Handi-Divers

Scuba Therapy

Manager — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:40:10 GMT

Yes, we divers agree that scuba is therapeutic. In 2011 the Veterans Administration came closer to authorizing scuba as a form a therapy; this is a major leap forward in the validation process. I'd like to propose something additional. Pre-scuba therapy.

Divers like to set goals and train for them. Often, this training is structured in either a classroom or a pool before going to open water. Pre-scuba cognitive therapy is one additional tool that has helped me in the past and today was a remarkable refresher. The power of guided imagery (akin to hypnosis) has long been recognized by therapists as an important clinical tool to keep in the toolbox. Today, my guided imagery had great results. While today's session was combined with groundwork yesterday, the clinician in today's session utilized a reading from "Clinical Applications of Hypnosis" by George Gafney.

Today's session took a reading about the molasses reef in Florida and made it into a mini-dive trip that I could use to work on my breathing. Breathing can become rapid without us knowing it. Slowing down this breathing and making sure to breathe as divers must, is an imperative skill. Clearing a mask at one hundred feet, at fifty feet or even twenty feet is very important. Practicing this skill in guided imagery helps me to grab a hold of stressful life events I'm currently facing while also preparing me for the upcoming dives I have yet to plan. It's a way for me to stay sharp and it only takes a little time and not a lot of travel. For those few minutes of guided imagery, whether ten minutes or twenty minutes or forty minutes, I'm working on my diving skills.

Now that's done for today, I'm even more motivated to push a little harder in the gym today, and tomorrow, etc.

My first DEMA show

Manager — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 03:58:11 GMT

Hi All I'm just back from Orlando where I attended my first DEMA show. That is an industry wide scuba show; it's pretty impressive. I have to thank the Handicapped Scuba Association for sponsoring me for this trip; without their encouragement I would not have attended. I met so many fine folks there. Many of whom I have read about for years, like Thomas Mullin from the Unlimited Abilities Foundation. I also had the privilege of having Jean-Michel Cousteau autograph his new book "My Father The Captain."

I had a great conversation with an athletic star named Stig Avall Severinsen and I had him autograph his book entitled "Breatheology- the art of conscious breathing". I look forward to logging into that website and reading/participating in the discussions. He is the world record holder for free diving and can hold his breath for twenty minutes. This is a lifetime accomplishment and so far the book is really great.

Of course, manning the Handicapped Scuba Association booth was great because I had some great conversations with Jim Gatacre and their webmaster, Victor Grimaldi. We can expect some great things from HSA in the years to come. Jim continues to travel the globe, certifying people to teach handicapped folks how to dive. We had many instructors from all over the world stop by the booth to check in with us. Remember, Jim has been doing this for over thirty years and has trained thousands of instructors worldwide. The HSA also has a strong connection with Divi Bon Aire and they were at the show in great spirits; great conversations with them.

I was also delighted to have some great conversations with the Dive Pirates and their friends from the Brac Reef hotel in Cayman Brac. As usual, these folks continue to lead their corner of the handicapped scuba realm. They look forward to sponsoring many more disabled veterans again this year. 2012 will be another year with lots of boats full of disabled divers. This year they will run two trips and both will sell out quickly.

There was plenty of interesting Dive Propulsion Vehicle information to be had as well. The Pegasus Thruster crew had an impressive display where I could stick the unit in a barrel of water and feel the thrust. That is really quite something to think about. The SeaDoo display was no less impressive because their new line of scooters are using lightweight batteries; very nice. Then the crew from Germany was prepared to show a novel attraction called the ROTINOR DPV. This is a scooter that the diver actually can strap into (around the waist and legs.) It is capable of leaping out of the water. The price was comparable, not totally outrageous, given the extended capabilities. The Torpedo folks were there, the Silent Submerge folks were there and maybe even a few others I missed. Those of you who know my love of my little SeaDoo GTi DPV know that I was happy to see so many different scooters in one place at the same time.

I'm also happy to see such an extended variety of handicapped scuba trainers. I could not investigate each one, of course, but there were plenty of conversations to be had, which could not be said twenty years ago.
Keep Diving!

http://www.armedforces-int.com/video/rotinor-diving-scooters.html

swim clinic

Manager — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 18:07:32 GMT

September 25th, 2011 at the Edith Ball Adaptive Aquatics pool in Tucson, AZ. The Challenged Athletes Foundation put on a swim clinic today. I knew I needed some advice on my style, so I was eager to attend. The coaches were awesome! They were able to evaluate my style and give specific tips on how to break down each part of each movement. This was exactly the type of advice I needed. I'm only sorry we ran out of time! I plan on following up with them, for sure. The main point of contact is travis@challengedathletes.org
)

Hawaii, late summer 2011

Manager — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 05:09:06 GMT

Hey all I just got back from Hawaii. Eight dives in Oahu (with Aaron's dive shop) and four dives with Kona Honu dive shop. I love diving Oahu, and those dives were all great. The summer swell was in full force; so much so that my third day of diving was cancelled by the shop. In any case, the diving was great.

Then to Kona, yes it was a great experience. Never before did I go straight to the dive shop from the airport. I got there, set up my gear (including the DPV) and was ready to go out on the boat. It made me feel especially hardcore to go right to the dive shop from the airport... Hotel? That's for later! In any case, it was a good decision. The manta ray night dive was spectacular. Never before have I had such interaction with such large animals of the wild. The gentle giants truly made me think they would knock my mask off. They must have gotten within an inch or so of my mask. Really a rush. One of the top dives of my life.

That makes thirty five dives for me this year, and I'm still going.

It's definitely all good in Kona.

Getting Started

Manager — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 05:26:59 GMT

I had the privilege to help instruct a basic Open Water pool session this weekend. A local dive shop called me in to consult because one of their students was a paraplegic. This student was a relatively new injury, secondary to a motor vehicle accident a few years ago. The student was completely paralyzed in the lower thoracic region. I was inspired by the student's enthusiasm and I'm sure this person will do fine when they go for their open water dives. This weekend was a great experience.

As a consultant, I am encouraging the dive shop manager to continue working on making the pool more accessible. He is receptive to this and after a brief meeting, we have a tentative plan on making progress. Meanwhile, we can modify instructor policy by working on more skills in deeper parts of the pool- this will help reduce risk of students sustaining abrasions. While full wetsuits are the best protection, they do not always provide complete protection, especially when the pool temperatures become too hot for a full wet suit.

It felt great to blow some bubbles!

Twenty Three dives this year; and still going!

Manager — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 22:09:24 GMT

Hi all!
I just got back from diving in Bon Aire again. As you recall, I was there this past January. At that time I did 14 dives. This time I completed 9 more. That brings my lifetime total logged dives to 156. In January I was lucky enough to be there with a group from Toronto called Freedom at Depth, Canada. They were here again and continued to help the whole movement gain momentum. This time I was with the founder of the Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA) and his crew. Jim Gatacre was there celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of the HSA. As expected, there were lots of great handi-divers and instructors from all over the world. The groups from Italy (www.hsaitalia.it) and Norway (www.handikap.no) truly enlightened us with their presence. In addition to great diving and fellowship, a great seminar was held. These presentations generated lots of brain-storming all week long. We discussed the usual topics but with many additional international perspectives. We discussed our history, our current plans as well as our future hopes.
Let's go diving more--- the year is only half over!

Seated forward roll off the swim step.

Manager — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 13:54:00 GMT

I noticed something new being offered by the HSA trained crew at the dive shop I was diving with on this last trip to Bonaire. He asked me if I wanted him to spin my body a little to the left as I did my seated forward roll off the swim step. I thought that was an odd question. Because I hesitated in answering, he suggested I try it and then decide if it is an improvement. This sounded reasonable.

Before more explanation of what happened next, let me first define what a seated forward roll off the swim step is. I am an SSI trained diver, not an HSA trained diver. At SSI (and PADI too) they teach a technique for entering the water to begin your dive. This technique is done (usually while wearing all your gear, but not always) from the seated position, on the swim step. For non-ambulatory divers like myself, I find this extremely convenient. I merely scoot myself over to the swim step, the crew brings me my BC (buoyancy compensator), I strap on and inflate my BC (with their assistance), I don my mask and regulator, check my air, hold my mask in place with my strong hand and then roll forward into the ocean. This is my normal procedure and it is exactly what SSI teaches. It is called a seated forward roll. With this technique, it is very important to fully roll as much forward as you can because then the tank hits the water first. When mastered, it can be done from some height off the waterline because the tank hits the water first. This is also how I enter when rolling off the end of a pier, which usually is quite a distance off the waterline.

What the HSA crewman offered is the same but with the added "twist" of him actually grabbing my tank and, instead of pushing straight towards the rear of the boat, actually twisting the tank in such a way as to cause me to spin, in this case counter-clockwise. Since he did not explain why HSA is teaching this now, I can only surmise that it may be because some handi-divers cannot fully complete a conventional forward roll and therefore when they attempt it, their head hits the water first instead of their tank. When I was learning, I can remember how much it hurts to have your head hit the water first. Sometimes it can be quite uncomfortable. Even more so if only your face hits the water first. This essentially drives your mask into your face. I've had this happen to me when I was learning the forward roll, so I know it can really hurt.

I suppose the HSA modified technique would work well for people that can only roll forward a little. The spin would make it so that their shoulder hits the water first, which is much less painful than having the mask driven into your face.

Unfortunately, since I am used to making the same standard forward roll that ambulatory divers make as part of their SSI training, I DO completely roll forward as I make this entry. Twisting my tank at the last moment causes MY EAR to hit the water first. Imagine getting hit in the ear with the ocean? That's not a great way to start any dive. Getting smacked in the ear is pretty painful and this is not a way I will ever be ambiguous about again. The verdict is in- this HSA technique is not for me.

2011 off to a great start

Manager — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 03:26:00 GMT

A big HELLO to everyone monitoring my blogs!!
First, let me apologize for not blogging last year. I dove in Oahu in May, Bonaire in June and Kona in August.

I just got back from my first dive trip of the year. Being that it is still January, I know I'm off to a great start. Of course, starting off easy is important and so Bonaire is the place to review the basics. I again stayed at the Divi Flamigo beach resort & dive shop, like most Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA) people normally do. As it turned out, I happened to be there at the same time as the HSA crew from Canada and it was a good thing. I discovered that they are there every January.

My dives went great and I learned a lot. Fourteen dives in five days, including one night dive and two shore dives (one at sunrise- yeaaa.)

The night dive was a little freaky for me because it was only my third night dive and I was a little stressed about that. As my breathing became more rapid it became harder for me to stay down (because I never dive with too much weight, if I become a little too buoyant for any reason, it requires me to be more focused on each component of buoyancy- especially breathing.) I also came to fully understand how hard it is to control buoyancy while holding a light in my hand. Remember, I can't use my legs at all so my hands are extremely important. If I delay controlling an unintended ascent even for a moment, like to shut a light off for example, then I will ascent much too quickly.

Another important lesson was stressed on that night dive- If you are a buddy to a non-ambulatory diver, never try to assist that handi-diver without first asking (unless there is a safety issue happening). My buddy thought I was taking too long to descend (even though we had already been on the last several dives together on the past couple days) so he thought that night would be a good time to experiment with me and try to "assist" my descent. Unfortunately he did not bother to look me in the eye first. Had he looked at my mask, he would have seen what trouble I was having clearing my mask and that was the reason for my slow descent. Instead, he just grabbed me from behind and started dragging me to the bottom, as if this is somehow part of our dive plan.

Of course, having someone drag me to the bottom was never part of any dive plan we talked about, so I had no idea I was being dragged to the bottom. I couldn't check my gauges because my mask was flooded and I thought I was still only a few feet from the surface. I just inflated my BC a little to get my head about the waterline. Unfortunately, this buddy had already dragged me down a more than a few feet. I got to the surface and then he told me what he did. Then I understood what was happening. Needless to say this was distressful but there is still some benefit. It got me out of my comfort zone, which is important. Luckily there were no injuries, so it was a good training exercise, probably more useful for his training than mine, but that's ok.

Two days later, when we did the sunrise dive together from the shore, he did help me without communicating first, but we both understood it was for safety, so there was no problem. The situation was that we were coming back to the shore from our dive. Coming back to the pier during a time when the dive boats may start to arrive to begin the day of taking us out to the other reefs. Since he was not entirely certain that I would not ascend before reaching the pier, he decided to help me by grabbing my tank and helping push me as I continued to swim along the bottom towards the steps. He started helping me at about 25 feet of depth and stopped just as we reached the pier. I could feel him pushing and that was no problem. I understood that he was helping me reach the pier. We understood each other and there was no problem. Especially because it was for ensuring safety (avoiding boat traffic that we were expecting) I was totally ok with him pushing me those last 50 yards. I was helping the whole time of course, he was just speeding up the process by pushing me as we both went in the same direction.

Buoyancy control is important and I worked on that all week. Mostly I was working on that with my Sea Doo GTi scooter. I used that scooter on all dives except the night and shore dives mentioned above. I love it and I will continue using it. I feel that it replaces my legs and that because I can't use my legs, the scooter helps me be a better diver. It is important to not to use the scooter to control buoyancy, and I don't. That said, Using the scooter is as important to me as having fins are to an ambulatory diver. If ambulatory divers are willing to take off their fins for the next 100 dives, then I'll leave my scooter at home for the next 100 dives. The truth is that no ambulatory diver would go diving without their fins; even in an easy place like Bonaire and even on the especially easy fifty foot deep reef dives with almost no current.

Now that I'm tuned up for the year, I'm ready to "head out to the highway." Harder dive locations are now possibilities I can consider with confidence. I'll start in Hawaii. While those aren't all harder, there are some challenges that come with the Pacific which are not present in Caribbean diving. Probably I'll go back to Maui since I haven't been there in a few years, then maybe back to Kona because I love it there. I was there in August and really loved it. I'll do the night dives there in Kona because that is how we can watch the manta rays feed. I'd like to do Oahu again too because I just love it there. So if I do those three islands on one trip, it will be expensive but super fun & rewarding.

Will I make it back to the Marshall Islands this year? I hope so. Back to Key Largo this year? I hope so. Will I finally make it to Cairns Australia? I hope so.
Best wishes to all of you!!

Diver Stress & Rescue, 2009

Manager — Sat, 23 May 2009 23:59:00 GMT

Hey all! Three days of diving with Aaron's Dive Shop went really well. May 13th, 14th & 15th. First two days from the boat and last day from shore. This was my first shore dive and I was happy to have had the opportunity. The reason for the shore dive was to work on the rescue skills in a safer, calmer environment than what we typically experience when diving from a boat.

The purpose of the trip was to complete the Diver Stress & Rescue skills. I started this training with my local dive shop where we completed the classroom training and the pool training. When it came time for the open water part of this training, Hawaii was my first choice, for many reasons. Hawaii is easy to get to from the Southwest. Unlike trips to the Caribbean, Honolulu is a straight flight from Phoenix. I also like Hawaii better than the Caribbean because Hawaii is part of the U.S. and I prefer to deal with a business environment with which I am most familiar. Hawaii has some great reefs and wrecks to explore and Aarons Dive Shop is always my first choice because I know the nitrox they sell me will be reliable and the boat Captains will be safe. The instructors and other staff always aim to please and can be counted on to go the extra mile when it comes to reaching the customer's goals.

As a paraplegic, the Diver Stress & Rescue class was uncharted territory. I am still not sure how many Handi-Divers complete this training. It is a great class, especially for Handi-Divers. Whether a person can actually perform all the tasks or not isn't as important to me as actually making the effort to try. The staff at Aaron's was willing to go over and above the call of duty to help me at every junction as long as I didn't give up. I had to do my part and they certainly did theirs. I encourage all Handi-Divers to take the Stress & Rescue class, to study the material, practice the material in class, in the pool and in the ocean. Try your best, do what you can. Focus on what you CAN do.

The resuce breathing was hard. Not pushing the victim's head under water is hard. Towing the victim is also hard but it can be done. I made a rope especially for this class so that I could clip my BC to the victim's BC and still use both hands to tow that diver to shore or to the boat. I can tow another diver when I have this rope in my BC pocket. I CAN do it. I CAN give rescue breathes. I CAN direct others on the boat in an organized way. I can be part of the rescue team. I CAN be part of the solution and not part of the problem. You can too.

Quad snorkeling in Oahu

Manager — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:42:00 GMT

Handi-Divers received the following question- "I will be traveling to Oahu for my honeymoon in two weeks. I am a quadriplegic, and I would really like to snorkel while I'm there. I read about the diving you did in Oahu. Do you know of any companies or diving instructors who may be able to take me?"

In response, Handi-Divers offers the following reply-

First of all, congratulations on your wedding. I wish you the very best. For travel, I think you are making a great choice. Oahu is my favorite island because it is very accessible and has lots of stuff to do. Other people like Maui better, and that is also an accessible choice, but I like Oahu best.

Oahu has a great public bus system. Now that I understand the buses, I won't consider renting a car. All public busses can take wheelchairs, including electric wheelchairs. Even with most activities, they pick you up at your hotel in their own bus, so transportation is never an issue. With an electric chair, the experience will be different. There is a cab company there with an accessible minivan. I can look it up for you if you like.

In general, everything on this island is accessible. They may not advertise as being accessible but most places will make every effort to include and serve all tourists

With snorkeling, you have four options:

The first option is something I have done and definitely recommend. **Actually snorkeling from the beach.** Hanunuma Bay is really the best place to start because it is totally controlled- no surf to speak of, especially on the inner bay. Snorkeling Haunuma Bay is lots of fun. I definitely will do that again. You won't need a guide. There are people and lifeguards everywhere. It is best to go in the morning, if you can, before too many other people have the chance to kick up a lot of sand. Visibility in the water should be better if you go early, but even if you go late, it is still a great place to go. You should buy a book about it before you go and study all the sea creatures you expect to encounter. You are sure to run across several different, really interesting things there. I like the Lonely Planet book for Diving & Snorkeling Hawaii.

You can also snorkel with ease at Waikiki beaches, I have done that several times. The State of Hawaii provides beach wheelchairs at most all beaches. These wheelchairs have balloon style tires and with these chairs, you can more easily move over the sand. Go to a lifegaurd station and ask for one. They will give you one and will probably also help you out over the sand, depending on who is there and how busy they are. The surf at Waikiki usually isn't too rough but there are tons of other people there, so conditions vary.

Your next option is something I have never done, because I already dive. **It is called SNUBA.** Snuba is a cross between snorkeling and scuba. You don't wear any of the scuba equipment, so you can't dive very deep. Instead of a snorkel, you have a regulator (mouthpiece with an air hose) that is attached to something called a Hooka. A hooka is an air tank that floats on the surface. Your regulator is attached to the hooka (air tank) and so you can breath the same as in scuba. The regulator hose is pretty long, like maybe 30 feet or so. Maybe they have a guide you can hire to be with you, I don't know. It is probably less expensive than the last option. I think they dive off of platforms, just slightly off shore. It actually looks pretty fun and I want to try that. It is made for snorklers, so the conditions should be good (not a lot of surf). Probably they take people out to the platform on either a jet ski or a boat. Different companies will have different ways of doing it.

The third option is also something I have not done, but my wife and son have and they loved it. **It is snorkeling with dolphins.** You go out on the dive boat but this time it is with all snorkelers and the goal is to follow dolphins. Since dolphins are so much faster than people, when they leave one area, everyone gets back in the boat and the boat goes to where the dolphins are. Then everyone gets back in the water and snorkels until the dolphins leave again. I'm not sure how long these trips are but probably there are morning and afternoon trips.

The fourth option is not something I have ever tried, because I already dive. Sometimes, when we go out on the dive boat, not everyone is a scuba diver. **Some people go out on the dive boat just to snorkel.** That is to say, the dive boat holds ten divers, for example. Maybe there are six scuba divers and two snorklers and two empty spots. If you want to do it that way, you would hire a dive operator who you like. On Oahu I always dive with Aaron's Dive shop. Their staff is always excellent. No matter who you have with you leading the trip, it will always be someone really knowledgeable, safe and fun. So say you decide to call Aaron's Dive shop. You tell them you want to go out on the dive boat as a snorkler. Probably the price is less than what they charge for divers. You can buy a seat on the boat, or buy two seats, one for you and one for your bride. In this case, you would be able to hire a guide who would be with you at all times. The guide would totally help you with anything you need. This is probably the most expensive way to go. It also may be the LEAST fun because you'd be with scuba divers and they like to go out to spots where the diving is great but the snorkeling may not be. If they go diving on the South side of the island, no problem for snorklers. If they decide to go on the North Shore to dive- that is definitely no fun to snorkel in because that is the Windward side- that means it the wind always creates more surf. Scuba divers won't really worry about it because they are below the surface, but for anyone bobbing around up top, seasickness is a potential risk. (Remember, eating Ginger Root is great to prevent seasickness.) Sometimes they don't decide what side of the island they will dive until the last minute because conditions change. The side by Waianae (West) may be good snorkeling, I don't know. We usually take the dive boat when we go to that side of the island, and the diving is great. Maybe the snorkeling is good too, I can't say.

Don't forget to take the Aquarium tour, that is excellent. Be sure to include a Luau. Of course, no first time trip to Oahu is complete without a day to the Polynesian Cultural Center.

If I can be of further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask.

Sincerely

-Pete

TO FOLLOW UP, IN RESPONSE FOR CLARIFICATION

I think you will be most happy with Hanuama Bay. They do have beach wheelchairs there, for sure. Being that the wheelchairs have balloon tires, the tires float. So the whole chair floats. Even if you are really heavy, it's not like the 'chair will go very far into the water. The beach chair is mainly used to cross over the sand with much less work. You can't push it yourself, in most cases, but neither do you have to go very far. It is also good to use because it keeps your regular chair from getting any more sand or salt water than necessary. If you tried doing the beach in your regular chair, which I also have done, it gets covered in sand.

Basically, you transfer from your chair to the beach chair. Then someone pushes you across the sand, up into the water just a bit. Then you transfer to the beach, same as transferring to the floor. HAVE AN EXTRA CUSHION READY. Then you crawl to the water. From there it is very fun. BE SURE TO PROTECT YOUR FEET! There are special shoes that divers wear, called Scuba Booties. I always use them, even in the pool, because they protect my feet. In a place like Haunuma Bay, you definitely want to protect your skin from abrasions. Coral can cut skin. I have never got cut while snorkeling anywhere, but it is something to be aware of.

As far as transferring into and out of the beach chair, from the water, it is pretty much the same as transferring to and from the floor from your everyday chair. People are there and they will help you. They have helped me and many others. Yes it is a little embarrassing sometimes but it's not a big deal for most people. In the water, you will see some parrot fish at Hanuama Bay and some other fish as well. Hawaii isn't the Caribbean. The reefs are different and not as spectacular in many respects. There are lots of great reefs in Hawaii but not like the Caribbean. Hawaii has different things to offer and in many respects is better. The bay is divided into two parts: inner and outer. I've only done the inner bay because it is really easy and relaxing. The outer bay requires more skill because the tide can pull a person pretty far out, pretty quickly. Believe it or not, they are really well separated. The way the reef is, you can't accidentally get pulled out from the inner reef. If you are in the inner reef, you are totally safe.

With Aaron's, they are my favorite dive shop in Hawaii for sure, but it sounds like you may not be ready for something like that. You can call them and ask to talk to someone who has worked with wheelchair users before. Ask what days they will be diving the south side of the island, that will be the side with the least surf. Again, that is only if you think you are up for the challenge. For this type of vacation it may be better to go with the more touristy type stuff. It all depends on how you feel and what you are able to do. With Aarons, also, they pick you up at your hotel but it is in a regular van, no lift. If you are not comfortable transferring into and out of that type of vehicle, that is something to consider. Yes, they will help you will all transfers but you have to tell them exactly what they need to do to help you.

As far as getting into and out of the boat- from the parking lot, they will carry you. Usually you and your chair together, depending on what you prefer. You have to tell them what you are most comfortable with.

Getting into and out of the boat from the water- some of the boats they use have swim platforms. That is the easiest and is similar to getting into and out of a pool (without a lift.) Other boats do not have swim platforms. Since they may not know what boat they are using until the day of the dive, this is one reason you may not want to go out on a boat. If you go on a boat that has no swim platform, getting back in can be tricky. Since we can't climb the ladders like all the other divers do, we have to literally crawl back into the boat, usually over the gunnels, which can be dangerous if there is a bit of surf. Remember, in Hawaii, it is not the Caribbean. There is surf.

Diving with able bodied folks has advantages and disadvantages. Sometimes it is better because you see things you wouldn't see when you are with a group of disabled divers. Sometimes it is more difficult because the boat goes to places that are more difficult to dive.

If you are with a group of disabled divers/snorklers, it is always easy, guaranteed. Groups like Handicapped Scuba Association or Dive Pirates are my two favorite groups. Stay Focused is another good group. Each has a slightly different focus but all these groups are on my links page.

If I had to guess, I would say the reason you have not heard back from the companies yet is because they typically don't encounter wheelchair users. Probably the person reading the e-mail has to ask someone else, typically the owner, and wait for a response. I know I have been diving with many of the staff at Aaron's.

It sounds to me like you would be most happy in both Haunuma Bay and the Beaches at Waikiki. Those two you can do without hiring any help because lifeguards are at both locations and both locations have beach wheelchairs. You won't see any fish at Waikiki beaches but it is really fun because it is such a historic thing to do.

As far as anything else you would like to explore, I think once you get someone from Aaron's on the phone, they will be more than willing to help you arrange something. Even if it's not something with them, they can probably figure out how to get you doing what you want to do. Maybe one of the guides there (also called Dive Masters) knows a place and is willing to go there with you, on the side. Probably you can hire one of their dive masters to be your guide on one of the snuba trips.

If you had more time, I would recommend practicing in the pool first. It makes a big difference if you are already comfortable in the water. When all these little bits of stress start to add up, it can subtract from the fun. If you are already comfortable in the water, then it will be easier to enjoy everything.

One friend helping another

Manager — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:02:00 GMT

One person has written the following question-
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"I am looking into dive equipment for a friend of mine who is paralyzed from the waist down. He is interested in diving and what type of fins he would use. I noticed on your site you do equipment demos, what do you recommend for fin use?"
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Hi and thank you for taking time to contact us here at Handi-Divers, llc.

My name is Pete and I would like to respond to your inquiry.

If I am understanding you correctly, you are helping a friend who is paralyzed from the waist down. If I could inquire a bit more as to level he or she is paralyzed at, that would be helpful. Also, if your friend is complete or incomplete, ambulatory or non-ambulatory. How recently and how tramatic was this injury? Or perhaps this is not the result of an injury?

I can offer my own situation as an example. I have been paralyzed at T-4 for the past 20 years as a result of a motor vehicle accident. T-4 is about mid chest level, just under the pectoral muscles. This is considered fairly high for a paraplegic. It does not interfere with strength or arm movement (range of motion) at all but it does affect my balance. In my five years of diving I have met a few hundred other paralyzed divers with a wide range of abilities.

Usually, in what I have witnessed, people who are not ambulatory (people who cannot stand or walk) do not use fins. This is not always true, but in general there are only a few exceptions. Usually people who are not amubulatory use webbed gloves; either similar to what surfers use or other types of webbed gloves.

The exceptions to this would be persons who feel that dragging fins behind them helps to keep their legs stable or helps make their legs more bouyant. Since a person's legs are usually quite bouyant without fins, those handi-divers using fins may also decide to use ankle weights to keep from being upside down. Again, these are exceptions. Most handi-divers use webbed gloves instead of fins.

Rarely, a handi-diver will use a scooter (Dive Propulsion Vehicle, DPV). I personally love using my scooter.

Those handi-divers who are both non-ambulatory and without good arm strength, need the assistance of two able bodied divers who take turns propelling the handi-diver.

If I might suggest something more important than fins, it would be weight placement. Most modern Bouyancy Compensation Devices (BCDs or BCs) usually have integrated weights. These weight pockets are usually located as to be within easy reach of each hand- one for the left hand and one for the right hand. While this style of weight placement is great for ambulatory divers, it can result in an awkward sensation of instability for handi-divers--- especially new handi-divers who are still learning how to control their bouyancy. What I have had success with (in constructing my own dive profile) is placing about two thirds of my weight in these dumpable weight pockets and the remaining third of the lead in a cumberbun weight pocket. Since this is non-dumpable, it is not intended to be a sole source of weight, only enough to "trim" the dive profile. This is similar to trim weights that ambulatory divers sometimes use to offset the balance of other equipment. Ambulatory divers usually place trim weights next to their tank but handi-divers benefit more from having the trim weights in the cumberbum. Each BC is different and each diver is different. Finding the right amount of lead, and placement of lead, is always important and this only becomes more important when we are talking about non ambulatory divers.

In general, I would say that if you want to help your friend learn how to dive, there are several options for both you and your friend to learn. Going solo is always an option but that can be a slow, hit and miss approach. If you were to go on one of the trips with other handi-divers, you can learn a ton of things in a short amount of time. Probably the one group that has the most handi-dvers per trip is Dive Pirates (www.divepirates.org) If your friend is college aged or below, I would suggest a group called Stay Focused. Both of those groups dive the Caymans. Of course, the one group that has been doing this the longest and has the most to teach would be Handicapped Scuba Association (www.hsascuba.com) The Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA) may not have the most handi-divers on the upcoming trip to Borneo, I have no idea, but I do know that the guy running the trip is Jim Gatacre and nobody on planet earth knows more about handicapped scuba than Jim. Personally, I love Hawaii the best and that is where Handi-Divers will be going in March. (Either that or Cozumel, I'm not quite sure yet.)

Remember, being comfortable in the water is really important. Of course, working in the pool is a prerequisite to any type of dive training.

Also, I have some insprirational videos for sale, as do other organizations. These can be quite motivating; especially for any paralyzed person still considering the plunge but also for those wanting to teach them.

Before I can make any specific suggestions, I would have to know more information. There are lots of groups out there. I can always talk more with you about whatever questions you have.

Sincerely

Pete Gamble

Managing Owner, Handi-Divers llc.

Question from a Mom who is investigating best options for her son

Manager — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:22:00 GMT

Hello - My son is 12 and a paraplegic. He has a SCI at T5, that he has only had since last year. He is very interested in SCUBA diving. My husband is certified and wants to be able to do this with him. Do you have any ideas of anyone I can contact about adaptive SCUBA here or when and how do you offer classes that perhaps we can plan a trip to?
-Concerned Mom

Hi and thanks for your inquiry,
Thanks also for your commitment to help your son pursue this dream in the safest way possible.

I am also a paraplegic, T-4. I was hurt while active duty in the United States Navy. I never tried scuba before I was hurt but in the years since I learned to dive I have discovered how beneficial it is on so many levels.

There are several different types of certifying agencies, each with their own style and specialty. Also, each student is different and in some cases no special certification is required. I was one such person whom my local dive shop was willing to spend as much time as it took to learn how best to teach me how to dive. My instructors had no special training and we just did everything in the safest possible way. I progressed at my own speed, which was not as fast as most able bodied persons but as long as I performed all the necessary tasks, I completed the training the same as my able-bodied classmates. That was four years ago.

In the years since, I have met with several training agencies and been diving with lots of folks who teach mobility impaired students. While I am not an instructor myself, I do put together instructor teams and make travel arrangements. I can provide you with lots of information regarding various resources if you can be a little more specific regarding what you are looking for at the moment.

There are many agencies that teach scuba. Some are more experienced with handi-scuba than others. Let me start with the oldest and best established agency, the Handicapped Scuba Association. You can go to their website and find an instructor in your area.

If you would like to search in different areas, you can try going to www.hsascuba.com/scripts/FindMember.php?session_id=0b7f8ee80669297fc07bc65b3bf7a33c&login=0&Table=instructors to conduct a new search.

Since your husband is also a diver, I'm sure your son will really be able to get a lot of practice in the pool even before an instructor can start. For all scuba students, most of the preparation is mental. Being comfortable in the water is really important. Along with that, being able to clear a flooded mask is also an important skill that many students have anxiety with. Practice in the pool is really helpful with this skill and can be done, with proper supervision, with only a mask and snorkel.

I have several inspirational videos available that you may find useful. Videos that illustrate how rewarding scuba is for mobility impaired persons and just how easily we all fit in once we are making our dives. For example, I just returned from diving in Cayman Brac with a group based in Houston called Dive Pirates (wwww.divepirates.org) We had four boats full of people, two wheelchair users on each boat; including two high level quads who have been diving for years. Most of the other handi-divers were paraplegics, all new to the sport of scuba. All had great experiences.

While that trip is now over until next year, there is one more trip available, if you are interested. The Handicapped Scuba Association, who I mentioned earlier, has a trip to Bon Aire coming first week of August. I have been on that trip before and I can testify that it is a very safe, very easy location to learn to dive. The hotel and dive operators are experienced and proficient with handi-divers. The host of the trip, Jim Gatacre, has been the one who pioneered handi-scuba over twenty five years ago and no one on planet earth knows more about handi-scuba than Jim. Again, that website is www.hsascuba.org.

Another group, based in New York, called Stayfocused.org conducts regular training sessions in Grand Cayman. This group may be more appropriate for you because they specialize in teaching young people; mainly high school and college aged handi-athletes.

With all of these groups, they start with classroom training, then do pool training, then do open water certification, usually overseas. From your location, the Caribbean offers many possibilities. If the overseas trips are not something you are interested at this point, I'm sure we can find other options.

I don't want to overwhelm you with too much information too soon though. I'm here to answer whatever questions you have. If you would like to purchase or borrow some videos, I can certainly offer that. If you would like more clarification of any topic related to handi-scuba, I'm here for that as well. By e-mail, by phone, or by regular mail, I welcome your questions and concerns.

Sincerely
Pete Gamble, owner and manager of Handi-Divers, llc 520-488-6931 info@handi-divers.com

Dive Pirates in Cayman Brac

Manager — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:44:00 GMT

In June of 2008 I participated, for the second time, in the annual Dive Pirate trip to Cayman Brac. This is a group that specializes in providing scuba training to persons who have lost use of their limbs through physical trauma; primarily Veterans who have sustained injury as a result of service to our country. The Dive Pirates trip to Cayman Brac was probably one of the single best dive trips I've ever been on; which is saying a lot because I've been on some pretty great ones. Those of you that know me know that I will always pick Hawaii as my first choice in dive locations but here I am at my keyboard wishing I was back in Cayman Brac. Again this year, I met tons of great people. As with nearly all dive trips to the Caymans, the conditions were perfect and there were no problems.

Starting with dive #92 at Snapper Reef we began to reacquaint ourselves with fish we had not visited since last summer. The variety of fish was very refreshing: Trumpetfish, Drumfish, Grunts, Blennies, Goatfish, Puffers, Groupers and Turtles to name just a few.

I felt lucky to spot two stingrays that were feeding on the bottom. One of the stingrays looked more like a flounder because of its small size and intricate camouflage; later my buddy told me it was a Southern Stingray. One of the more experienced divers among us spotted a Lettuce Leaf Slug and pointed it out for us all. We continued on to Tombstone, Charlie’s Reef and finally, the Tibet’s Wreck.

This wreck is now one of top favorites and I really want to dive it again. I like deep for the sense of adventure but not too deep because I like to stay on Nitrox. At less than 87 feet, this fits the bill perfectly in that regard. It’s also only about twelve years old so while it does have a good bit of sealife growing on it, it is not falling apart on the inside. It has been broken into two pieces, forward and aft, I think because of hurricane Ivan. Me and my trusty SeaDoo scooter penetrated the wreck with my dive buddy and guide. It was a tight squeeze with the scooter, which adds to the sense of adventure while still being safe. We had plenty of time, light and space throughout most of the wreck. I didn’t make it to the bridge on this trip but I will look forward to doing it later.

On to Buccaneer Reef and End of Island Reef to see my first Nurse shark, more stingrays, flounders, crabs and jawfish. Then to the famous Bloody Bay Wall at Little Cayman- truly great dives that you have to experience for yourself.

As our days of diving continued, I was fast approaching dive #100, which my buddies made quite a memorable occasion for me. My dive buddies Sergio and Becky made the anticipation pleasantly dramatic. While submerged on dives 98 and 99, Sergio periodically flashed hand signals to me which communicated the number “98”. This was his way of telling me “This is dive number ninety eight, dive number one hundred is coming and you won’t know exactly what we’ve got planned for you.” During dive number ninety-nine, he would again flash the hand signal for that number; coupled with an intimidating look, I wondered what was going through his mind. The feelings I had were good because it reminded me of the comradery we shared on board my ship when I was active duty in the U.S. Navy.

As the next day came, I new the time for Sergio’s plans was near. My first dive of the day was dive number one hundred. One of my other buddies, Becky, was also on board with the fun, though I would not discover this until she was the one to deliver the cream pie directly in my face in such a way that everyone, including me, got a great laugh out of it. Complete with sprinkles and a cherry on top, they did not disappoint me. Of course, any time I get my picture taken, I’m happy. I relished basking in the cameras of all the other divers just before I dropped into dive number one hundred at Sergeant Major Reef.

Dive #101 was my first night dive and that was not scary at all. I expected I would have fear but none at all. My buddy was really good at holding a light for me, so I was able to keep my hands free, which of course makes all the difference in the world since I can’t use my legs and didn’t have a scooter on that dive. I suppose that I wasn’t scared because there really wasn’t anything to be scared of. Yes, the night is definitely something that is totally empty when underwater, especially with no moon and cloud cover. The lights lowered from the boat are only enough to illuminate the area immediately around the swim platform of the boat. Once at depth, a dive light is the only light around. I was ok with that though. I knew my buddies were with me. After diving with them the whole week, they were no longer strangers; I trusted them. Of course, being is an area with such great conditions helps too.

The remaining dives were no less spectacular than the rest of what I had been experiencing with this group all week. We continued to spot a wide variety of sea life, including a Nurse Shark; which was peacefully in our shared domain. I ended up completing dive #107 and I’m still happy about the whole experience. The group of Dive Pirates really are the best in every way: Most fun, most helpful, most experienced. It’s a great mix of people and I want to go back again already.

2008 Happenings

Manager — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 17:35:00 GMT

There are some great things happening this year:
1) The big Majuro/Hawaii trip is finally happening. Flying out April 6th. I'll keep you posted
2) Dive Heart will be making their annual trip to Cozumel May 7 - 11th.
3) The Dive Pirates will be making their annual trip to Cayman Brac June 7 - 14th.
4) Here in Arizona a few of us are working with an HSA certified instructor in Roatan to go there June 14 - 20th.
5) The Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA) will be making their annual trip to Bon Aire August 9 - 16.

Lastly, we cannot fail to mention Stay-Focused. They will be making several trips to Grand Cayman again this year. In the past four years they have made twelve trips! All participants were fully funded. This is a real achievement that has helped hundreds of mobility impaired athletes, mainly college students, to discover and advance their scuba abilities.

Whatever your desire or ability level, be sure to explore all your options.
Sincerely
-Pete