It's that time of the year again when we, as a diving community, all band together for the benefit of our Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. That's right - Chamber Day 2010 is upon us. The date this year is Wednesday, May 5, 2010. Chamber Day is a fund- raiser for our Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber, and is the largest single-day scuba charity event in the United States.

As you may or may not know, the Catalina Chamber is dedicated strictly to the treatment of diving accidents on a 24/7/365 basis. Although we hope you'll never need it, having the Chamber available gives you as a diver a vital safety net in the event something should go wrong with your dive. Although LA County provides some funding through a grant and some income comes to our Chamber from outside activities, Chamber Day provides a significant portion (nearly 50%) of the Chamber's annual budget.

The great thing about this event is that ALL the money raised goes to the Chamber. No administrative fees are deducted from the proceeds, the local SoCal boats donate their time and services, manufacturers donate gear for raffle prizes, the Aquarium of the Pacific donates the facility for the evening event, hundreds of volunteers donate their time, and you (hopefully) donate your money. Last year we raised over $120,000 and we know - especially as the economy continues to sputter along - that that's going to be tough to top this year. (One good note - no price increase. Both Chamber Day and Chamber Evening each have a base price of $90.)

Here's what's happening: The main event is Chamber Day. For your donation of $90, we invite you to a full day of diving (two dives) at Catalina plus a walking tour of the Chamber at the Isthmus. There is an additional charge of $30 for food & air fills, which goes to the boat. All of this gets you the diving and the tour, plus a commemorative T-shirt, and five daytime raffle tickets

For those who can't take a day off but would still like to participate we once again will have the Flying Dutchman. This is a mythical boat but a big part of Chamber Day and it's the perfect option for those who can't physically be present at the event. Those who choose to "dive" the Dutchman get five daytime raffle tickets and a special limited-edition T-shirt (available ONLY to those who sign up for the Dutchman).

There's also the Chamber Challenge, where the diving community is "challenged" to raise extra funds for our Chamber. This is done through specific donations (usually $100, but up to $500, $1000, or more), which then hopefully challenges your friends to match your generosity.

We have plenty of tickets for the daytime raffle (you need not be present to win) whether you're going out on a boat or just want a chance to win some fabulous prizes. Tickets are $1 each with discounts when you buy in bulk. Chamber Evening is the cap to everything and is co-sponsored by the Aquarium of the Pacific. It features full access to the Aquarium, a sit-down dinner in the Great Hall (underneath the life-sized model of a Blue Whale), some awards, a separate raffle, and the presentation of the final check to Karl Huggins, Director of the Chamber. Full information on this great event can be found on the web at www.chamberday.org. We really hope you'll get involved with Chamber Day & Chamber Evening this year.

Famous for its year-around sunshine and European charm, La Jolla is known for some of California's best surfing and diving. Your friends at Ocean Adventures organized a quick getaway to recharge your batteries after the recent soggy Winter weather.

We've booked private surf lessons for those interested, but you are welcome to bring your own board and surf with other more experienced dudes.

For a dive that's easy to access, La Jolla Cove is a can't miss. Just behind the seaside Village, steps lead you right into the Ocean! La Jolla Cove is an ecological preserve, and like Casino Point on Catalina Island, the wildlife seems to know this and the Cove is always teeming with curious marine life. If you have yet to dive this spot, here's your chance!

The trip includes:

• Unlimited Shore Diving Saturday
• Surf Lessons Sunday Morning
• Surf Rental
• Picnic Lunch at the Beach Sunday
• Unlimited Shore Diving Sunday
• One Night at Motel 6 La Jolla
• Unlimited FUN!

The cost for this trip is $149. For more information or to be included on this trip please call Ocean Adventures at 310.578.9391 or e-mail szilvia@ScubaDiveLA.com.

Can't afford a vacation this year? Take a mini cruise aboard an Ocean Adventures charter to one of the many islands off our coast! Your cruise includes a bed, meals, air fills and diving at some of the most beautiful sites in the Pacific. People come from all over the world to dive California's islands and you need only drive to Ventura or Long Beach Harbor! Staycations need not be landlocked, get on a boat and get cruising on your mini dive vacation soon! free refresher course!

Haven't been diving for a while? Receive a FREE Refresher Course worth $100 if you sign up for any of the following boat trips! Catalina Island, Sunday, March 7th or March 28th. Anacapa Island on April 3rd. Call OADC today, 310.578.9391.

We all know how hard the recession has hit everyone lately and buying scuba gear may not be at the top of your list. We at OADC decided that now is the best time to do our part to boost the economy by holding a huge sale on select Scuba Pro & Aqualung dive computers! We are practically giving them away!

Stop by the shop and check out the selection and prices, if you have been looking to purchase your first computer or upgrade from your old one, now is the time to get the best deal ever! We also have sales on select BCDs and regulators as well. Come early to the Dive Club Meeting and check out this sale!