AUGUST 2011
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◄ Cover by Sandy Sondrol
Raised beside a lake in Iowa, Sandy Sondrol grew up a self-described “water rat,” and made his first dives in the mid1960s. In 1994, he left his law practice and moved to Grand Cayman to become a dive instructor and boat captain for Bob Soto’s. After nearly 10 years in Cayman, it was back to the states to join Nekton liveaboards for three years. He later became the associate publisher of Dive Chronicles, and today works as a full-time freelance writer and photographer. He holds a USCG 500-ton captain’s license with 4,000-plus days at sea and is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer with nine specialties and more than 4,500 dives. Recent assignments have taken him to Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, The Philippines, Belize, Grand Cayman and Key West. You can see more of his articles and photos at: www.sandysondrol.com
Southeast Dive News
The complete resource for diving in the Southeast.
www.sedivenews.com
Publisher / Editor-in-Chief Rick Stratton rick@divenewsmag.com Art Director Brian Merculief graphics@divenewsmag.com Production Manager IJ James editor@divenewsmag.com Expo Coordinator Selene Peterson expo@divenewsmag.com Staff Writer Jamie Farris Graphic Designer TJ Pierzchala Accounts Manager Tove Chatham Advertising Sales Manager Keath Allen (360) 240-1874 x105 keath@divenewsmag.com Circulation/subscriptions 360-240-1874
Dive News Magazine is committed to promoting the sport of scuba diving in the Northeast and Midwest. We will present a practical, unbiased point of view regarding all aspects of the sport of scuba diving. The Dive News Magazine believes in honesty and integrity in business and will support all efforts related to this. We encourage readers to participate in determining the content of this publication by giving us their opinions on the types of articles they would like to see. We invite letters to the editor, manuscripts and photographs related to diving or diving-related business. Send us your stories and photos! IMPORTANT NOTICE The Dive News Magazine reserves the right to refuse service to anyone it chooses. The contents of Northeast and Midwest Dive News are opinions of individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor or any of its staff. The publishers and contributors assume no responsibility for any mishap claimed to be a result of use of this material. Diving is an adventure sport and contains inherent risks. Improper use of diving equipment or improper diving techniques may result in serious injury or death. Readers are advised to use their own best judgment in each individual situation. MOVING? In order to continue receiving your magazine uninterrupted, please notify Northeast Dive News when you change your mailing address. To ensure uninterrupted service, please contact us six to eight weeks before the change of address occurs. You can call us at 360-240-1874 PST or email us at nediver@nedivenews.com or mail at: Bedrock Publications P.O. Box 1494 Oak Harbor, WA 98277
IN THIS EDITION
Monthly Columns Publisher’s Note.................................4 Incoming Mail.....................................5 Southeast Hot News..........................6
Southeast Activities............................ 7 Tropical Dive Directory................22-23 Local Dive Directory....................22-23
LOCAL DIVE DESTINATION
10 Jacksonville, Florida – Where the
Diving and Fishing Go Hand in Hand
There are approximately 60 artificial reefs from wrecks that lie between 9 - 45 miles offshore, making Jacksonville, Florida an artificial reef Mecca. Join Travel Editor Mike Hughes as he visits wrecks that are home to baitfish, grouper, and barracuda exploring the places that Kingfish fishing tournaments take place in tandem with dive trips. By Mike Hughes
SOUTHeast DESTINATION
14 North Carolina Wreck Adventures – Tech Diving with the Experts
Writer J. Dan Wright gets the incredible opportunity to dive with author Bernie Chowdhury in Morehead City, NC. Wright takes us along as he and Chowdhury explore wrecks the likes of the Schurtz and the U-352 on Captain Bobby Purifoy’s Olympus dive boat. Great weather, a good dive crew and historical wrecks make this story a jumping off point for any diver getting in the waters off North Carolina. By J. Dan Wright
TROPICAL DESTINATIONS
18 Cayman Islands and the Kittiwake – There’s No Comparison
It’s the newest diving attraction in the Cayman’s and it draws hundreds of divers already. Sunk on New Years’ Day 2011, the Kittiwake is a massive ship that rests just 60 ft. under the blue waters of the Cayman Islands. Join guest writer Sandy Sondrol as he gets the chance to go back to his old stomping grounds and explore this incredible new reef. By Sandy Sondrol
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