the whole reason why the tritons were made was for the intention of finding a dive buddy or Getting to know your local spearo/divers. Those were Bob Pennal’s words. Unfortunately, y’all have turned it into something it shouldn’t be. I see people getting together and having meets, leaving others feeling discouraged to even reaching out twice. I’m not trying to be disrespectful but just want y’all to be aware of your actions. and FYI there’s more dive shops out of our area not just bamboo reef (Aquarius, california ocean adventure, aqua safari) support your local(s)
@Alex Reynaud @Eric - The Keeneroo
appreciate the feedback, makes a ton of sense. if I have more concerns I will definitely let y’all know. I will also be working on getting better at this, I’m pretty new to the forum game. I’ll work on my posting, including pictures, food, etc. thanks tho guys safe dives
Hey There Raf, Thank you for sharing. If memory serves, I don't think you've ever reached out to me, which is fine, but wanted you to know that I often take newer/new to the area divers out. If you're in the Monterey area and want to dive, let me know. If my schedule works out, you're welcome to join. One reason I'm personally a Bamboo Reef proponent is that they are the only shop in our area where 90% of their employees are bonafide spearos, instructors of some level, and genuinely knowledgeable (from experience) about rigging and maintaining spear gear. They definitely have the largest freedive spearo gear of any shop in the area (by far). They've also been huge contributors and leaders in spearo events, comps, and community (like pre-covid friendly friday freedives - where people of any experience level can come meet people and learn some technique from a freedive instructor or their recent, free-to-Tritons, "safe dive buddy" classes (zoom and pool work). These are some of the main reasons why they're set apart from other shops in the area (in my opinion).
As for the club's association with Bamboo, @Alex Reynaud will be sharing more info in detail about the reason for the transition (it is a good reason and one that all club members should understand). I hope you stay tuned and know that there is more going on that meets the eye. I was just diving with Bob Pennal not to long ago when he told me something similar about why the MBTs were formed. The good news is, meet ups, freedive education, dive trips, cooking classes, and much more will be resuming here shortly. COVID-19 threw a big wrench into things as you know. If you have additional feedback, please let us know. In the meantime, I hope you get an opportunity to enjoy the ocean's bounty.
Thank you for taking a moment to express your thoughts and frustrations. I know that Isacc said he would be open to catching up and hopefully you both connected. Yes, there are other dive shops in the area, however the Tritons home base is Bamboo Reef and that is always a good place to check in to see who else is new to the area or also looking for a good dive buddy.
I remember what it was like coming into the sport and trying to meet people, so I suggest the following: Tell us your name and share your contact info. Tell the group about what you like to do when diving and share some pictures of recent catches. Share your story . . . your favorite fish recipe or even just a funny joke. Take a couple minutes to help the club members get to know you.
As a club, we have been closed since May of 2019 and have only had one "virtual" meeting on "Foraging the Coast Line". In general the entire club interaction has been low and that is just part of what is going on right now.
I hope you don't get discouraged and hopefully we will be able to finally have an in-person meeting in April.
Stay fishy my friend