Angel Shark riding video

[WannaLaguna]

For those who missed it the first time, the video is back up on the SSA website.
http://www.scubaschoolsofamerica.com/index.cfm

In addition to my last message I have also contacted SSA:

"I happened apon your site and was very disturbed and angered to see a video where two divers manhandled everything within their reach... Angel Sharks, Crabs..etc...Do you promote this sort of behavior?

By default having videos like that on your site sends a statement that your training facility not only condones such behavior but is somehow proud of it??

I am absolutely DISGUSTED.

Jeff Shaw
"

 

[archman]

Is this the same California dive operator that posted other questionable videos about a year or so back? I forget the details.

 

[kaz1960]

WOW! I cannot believe that firstly divers with obviously allot of training ( see equipment) could be so lacking in common sense...DISGUSTING!

Never assume that an equipment=training. Its apparently in this case that training was lacking. Anyone can buy equipment, that doesnt make you a good diver.

I hope SSA removes these videos.

On a side note I was interested in the video on the Palowan wreck. Does anyone have any information on this dive site?

Kaz

 

[MaxBottomtime]

I am with you, Melvin.

To go out in our ocean and abuse the critters that are already threatened, is unacceptable. This is against everything we dive for. I think we need to shoot an unreal amount of emails at them to try to get them to take that video off their site.

Rick

Rusty Berry, owner of the Montclair SSA shop put the video up last year and took a ton of abuse for it. He was defiant on the various boards and even denied there was any holding of the sharks on the video. He finally removed it after a week, but I noticed it was back up again. It is entirely his doing and does not reflect the training of SSA or the West Hills shop.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

On a side note I was interested in the video on the Palowan wreck. Does anyone have any information on this dive site?

Kaz

http://cawreckdivers.org/Wrecks/Palawan.htm

 

[rje634]

I can't believe that diver would be soooo inconsiderate in the environment that they are just VISITORS!!!
The other thing I can't believe is that SSA thought it was a good idea to post the video on their website!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[PhotoTJ]

What do you want from a bunch of Rebreather Guys. Takes them nine hours of diving to accomplish what I can do in one hour.

Seriously, if you're not going to eat it, then leave it alone. They are not a ride at Disneyland.

 

[gdenny]

Absolutely disgusting! I have a few sharks up here near the Faralonnes that I'd like to see them try that with. Before someone jumps me... They happen to be 20 ft GW's.

Just for contrast, not a hijack. I saw this morning on my local news that a group of divers from the Bay Area went out and risked their lives yesterday to save a whale that was tangled in crab pots. Now that's diving!

http://www.nbc11.com/news/5528475/detail.html

 

[drbill]

No question that I agree this is improper diving etquette. However, readers of this thread must also consider the many divers and dive instructors who break open sea urchins to feed them to garibaldi, sheephead and kelp bass in SoCal waters. Why they even do it in our de facto reserve in the Casino Point dive park.

Since I'm going through my DM course now, I have had to read through some of the standards PADI has set. One of their recommendations is for divers and instructors NOT to abuse marine life and they even use the example of killing urchins to feed fish. More divers and instructors should adhere to this.

 

[WannaLaguna]

For those who missed it the first time, the video is back up on the SSA website.
http://www.scubaschoolsofamerica.com/index.cfm

Hi All,

Well it seems we may have done some good here...at least until the next time it gets posted.... The video is off the SSA website!

I'm so glad to see so many divers with respect for the environment we dive in. Good Luck Dr. Bill with your DM course. I'll be taking mine soon!