Eric Keibler and Oceanic Ventures made the newspaper in Grand Cayman this morning!
The Cayman Compass publised Eric’s photograph and a note about the upcoming Rebreather Scuba Diving Event in Houston on March 29-April 1, 2012.
See the post here.
We hope everyone in the Houston area will join us for a unique evnt which featuers rebreather trials in the pool, presentations by Leon Scamahorn, CEO of Inner Space Systems and dinner with Leon on Saturday evening.
Form more information, please email Eric.
Photography
Thanksgiving, Jazz and Antiques
- Cat & Jessica, bartenders at the Phoenix Jazz Club in Kansas City
“It was a champion day today when I got up and I’m carrying it with me all day!” I heard this comment from a gentleman while we were touring the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City. Yes, Ann and I took a non diving vacation, all be it a short one for the Thanksgiving holiday. We spent the Holiday visiting my brother, Jason Keibler, inKansas City and exploring some of the sites around town. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is fascinating with photographs, films and stories from league players and promoters. In the center is a baseball diamond with large bronze statues of some of the greats in the game at their positions on the field, much like an all-star team.
Another stop was the American Jazz Museum (which happens to be next to theBaseballMuseum). Here you find recordings, instruments and costumes from great players including one of my favorites, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. While many of the listening stations did not work, the museum was interesting and tracked the changes in American Jazz.
Jason then continued on the Jazz theme by recommending drinks and live entertainment at the Phoenix Jazz Club on 8thstreet. While we listened to Lonnie McFadden and later to Dave Stephens, the Makers Mark Manhattans, gin and vodka martinis were served expertly prepared by Jessica and Cat who constantly mixed libations for a bar full of Jazz enthusiasts. Jessica also manages the club so she was often called by name to the stage for comments and banter with the musicians, especially Dave Stevens.
We had only intended to stay for a few drinks and then move on to another dinner location, however, we were having such a good time listening to the music and talking to others in the bar and among ourselves that we decided to stay. Of course Cat told us we really had to stay to listen to Dave because he put on “a really fun show;” so bowing to pressure we had dinner there and finished the evening at the bar. If you are ever inKansas City, you really have to drop in for some cold beverages and some cool Jazz. Be sure to tell Jessica that Ann and Eric, the scuba people fromHouston, sent you. You will not be disappointed.
A trip toKansas Citywould not be complete without a visit to Kincaid Antiques. Cindy always has some unique items in her store and some sale squirreled away in her basement. It is a treat to visit with her and look at some wonderful pieces of history. Of course, no one left empty handed.
Ann and I are back are inHoustonnow; and, I have to return to my diet. Luckily, we left all of the extra stuffing, mashed potatoes, pecan pie, etc. at Jason’s house. So, even if I was tempted, the food is not here. Instead or craving more food, it is time to help people complete their Christmas and Chanukah wish lists (hint, hint). So, if you need help with your holiday shopping – Dive Mom is back!
HO HO HO Merry Christmas – Scuba Santa Undwerwater
- Santa with John, Sean and Paige Mittendorf, along with a large Elf
You may not have known it, but Santa Claus is a scuba diver. He spends his vacations in such tropical locations as Fiji, Palau, Grand Cayman and Honduras. Since he spends so much time in the north, he sunburns easily so he took up scuba diving as a way to enjoy the islands but not get too burned. He loves the water and really enjoys swimming with the fish. In 2012, his goal is to begin rebreather diving.
On Saturday, he visited the West University Recreation Center pool and posed for pictures with swimmers, snorkelers and divers alike. Santa really like receiving those wish lists underwater!
Eric Keibler served as the photographer for the event and Joel Hershey, Travis Hershey and Christiaan Khurana all helped make Santa’s visit fun and eventful. Hopefully, they will receive a special gift from Santa on Christmas. We would also like to thank Brittany Bakes, Julie Bickham, Rob Cantu and the rest of the West University Aquatic Staff for all of their help in making this event a success.
If you missed this year’s photo shoot, Santa has promised to return next year for another photo session. And remember, look for Santa while you are visiting your favorite scuba diving and tropical locations. He will be the one in the red wetsuit.
Santa is Coming To Visit On Saturday, November 12, 2011
Many people may not realize that Santa Claus is a scuba diver and on 12 November 2011 from 9:00 to 12:00 he will be posing for photos underwater at the West University Place Recreation Center Pool located at 4210 Bellaire Blvd in West University Place (Houston). There is a $10.00 fee for the photos if you call in advance or $35.00 on the day of the event. If you are interested, call Ann at the store (713.523.3483) or email her and tell her you would like to participate.
This will be Santa’s fifth visit to the City of West University Place and Houston to pose with adults and children in the swimming pool. The photos are fun and are a great way to start the holiday season. Imagine sending Grandma a photo of the kids underwater with Santa Claus.
We will also be doing an interview with Santa to learn more about his diving plans for 2012. Keep looking at the blog for more diving stories from the man himself.
This will be Santa’s only underwater visit in the area because he need to return to the North Pole to finish getting ready for Christmas so don’t miss this Christmas Card moment!
2011 Harvest Moon Regatta
You may not have realized it but last week, was the 25th sailing of the Harvest Moon Regatta, a sailing race from Galveston to Port Aransas Texas. The annual event draws sailors from all over the area to compete for the coveted Bacardi Cup and a host of other prizes. This year’s event saw 188 boats start from the Flagship Hotel pier in Galveston begin jockeying for position. Colourful spinnakers flew and the offshore racing club fleet surged off in the moderate winds.
Unfortunately, the winds were destined not to hold and they became progressively lighter. What is normally a beam reach, (c), to broad reach, (d), to Port Aransas, turned out to be a very broad reach, (d), to a run, (e), requiring many boats to sail wing on wing.
While this meant a slow sail to Port Aransas, the night was beautiful. There was a spectacular moon rise and the stars were incredible. It was a beautiful night to be offshore and away from the city lights.
Ashton, Drew Trent, Doug Markem, and I joined another of our clients, Bob Thompson, on his boat Artemis. We finished the race in a flurry of activity but unfortunately, we did not finish fast enough to place in our group but we were there early enough to enjoy the party with all the Bacardi rum you can drink. Of course, in previous years, Bob’s son Steven was heard to comment that at times the party was not “pretty” – too many drunk old people.
The party was fun and then it was back to sailing the next day for the return trip home. It was a fun trip and a great reason to be out on the water! Thank you for the sail Bob! We are ready for next year!!!!
We put a video together highlighting some of the weekend’s events. Please tell us what you think!
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We are back! Divers Return from Moscow
Keep looking for more stories from both of our trips next week as well as new and exciting things happening here at the dive facility. Come by and see what cool things we brought back with us and ask us to get a sneak preview of some of our photographs.
Have a great day!
