years, only dive the bay… club increase the number and variety of diving almost all of it with the club or members from opportunities we offer. We have a wide range the club, and logged over 600 dives. Bottom David: San José. of abilities in the club, and I'd like to offer time, I don't know, not enough. I'm hoping Karen C: My gf thinks I live something for everyone. Of course, I'm count- someone figures out how to give me gills. in Pacific Grove with her, but I ing on people to exercise good judgment in have a secret life and maintain deciding which dives to sign up for. I'll plan David: I've been diving about three years an underwater residence in — the diving opportunities, but ultimately each with about 175 dives. oops, can't tell you! of us has to plan and execute our own dives. I Karen C: I was certified in Monterey in am happy to take requests for dives or classes Doug: San Francisco. 1995, which is the last time I dove cold water! and would love it if they included specific I've done about 100 dives since then. I'm a bit Gary: I’ve been living in San advice on dive sites or operators to use. of an off-and-on diver. Francisco now for 28 years. Dennis: San Francisco. Kelly: Emeryville and Napa. Ralph: Palo Alto. Karen D: Pacific Grove, a few minutes west of Monterey. This usually surprises folks who don’t realize that Monterey is on a north-facing beach. Chris: Berkeley. Feney: Berkeley. Feney Matthews Gary Morgret Ralph Wolf Board Member Board Member Board Member Maureen: Moss Beach. NCRD President NCRD Secretary NCRD Treasurer Dive Planner

Classes & Trip Coordinator

February, 2006 Page 7

Gary: I began diving with the club in 1992 What inspired you to start diving? Chris: A life-long affinity for when it was just beginning as the Sea Snakes. all things aquatic pushed me to Peg: The short story: I went to Maui, snor- The YMCA in Plattsburgh, New York, certi- keled my brains out and thought idly, wouldn't that point. I had enjoyed ocean fied me in 1969. My open water certification it be nice to be able to stay down a little longer swimming, , and dives were on a wreck from the War of 1812 boogie-boarding for years. Then to look at all those pretty fish? The longer on the bottom of Lake Champlain. For years story: I tried to commit suicide by someone told me about learning I dove Long Island, New York, mostly for myself and after nine months of very hard to dive in the Bay Islands in Hon- lobster and on a few wrecks. Then for a time duras. It suddenly occurred to me emotional work, I thought I ought to reestab- I lived in Eugene, Oregon, and diving fell by lish a positive relationship with the water by that I didn't have to be a French the wayside. Once I relocated to the city, the learning to dive. It turned out to be a great oceanographer or a Navy SEAL club re-inspired me to get back underwater, idea since I could sort my friends by who to dive; that regular Joe’s like me and I’ve been diving with NCRD or someone thought I was (still) crazy and who "got it." (well…) could dive. I was hooked on the first dive (once I figured I met through the club ever since. There's an even longer story that weaves these Ralph: I've been diving for 9 years. I'm two together. Ask me sometime, and I’ll tell out how to equalize). looking forward to doing my 500th dive in the you. Kelly: Not being able to hold next few months. I've been in the club almost David: It's something I've always wanted to my breath long enough because as long. I found NCRD when I had 20 dives do. As a biologist, I've always been curious I was fascinated with the giant logged and only an open water certificate. about the natural world, and the underwater clams at the I've done all my additional training through world seemed the most exotic to me. My in Australia while snorkeling. PADI DM and SSI DiveCon certification with sister finally convinced me to take the plunge. club instructors. I've also learned a lot about Maureen: Discovering a from friends I've met Karen C: Back in 1995, my then-new gf took pool one day and learning marine through the club. me to a SCUBA expo and encouraged me to biology as a hobby. try underwater at the pool exhibit. Karen D: I got certified in 1980. Since then, Although the things to see in the pool were Where is your favorite place I’ve filled up a few different logbooks but pretty gross, I was so awed by being able to to dive? never added up all the dives. Now I just make breathe underwater, I just had to try diving. Peg: My favorite place to dive my own pages, many of them on napkins and I was certified a month later and diving in Styrofoam cups! My book has a little is Point Lobos because I can get Maui two weeks after that. When I saw my there often, and it's terrifically over 300 dives in it and about that much first manta ray, I was hooked. bottom time, 300 hours or so. beautiful and diverse. Really, Doug: I don't have a specific recollection of that's like asking which cloud in Chris: I have been diving for about three when I knew I wanted to learn, but I know it heaven I prefer. years and have logged about 150-200 dives. had to be from watching nature specials like I've never met a dive spot I didn't like, David: Nothing beats diving in a while growing up in the 70s. from the Alaskan-British Columbian Inside kelp forest on a sunny day, with Passage, California, the Caribbean and along Dennis: I accompanied a friend to Australia sunbeams streaming through the the Pacific coast of the Americas. for a conference. I figured while I was there, kelp, lighting up the ocean floor. I should learn to dive. Feney: I got certified in 1971 and have over Dennis: -- easy to get 3,000 dives! Ralph: I've always been curious about how to, easy warm diving. There the other 3/4ths of the earth live. But ulti- are other things to do besides Kelly: I have been diving for 6 years and mately it was just bad vacation planning. I diving, nice people, plus I get to have about 175 dives. found myself on a poor Caribbean island with practice my broken Spanish. Maureen: 18 years. 1,284 dives, most of nothing to do. There was this shabby little Ralph: My favorite dive is them in Monterey. dive shop at the edge of town; I wandered in... always the one I'm about to do next. There is always something new there, and I just love the sense of discovery. Even when visiting “old friends” in Monterey, things are always changing. Karen D: Coral Street beach in Pacific Grove. I don’t get to dive it often because it isn’t as protected as other beaches on Monterey Bay, but it’s beautiful, Dennis Nix Kelly Thiemann David Zippin dreamy, and only minutes from Board Member-At-Large Board Member-At-Large Board Member-At-Large my house. Diving For Life Liaison Trip Leader, Thailand (Continued on page 8)

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Meet the Staff… to Silicon Valley and my membership from track of my buddy, despair at the degradation (Continued from page 7) Barnacle Busters to NCRD. I didn’t start div- of the marine environment, keep track of my ing with the club, though, until January, 2004, gauges, and open myself up to oneness with Chris: Forced to name one when Mike Ford enticed me with an NCRD the universe. favorite place to dive, I have to trip to Saba. Not only was the diving better David: I love to dive because it is so peaceful say Point Lobos. It is so acces- than expected, the people were so incredibly and relaxing. To me, it feels like doing yoga sible, so pristine, and such a nice. I’ve been diving with the club ever underwater. And there're so many cool things beautiful setting of rock, reef, since. I’ll be leading a group to Wakatobi in to see! kelp, light, shadow, surge. Its July for simply phenomenal diving! natural beauty is seamless from Chris: I joined NCRD a couple of years ago, Karen C: I love looking at the critters, big surface to depth. And the crit- really, as soon as I found out about it. It had and small. Where else can you see such a ters grow fat and sassy because never occurred to me to join a dive club before diversity of wildlife? And then there’s the they are protected and they finding NCRD. feeling of weightlessness. Above water, my know it. knees hurt a lot, and carrying extra Feney: I joined the club in 1992 because it’s Maureen: The Breakwater around for years hasn't helped. Underwater, a wonderful thing to have a gay dive club I can float around with no pain! Last, I'm Pier in Monterey. After hun- where we can dive with great people. dreds of dives there, I still see married to a dive pig and love spending time something new or different with her, so I go along for the dives. every dive. It's safe, convenient, What do you like most about diving with NCRD? Gary: For me diving is a form of meditation, and I see lots of people I know the sound of my breath, and being present to there! Peg: I like how safety conscious and suppor- what unfolds in front of me. The weightless- tive the members are and how welcoming the ness in three dimensions and the beauty of What motivated you to join group is to new members. the underwater world are intoxicating. While NCRD? Gary: Through the club I did continuing edu- diving, I never find my mind wandering; it is Peg: I've been with the club cation: AOW, rescue and certifi- always very focused and clear. After all these since 1996; I joined to find cations. I served on the board previously for years, I’m as hooked as ever. three years, two doing the newsletter and one people to dive with, and I've Dennis: I love the tranquility of no cell as secretary. I’d love to see the club grow and stayed because the people in the phones, no talking, just floating along in offer a place to find great deals on dive trips, club are wonderful, interesting, beautiful surroundings. caring people. dive buddies, continuing education and skills. Dennis: The camaraderie and caring of Ralph: I love to see and learn new things. Doug: I joined NCRD in the At first, the appeal was just learning to dive spring of 1998 after discovering fellow members. My tank came loose once well, honing basic skills. Once I had that the club at Pride in SF. I hadn't and before I knew it, I was surrounded by down, I started taking pictures underwater. yet gotten certified, but I knew NCRD'rs helping to put it back on. This adds a new skill challenge for me and I wanted to be a member. makes each dive something of a scavenger Why do you dive? What do you do un- Ralph: I joined NCRD be- hunt. I'm always looking for new subjects derwater anyway -- what's the appeal? cause I didn't feel like I had or a new way to capture the mood of a dive. much in common with the typi- Peg: I dive because underwater feels like Most recently, I've become more aware of cal spear-gun-toting, beer-can- home to me. I go into a trance, a sort of animal behaviors and want to learn more crushing straight-guy divers. focused trance state, and the weightlessness, about and ocean ecology. I'm not out to conquer the the otherness, the silence wrap around me like ocean; I just want to visit for a paradise. Underwater, I consider the awesome Feney: I love floating away underwater while. I've stayed in the club intricacy of the ecosystem, look for things I and using my camera to capture some of the because it's such a neat mix of haven't seen before or have rarely seen, keep beautiful underwater images. people. Everyone I've met through NCRD has been some combination of smart, funny, kind, adventurous and yet safe and responsible too. Also, the club crosses the age and gender barriers of our social cliques. Through the club, I meet really great people whom I'd probably never know otherwise. Karen D: I joined the club in 1995, after I moved from L.A. Chris Whitney Karen Doby Peg Stone Membership Chair Newsletter Editor (Interim) Programs Chair Trip Leader, Wakatobi

February, 2006 Page 9

What's your favorite underwater crea- Galapagos and in Fiji. Both times, I looked fectly still manta. I'm not sure ture to dive with? i.e. Which animal up because I knew something was coming. how long it took me to gather or plant, when you see it, really makes They have incredible presence. my wits, but I slowly backed your day? David: Riding in the slipstream on top of a out of the rock canyon and to the side to let it pass. Its left eye Peg: I'm in love with a Hawaiian monk seal giant manta at the Socorro Islands in April that lives off Nihau. He came a courtin' and I on the NCRD trip! It was one of the most still fixed upon me, the manta gently glided in between the fell to his charms. (Don't tell Claudia!) So exhilarating 30 seconds of my life. rocks and stopped at the spot I far, this is my only heterosexual experience. Karen C: During my OW certification class had just vacated. Only then did You could say I'm a one-seal kind of gal. at Lover's Point, a harbor seal swam right up I realize I’d been hanging out in Doug: Octopus… and I struggle between this to me and had a good look. I was so shocked, the local cleaning station. My and the giant mantas. I guess it's that giant I almost lost my reg. My most memorable graceful, gentle, dive buddy had mantas are the specialty item, but octopus can moment, though, was two weeks later on one been patiently waiting for me to show up any time, and I think they're among of my first post-certification dives. We were finish before taking its turn. the most fascinating creatures anywhere, in Maui diving the Makena coast with all the Feney: I would have to say it above or below water. turtles when an enormous manta ray cruised was the time I was wrapped up through the area. It was an awesome sight. Dennis: The homosexual — especially if it's by a giant octopus in Puget one of the friendly ones. Karen D: When I was first certified, my class Sound. The story was written Ralph: My main dive buddy and life partner took a day boat to Santa Barbara Island. They up in Omni magazine and in a Larry. He makes me laugh and challenges me told us we’d see seals in the rookery, mothers book called Femme D’Adven- to see things in new ways. That continues protecting the pups. I was feeling pretty good ture, so I guess I’m a Femme underwater, and I just can't get enough of it. in the water when suddenly a little whipper- D’Adventure. Sharks and rays are pretty cool too, but then snapper started swimming circles around me and tugging on my fins. I started feeling a bit Kelly: The most memorable so are a lot of invertebrates. Kelp is amazing was my first encounter with an when the sun filters through it just right. unnerved and awkward; then suddenly a big- ger seal appeared out of nowhere, baring its octopus while diving in Kona, Mammals are always a treat when they're Hawaii. It was a most interest- being playful. How to choose from all that? teeth only inches in front of my mask. I started screaming through my regulator. The ing shade of red. Karen D: I get really excited when I find animals left, and I must have lost half my tank something I’ve never noticed before, like a of air in about 30 seconds! Silly, huh? What was your most teeny tiny little shrimp, blenny or goby that embarrassing dive-related I’m convinced is rare, but once I see it, I find Chris: On a trip to Mexico's Socorro Islands moment? it everywhere — duh! I especially like it that was full of mesmerizing encounters with giant manta rays, one dive stands out. We Peg: Well, it's hard to name when animals choose to interact with me in were anchored off of San Benedicto Island just one. There's the time in some way, like crawling onto my hand or British Columbia that I forgot even cleaning it, as on several occasions. one morning in waters protected by a huge hill of gray volcanic ash. Wind-blown ash dis- to attach my drysuit inflator You never know where my hand has been! solved in the water gives it a strange, milky- hose. There's the time my Maureen: I love nudibranchs. Herissenda luminescence. Alone in this watery desert, I buddy almost entered the water crassicornis is my very favorite little critter; didn't expect to see any mantas. Still, I was without her mask on after my it's a good dive every time I see one. enjoying the odd light, the rock formations, "thorough" . what critters I could see. I was hovering be- There’s the time I goofed doing What was your most memorable tween two large rock formations when I had a Divemaster demo for an open underwater animal encounter? that sensation of being watched. I slowly water class and put my pivoted, half-expecting to see another diver. into my mouth underwater in- Peg: Well, besides my monk seal, I've had Instead I found myself eye-to-eye with a per- stead of my regulator. There some great encounters with manta rays in the was the time I mistook a grou- per for a shark in Cozumel -- I took a lot of ribbing for that! Then there are all those trips when I forgot to bring things: my regulator, my , my computer, my medications… Doug: I think it was on the Socorro trip when I jumped in, tried desperately to sink and then realized I didn't have any on. Karen Casella Doug McGrath Maureen McEvoy Software Development Webmaster Dive Instructor (Continued on page 11)

Page 10 February, 2006

NCRD’s Wakatobi Trip Northern California Rainbow Divers Registration to Close Wakatobi Dive Resort on February 28 July 28 – August 4, 2006 By Karen Doby 7-day Land Package Only Divers US$1,940--$2,280 If you’ve been thinking about NCRD members receive a 5% discount off these 2005 prices diving with the Northern California TRIP REGISTRATION CLOSES FEBRUARY 28 Rainbow Divers (NCRD) at Wakatobi in July, 2006, but haven’t The Northern California Rainbow Divers present the ultimate gotten around to signing up, time is destination in dive travel adventure, the incredible Wakatobi running out. NCRD trip registration Dive Resort. The warm waters of this Indonesian paradise are will close on February 28. known for pristine reefs and exotic biological diversity, home to Our first block of rooms sold out countless numbers of beautiful, rare and unusual marine animals, quickly, so we’ve added a second many found only in Indo-Pacific waters, including the amazing- block and those have been filling fast, ly tiny pygmy seahorse, cuttlefish, crocodilefish, leaf fish, and too! As of January 23, only one-and- the beautiful blue-ringed octopus! With visibility up to 240’ and o a-half Premium Beach bungalows water and air of 77-80 F, this trip is certain to hail remain open, enough space for three amongst your most memorable diving experiences. more lucky divers. This means also that the resort will be filled with

Rainbow Divers and our friends from Undersea Expeditions. This is truly amazing for a place as far afield as Indonesia. What a wonderful way to enjoy exotic, warm-water diving at a Blue-Ringed Octopus Clownfish Mandarinfish phenomenal world-class resort! If a week of fine diving just isn’t Our adventure begins when a private jet (included in trip price) enough, divers may elect to extend whisks us from the magical land of Bali to the Tukang Besi archipelago the fun before and/or after NCRD’s of southern Sulawesi. Here, your bungalow sits only a few steps from Wakatobi week. On the front end is the beach and the unbelievably diverse house reef. You’ll enjoy three an optional inland tour to Ubud, the boat dives a day, up to 7 beach dives per day (virtually unlimited), cultural heart of Bali. Following, dive guide services, three delicious meals prepared fresh daily by the resort’s Balinese-trained chefs, as well as the unforgettable company divers may elect to remain at the of fun-loving, safety-minded lesbian and gay divers. In addition, you’ll resort for an additional week, or to have the opportunity to savor local culture with a visit to a nearby explore the extended Wakatobi traditional village. region and Banda Sea aboard the Pelagian liveaboard, or to journey to Only a few spaces are left, with 21 NCRD’rs signed up for this the mythical Komodo Islands aboard amazing week. Our friends from Undersea Expeditions will be joining Kararu’s newest liveaboard, Voyager. us too! This is a rare opportunity to get a nearly all-gay week at an Check out these spectacular trip incredible, exotic and beautiful dive resort. Checks and credit cards extensions on the NCRD website. are accepted; an installment payment plan is available.

Any rooms not filled by Feb. 28 will be turned back in for sale directly by the resort at undiscounted prices. If you’d like to take advantage of NCRD’s discount on 2005 rates, you Reservations: http://www.rainbowdivers.org/trips_wakatobi.php need to act fast by signing up online: All Photos © Wakatobi Resort. Used with permission. www.rainbowdivers.org/trips_wakatobi.php

February, 2006 Page 11

Meet the Staff… Honduras. OK, I was snorkeling but only astronomy in particular and (Continued from page 9) because I had to. science in general. Ralph: In 2004, Larry and Ralph: Okay, I'll confess. I've made the What is your favorite dive movie or I decided to stop working and same mistake about a dozen times. I get used book? What do you like about it? live life as well and as inex- to having a snorkel in my mouth and then for- pensively as we could for the get to switch to my regulator at the start of the Peg: Let's see, I read a lot of dive-related next few years. We love to dive! I always relax and fully exhale to sink books. was good (and is a travel and enjoy the outdoors. those first 5 or 10 feet so it's a big surprise good prequel or sequel to Shadow Divers). We climbed Mt. Whitney when I go to inhale for the first time. If any- Devil's Teeth is a great read about the Faral- last summer, and I'm looking thing, that's the one skill that gets worse the lons, the sharks and shark researchers there. I forward to having another more I dive. dove the Farallons once and would love to get back there. The Bends is a fascinating book go at Mt. Shasta this year, about the history of illness. probably Bolam Glacier, on What was your most exciting dive- the north side. I've ridden big As to movies, I'm kind of into submarine related moment? sport-touring motorcycles for movies from the 40s and 50s. Torpedo Run is years, but we're starting to get Peg: Oh, there are a lot! Maybe the dive in a classic. The Abyss is pretty cool. And lots Indonesia at GPS Point: a large plateau with of James Bond movies have really hilarious into riding dual-sport bikes 35 feet as the highest point, swept by current underwater scenes. now. With the help of a GPS and filled with reef life, including many sharks and some mapping software, circling about. Just as the DM signaled us to Ralph: Shadow Divers. It's a book about the we're making sense of some rise up, we saw a sea krait, which looks like a discovery of a German U-boat in deep water of the thousands of miles of striped snake, a magnificent animal, hunting off the Atlantic coast. Funny thing is, the U.S. barely paved back roads in through the coral. The DM floated away, but Navy was certain that all U-boats were ac- California and nearby states. the entire group stayed until the very limits of counted for and that none were lost within 200 For the next few months we'll non-deco diving to watch our krait probe the miles of there. It's a great story about a couple be doing a whole lot of snow- coral structure for a meal. We then let the of extraordinary Joe’s ignoring the “experts” boarding whenever we're not current sweep us up to a drifting safety stop. and figuring things out for themselves. Also, down in Monterey. Between We climbed onto the skiff raving about the the diving they did was completely nuts, really outdoor adventures, I follow krait's beauty. As one king-sized diver hauled scary stupid stuff that I would never attempt, politics and the news pretty himself over the gunnel, the skiff lurched and but it's great fun to read about. closely. the Indonesian boatman got tipped overboard. He nearly bounced on the water in his hurry to Is there life after diving? What do you Kelly: There is life between spring back into the boat, so afraid was he of like to do when you aren’t diving? dives – I like to travel. I have just returned from a that krait! Turns out that the difference be- Peg: There is no life after diving. I'm not tween a krait and a sea snake isn't deadliness trip to Hong Kong, Vietnam, sure I even understand the question. When — the bite of either is invariably fatal — but Cambodia, Laos and Bang- I'm not diving, I'm earning money to go diving kok. I have a new Rainbow that the krait can get out of the water and is some more and trying to work the nitrogen out known to slither up onto boats. Diver’s shirt from Hao An, of my system. Well, I do play Scrabble some Vietnam. All of the pedicab Ralph: Unfortunately I was involved in a (extra points for diving-related words!). I do drivers were wearing them! rescue shortly after finishing my DM train- read a few books not related to diving. Hey, I ing. Excitement isn't always a good thing. could give up diving any time, really I could. Maureen: I'm a volunteer These days, if a dive doesn't look like it's But, I mean, why would I? diver at the Monterey Bay Aquarium twice a month. going to be both fun and safe, I have no Karen C: Well, since I'm a bit of an off- hesitation about sitting it out and waiting and-on diver, I can claim a life outside of Sometimes I play golf for a better diving opportunity. diving. I enjoy playing golf when I'm able, (when pressed), and I've just recently reacquainted myself Karen D: A few months ago at Point Lobos, reading books of all sorts, developing software with skiing. My real job is at I found a spot by the reef where I could very watching movies, traveling (not all vacations the San Francisco Chamber quietly hang, very still. After a few moments, are about diving), gaming (strangely, tradi- one by one, fish began making their way to- tional card and board games, not computer or of Commerce in Marketing ward me, settling on the reef every few inches video games), and gambling. When we go to and Membership. but always moving in my direction. After a Las Vegas, I can’t be found outside the casino. few minutes, I was surrounded by fish of vari- Is there anything else Doug: In my day job, I'm a software engi- ous types, cabezon, ling cod, their big eyes you'd like to say to the neer, but I'm also a professional musician. club's members? fixed upon me. Being closed in by fish like I play piano and do a lot of accompanying; that was very cool yet creepy at the same time. right now, I'm the accompanist for Colla Peg: Why aren't you under- It felt like the marine version of The Birds. Voce, a small gay men's chorus in San water instead of reading this? Kelly: The most exciting was landing virtu- Francisco, and Sunnyvale Singers, a mixed Oh, and come to a meeting ally on top of a whale shark while in , (straight) ensemble. I'm also interested in sometime! We're having fun!

Page 12 February, 2006 Sneak Preview! NCRD Dive Trip in 2007 to Thailand & Myanmar By David Zippin

The Northern Califor- world-class and the of $2,600 to $2,800 without airfare. nia Rainbow Divers will remote, little-visited Mergui Archipel- There will also be opportunities for be sponsoring an exciting ago in Myanmar, aka Burma. Diving pre- and post-trip extensions. Look liveaboard dive trip to highlights include a huge diversity of for more details to come soon on the Thailand and Myanmar marine life, from enormous Malabar Rainbow Divers website, via email, March 23 to April 2, 2007. grouper to the smallest creatures such and in the next issue of Buddy Line. as tiger-tail seahorses, ghost pipefish, Sixteen lucky Rainbow soft corals, as well as chances to see Divers will spend nine If you may be interested, please days and ten nights on the sharks, giant mantas, large schools of contact David Zippin, the trip organ- tuna, perhaps even whale sharks. luxurious, highly-rated izer, at [email protected]. Ocean Rover in the exotic The price of the trip has not yet And mark your calendars now for Andaman Sea. Dive the been set but will likely be in the range this once-in-a-lifetime trip!

NCRD Announces Monthly Dive Photo Contest By Karen Doby

Do you find your photography skills getting • Both above-water and below-water shots are invited. better and better? Now you can share your still Above-water submissions must have been taken at images with fellow club members! NCRD invites NCRD events. Underwater images may be taken at you to submit your dive-related digital photos to any dive site or dive-related event. the Northern California Rainbow Divers’ new • Photos must be original images taken by the submitting NCRD member, whose membership status is in good monthly Dive Photo Contest. standing. Each member may submit as many as three images for any given month’s contest. • All photos must be high-resolution digital still images, submitted via email to [email protected]. Cropped and digitally enhanced images are acceptable. • Photos must have been taken in the month for which they are submitted. e.g. Photos submitted for the February, 2006, contest must have been taken in February, 2006. • Photos must be submitted to and received by the News- Winners will be announced in Buddy Line and letter Editor by the 5th of the month following the month receive a $10 credit toward any NCRD-sponsored for which submitted. e.g. Photos taken in and submitted event of your choice. All images submitted for for February’s contest must be received on or before consideration may be featured at club events, on March 5. the NCRD website and in the Buddy Line news- • Photos should be accompanied by a short statement of letter and annual club calendar. what kind of camera was used and any special lenses or settings; when and where the image was taken; Not to worry, we aren’t expecting professional- identification of the subject; plus a brief description of quality results. We just want to see your pictures! what the subject was doing when the photo was taken. Show us what you’ve been seeing on your dive • Photo submissions will be juried anonymously by adventures. So dive wet, dive dry, , dive designated NCRD Officers and Volunteer Staff. beach, have fun, and don’t forget your camera! All decisions are final.

February, 2006 Page 13 Rainbow Divers to Join Lambda Divers in Roatan, April 29—May 6, 2006 By Ralph Wolf

Looking for a quick and easy warm-water The Inn of Last Resort is a lovely, secluded Don't wait too long to de- diving fix? How about the island of Roatan, resort nestled beneath dense shade trees. They cide. This NCRD trip is limited Honduras? NCRD is joining with our have a wonderful lagoon for shore dives, to only 12 divers, and it's sure sister LGBT club, Lambda Divers from hammocks between the trees, and a dive shop to sell out fast. A $100 deposit Washington, DC, to take over the Inn of Last and boat dock just behind the main dining is required at sign-up, with the Resort from April 29 to May 6, 2006. room. It's been almost six years since NCRD balance due by March 15, 2006. was there, and I still have fond memories of The cost is just $750 per diver, double the place. occupancy, an 18% savings over the internet rate, and includes 7 nights in spacious air- For more information, check out these conditioned rooms, 3 boat dives per day, internet URLs: 3 meals a day, unlimited shore diving and For more information, email all that nasty stuff like taxes and airport www.innoflastresort.com the trip organizers, Ralph Wolf transfers. The only thing the price doesn't www.lambdadivers.org and Larry Chow, at include is airfare, bar tab and tips. www.rainbowdivers.org/trips_roatan.php [email protected]

Dear Dive Nerd

Ever had a dive-related question but didn’t tion and trying new things when you dive. a DM to lead a group of 6-8 know whom to ask? One of our long-time, Looking back on my own dive training, I list divers because the visibility is seasoned divers and extraordi- in the table below the PADI courses I’ve taken often limited. On local boats, naire is now available to help! No question and what I think I’ve gotten out of them. you and your buddy will be is too silly or difficult for our dive nerd. expected to plan and lead your How much training you need is up to you. Give it a try! All questions may be sent to As long as you don’t try to dive beyond your own dives once the dive [email protected] abilities, you should be relatively safe at any briefing has been given. Here, a navigation specialty can mean level of training. My instructor told me about all the the difference between finding If you want to do five dives a day on different classes I could take now that the anchor line again or coming , you’ll definitely want a dive I'm certified. But, I'd rather spend my up 100 yards from the boat at computer, and you may want to get a time diving, not sitting in class! How the end of the dive. certification too. If you want to plan and lead much training do I really need? your own shore dives, you probably want to If it helps any, most of the classes I’ve listed are very I think the important thing is to know what get an advanced or even a rescue certification hands on, with only a bare you don’t know and to keep learning. It keeps since there will not be a DM to look after you. minimum of classroom work. the diving interesting and probably makes Most warm-water boat dives will have a The only real exceptions are people safer divers, too. DM or Instructor in the water leading the the Open Water class and the Continuing to take classes is one way to dives, so you really don’t need more than an Divemaster class. Those two keep learning, but you can learn from talking OW certification to dive there. In local Cali- do have a fair amount of to other divers, reading, or just paying atten- fornia cold-water diving, it’s impractical for classroom work to them.

Open Water (OW) Basic skills: how to use and care for the gear and stay alive under water Navigation How to know where I am underwater and how to find the boat again Advanced Open Water (AOW) Refining basic skills and learning about issues of deeper diving In theory, how to help other divers in trouble. In practice, how to avoid trouble for myself and how to self-rescue if I get into trouble How to safely stay down longer without getting bent (very useful for Nitrox liveaboards when dive sites are in the 60’-100’ range) DAN-O2 How to provide for diving injuries How to look after and assist other divers; how to assist an instructor and how Divemaster (DM) to work together as a team underwater. How to anticipate problems and intervene early to keep small problems from becoming large ones

Page 14 February, 2006

General Calendar Please see details at http://www.rainbowdivers.org/calendar.php Meetings San Francisco Bay Monterey Bay Far Away February 23 March 16 Feb. 23 General Meeting, 7pm Feb. 11, Aquarium Tour, 3pm April 29 –May 6, 2006 LGBT Center, SF. Monterey Bay Aquarium Inn of Last Resort April 20 David Behrens presents Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras “Nudibranch Paradise” Feb. 11, Moonlight Night Dive, 6pm Location Breakwater Pier, Monterey May 6-13, 2006 Mar. 16 General Meeting, 7pm Diving w/ GLUG: Whale Sharks LGBT Center, SF LGBT Center, SF. Feb. 12, Shore Dive, 9am Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras 1800 Market Street DFL Award Nominations U/W Photo & Video Clinic plus Pt. Lobos State Reserve July 28 to Aug. 4, 2006 @ Octavia Wakatobi Dive Resort Lisa Malachowsky www.sfgaycenter.org Mar. 11, Shore Dive Sulawesi, Indonesia “Wakatobi Diving” Lover’s Point #3 Pacific Grove, CA. September 16-23, 2006 Apr. (TBA) Class/Pool Sessions Getting There DFL @ Anse Chastanet Wallins Dive Center Mar. 11, Hyperbaric Chamber Tour St. Lucia, BVI, Caribbean The Muni Metro lines J, K, L, San Carlos, CA. with Head RN Meg Donat M, N, the F streetcar, or Muni Stress and Rescue Diver Pacific Grove Chamber November 10-12, 2006 ‘Vision’ Liveaboard Bus lines 6, 7, 9, 10, 14, 21, Apr. 20 General Meeting, 7pm Mar. 12, Chartered Boat Dive Northern Channel Islands, CA. LGBT Center, SF. 26, 47, 49, 66 and 71 all run on the 6-person Sanctuary includes DFL Award Presentations within 5 blocks of the Center; plus TBA Apr. 1-2, No joke; we’re diving! March 23 to April 2, 2007 many run within 1 block. Details TBD ‘Ocean Rover’ Liveaboard Jun. 10-11 San José Pride Also, take BART to SF Civic Apr. 22, 23 Class/Ocean Sessions Thailand and Myanmar Center, then transfer to Muni Jun. 24-25 San Francisco Pride Stress and Rescue Diver Metro or F lines. Jul. 9 NCRD BBQ & Swap Meet Jul. 15, MBARI Open House

Northern California Rainbow Divers 584 Castro Street, #478 San Francisco, CA. 94114