Seaspace 2007

[Scubafast]

This will be my first time in attendance. I'm looking forward to seeing what I can see, and meeting people in the diving community.

I have noticed similar posts saying it is not as good as it used to be. The first questions that come to my mind is "What needs to be done to make it as good as it used to be?" and "How can that be accomplished?"

Change in leadership comes to mind...
One shop that use to sell there in the early 90's was challenged by one of Seaspace's "leadership" members and it got pretty heated, people threatened to sue... so the dive shop moved out into the parking lot outside the hotel. I don't think they liked the idea that they had discount prices at the show??? All I know was it was a great place to get name brand stuff for dirt cheap and "Seaspace" drove them away!!!!!!!!!
The manufactures may have similar stories? I don't know. That particular dealer was the largest dealer in the area for Dacor and such so it may have and reprecussions elsewhere???
They didn't have air fills so they could sell to anybody-no C-card needed since no air fills were being given.
Overall it is nice to go and be with others of similar interest but they have a long way to go if they want to get back to it's previous glory days!!!!!!

 

[parrotheaddiver]

I remember when they moved it to the parking lot...I bought a ton of stuff from them for next to nothing....still have some of it.....I was told they stopped it because the Houston Dive shops were being under cut by the shops from out of town selling there....good reason I guess but not sure if it was true....

 

[scubapro50]

I remember when they moved it to the parking lot...I bought a ton of stuff from them for next to nothing....still have some of it.....I was told they stopped it because the Houston Dive shops were being under cut by the shops from out of town selling there....good reason I guess but not sure if it was true....

The "Divers Flea Market" was very popular with the local divers. The stated reason for stopping it was SeaSpace couldn't control what was been sold and they felt it endangered the public by selling to non certified divers. SeaSpace has stated that all equipment sales should be thru a local shop where the customer can get training and service after their purchase. SeaSpace was setup and ran by the Houston Underwater Club. At that time there were three main dive shops in the area that had a lot of influence with the club. (Several past HUC officals either owned or worked for local shops ... no surprise there) The LDS didn't want outsiders or anyone else cutting in on there home turf with "discount" prices for new or used gear and they used the "safety concern" as a reason to stop it.

 

[booth22]

Just curious if SeaSpace is anything like the show in Long Beach... mostly resorts, and a few companies like Zeagle, Deep Sea Supply,etc.. showing their gear off. Long Beach also had a big display by Sport Chalet with raffle prizes, etc. and DAN had a booth with info and some items for sale- first aid kits, SMBs, etc. There was also one area with a large shop selling inside the show- but they were the only one and they weren't a CA shop if I remember correctly.

There were also a lot of conservation groups, photo housing companies, and a few random booths for good measure. Aside from the seminars,etc.

Sound pretty much the same?

 

[Mack Diver]

That sounds like what I've heard about Sea Space.

The wife and I were wanting to go but prior commitments don't allow it this year.

Personally, I think the show should be moved to a more central locatiuon such as Austin. I think that would help to draw people from Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, Corpus and other parts of Texas. As it is, it seems that most of the attendance comes from the Houston area.

 

[joetex0777]

Hemlon, ParrotHead, any others attending...

I will be wearing a red Balmorhea t-shirt tomorrow. If you see me, please introduce yourself. I'd really like to meet a couple of you while we are here.


Joe

 

[pcornell]

We went and had an enjoyable time.

Lots of travel, a little bit of gear and not a lot else. Enjoyed it because its still fun to see all the travel destinations, renew old friendships, and something diving related to do if you are not diving.

I do think there are some easy ways it could be made better, but the organizers/promoters of the event have to 'want' to change it for that to happen.

Overall it was good, but I could see why people would be disappointed and not attend every year.

 

[scubapro50]

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[scubapro50]

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[MichaelBaranows]

Looks like everyone had a good time. I never thoult I would be so tired after standing around for two days.

I think a million people came by the Mammoth Lake booth. Seems like everyone is ready for the lake to open.