MSP Rescue Diver
Contributor
For those of you heading out to Oceanfest in Ft. Lauderdale this weekend, here's a quickie review.
Immersed Magazine has a great subscription deal for show attendees. For $40, you get a year's subscription, an Immersed nylon jacket, and a signed copy of The Last Dive by Bernie Chowdhury. Bernie was actually at the table, and I had a nice chat with him since it wasn't very busy when I was there. He is also giving a talk about his book from 3-4 at the Sheraton Yankee Clipper Saturday afternoon.
The next place to hit is the Fill Express booth. They're giving away cards good for two free Nitrox fills.
And if you're willing to get a temporary tattoo put on in a visible spot, the St. Croix table is giving out Cruzen Rum miniatures.
The show seemed to have fewer exhibitors than prior years, though this may be more a sign of the economic times. There were definately less local dive shops represented, and fewer equipment manufacturers. Only one booth was selling equipment, all no name stuff, though there were specialty and custom companies taking orders.
There were more of the dive boat charter operators out it this year, and the usual ton of dive resorts and destinations.
Friday night was pretty slow for the show opening. Unfortunately it was the only time I could go this weekend so I missed the special events, though I did get to hear the Scuba Dudes on stage.
Saturday and Sunday have a number of great events planned, including Tresure Hunt beach and boat dives, and there's a photo contest where Sun and Sea supply the cameras and you have to take the shot offshore that day. They develop the film to ensure a picture doesn't get doctored and there's no controversy .
There's also a raffle with some pretty great prizes. Someone in the dive club I belong to has one the grand prize the last three years running, so this year I hope to keep this tradition alive.
All in all, it's worth a visit and despite missing all the planned events during the weekend it was actually nice not having to fight crowds Friday night.
More info on Oceanfest here.
Immersed Magazine has a great subscription deal for show attendees. For $40, you get a year's subscription, an Immersed nylon jacket, and a signed copy of The Last Dive by Bernie Chowdhury. Bernie was actually at the table, and I had a nice chat with him since it wasn't very busy when I was there. He is also giving a talk about his book from 3-4 at the Sheraton Yankee Clipper Saturday afternoon.
The next place to hit is the Fill Express booth. They're giving away cards good for two free Nitrox fills.
And if you're willing to get a temporary tattoo put on in a visible spot, the St. Croix table is giving out Cruzen Rum miniatures.
The show seemed to have fewer exhibitors than prior years, though this may be more a sign of the economic times. There were definately less local dive shops represented, and fewer equipment manufacturers. Only one booth was selling equipment, all no name stuff, though there were specialty and custom companies taking orders.
There were more of the dive boat charter operators out it this year, and the usual ton of dive resorts and destinations.
Friday night was pretty slow for the show opening. Unfortunately it was the only time I could go this weekend so I missed the special events, though I did get to hear the Scuba Dudes on stage.
Saturday and Sunday have a number of great events planned, including Tresure Hunt beach and boat dives, and there's a photo contest where Sun and Sea supply the cameras and you have to take the shot offshore that day. They develop the film to ensure a picture doesn't get doctored and there's no controversy .
There's also a raffle with some pretty great prizes. Someone in the dive club I belong to has one the grand prize the last three years running, so this year I hope to keep this tradition alive.
All in all, it's worth a visit and despite missing all the planned events during the weekend it was actually nice not having to fight crowds Friday night.
More info on Oceanfest here.
