NAUI Leaders Celebrate Vintage Dive Weekend with the History of Diving Museum!
Dive into the Past
Vintage Dive Weekend provided divers of all walks of life, the chance to step back in time and rediscover why the world fell in love with diving. Participants suited up in classic gear, including vintage regulators, harnesses, and tanks, carefully fitted by NAUI Team Members.
Each diver is than properly weighted for the vintage dive gear configuration. This step is the key to diving this configuration, especially with the lack of a BCD. Once all divers are ready, they receive a quick dive brief and descend for their underwater tour.
Once underwater, divers navigate their way to a platform where they could fine-tune their buoyancy, adjusting to the unique feel of historical dive equipment. They can also practice various clearing methods under the supervision of volunteer NAUI Leaders, equipped with modern gear to ensure safety at all times.
From there, they follow the sea wall to a lattice walkway leading to the renowned Jules Underwater Habitat. As they swam around the habitat, they had the opportunity to peek through its windows and explore the coral formations and marine life that have made the structure their home.
As the experience ends, divers gather for a commemorative photo in front of the History of Diving Museum’s banner, capturing the essence of a weekend dedicated to honoring the past while celebrating the present.
Hands-On History
In addition to diving double-hose regulators, attendees had the opportunity to witness and interact with historical diving helmets, including the Mark V deep-sea diving helmet and the Miller-Dunn Helmet. These classic pieces of diving history showcase the evolution of underwater exploration technology, allowing divers to appreciate the craftsmanship and ingenuity that defined early diving operations.
A Gathering of Diving Enthusiasts
Vintage Dive Weekend drew a diverse group of diving enthusiasts from various backgrounds, all eager to step back in time and experience the roots of modern scuba diving. Some even returned to experience it again! Among the attendees were alumni from a local high school who had returned home from college to reconnect with their passion for the ocean. The event also welcomed members of Scuba Radio, a popular diving-focused media outlet, who enthusiastically participated and shared their experiences with their audience.
Honoring the Passion Behind the Event: Lisa Mongelia
A driving force behind the success of Vintage Dive Weekend is Lisa Mongelia, the Executive Director of the History of Diving Museum. Lisa’s dedication to preserving diving history goes beyond organizing the event, as she also ensures that the NAUI Team is well taken care, providing lodging and lunch throughout the weekend. Her passion for diving history is evident as she actively participates in the event, even suiting up in vintage gear to experience the thrill firsthand. Her commitment and enthusiasm continue to make the History of Diving Museum a hub for divers and enthusiasts alike.
Want To Take a Dive into History?
For those who missed this year’s event, the History of Diving Museum in Key Largo remains a must-visit destination, offering a glimpse into the equipment, pioneers, and innovations that have shaped the world of diving. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new diver, the museum serves as a bridge between the past and present, ensuring that the legacy of diving continues for generations to come.
Follow NAUI and the History of Diving Museum on social media and keep your eyes peeled for information on next year’s event!Â
