Santa Monica Blue Fins Dive Club

[LACounty4806]

Hello Fellow So Cal Divers. Was doing a little research on old dive clubs and I came across the Santa Monica Blue Fins. It was running up through the 80's and had folks like Bonnie Cardone and Greg Arsenault as officers. I know it's a long shot but does anyone have any anecdotes or background on this group? I can't find a thing on them and I obviously can't ask Sam Miller. Anything would help. I'm just looking for a little direction and/or traction. Thanks.

 

[Still Kicking]

Hello Fellow So Cal Divers. Was doing a little research on old dive clubs and I came across the Santa Monica Blue Fins. It was running up through the 80's and had folks like Bonnie Cardone and Greg Arsenault as officers. I know it's a long shot but does anyone have any anecdotes or background on this group? I can't find a thing on them and I obviously can't ask Sam Miller. Anything would help. I'm just looking for a little direction and/or traction. Thanks.

Dale Sheckler would be my first stop:

"Dale Sheckler: Founder, California Diving News and Scuba Show

I recall early in our California Diving News and Scuba Show business (Bonnie) requested that I come and speak at the Santa Monica Blue Fins, a quite prominent dive club at that time. She was a key member and sat in the front row. While I was deeply honored to be asked to speak I was very nervous to be giving a presentation to somebody I held in such high regard. She was a true asset to the diving community and her passing is a big loss. She will be deeply missed."

Fond Farewells: A Tribute to Bonnie Cardone | California Diving News

In this issue of California Diving News, we say farewell to one of our own, CDN’s longtime contributing editor Bonnie...

cadivingnews.com

Get in touch with Mark at California Diving News and he can give you Dale's contact info.

Also, here's a link about Bill Barada, who may have been the founder of the club:

Becoming Aquala, Our First Dive into History - Aquala

If you’ve had a chance to read the history section of our website, you’ll know that Aquala was the silent manufacturer for Bel-Aqua Watersports until 1959. Bel Aqua was founded by Los Angeles firefighter Bill Barada in 1950, but Bill actually created the first civilian drysuit in 1947. It took...

aquala.com

A couple of more old salts to chase down are Bob Ballew and Don Paul (Long Beach Neptunes).

 

[LACounty4806]

Thanks for the thoughts and direction. I don't know why I didn't think of Dale in the first place. It's a challenge finding institutional knowledge on people that were active in the 1970's I probably should try Rocky Stickel from Scuba Haus as well now that you've got me thinking about it.

Dale Sheckler would be my first stop:

A couple of more old salts to chase down are Bob Ballew and Don Paul (Long Beach Neptunes).

 

[Still Kicking]

Scuba Haus is long gone. Jocko at Dive N Surf might remember if he's still around.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Jocko is still at Dive n Surf. I saw him today.

 

[LACounty4806]

Scuba Haus is long gone. Jocko at Dive N Surf might remember if he's still around.

Rocky is still around. He reps Trident.

 

[LACounty4806]

Jocko is still at Dive n Surf. I saw him today.

Thanks Max

 

[Still Kicking]

Rocky is still around. He reps Trident.

Of course! I know Rocky ...I just didn't put 2+2 lol

 

[geoff w]

Maybe check with Grant Graves? He grew up in that era in the area