I watched the Video...you guys did a great job of putting it together...I also read some about Silver Springs and I can see where you guys would have to limit the participants. In fact, I watched the video during Thanksgiving and that is what re-kindled my interest in what is now called "Vintage Scuba" lol!
The first regulator that I ever owned, and the one that I learned to dive with back in the 60's was a U.S. Divers Mistral. I started my collection about a month ago and am up to 11 (some working, some not) double hose regulators. I plan on re-building all of them. I have looked for and inquired about vintage scuba groups here in Texas and have not had any luck in finding one. I know a bunch of divers that I have discussed such an organization with and we plan on starting a vintage scuba group here in Texas in the very near future. I may need to pick your brain.
Thanks for responding Re: Sea Hunt Remembered group.
Keeter
Hi Mark,
Sea Hunt Forever is a group of divers from 16 states and Canada. By necessity, since we are diving Silver Springs, FL (where diving is forbidden) via permits issued by the State of Florida as "Historical Reenactors" the vetting process for participants is extensive and lengthy. Past participants get first dibs and we are limited by permit to about 25 divers total, each doing about four 30 minute shifts over 8 hours over two days.
For new cast members it usually takes a recommendation from one of the current divers who personally knows an applicant and can vouch for their character and vintage diving ability. At that point there needs to be proof that the proposed diver has all the correct equipment. Not just Sea Hunt time period correct, but actual regulators, fins, weightbelts, harnesses, etc... of the brand and model that appeared in an episode of the show. If they can't point to a scene where their regulator was used, that regulator is not permitted. The men and women divers who participate are some of the very best vintage divers on the planet.
I was honored to have been appointed the Chairman of the 2019 show. I could not have done it without a highly dedicated team. After eight months advance prep work, all went smoothly and everybody had a great time. Using actual scripts from the show, we entertained something like 6500 visitors on glass bottom boats over two days last March in conjunction with Florida's SpringsFest. Hope to do more shows in the future!