Spartan SCUBA and MAS Re-Launch Event

Dive Into History! 🌊 Spartan SCUBA & MAS Re-Launch Event at Speelyai Bay

Are you ready to turn your next dive into a journey through time? Whether you are a seasoned technical diver, a newly certified open-water enthusiast, or someone who has been out of the water for far too long, it is time to dust off your fins and clear your mask. We are thrilled to announce a landmark collaboration event between Spartan SCUBA & Dive Team and the Maritime Archaeological Society (MAS)!

This isn’t just another day at the lake; it is the official “re-firing” of the MAS diving engine. We are bringing the heat, the history, and the hamburgers to the beautiful Speelyai Bay Park in Ariel, Washington, and we want you to be part of this new chapter.

The Vision: Science Meets SCUBA

For years, MAS has been a cornerstone for preserving our submerged cultural heritage. Now, we are entering the rebuilding era of exploration. We are proud to announce that Dr. Eric “Doc” Strand, the lead instructor for Spartan SCUBA, has officially taken on the mantle of Dive Safety Officer (DSO) for MAS.

Doc’s mission is simple: get divers back in the water, get them trained, and get them excited about the incredible field of Underwater Archaeology. We believe that every diver has the potential to be a citizen scientist. This event is the first step in rebuilding our dive activities and fostering a community of divers who want their bottom time to mean something more.

The Mission Briefing: What to Expect

We’ve planned a day that perfectly balances education, exploration, and community.

• Arrival & Setup (8:00 AM): The Spartan SCUBA team will be on-site early to secure our staging area. Look for the Spartan canopy! We’ll have two griddles ready to go for later, but we recommend you get there early to claim a prime parking spot and gear-up space.
• Archaeology 101 (10:00 AM): We kick things off with a group class on the basics of underwater archaeology. Learn how to “see” a site, identify potential artifacts, and understand the ethics of preservation.
• Dive 1 – The “Fun” Dive (11:00 AM): We hit the water! This is a low-pressure dive to get weighted correctly, check your buoyancy, and simply enjoy the underwater topography of Speelyai Bay.
• Dive 2 – Hands-On Archaeology (Afternoon): For those who want to get their hands (metaphorically) dirty, the second dive is all about the tools of the trade. We will be practicing underwater measurement techniques—a vital skill for any aspiring maritime archaeologist.
• The BBQ & Potluck: Once the tanks are dry, the griddles get hot! We’re hosting a BBQ/Picnic to celebrate the day. It’s a time to swap stories, talk gear, and discuss upcoming MAS projects.

Location & Logistics

• Where: Speelyai Bay Park, Ariel, Washington.
• When: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Arrive early!)
• Cost: There is a $4 entry fee to the park.
• Food: this is a BYOF and BYOB potluck event – please bring something for yourself and something to share!
• Waivers: All divers must sign waivers upon arrival. Safety is our priority!

Why Underwater Archaeology?

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a “Time Traveler with a Tank,” you need to check out Doc’s latest article: The SCUBA Time Machine. In it, he explores how diving allows us to touch history in a way no other hobby can.

Maritime archaeology isn’t just for Ph.D.s; it’s for anyone with a sense of adventure and a respect for the past. Whether we are mapping a 19th-century shipwreck or identifying submerged structures, the thrill of discovery is universal. We are rebuilding the Maritime Archaeologist Society dive team from the ground up, and we need your energy and your eyes underwater.

RSVP Information

We need an accurate headcount for the griddles and the logbooks! Please RSVP with the following:

1. Total number of people in your party.
2. Total number of people who will be diving.

Let’s get the fire going! We are building a community of explorers, and it starts with this splash at Speelyai. Whether you want to become a certified archaeological diver or you just want to hang out with a great group of people and learn something new, we can’t wait to see you there.

Let’s go find some history!