Just a thought. A new Sanddog?

[swimjim]

I joined the VDH community in 2006. Back then Bryan had a yearly get together called Sanddog. We would meet in the Florida and dive the springs together. It was a real good time. Here is a video I did about Sanddog 10. It kind of gives you the flavor of the event. https://vimeo.com/591282469?share=copy Now, I have been working through some health issues and I am entering semi retirement, so I probably won't be able to attend. However, in the interest of keeping vintage diving alive I thought I would take the opportunity to instigate the youngen's in an effort to bring this event back. It is normally held in late March, early April in the Florida Springs. It's a great venue to meet fellow vintage divers and an opportunity to test equipment that you have worked on in the winter months. There is of course an informal swap meet involved.
I am hoping that a local Floridian would take up the torch and find a decent motel where we could all stay for the meet up. Someone who also knows the local restaurants that could handle say twenty five of so divers. As a side note... Ron has been working at keeping this forum alive. An event like this may breath some fresh air into it. That would be a good thing! How about it? What do you guys think?

Swimjim+

[ScubaLawyer]

I, for one, think that is a great idea. I don't mind making the hop from California to the Florida springs. Since it is highly doubtful there will be a Sea Hunt Forever Show at Silver Springs in the foreseeable future (and believe me when I say I have been working on it with some diligence), a SandDog event sounds awesome!

My 2-psi.

M

[BigMike]

Great idea Jim! I will attend if the dates work with my schedule. I hope it gains some traction. Mike

[simonbeans]

After the Heritage Event in OH, one of the main characters in the Vintage diving world and I have started a communication about a “SAND DOG-type” event in FL in March or April 2025. Under consideration are the springs and rivers in the Ocala area. At this time, we would like to know the interest level and possible activities you might desire. I have been involved in organizing a few SDs and SHs. Also I have a home in Ocala. But before we put time and effort into an event, we would like input.
Specifically, dates preferred, duration, logistical and financial considerations, etc.

Please use this VDH FORUM and post your thoughts on this thread.
Allan

[Robohips77]

OK, so I know I’m in I’ll be glad to help with logistics also dive sites dates and times and we can plan for anywhere from 25 to 30 possibly set up a hospitality room wherever we go for the evenings so we can get together and share stories lies, and photos . Van Frankoooo

[ScubaLawyer]

It would be nice to figure out a way to promote such a vintage dive event across social media with enough lead time to hopefully get some "new blood" attending so it is more than just a reunion of us old farts. My 2 psi. M

[Robohips77]

Once we hear from 10-20 individuals I’ll begin to help put together hotels costs etc. looking for some time in April.

[ScubaLawyer]

I'll post a "call for interest" on a few social media sites. No specific dates or location yet other than maybe April in the Florida Springs. We need to see what interest there is. Of course, it could be a If You Build it, They Will Come kinda thing. I'll link to this thread for folks who want to respond.

[Herman]

I'm in and I suspect Dave and Henry would be interested. I know a young diver who is getting interested in vintage gear who I suspect would be interested as well.

[swimjim]

This event looks like it's gaining steam. I have been talking to my Aunt and Uncle who have connections in the Gainesville area and I may have a shot at attending the event if it comes to pass. So count me in!

[ScubaLawyer]

I suppose we should identify a location that has the infrastructure we need, hotels nearby, good diving, vintage friendly, etc..... Suggestions?

[ScubaLawyer]

FYI - I put out an inquiry on ScubaBoard as to interest in a vintage dive event at a Florida Springs site for next April and received a number of PM's asking me to keep them informed should anything develop.

[simonbeans]

Anybody else interested? I am headed to FL at the end of September. Be there for a month or so before heading back down for winter. If you have any interest in an event in April of '25, please speak up. Setting up these events is time consuming. So please let us know if it is worth our effort.
Allan

[Robohips77]

Allan and Mark, I’ve got solid commitments from no less than ten so far. As swim Jim said it will build steam, Allan, I’m compiling a list of dive sites, dates, costs, etc to look at when you are down there, I’ll call you early this week to discuss.

[ScubaLawyer]

This might actually happen!

M