Visiting Denver’s Downtown Aquarium is a unique experience especially when you can snorkel or dive in one of the salt waters exhibits along with tons of really cool critters such as sharks, eels, green sea turtles, sting rays, just to name a few. Equally as fun when you do a scuba dive or snorkel dive, is interacting with the kids and adults through the glass. This little girl, Emma was intrigued by one of the volunteer divers in the Aquarium. Five years later, she is back to snorkel in the Under the Sea Exhibit.

Come experience the fun, excitement and adventure of scuba diving, at the Denver Downtown Aquarium July 31 & Aug 1 from 10am to 4:30pm

“BE A DIVER” Outdoor Swimming Pool
*15,000 gallon pool dedicated to FREE “try scuba” experiences.
*Free Exhibit Admission to everyone who participants in the Free DSD!
*All dive gear provided
*Swimsuit and towels provided
*Ages 10 and above
*For non-certified divers only
*Must complete a Discover Scuba Diving waiver, liability release and medical questionnaire prior to participating. NOTE: Any medical questions with a ‘yes’ response will require a doctors approval before being allowed to participate. Children under the age of 18 will need to have a parent or legal guardian sign the forms acknowledging their understanding and approval

Buy One Exhibit Wristband; get one FREE – for CERTIFIED DIVERS only
*Only from 10:00 am – noon each day
*MUST present your SCUBA Certification Card (from any recognized training agency)
*Redemption Procedure:
1. Purchase 1 wristband at box office
2. Proceed to Dive Fest Booth (on plaza) with purchased wristband and Scuba Certification Card
3. Dive Staff will validate Scuba Certification Card and provide free wristband

Behind the Scenes Tours and Feeding Demo’s – Cost: $10.00
*Purchase at Box Office and bring receipt to Dive Fest Booth
*Saturday and Sunday Schedule:
-1:00 Sea Turtle Feeding Tour
-3:00 Shark Feeding Tour

“Try Scuba” Experiences in Under the Sea Exhibit – Cost: $150
*Saturday and Sunday times:
-Group 1- 1:30 pm
-Group 2- 2:30 pm
-Group 3- 3:30 pm
*For Non-Certified participants only
*Must complete the Free “try scuba” in the on-site outdoor pool beforehand
*Includes:
-T-Shirt
-Use of all diving equipment
-Professional guide
-Approximately 35 minutes in the water

See you underwater!

DENVER, Colo. (July 5, 2010) – Cody Unser, daughter of the legendary Unser racing family, will show disabled veterans that scuba diving is accessible for people of all abilities during her visit to the Mile High City for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. Unser, who is paralyzed due to Transverse Myelitis, and has been an honorary member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) since January 2010, will join Downtown Aquarium’s Scott Taylor to demonstrate her adaptive scuba program, Operation Deep Down, with disabled veterans.

Cody Unser wants people to understand that Scuba Diving is a sport for all types of abilities and can be very therapeutic. The Cody Unser First Step Foundation’s main quality of life program is not only helping people with disabilities to get their Scuba Diving certification, it is also to train certified diving instructors to further their diving education and become Handicap Scuba Association Instructors. Most of the people her foundation certifies, or conducts demonstrations with, describe Scuba Diving as a completely liberating experience; including Unser who adds, “It’s all about freedom down there [under the water]. Freedom from the [wheel]chair, freedom from gravity, freedom from your mind…as soon as your in the water everyone is on the same level.”
The Cody Unser First Step Foundation’s Operation Deep Down has been tirelessly training injured veterans to give them a sense of independence from their conditions since before their partnership with the PVA began. To spread the word about the program, approximately five veterans, one honorary member of the PVA, Unser, and their dive buddies will be involved in the demonstration lead by fellow veteran and HSA Course Director Scott Taylor, of Denver’s Downtown Aquarium.
Cody Unser and her dive buddy Beaux Barfield will be accompanied by Scott Taylor. Unser and Taylor, a former physical therapist and owner of A-1 Scuba and Travel Center, have a special relationship…

Al Kovach, National Vice President of the PVA, was paralyzed when he was a former US Navy SEAL leaving him a quadriplegic. Kovach hadn’t been scuba diving for 17 years and never thought he would be able to experience the feeling of weightlessness and freedom again until he met Unser and partnered with CUFSF.
Jim Hay, Vietnam veteran and paraplegic, will be diving with his wife, Jeri Hay and son, Donald. Hay, who was certified in March 2009, hopes to eventually become an HSA Instructor and help people with disabilities enjoy the sport. His wife, Jeri, and son, Donald, are also certified. Hay claims scuba diving allows them to, “be on the same playing field.”

Jeffery Scanlon was involved in an auto accident while on leave while serving the US Army. He was left with a cervical spinal cord injury and is considered an incomplete quadriplegia. In 2003 he was scuba certified. Being scuba since 2003 has enabled him to, “fulfill [his] quest for adventure and experience the freedom of movement.”
Dave Hosick, and Army veteran, was injured several years ago while playing rugby, leaving him a quadriplegic. Dave was the first diver with a disability to dive at the Downtown Aquarium and is one of the only disabled PADI Master Scuba Divers in the country.

The Cody Unser First Step Foundation is a global not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising research funds, public awareness and quality of life for those afflicted with all forms of spinal cord-related paralysis. The Foundation will also address the cause, rehabilitation, prevention and cure for Transverse Myelitis, and freely affiliate with other medical, charitable and corporate entities to achieve these goals.
For additional information, articles, media or promotional materials concerning the news in this release, contact Chelsea Reaves or visit www.codysfirststep.org.
Contact:
Chelsea Reaves, Dir. of Communications
The Cody Unser First Step Foundation
951.756.2834
chelsea@cufsf.org
Shelley Unser, President
The Cody Unser First Step Foundation
505.792.9551
shelley@cufsf.org

We invite you to join your fellow divers on Saturday, July 10th, for a beach and underwater clean-up at Aurora Reservoir.

Location:Aurora Reservoir Swim Beach (West side)
Time:8am-2pm
*Note: Must be 18 years or older to participate in the underwater clean-up.
Cleaning areas include:Boat ramp, Swim Beach and Mooring Area (all located on the west side of the reservoir).

Aurora Reservoir will provide:
*Some shelters (you’re welcome to bring your own)
*City of Aurora Release (pick up in Advance at A-1)
*Lunch @ 12pm
*Water coolers and cups
*Boat for trash pick-up

In addition, the following items will be provided by participating dive stores:
*Marker Buoys
*Bags for underwater trash collection
*Bags for shore clean-up
*Discount on necessary rental equipment (you’ll need to pick this up ahead of time)
*Additional water coolers and cups
*Lift bags and rope
*Marker buoys for larger items

Come join us for this fun day of diving and help make one of our local reservoirs an even more enjoyable location to visit! Please call to register at A-1, 303-789-2450.

Kellie MacMullan A.K.A. “Extreme Kellie” with Channel Two’s, The Deuce and Channel 31, The Fox, recently completed her open water dives at Chatfield Reservoir with instructor, Wendie Murray. The temperatures were a little cool so with a brief Dry Suit orientation, Kellie completed her four open water dives in a warm and toasty Dry Suit. Water temperature was about 51 degrees and Wendie said, “She was AWESOME!” We normally start using Chatfield Reservoir to dive the first week in June and temperatures are in the low 70’s. Kellie wanted to complete her certification prior to her trip to Mexico. Look for the complete story of her certification and diving in Mexico some time in June on Channel Two’s The Deuce. We will keep you posted.
WAY TO GO KELLIE!!!

CUPS A-1 SCUBA 2010 Photo Contest
Online Contest
Total entries: 44 Photos
CUPS Members voting in each Category: 54
ARTISTIC Category
Award Title
First Prize – Artistic – Online Blue Starfish of Fiji
Second Prize – Artistic – Online Turtle and Michael
Third Prize – Artistic – Online Manta Rising
People’s Choice Entry Chromodoris Williani
People’s Choice Entry Hawkfish on Sponge
People’s Choice Entry Golden Damselfish & Red Whip Coral
People’s Choice Entry Lighted Urchins
People’s Choice Entry Komodo Clownfish
People’s Choice Entry Reef and Jungle 1
BEHAVIOR Category
First Prize – Behavior – Online Puppy Love
Second Prize – Behavior – Online Jumping & Smiling Dolphin
Third Prize – Behavior – Online Gone Fishin
People’s Choice Entry Anemonefish, Commensal Shrimp
People’s Choice Entry Mating Mandarins
People’s Choice Entry Zebra on Fire Urchin
People’s Choice Entry Magnificent Sea Anemone
People’s Choice Entry Fiji Nudi
People’s Choice Entry Spinecheek Anemonefish & Friend

Equipment & Education Seminars

Seminar times & presentations are subject to change. Please re-check this list prior to the event. Thank you.
SATURDAY

9:45 – PADI “The Way The World Learns To Dive” Gordon Apons

11:00 Sea & Sea “New products and better photos made simple with digital strobes” Greg Gebhardt

12:15 Oceanic “The new age of dive computers, explore the possibilities” Darryl Bowerman

1:30 Zeagle, Pinnacle and SeaLife “the Wicked BCD, Drysuits for everyone and the NEW DC 1200 Camera systems”

2:45 Aqua Lung “Leading the industry with the lightest, most advanced gear available” Pat Barron

3:45 The Mac Spa, Turning in your photos into exciting slide shows! Experts from the Mac Spa will be here to show you how.

SUNDAY

9:00 Sea & Sea “New products and better photos made simple with digital strobes” Greg Gebhardt

10:15 Atomic Aquatics and Henderson Wetsuits “The standard for quality craftsmanship of Atomic diving equipment and The all NEW H2 and Thermoprene wetsuits from Henderson” Jim Mapes

11:15 Scubapro “The Galileo diving computer, the most advanced yet the simplest to operate” Richard Hernandez

3:00 No Seminars – GRAND PRIZE DRAWINGS!!
See You There!!
Grand Prize Drawing at 3:00 pm Sunday
THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN PRIZES!!
You Must be Present to Win!!!

Travel Seminars
Free Travel Seminars with Photo/Video Presentations

Saturday May 22 &
Sunday May 23, 2010

Deposit on one of our group escorted trips during the show and receive $30pp off the total price.
For every seminar that you attend you receive an additional entry card for our grand prize drawing on Sunday. (You must be present to win).

* Great Door Prizes at each seminar.
* Experience the sights and sounds of exotic destinations throughout the world.
* Meet and hear firsthand from actual resort and destination representatives.

SATURDAY

9:15 “Take a Step Back in Time – Egypt and the Magnificent Red Sea” Egypt is a destination that fascinates the mind and warms the body. Imagine touring ancient Egypt, visiting the Museum of Antiquities, seeing the Great Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza – while riding on the back of a camel, cruising the Nile River and stopping at important landmarks along the way. And just when you think you’ve done it all, you go scuba diving in the crystal clear waters of the Southern Red Sea. Presented by David Hartman with Learning Through Travel.

10:00 “Going Green” Find out about ECO friendly resorts around the globe. Presented by Stephanie Moss with Gogo Worldwide Vacations.

10:45 “Diving The World with Aggressor Fleet” An in-depth overview of their many incredible destinations, including: Belize, Baja Mexico, Cayman, Cocos Islands, Turks & Caicos, Silver Banks, Galapagos, Kona, Maldives, Palau and Utila. Presented by Darien Bacon with Aggressor Fleet.

11:30 “Protect Sharks – You can help” Great White Shark Research in Guadalupe is crucial for their survival and educating the government to help in their protection. Learn how you can join us on a research expedition to study these incredible creatures. Presented by Dr. Alex Antoniou and Fernando Aguilar with Club Cantamar and Sea Escape.

12:15 “Dive Australia” An informative overview of the incredible diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Presented by Alex Johnson from All About Australia Diving.

1:45 “What’s new at Anthony’s Key Resort in Roatan?” This resort has it all, including resident Dolphin that you can swim, snorkel and scuba dive with, plus incredible tropical ambience. Presented by Mandy Wagner with AKR.

2:30 “Dive into Paradise at Beqa Lagoon Resort in Fiji” Come and see why Beqa Lagoon Resort is one of the top places to put on your dive bucket list. Presented by Jason Wagener with Beqa Lagoon Resort.

3:15 “Advantages of Visiting and Diving Cancun”
Dive Cancun, Cozumel and Riviera Maya – all in one trip. Presented by Thomas Hurtado with Scuba Cancun.

4:00 Wakatobi , Indonesia An experience unequalled! Legendary Wakatobi Dive Resort & their live-aboard Pelagain have earned a reputation for not only providing access to some of the most pristine reefs in the world but also for delivering the an amazing level of service found anywhere. See this multimedia presentation and enjoy colors and sights you probably never knew existed. Presented by Randal Sanders with Wakatobi Resort & Pelagain Live-Aboard.
SUNDAY

9:15 “Apple Vacations Specials” Your best deals for the Dominican Republic in 2010. Get the latest updates on the BEST VALUES, newest resorts, diving and attractions in the Dominican Republic. Presented by Laurie Alten with Apple Vacations

10:00 “CoZ MeL The Only Thing Missing Is U” Dive Paradise and Hotel Cozumel have some exciting information to share on their new and improved operations. This is a location you just want to keep going back to year after year. Presented by Dive Paradise owner – Apple and Alejandro Graniel with Hotel Cozumel.

10:45 “Curacao – The Best Kept Diving Secret In The Caribbean” Incredible diving and a phenomenal service from “the best dive center on the island” Presented by Nolo Ambrrosi and Edward Pieters with Ocean Encounters.

11:30 “Staying at Paradise Taveuni Resort and Experience the Best In Fiji” The Rainbow Reef in the Somosomo Straight offers some of the finest soft coral diving in Fiji. Presented by Carl Fox.

12:15 “Hammerhead Sharks and Manta Ray Research in Socorro” Besides pleasure diving in the waters around Socorro Island, you can join our research team and help learn ways in which to help protect and preserve these incredible creatures. Presented by Dr. Alex Antoniou and Fernando Aguilar.

1:00 Explorer Ventures,” Your Ticket to Adventure Diving”
Live-aboard opportunities in the Galapagos, Turks & Caicos, Saba, St. Kitts and the Bahamas” Find out why guests aboard these dives vessels are raving. Presented by Clay McCardel with Explorer Ventures.

1:45 “Take a Step Back in Time – Egypt and the Magnificent Red Sea” Egypt is a destination that fascinates the mind and warms the body. Imagine touring ancient Egypt, visiting the Museum of Antiquities, seeing the Great Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza – while riding on the back of a camel, cruising the Nile River and stopping at important landmarks along the way. And just when you think you’ve done it all, you go scuba diving in the crystal clear waters of the Southern Red Sea. Presented by David Hartman with Learning Through Travel.
3:00 GRAND PRIZE DRAWINGS
Must be present to win!

On last weeks shark research trip, weSliver Tip Shark witnessed firsthand some of the challenges facing those who want to help save our sharks and our oceans. On our first day we came across two long-lines with thousands of yards of baited hooks. After pulling them out of the water, we came across two tuna fishing vessels and two search helicopters on the lookout for schools of tuna. All of this in areas where fishing is not permitted! Still, we conducted our research and successfully tagged sharks, set a new receiver and collected DNA samples from several Manta Rays. We had to pull two receivers for repairs but we will re-deploy them when we return this November. “The trip was incredible, said the guests. We dove with a variety of sharks and Manta’s on nearly every dive and we successfully deployed acoustic tags on Galapagos, Hammerhead and Silver Tip sharks.” This is in addition to the tags previously deployed on Whale Sharks. It’s important to note that all of this provides for necessary research. The sighting of juvenile Silver Tip sharks, at one of the islands, was very encouraging. “Let’s hope that they can only thrive and avoid the many obstacles that they face” stated Dr. Antonio. Please note: The pictures shown were not taken during our trip.

Many of us have experienced the loss of a friend or loved one due to cancer. It’s a devastating disease that doesn’t discriminate and it has no conscience. Colorado scuba divers are uniting this summer and have the opportunity to participate in various events including; Run for the Cure, Walk for the Cure and Dive for the Cure!

RUN FOR THE CURE: Register for the Bolder Boulder (May 31st) under the “SCUBA Group” and bring in your registration to us and receive a FREE t-shirt to wear during the race. Register Here!

DIVE FOR THE CURE: Register for any Open Water Confined Class & Pool during the month of June and we will donate $10.00 of your course fee to the Susan G. Komen foundation. Donations will be presented by the Colorado Scuba Retailers Association at the Walk for the Cure. Sign up Here!

WALK FOR THE CURE: Join us as we raise awareness and support during the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure on October 3, 2010. Register Here.