This year, the Long Beach Convention Center is hosting the 30th annual Scuba Show. It’s the largest consumer dive event in the U.S. and it’s only days away. Whether you are an experienced diver, an amateur enthusiast or just someone who is a little curious about what diving is all about, you won’t want to miss this event. But in case you aren’t convinced, here are five great reasons to grab some tickets for this weekend’s activities.
#1 You’ll make some amazing friends.
Let’s be honest, divers are a pretty cool bunch of people who love to seek adventure and immerse themselves in nature. When you visit the scuba show you’ll meet a ton of them and if you’ve logged even a few dives, then you are sure to strike up more than a few friendships. You might even find a new dive buddy as you meet and chat with dive charter operators, discover local dive clubs and learn of new diver-friendly vacation rentals. There’s even a party Saturday night at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach for the Scuba Show attendees with free appetizers, entertainment and a raffle. Everything about the show makes it a great place to meet and enjoy the company of like-minded people.
#2 Three words: giant kelp walls.
The Scuba Show features the photographic art of Jim Hellemn, underwater photographer and digital imaging specialist. Jim creates giant imagery using specialized lighting to capture and recreate some stunning underwater landscape images. One of his projects is a California giant kelp forest, reproduced to life size on a 125 foot glass wall at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.
#3 You’ll learn a ton.
The Scuba Show also features a plethora of seminars and workshops on a variety of topics with everything from environmental marine education to scuba training. Some of the biggest names in ocean conservation, marine science, underwater photography and scuba training will be there, ready to teach you.
#4 You can plan the dive trip of your dreams.
Been dreaming of a tropical dive trip? Now is your chance to plan one! Almost every major diving destination has people at the show, ready to tell you all about the resorts and dive centers you want to visit most. These reps can give you the inside story on the best way to plan your next faraway dive trip. You might even get to reserve your trip at a show-only discount price.
#5 Did we mention there are prizes?
In 2016, over $40,000 in prizes were given away and even more prizes are planned for this year. Valuable prizes like dive gear and dive trips will be awarded throughout the duration of the show, so be there for your chance to win.
If you are a diver, or thinking about learning to dive as a hobby, make sure you are present at the 30th annual Scuba Show. With all the workshops, seminars, hands-on activities, products and art that are planned for the event, you are sure to have an amazing time.