Bottom Times – January 2026 Edition

                           By Your President-in-Fins​​

 

Welcome to 2026. This unusually warm January has definitely thrown my winter groove off, but I’m not complaining—warmer weather means more chances to get outside and enjoy everything we love to do.

It’s time to shake off the holiday dust and jump back into club business. I’m happy to share that our plan for the year is officially in the works! We’ve got several new ideas brewing for 2026, along with the return of some favorites from last year and of course, the classics…with a little twist 😁.

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I sent out an invite to our last dive of the year to kick around new event ideas, and thank you to everyone who was able to make it. I picked up some great feedback, and a few additional ideas surfaced during a post-dive beer (sometimes the best planning happens there). We’ll be ironing out the final details at the January board meeting, so if you’ve got a fun, creative, or slightly wild idea you’d like us to consider, now’s the time to share it. I’m always listening—and I’ll do my best to deliver. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming!

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Two shore dives every month are back—just like last year! Both dives will be led by our dive coordinator and Divemaster, Dan 👏.

Dive one happens on the second Saturday of the month with SC Diving, and dive two follows on the Saturday after our monthly meeting, hosted by the club. Locations, sign-ups, and all that jazz will be shared soon—keep an eye out!

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You know...I really like the idea of sponsor-hosted events, such as the first shore dive of the month and as chief club liaison, I’ll be reaching out to our sponsors to explore ways they can get more involved—or even host an event. This is one aspect of the club I’d really like to grow this year: bringing sponsors and members together to enjoy our shared passion—diving and everything fun.

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In terms of events:

We’re kicking things off with a Carpinteria Easter Dive and BBQ, complete with an optional camping weekend. Spring brings a Spectre boat dive (reach out to our dive coordinator if you’d like to see more boat dives) and a Scuba Show weekend in Long Beach, with morning shore dives at Veterans Park. Last year, Laura Forsyth did an incredible job organizing this trip—attendance was great, everyone had a blast, and that morning dive at Veterans Park was especially memorable. It all went by so fast that I’m planning to stay for the full weekend this year.

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Moving into summer, adventures include a trip to Ensenada, featuring boat diving near La bufadora (not in it), great food, and optional camping Next up will be a behind-the-scenes tour of the USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. Ever been down to 165 feet? If not, this is a unique opportunity to experience it in a safe. We’ll also enjoy the classic Refugio Beach dive and BBQ. I’ll be proposing to the board that we reserve a group camping spot for Refugio (members have been asking for this 😉). From what I hear, that’s how it used to be done—and I see no reason not to bring it back. I can already picture the crackling campfire, the smell of carne asada, and everyone relaxing and having a great time.

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Fall is packed with big trips, including Cozumel, a Playa del Carmen option that’s still in the works, a Point Lobos weekend trip, and of course the underwater pumpkin carving dive—let’s all jump in on the carving fun this year! We’ll wrap things up with a Santa Cruz Island dive and hike at Scorpion Cove, where we’ll try to get as many members with boats involved as possible, followed by a Laguna Beach Road trip for our final dive of the year. Fall conditions are typically great there, and I really enjoyed the dives we did last year.

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These events aren’t cemented just yet and more events may be added… but you get the picture and you’ll see the final schedule in February—so start getting that camping gear ready and dust off those fins, because 2026 is coming in hot.🔥

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It’s time for me to wrap this up...I’m looking forward to all the good times this year will bring to the club and seeing you all once more this Wednesday, January 21st, at Black Bear Diner as we kick off another great year together.

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~ Del