Sources Q2-17

In the early 1950s, civilian scuba was just barely getting started. The first handful of Aqua-Lungs were imported into the United States in 1948 to Rene’s Sporting Goods in Southern California. Rene Bussoz received either six or 10 — accounts differ — from his friend Jacques Cousteau, and both were convinced he had filled the possible market. Everybody who ventured under the sea was a breath-hold diver. Skin Diver magazine began its 50-year publishing career with a 16-page issue in December 1951. Its cover picture was of a macho diver in swimming trunks — there were no wetsuits then, and even in summer, Southern California waters are cold — holding a pole spear in one hand and a huge fish over his shoulder in the other. Not only was every…

What is a “diver”? In 1960, when the National Association of Underwater Instructors was founded, the answer probably seemed straightforward. By comparison, today’s divers are a much more diverse group. Everything has changed. Equipment and practices are ever-changing, technical diving has grown, interest in scientific diving has expanded beyond the university, new specialties are emerging, and in this issue of Sources , we focus on the evolution of freediving. Evolution and adaptation define future trends and leaders. Just as some of NAUI’s early pioneers were the experts of their day, NAUI leaders today continue to define the future of diving. NAUI Instructors have been teaching snorkeling and freediving since 1960. In 2016, NAUI and Performance Freediving International (PFI) joined forces to promote “dive safety through education” by bringing together the…

Exciting things are happening at NAUI, and the industry is taking notice. There is an invigorating optimism within our association. I sense it when I speak with members and when I interact with the Headquarters staff and leadership and NAUI’s international partners. For NAUI members and affiliates, there is a lot to be optimistic about. The resurgence of NAUI is remarkable. Over the past few years, NAUI has taken major steps to strengthen and grow our association. To help NAUI members and affiliates be successful, significant resources have been committed to brand and market NAUI. Here are some things you should already know as a NAUI member: NAUI has substantially increased its presence at trade shows and dive events worldwide. We increased print, digital and social media marketing, updated the…

NAUI has a rich tradition of being where leaders dive and receive their advanced training. In supporting Ya-yu Monica Hew, Yasmeen Smalley-Norman and Kara Wall as they become NAUI leaders, NAUI proudly continues this tradition. The Leadership Training Grants awarded by the Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF) have been well received and are highly competitive. In fact, the number of qualified and exceptional applicants this year led the NAUI Board of Directors (BOD) to provide the WDHOF scholarship committee with additional funding — enough to provide two full grants and co-sponsor a third alongside WDHOF. Regarding the grants, NAUI board member Lonnie Sharp (NAUI 18314) said: “After careful and extensive consideration, two applicants were found to be equally qualified, so the NAUI BOD made a decision to double the…

A new diving era begins in Argentina. NAUI has designated an official representative to serve the regional market in a more direct way. In September 2016, Daniel Millikovsky (NAUI 30750L) was appointed as our representative in Argentina to act as a liaison to the offices of NAUI Worldwide in Tampa, provide support for translation of materials into Spanish, and supply information and assistance to leaders and instructors with regard to NAUI events and changes in our standards. He will also provide workshops for requalification and/or NAUI Member Updates, as well as various courses to train the best diving professionals in the industry in both recreational and technical diving. This new position opens more doors through which the local market can address issues that may arise from geographical, linguistic and cultural…

STANLEY SHELEY, NAUI 180 1917-2000 Growing up in San Jose, California, Stan Sheley began “diving” in 1936 with a high school shop project — a handcrafted diving helmet made from a hot-water tank with air supplied through a garden hose and a tire pump. In 1942, Stan enlisted in the Army Air Corps and received a commission. As a pilot with the 416th Bombardment Group in Europe, he flew more than 30 combat missions in the Douglas A-20 Havoc and Douglas A-26 Invader. During the Korean War, he was recalled from the reserves to active duty as a test pilot. Upon leaving the service in 1953, Stan returned to San Jose. In 1956, he purchased a 2,000 psi compressor and began supplying breathing air. He started repairing regulators and valves…