GUE Conference 2005

GUE Conference 2005

GUE Conference

November 11-13, 2005
Gainesville, Florida

Global Underwater Explorers held their first annual Conference the weekend of November 11, 2005 at the Hilton Conference Center in Gainesville, Florida. The GUE Conference drew over 100 people from locations spanning the globe confirming that GUE is truly an international team. All continents were represented at the conference; attendees hailed from locations as far as Japan, Australia, Egypt and Poland. Attendee discussions could be overheard covering aquatic scientific discoveries, global explorations, team logistics, environmental demands, equipment applications and simply catching-up with friends and peers.

GUE Conference!      
GUE Conference!    Jarrod opens the conference    Our Fabulous Conference
Coordinators: Wendy, Corey & Tina!

Pre-conference activites included a gathering of the GUE Instructors & Training Committee for an annual Standards review. Opening the conference, Jarrod Jablonski, President and Training Director, spoke of GUE’s past and present accomplishments as well as the organization’s future aspirations. Jarrod’s presentation was followed by Gene Hobbs, discussing the efficacy of Doppler testing. Concluding the evening were EKPP members Michael Waldenbrenner and Dr. Reinhard Buchaly; they provided gave an in-depth recap of their projects at Doux de coly.

     
Lunchtime    Erik Baker    Todd chats with Cameron,
Michael & Reinhard

Saturday was a meeting of the minds with presentations by the renowned Australian decompression researcher David Doolette. The itinerary for the day also included presentations by Vice-President of DAN (Diver’s Alert Network), Dick Vann and a discussion of emerging water resource issues by and GUE’s Science Director, Dr. Todd Kincaid. After lunch GUE’s Fitness Director, Cameron Martz, talked about the benefits of fitness for decompression followed by Erik Baker’s presentation on decompression models and theory. Conference goers were also treated to various project updates from Todd Leonard on the cave exploration efforts at Cathedral Springs, Richard Lundgren on the projects in Scandinavia, and a dynamic presentation on the WKPP past and present from George Irvine, Casey McKinlay, and Jarrod Jablonski.

     
Jarrod Jablonski introduces
Todd Leonard
   Dick Vann of DAN    Cameron Martz talks fitness

Sunday provided conference participants a choice of activities. Cameron, accompanied by Dawn Kernagis, did an exercise review at the Gainesville Health and Fitness Center for attendee’s seeking some fitness tips. Dr. Kincaid led a fascinating field trip highlighting the natural water resources in Alachua County while Gene offered Doppler testing after an early morning dive for those interested in their personal post-dive bubbling! After a fun filled morning attendees met back at Extreme Exposure for a tasty BBQ providing a great chance to socialize and relax before heading back to the Hilton for the afternoon presentations.

     
Dawn & Frederik    Tina, Sonya & Christophe    George & Jarrod chat with an attendee

Leading the wrap up of the conference was a Gavin Scooter workshop by George Irvine, and an informative drysuit seminar by DUI engineer, Bob Stinton. Jarrod Jablonski led a decompression workshop joined by Erik Baker, David Doolette, George Irvine, Reinhard Buchaly and Michael Waldbrenner. A wide array of deco topics were discussed by this talented panel of experts.

     
Todd, George, Jarrod & Casey    Bob Stinton of DUI    The Deco Panel!

     
GUE Attendees!    Scooter workshop w/ George    Handing out door prizes

We’d like to extend our thanks and appreciation to all our presenters and attendees for their dedication and support of GUE. We look forward to seeing everyone at our 2006 conference, tentatively scheduled for November 3-5, 2006 in Gainesville, Florida.

Get ready for the GUE 2006 conference and check the website for updates coming soon!

     
Jarrod, Bob, Richard
& Todd pose for us!
   Silent Auction Goodies    Anthony hard at work