We're baaaaack! The Dive Club (name to be determined) is starting up again and it's going to be a hoot. We're going to start off slow and easy and most important, free. Our first unofficial meeting will be at the Sea Lodge in La Jolla Shores (overlooking La Jolla's Underwater Park) in conjunction with OEX's planned happy hour this Wednesday, Nov. 15. There's more details and info about the 15th in this newsletter.

The club will be headed by two hardworking and goodtime pals Tom and Karma. Their plan for the club is to maximize the fun of diving and to share experiences that only the ocean can provide. In the future, we will offer kayak diving, boat diving, even trips to other areas. Plan on many good deals and discounts available to those involved in the club. We invite all divers of all abilities and interests to inquire and participate because the club's all about the people involved. Many of you already know Tom & Karma and if anybody is interested in helping out or just getting involved in any way, don't hesitate to step forward - e-mail Tom or Karma.

Thanks, we look forward to seeing you on the 15th!

1. How did you get started in kayaking and what was it that attracted you the most?
When I was a child with my father in lakes and rivers all over the US. My favorite part was the quality time that I got to spend with my friends and family outdoors.

2. What are some of the different activities you enjoy while kayaking?
I often take my scuba gear along and go for a short dive but I at least always have my mask and snorkel so I hop off the boat for a quick look around. I also enjoy surfing the kayaks. Both the 4.4 and the 3.4 malibu kayaks are great for that.

3.How often are you out in the water kayaking?
I try to get out in the water everyday. I’ve been leading a lot of tours lately but I still try to get out on my own every once in a while.

4. A common question among beginner’s is “when is the best time to go kayaking?” How would you answer that?
It depends on what you are doing with the kayak. So people think big waves mean no kayaking but when the waves get big I take out a surf kayak. When they are small I’ll head over to where the leopard sharks hang out or I’ll watch the seals fool around from a safe distance. Personally, I feel like the earlier I get out in the water the better. The morning glass in always nice.

5.What kind of a paddle would you recommend for use in La Jolla?
Werner is the name of the game. Any one of their paddles is great. They are well balanced and provide very little wind resistance through their ergonomic designs.

6. What kind of marine life are you consistently seeing in La Jolla right now?
We are always seeing the Garibaldi and Leopard sharks. The seals are in full force right now. I’ve seen a few lobster lately and some little neon fish that I can’t remember the name of right now.

7. What do you wear when you are kayaking?
If it’s warm outside just a pair of boardshorts and a bunch of sunscreen. If it’s cold sometimes I’ll wear a windbreaker and if I’m surfing I’ll throw on an Xcel wetsuit.

8. What do you do before you go kayaking to get ready?
I’ll usually do thirty minutes of power yoga, I’ll drink something like a Naked juice and I’ll eat a Chiquita banana (he’s sponsored).

9. Tell me about your best kayaking experience of 2006.
I took these tow English girls out and they were super hot and they were wearing these little tiny bikinis. The visibility was unbelievable and we saw everything. After, they took me out for drinks and we had a blast but I have a girlfriend so I can’t tell you the rest of the story, bummer.

10. Tell me something weird about your boss John.
Duuuuuuude! He’s like the sickest bass player I know. But that’s just because he’s super old and has fiery orange hair.

Whale Watching tours are on the horizon! More information on these family friendly tours will be announced in next month's newsletter.

A bottlenose dolphin was captured off the coast of western Japan last month that has an extra set of fins that Japanese research believe could be the remains of hind legs. The second set of fins are about the size of human hands and protrude near the tail on the dolphin's underside. The dolphin measures 9 feet and is about five years old, according to the museum.

Fossils remains show dolphins and whales were four- footed land animals about 50 million years ago and share the same common ancestor as hippos and deer. Scientists believe they later transitioned to an aquatic lifestyle and their hind limbs disappeared. Whale and dolphin fetuses also show signs of hind protrusions but these generally disappear before birth.

Though odd-shaped protrusions have been found near the tails of dolphins and whales captured in the past, researchers say this was the first time one had been found with well-developed, symmetrical fins.

October Results: And the winner is...our own Lee Davis earned an A+ for this shot for his perfect exposure, angles & lighting. Lee took this shot at Casino Point off Catalina Island in 20' using his Sealife 310 camera with a 24mm fisheye, and one SL90D strobe.

Everyone's a winner! Everyone who submits a photo for the contest in November will receive a free air fill card!
November's prize for best photo: Winner will receive a Museum Quality Poster Size Print of the winning photo provided by KB Wideformat.

Jim Metzger, our own underwater photo expert and specialty class instructor judges entries based on beauty, uniqueness of species, lighting, and any other criterion he sees fit.

E-mail your entries in jpeg format to Jim with the following information: your name, where photo was taken, equipment used, depth, species, and any special details about the picture.

Winner will be chosen from all entries received by November 30th.

All entries must be sent by the photographer who took the picture, all divers in the picture must have given permission to use their photograph in the contest.By entering your photo in this contest, you affirm that you hold all copyrights to the image and are giving OEX the rights to use your image on our website and in future newsletters.

West Coast Sea Nettle Jellyfish lack brains, eyes, ears, gills, and heart. Totally transparent, they are 97 percent water. Simple sensors around the bell rim let jellyfish know whether they are heading up or down, into the light or away from it. Using jet propulsion, jellies can swim up and down in search of their zooplankton food. Jellies have been on the earth for over 650 million years. They were here before dinosaurs and sharks!

Last month, we let you know about the black right whale which has a brain that weighs 8.8 pounds and testicles that weigh 2,200 pounds. We offered a free airfill card for the best punch line. Congrats to Karen Jefferson who was the winner with our favorite "And you don't even want to know about the sperm whale."