10th Birthday Party

As every year, April 20th saw the return of "The Birthday Party" (4/20).  This year, as always, was a huge success.  It was especially special as it was the 10th anniversary...one whole decade of Coconut Tree Divers.

Our boats have been quite full  with many divers and courses for the last two weeks.  With all the visitors being enthusiastic divers, we had both boats going out most mornings, and some afternoons as well.  After the party we hit a spell of bad weather, which forced us to the South Side for a few days (a rarity in April), but we are now back on our usual schedule - two boats again this afternoon!

We would like to thank everyone who came to the party and made it the occasion that it was, especially to those of you that came from various far-flung corners of the world.  The combination of a bright sunny day, calm seas, a mountain of floaty toys, 20 gallons of punch, 700 cans of beer, 70 pounds of shrimp, steak and chicken cooking all afternoon, two pinatas, beer frisbee really made for quite some party!

Particular thanks to Ron and Alex from Baltimore for bringing the CTD 10th Anniversary custom t-shirts and sunglasses, Daniel and Gina from Chicago for the wristbands, Keith Woods and Gay for preparing all the delicious food (steak and shrimp!), Lou and Tina for setting up the sound system, and Marco and the beer kitty for the addition of the birthday banner.  Last and most of all, thank you from all of us to PJ, Gay (and Mr Vincent Bush of the Coconut Tree complex) for making all this possible.

For those of you that were not able to make it (this year) - here are some highlights!

Time Flies When You're Having Rum

4/20 Merchandise on display!

Can you find your floaty?

Happy Birthday

The people who made it all happen

How many times can YOU count to 10?

Sunset

We're Back!

After a hiatus on the blog (vacation!)…The Coconut Tree Telegraph is back up and running.

Rainy season has been fairly kind to us this year, with a steady stream of divers and students in the shop.  Weather disruptions have come and gone, and we have now moved into "Semana Santa Weather" (read: hot, no wind).''

Over the last few years we have had a number of improvements and expansions to the dive shop.  Some of you will already be familiar with some of these, others have been quite recent.

In 2009, we expanded the deck, and moved the equipment rinse tanks and outside storage area.  The compressor also came out of the back room (Tree's office), and moved into its own shed, which has space available for a second compressor.  The tanks and the fill station are next to the compressor shed, in their own little cage.

We have recently acquired some new Cressi BCDs to add to our equipment selection.  There is a comprehensive review of those BCDs and other equipment we use at Dive Gear Review.  If you're looking to buy some equipment, definitely watch that space for more reviews to come.

Some time ago, we replaced the white "beer cooler" with a proper Salva Vida sponsored refrigerator.  We're still keeping them cold for you…

In that same area, we also added a flatscreen TV, where we're displaying photo slideshows, video clips and feedback videos from training courses (check out Monty's helmet cam when you see him!)  We also bought a Canon Powershot camera and housing, which is available for rent for USD20 per dive or USD35 for the day.  Whether you have your own camera or if you rent one of ours, consider taking the Digital Underwater Photography Specialty to get the most out of your vacation photos!

And on a closing note, as it is April after all….

T-11 days (and counting) until the corporate event of the year, the Coconut Tree 10th Anniversary Extravaganza (4/20).

Half Moon Bay Weather report:  feelin' hot hot hot, light breeze, clear skies

Recent Sightings:

Spotted Eagle Ray @ Lighthouse

Spotted Sea Hare @ Half Moon Bay (confined water)

Seahorse @ Blue Channel