Bottom Times – September 2025 Edition

                           By Your President-in-Fins

​​

Greetings, Fellow Divers!

Summer is winding down, but the dives keep coming. Last month our members were busy — from the Refugio BBQ and campouts on Santa Cruz Island to local beach dives — proving once again that there is no shortage of adventure in our club. And with fall around the corner we are looking forward to clearer water, lobster season and even more reasons to get in the ocean.

​

September is a very important month for our club — it is time for Board Elections. This is your chance to step up, cast your vote and help shape the future of Channel Islands Divers. Serving on the board is not only a way to give back but also a great way to stay connected and ensure the club remains strong. I encourage everyone to attend the September seventeenth meeting at the Black Bear Diner — your voice matters and your participation helps the club continue to thrive.

​

Along with elections we will welcome Kenneth Niessen, Senior Fish and Wildlife Biologist with the Ventura office of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Ken will share insights on endangered plants of the Channel Islands and the ongoing conservation efforts that are helping preserve their unique ecosystems.

​

We are also excited to welcome Neail Holland. A long-time club supporter, Rec2Dive Scuba is now an official sponsor. I truly appreciate how local dive shops continue to step up and support our members and our raffle contests. Without the generosity of our sponsors, we would all be paying full price for raffle items, gear, fills or service. Their support deserves to be reciprocated, so please remember them when you are looking for classes, trips, gear repair and more. To obtain a discount, please show your club membership card. Rob Johnson, our club membership coordinator, along with our webmaster, Laura Forsyth Taylor, has given the old card a much-needed facelift. If you need a new one, come to this month’s club meeting and pick one up.

​

Do not forget - our photo contest is underway! Submit your best shots taken since last November. Entries close at the October 22nd meeting and winners will be announced at the Christmas Party. You can bring them to this month’s meeting or even better upload them directly to our website.

​

Looking ahead, we are heading out to Bonaire! All tickets are sold and we are ready for the warm waters of the Caribbean to soothe our bodies and souls. We also have thirteen club members signed up for our Point Lobos mini-excursion. Some will head up Thursday to enjoy camping while others will arrive Saturday, October 4th for a quick but exciting weekend. Airbnb’s have been booked, thanks to Melanie Kemman ⭐. Also, recent dive reports from Point Lobo have been very promising so expectations are high. Wish us LUCK🍀

​

And of course, mark your calendars for the Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest on October 25th, hosted this year by SC Diving. Full details will be in next month’s newsletter and posted on Facebook. If you have not attended one before, consider crossing this unique and fun dive off your bucket list. 🎃

​

Until then dive safe, dive often and may your buoyancy always be on point!

​

~ Del