25 replies to this topic

[Hipshot]

As one who has also had to say, "It was fun, but it's time to hang up the fins" I congratulate you on knowing when to say when and to change status to "emeritus" on a high note. You still have lots to offer and a truly willing spirit and positive attitude to offer others. Enjoy!!

Jim

Thanks, Jim. Between my LDC, SD.com, the class with whom I assist, and Beneath The Sea, God willing, I'm a long way from retirement. I will remain loud, proud, and unbowed.

Rick

[gcbryan]

As everyone has said have a great dive and I'm sure you have your reasons for hanging up the fins. Just as an aside I went to a film festival featuring Stan Waterman this weekend. He spoke before and during some of the films. He is 85 I believe and is still diving from time to time. Maybe you will be able to get wet from time to time as well!

[Dive_Girl]

As everyone has said have a great dive and I'm sure you have your reasons for hanging up the fins. Just as an aside I went to a film festival featuring Stan Waterman this weekend. He spoke before and during some of the films. He is 85 I believe and is still diving from time to time. Maybe you will be able to get wet from time to time as well!

Gray! Why didn't you share info on this film festival! Aacck!

Have a great dive Rick!

[gcbryan]

As everyone has said have a great dive and I'm sure you have your reasons for hanging up the fins. Just as an aside I went to a film festival featuring Stan Waterman this weekend. He spoke before and during some of the films. He is 85 I believe and is still diving from time to time. Maybe you will be able to get wet from time to time as well!

Gray! Why didn't you share info on this film festival! Aacck!

Have a great dive Rick!

Sorry!

[TraceMalin]

Well, it's now been rescheduled to Saturday, 6 October. It turns out that on 29 September there will be a Trustees Meeting (which includes managers) of Beneath the Sea, so a lot of my dive buddies can't make it then.

Rick

Crap! That weekend I have 2 students for Tek Nitrox/Tek Deco.

[Hipshot]

Well, we had 13 divers (from my LDC and a group where I assist with classes) and 2 bubble-watchers. For October 6th, it was more like a summer day. The winds from the south that made it more like a summer day also created a little more turbidity than usual, so we had only 6-8 foot visibility, instead of the usual 10-15 for this time of year. It was an enjoyable dive with good friends.

Ironically, one of the folks in my dive trio was a guy for whom this was his first northeastern dive (he'd dove the tropics previously). He wanted to do environmental survey diving around the New York area, and if this dive was any indication, he'll do fine. So, during that dive, we had a new beginning and an old beginning's end.

It was fitting that this was the site for my curtain-call dive, as it's my favorite dive spot in the northeast. I've been coordinating trips there for my LDC for twenty years, and I've dove the site well over fifty times.

I'll still be active in the sport, but that concludes my open water diving. It's been a great 38 years.

Rick



Q.E.D.--an abbreviation of the Latin phrase "quod erat demonstrandum" (literally, "which was to be demonstrated", and figuratively, "I rest my case")

[ScubaDadMiami]

Best wishes on the next leg of your journey.

[Mermaid Lady]

I'll still be active in the sport, but that concludes my open water diving. It's been a great 38 years.

Sorry I missed it Hipshot. Wish I had gotten the chance to dive with you.

Not that I plan to stop diving anytime soon, but I can relate to when it's time to hang up an activity. I still kayak, but my class IV whitewater days are likely behind, and will probably never skydive again. But the memories will last forever.

Glad you had a great dive career. Hope your memories are as good as mine. (or should that be the other way around?)

Edited by Mermaid Lady, 08 October 2007 - 03:07 PM.

[annasea]

38 years... sounds like a great run! As Howard wrote, best wishes to you, Rick! Good to know you'll still be involved with diving in some capacity.

[Hipshot]

Thanks, Howard. Don't look for me to disappear, 'cause it isn't gonna' happen.

Teresa, I only wish SD.com had been around earlier, when I used to use a monofin regularly after the dives.

Caetllon, it's been really great seeing how the sport has evolved during all those years.

Best,

Rick

[madlobster]

Sorry I couldn't make it to your dive Rick as I was already booked for the long weekend with my wife and fifth wheel camper near Cape Cod. Understanding New England vis, 6-8' not all that bad Best wishes for you and where your endevours take you, and I'm sure the diving industry is in your blood and you'll be around. We will cross paths again Rick, we'll see ya then.

Bruce