First Florida Scuba Olympics a breathtaking event for divers (event)

LARGO – After finishing the 100 meter dive buddy tow in the first Florida Scuba Olympics, Kim Nelson and Robert Hof were out of oxygen – in their lungs, not tanks.

Same could probably be said for many other participants in the event in the Olympic pool at Southwest Pool Complex Feb. 7.

Nelson of Dunedin and Hof of Tampa, who took second place in their heat, were on Ocean Sports’ team, which is called the Clearwater Hogs.

Though they were both exhausted after the buddy tow, Nelson said it was worth it.

Asked if she did any conditioning for the event, she said, “obviously not.” Diving usually doesn’t involve such vigorous swimming, she said.

Proceeds from the event will support a new Special Olympic Swim team program at Southwest Pool this summer.

“It’s a gas,” Hof said. “It’s for a great cause.”

Both Largo Aquatics Manager Mark N. Abdo and Bill Hardman, vice president of the Professional Association of Dive Operators, expect the event to be held annually.

“I like it,” Abdo said. “It’s different and unique for the area. It’s to promote the sport of scuba.”

Noting that the event attracted 14 dive shops and seven teams, Abdo said “it’s only going to grow.”

“I think it’s fantastic,” said Joann Sawyer, coach of the Clearwater Hogs. “I think it’s great that all the dive shops are working together.”

The events included a parade, the 100 meter dive buddy tow, balloon lift, three-legged buddy race, bicycle event, obstacle course for professionals, awards presentation and prize ceremony. Mayor Pat Gerard gave the opening remarks.

“The enthusiasm is great,” she said. “I love it.”

The teams were Aquaholics, Aquatics Obsessions, St. Petersburg; Bay Pines Barracudas, Jim’s Dive Shop, St. Petersburg; Bubble Brigade, Our Ocean Dreams, Clearwater; Clearwater Hogs, Ocean Sports, Dunedin; Flounders, Scuba West, Hudson; Gulfanatics, Narcosis Scuba, Tarpon Springs; and Tiger Sharks, World of Water, Tampa.

http://www.tbnweekly.com/pubs/largo_leader/content_articles/021109_lle-01.txt