The purpose of this chapter is to identify the main and interesting characters that make up Jay’s dive buddies. Only the more colourful or those buddies who appear consistently are included.

Cathy (aka; She who must be obeyed)

Cathy took up diving a few years ago initially it appeared diving was going to become much like some of the other sports and or recreational activities we have done together such as golf or skiing. These activities were similar to teaching your wife how to drive during that sensitive period the female of the species has once a month – Not Recommended! It is believed that many females go through this stage an over-enthusiastic husband attempts a few dives with his apprehensive wife after she has recently taken the course and thus she dives no more. Our first dives together followed a similar pattern. "You swim too fast, you don’t stay close enough, carry my kit, help me put this on, help me put that on" these are but a few of the many initial phrases. Fortunately I was able to get her past the first few post basic course dives principally by sending her with a mixture of other dive buddies. She quickly gained confidence and became an avid diver. She progressed rapidly setting a goal of 20 dives in her first year. She has since taken her advanced course, Ice diving and many other specialties.

Bryn (the kid, aka; whineasaurous)

Bryn my son who I am very proud of started diving shortly after turning twelve. He became the youngest person to dive the Chaudiere. Bryn initially had to have greater than average assistance in getting ready principally because he did not have the muscular strength at the age of twelve. He was however, capable of doing all his skills and is a natural in the water. I enjoy diving with Bryn and those who have dove with him echo these words. Bryn is an excellent buddy in the water he stays close but not too close and beside where he can easily be seen. After the dive he likes to talk and share the experience with you. He also gets great airtime so you never have to worry about coming up early.

Gerry (Mentor)

Actually his nickname should be ‘Bent’. Gerry Symington has been bent due to decompression sickness, been in the chamber, and he has been bent from post diving nutrients (too much Appletons but many of us have also suffered from this along with him). Gerry is our Master instructor for whom we keep employed at least part time. Gerry actually works for Telus the Phone Company. Gerry does not look like a recreation instructor for he is a bit round and looks more like the first sentence of this paragraph. Gerry is however, very knowledgeable and a great dive instructor. He relates extremely well to the students. Gerry is basically a good friend.

My Good Friend Dave

I like Dave Faas, he is my best friend although I am not entirely sure why. Maybe its because he had a nap on my bathroom floor, although I cannot see how this has anything to do with friendship. He was a little tired and it had a lot to do with my home made wine. I can relate very well with Dave, my wine does the same to me. Seriously I enjoy his company and among other things he is a great dive buddy. He is the type of guy that will do anything for you. Although Dave’s business and me being in the military generally kept us from seeing each other more often, the thing I miss the most about leaving Wainwright was good friends like Dave, Robert and their families.

Connie (competitor)

Connie Faas, Dave’s wife is the type of person you want to call up and play street hockey with. Connie is very competitive and I would never have had nearly as good a work out in Masters swimming if it were not for Connie. I have wondered at times if Connie gives Dave the same lecture as Cathy gives me after Dave and I have been out and about. Perhaps I will ask Dave sometime. Connie is also very conscientious, thoughtful and along with Dave is raising some great kids.

Robert

Like Dave, Robert Carey is a great friend. Robert is a person one must admire for he and Pat have successfully raised three daughters without suffering from some stress-related illness. Robert became instrumental in assisting me when I was president of the Wainwright SCUBA Club. I had the fortune of introducing Robert to diving and had the misfortune of being his dive buddy shortly after but those stories will surface later in the book.

Pat (observant)

Pat Carey is the only person I have ever met who could spot a golf ball at twenty paces through a cloudy lake while flopping around on dive three of her Open Water Course. Pat has undoubtedly honed this skill while attempting to tell her daughters laundry apart. Pat, who is also very conscientious and thoughtful, has along with Robert raised three great daughters.

Fred (Mr Gadget)

Fred a recently retired maintenance officer loves his toys. Unlike Robert who has a collection of snowmobiles, Fred likes the smaller gadgets. One thing I like to ask Fred is what he is carrying on him. I asked him once at the airport when we were heading for a conference. I could not imagine that suit pockets could hold that much and not look like its showing. It gave me a new appreciation for secret agents. Fred was a little older than the rest of us and was well respected by new students and admired for taking up the sport. While I was club president Fred was invaluable as our maintenance man who we all liked and respected.

Paul (loud)

Paul was my Vice President and friend. Paul tended to be keen and enthusiastic. Sometimes overly keen and enthusiastic which would upset some of the membership. Paul’s aggressive attitude was instrumental in increasing the level of training among the experienced members and in organizing club trips. Paul has since retired from the military and he has moved away from Alberta. I have had little contact with him since leaving Wainwright.

Others

There are many others who have not been mentioned here but will be throughout the book. I must also mention Brett Winkelmans and Mark Faas who were still too young to dive at the time of writing but have faithfully been at many dives and wish they could have joined us. I look forward to diving with them in a few years.