What is the scubafest at Wilmington OH like?

[SPWHITE24]

I was just wanting some feedback on the Wilmington OH. scubafest held April 25-27. Has anyone been to that event. What is it like? I have been snorkeling all my life but never took the leap to scuba. Would like to change that this summer. I thought I would attend that event to motivate me.
Thanks for your time
Steve

 

[CLEAR BLUE]

I have never been there but believe you should make the leap anyway. If you enjoy snorkeling there is no way that you won't enjoy scuba 100% more!

 

[Theojt]

I've been twice now. It's what you would expect of a regional 'scubafest'. There are equipment manufacturers, travel coordinators, etc. There are also seminars & training. I got my PSI visual inspection training there.

Certainly, if you are considering diving you should attend to educate yourself and meet with the area training centers/clubs that are usually present.

More information at Scubafest 2008

Jeff

 

[DEF]

Just got back from Scubafest. Very educational. Great presentations on safety, photography and archeology. Well worth 15.00 if you can make it tomorrow.

 

[ohiodivers]

The 2010 Edition will be held again in the Crowne Plaza North in COlumbus, OH. Ralph Willbanks, discoverer of the CSS Hunley, will be key note speaker at the Banquet. Other notables such as Valerie van Heest, Dave Trotter will also be on hand. Andy Morrison will present a Workshop on Photographign Great Lake Shipwrecks. Rich Lauer will take you to the basic and beyond of Photshop Elements. Bill Margiotta will introduce you to Underwater Video. Additional workshops are also available. As usual, the show will feature a large Dive Show that includes manufactures. dive shops, dive travel and locations. Presenetations will be ongoing the entire show. Following the banquest a Casino night will be conducted and your winnings can be used to purchase different levels of prizes. A silent auction will also take place featureing many great prizes the winning bidders. Nekton Dive Crusines will provide the Grand Prize for the Ohio Regional Photo Contest. Visit the ScubaFest wedsite or the Ohio Council web site for additinal details.

 

[roguetrixie]

I'm wanting to check out some gear before I buy, the Zuma BC in particular. Never been to a scubafest so I'm not sure what to expect. Will manufacturers have gear there to try on?

Thanks!

 

[ohiodivers]

Yes, there will be manufacturers at ScubaFest. There will also be presentations by various manufactures, travel destinagations, general diving, specialize diving, and such notables as Valerie van Heest, Dave Trotter, and Mike Brittisan. The banquet on Saturday will feature Ralp Wilbanks, Discoverer of the CSS Hunley. Also the 100+ entries from the Ohio Regional Photo Contest will be display the registered attendees will cast their ballot for the People's Choice Award. Raffles and Silent Auctions will also take place. Several trips are up for auction as well as door prizes. Last year the 50/50 winner took home over $650.

It is will worth the trip to Columbus Crowne Plaza North. You should visit their website at Index Page for all of te details

 

[tjride]

Thanks for all the info, We may try and make it this year.

 

[ohiodivers]

Thanks for all the info, We may try and make it this year.

You will be impressed with the show, especially when you attend. The cost is very reasonable and lots of activies are included. For 70.00 you get 2 full days of show admission plus a banquet featuring Ralph Wilbanks. Presentations abound and they are more that just go dive. This year major organazations PADI, SDI and SEI are all having updates. A special series of presentations are geared toward public safety diving and what it involves. There are several profession course being offered as extra fare items such as PSI /VCI courses, Lifeguard Public Safety Diving, and Interspiro Mas Tech. Also they have some inexpensive courses on Ship Wrecks by Carrie Sowden of MAST, Great Lakes Shipwreck Photography by Andy Morrison, Photo Shop Elements by Rich Lauer and Undervideography by Bill Margiotta which includes Class Room, time in the water with gear and camera, plus a review session. Prices vary according to the course offered.

Visit their website at scubafest.org

 

[Randy43068]

Stephanie and I will be there Saturday and will be there for the banquet. Should be fun.