As we were driving into the shop this morning I heard on the radio that there was a possibility of flurries today. Yuck! I’m a summer person so where’s the summer weather that is perfect for diving? Now if you ask Dan La Due, let’s go dive in…Now. Maybe we’ll talk when my hair wouldn’t freeze into spikes. Part of the reason I didn’t dive New Years, too afraid of the cold! Another person who didn’t dive at the New Year’s dive was Kim Brungard but that gave me the perfect opportunity to interview her for today’s blog post on, Meet the Extreme Sports Scuba Divers.
How did you get started diving?
Oh **** are you serious? Followed by lots of giggles. I actually wanted to dive for about the last 20 years and I just never pursued it. I was waiting for the right time I guess. I moved down here 8 years ago. 6 years ago I had started looking into Scuba Diving looking into one of the local dive shops and was discouraged. I met Dan LaDue while I was at work. I was talking to some guys at work about wanting to scuba dive and they asked if I knew Dan. I said yes and they mentioned that Dan was a Scuba Diver. So I called Dan and talked to him about Scuba Diving and he invited me to a dive club meeting. I showed up at a Dive club meeting not knowing anyone except Dan and the rest was history.
How long have you been diving?
6 years
How many dives do you make in a typical year?
Somewhere around 75.
What other hobbies do you have?
Camping, Kayaking, Hiking, Geocaching, Canoeing and watching survivor.
Where is your favorite place to dive?
Anywhere warm and clear… so far the Caribbean.
What is your most comical dive experience?
I was diving with Tony West when he inadvertently wiped hotdog juice all over the front of his wet suit and then was immediately and constantly pursued by 2 catfish. They were literally all over him. I was laughing so hard I was about to cry and I’m pretty sure you could hear me underwater.
What is your occupation?
Senior Engineering Technician for a battery company.
Words of wisdom/tips or tricks for fellow divers?
Don’t wipe hotdog juice on the front of your wet suit, Period.