Video: Underwater motorcycle
December 25th, 2008
Other
22 December 2008 11:58
Tired of swimming on scuba-diving trips? Then this Russian underwater bike could be for you!
The Aqua Star has been developed by Dimtry and Timophey Ryabikiny from the Russian city of Yeisk.
It can be used at depths of 12 metres and achieves 4.3mph, and has two engines to allow it to operate underwater.
To view complete article: http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/mcn/2008/December/22-28/dec2308-underwater-bike-video/?&R=EPI-105194
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Visit Scuba Claus at the Maui Ocean Center
December 19th, 2008
by: Sherie Char posted: Mon Dec 15, 2008 at 01:26 PM
The Maui Ocean Center’s most unusual attraction—seeing Scuba Claus swim in the Open Ocean Exhibit—starts this Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Scuba Claus will be wearing his diving equipment and fins, and, of course, traveling with the big fishes instead of his eight little reindeer. You can catch his underwater appearance through Dec. 23.
Visiting Scuba Claus is just one of the activities included in the Center’s “The 12 Days of FISHmas,” which started yesterday afternoon. If you missed it, there are 11 more fun-filled days of holiday performances, crafts for the keiki (children) and presentations on marine animals with holiday-themed names including the snowflake eel, candy cane shrimp and the Christmas wrasse.
All activities are included with the park’s admission fee. Call (808) 270-7000 for more info or click here.
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George Gates is Virginia Aquarium’s Scuba Santa
December 18th, 2008
For the past three years, George Gates has dived enthusiastically into his portrayal of Santa Claus at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.
The transformation takes about an hour. Of course, Gates is already wearing a suit when he pulls on the traditional red coat and pants - a scuba suit, that is.
Gates drives almost two hours from his home in Gloucester to play Scuba Santa, spreading seasonal cheer among aquarium guests.
“I’m a jolly old goat,” Gates said of his aquatic impersonation of the Christmas icon. He even sports a real beard, which gets tucked into the suit and is obscured from view.
“I have fun in the water, I have fun with the kids, I have fun with the fish,” Gates said, describing how he jiggles his belly, holds up his “Ho, Ho, Ho, Happy Holidays!” sign and interacts with guests through the glass.
The Chesapeake Bay Aquarium dives normally last about 20 minutes, Gates said. But he likes to stretch out the Scuba Santa dives to give guests plenty of time to take picture s.
Gates has been a volunteer diver at the aquarium for four years and is there at least twice a month, he said. He’s also an instructor at the Lynnhaven Dive Center, as well as a dive master and mate on the center’s dive boat, The Miss Lindsey.
Scuba Santa dives occur at 11 a.m. this weekend. Gates is scheduled to appear Sunday, Dec. 21, at both the 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (non-Santa) dives. Viewing is free with aquarium admission.
-The aquarium is looking for certified scuba divers to join the team. Tryouts will be Jan. 17 and 18. E-mail aquavols@virginiaaquarium.com, or call 385-0274.
Full name George J. Gates
Hometown Covington, Ky. Age 49 Nickname Doc
Marital status Married to Sandra (”Sandy”) for 25 years
Children Leah Rae Gates, 25; Eunice Marie Gates, 23
Pets Two dogs, Goofy and Pedro; five cats, Oreo, Missy, Fenix, Fiesty and Mr. Fuzz.
Occupation Network engineer (for CACI International) Education High school, military training (retired Navy)
Pet peeve Disrespect to someone who is really trying.
Hobbies Cave exploring, diving, rappelling
What do you enjoy most about the time you spend at the aquarium as a volunteer diver? Helping with the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium and watching the guests when we do our presentation.
How is a Scuba Santa dive different from any other dive? It’s a special time to see young and old faces light up when Santa gets in the water.
What is the best part about portraying the aquatic Santa? Having fun and giving joy to someone as well as feeding the fish from Santa’s red fish-food boot.
How long have you been a diver? Since 1979
What is your first diving memory? Seeing all of the different colors on the reefs and collecting shells
The most exotic place you’ve ever scuba dived? Solitary Island off the coast of Coffs Harbour, Australia
Describe a perfect day Spending it with my family and not having to worry about making ends meet.
Childhood ambition (To) grow up helping people.
Favorite hangout Any dive shop or boat
Favorite gadget My Blackberry
Favorite movies Any action movie
A book you’ve read more than once “Rogue Warrior” by Dick Marcinko
If I won $10 million, I would first make sure that my family has all they need, not necessarily what they want; buy a cave for my youngest daughter; buy a house for my oldest daughter; pay off my bills and my (youngest) daughter’s college loans; and send my oldest daughter to nursing school. I would set up a college fund for the grandkids, make sure the food banks in this area were full for as long as I could, and open a dive/adventure shop with my own boat. The last thing I would do is travel to all the places that my wife would love to see.
Describe the diving experience in two words Life changing.
If you could invite three famous people to dinner, living or dead, who would they be? Gerald Ford, Dick Marcinko, Christopher Reeve
Guilty pleasures Any dive gear and caving gear
The television show you never miss “CSI: Miami”
Of what achievements are you most proud? Watching my daughters succeed in their lives
Something you do that others might not expect of you I love to cook.
Favorite sports team Green Bay Packers
Good luck charm My wife
Personal motto Always try to treat others the way you expect to be treated.
What words of wisdom would you share with novice divers? Learn all you can, practice what you have learned, and share what you have learned and your experiences with others.
To view the full article: http://hamptonroads.com/2008/12/george-gates-virginia-aquariums-scuba-santa
