Radar Takes Over the Blog — Part One

If you have ever done Sea TREK, chances are Radar was behind the set up of the entire operation. All of our Sea TREK operators know Radar, because he is our Sea TREK guy! He installs Sea TREK, he trains the training coordinators, he maintains and troubleshoots the systems, he assembles the helmets, and so much more.

Radar earned his nickname at Sub Sea Systems 15 years ago when he became known for his uncanny ability to show up the second someone even thought of calling his name. He had ‘radar’ for those who needed him.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Radar you should know that he is very engaging and clever, with a hard-working sensibility, and a good sense of humor. According to Radar — meeting people, making new friends, and experiencing different cultures — are the highlights of his career. Radar has become a part of the evolution of helmet diving that is Sea TREK.

A Favorite Moment:
Over the years Radar has had many amazing experiences but one of his favorite moments was in Malaysia. It was mid afternoon and Radar and the crew were taking a small break — laying down on the platform from which the site operates. The site trail is in fairly shallow water, but there is deep water adjacent. The warm afternoon silence was broken by the excited voice of a child, “Look! Look! Look!” The child was pointing toward the Sea TREK area.

They all sat up and gasped with awe.

A 40-foot and a 20-foot whale shark were swimming in the Sea TREK area. The whale sharks just came and went, but it was the first time Radar had experienced whale sharks.

Radar told us, “I didn’t know whether to be freaked out or excited!”

They experienced more whale sharks on that visit, but that first time was a favorite moment for Radar.

Culture:

Radar has been to many locations and he loves to learn the customs, cultural norms, and generally make friends with the people he meets. He always eats with the locals, which has led him to try some very different types of food. He has also seen the range of accommodations available around the world. Even with a few horror stories, the travel and social aspect of Radar’s career are his favorite. Stories definitely make it more interesting! From being told not to travel outside at night, and having a lock on the bedroom door of his hotel room (because anyone could just walk in through the front slider) to eating a type of meat said to be goat, that was way too small to be goat chops, Radar has experienced a lot, and he will be adding to these stories as Sea TREK is soon expanding into Korea, and opening a new location in China.

Newest Location:
The most recent location that Radar installed was Dolphin Discovery Grand Cayman. As installations go, Radar said this one went rather smoothly. There are always problems that arise during installation, as each location is unique and has its own set of requirements, but that is what he is there for. Finding the right nuts and bolts, calculating from standard into the metric system, and conquering language barriers to communicate troubleshooting. It is a job where you have to think on your toes, and be ready to problem solve.

Dolphin Discovery Grand Cayman is a Dolphin TREK location. There are only a few locations that offer Dolphin TREK, but more are expected in the near future —including Dolphin TREK at Geoje Sea World, Korea (which will also offer Sea TREK with Beluga Whales!).

Dolphin TREK is one of Radar’s favorite underwater activities.

He shares, “Dolphin TREK is amazing! I have seen thousands of seargant majors, and tons of reef fish — but, Dolphin TREK is something special, it is always awe inspiring; it never gets old.” 

Until Next time:
We would love if you would share your stories about Radar in the comments below or email them to andrea@subseasystems.com

We will be including more Radar anecdotes, and sharing his experiences as he traverses the world making Sea TREK available to the masses. For more information on Sea TREK or Dolphin TREK please visit www.sea-trek.com or www.dolphin-trek.com

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World Oceans Day 2014

June 8th is World Oceans Day! World Oceans Day is officially recognized by the United Nations and celebrated internationally. The day is distinctive and essential, because it unites everyone across the world into having one mind about the ocean and conservancy. The day reminds us how interconnected by the ocean we all are. One world! One ocean! The day is meant to be a celebration in honor of the ocean, but the overall goal of the day is to spread awareness about ocean conservation. Teaching people how to participate in keeping our oceans clean empowers them to make a choice to make changes — big and small — that will affect the health of our oceans.

Our oceans connect us all: they produce most of the oxygen we breathe, provide food for millions of people and sea creatures, regulate our weather, offer a variety of unknown possibilities for science, and provide endless opportunities for inspiration and learning. The best way to learn and teach is by interacting, and discovering connections. Spend World Oceans Day reconnecting with the ocean. Find your passion for sea creatures, the continual pound of the surf, or the variety of birds that live on the shore. Find out about the ocean and use the love and inspiration to make change happen.

There are a lot of people participating! You can find some events to attend in your area, print some happy educational coloring sheets for kids, take a ‘selfie for the sea’ with the caption #WorldOceansDay, promote your own event to raise money and awareness for ocean causes, or check out some other ways to help at worldoceansday.org. We encourage you to get to the beach and celebrate the ocean!

We have created a Pinterest Board for you to check out some other ideas that will help you celebrate. Be sure to repin and share the ideas, and enjoy World Oceans Day! #WorldOceansDay #SeaTREK #OurWorldOceans


Follow Sea TREK® Helmet Diving's board World Oceans Day on Pinterest.

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101 things to do on a FunCat

Memorial Day is over and summer is right around the corner! Planning summer activities is fun, but being inspired by our ideas will make it a lot easier. We have put together a list of 101 things to do on a FunCat electric catamaran. Whether you rent a FunCat and ride solo in relaxed style, or buy 3 FunCats for your whole family to have a race — we have some fun and inventive ideas to add to your summer activity list. If you don’t know about FunCat electric catamarans you can learn more on our website at www.funcats.com, including rental locations and representative contact information.

1. Take a Picnic on the lake. What a peaceful way to have lunch in the sun, while floating in your chaise lounge FunCat electric catamaran.

2. Enjoy the view through your toes as you lean back and cruise around.

3. Play board games on the water — try magnetic checkers.

4. Watch the sunrise with a cup of coffee and a loved one snuggled close.

5. Feed the ducks from a FunCat.

6. Have a FunCat race. On your marks, get set, go!

7. Cannon ball off the side. See who can make the biggest splash!

8. Take your animals out on the water with you! Relax and lounge with your pet friends by your side.

9. Play Frisbee from one FunCat to another!

10. Have a water war! Squirt guns and FunCats go great together!

11. Teach your children how to drive it! Kids love how easy it is!

12. Spin donuts on the water! FunCat can easily turn 360˚!

13. Let your feet splash off the end of the FunCat as you traverse the seas!

14. Find a snorkel location away from shore and snorkel from of your FunCat.

15. Watch the beauty of a sunset over the horizon of the sea.

16. Sip refreshments while playing your favorite songs on portable Bluetooth speakers, and floating in the middle of a lake on a FunCat.

17. Have a secret hide out on the middle of the lake!

18. Read in the gentle sway and soft breeze while laying back on the chase lounge of the FunCat — an over water hammock!

19. Explore the lake or ocean — find special places where no one else roams.

20. Play music on the water! Play your guitar and have a sing along with your loved ones while kicking your feet in the cool water.

21. Take the kids for a ride! Any kids in your life? Take them on a FunCat excursion.

22. Bring your FunCat on vacation with you! FunCats are easily transported, and add that extra special, unique experience to any water destination.

23. Take a selfie on a FunCat! #Selfie #FunCat.

24. Give back to the community and nature with your unique position on a FunCat. Clean trash out of the water.

25.  Catch a tan while floating on the middle of a bay.

26. Meditate! What better place than in the middle of water while leaning back and relaxing!

27. If you live on a water community you could use your FunCat to travel around and join in your neighbor’s BBQs!

28. Ride around in shallow waters to look for pretty shells and don’t worry about the FunCat — it has only a 16” draft.

29. Have a scavenger hunt on the water! Race against your friends and family to find all the items on the list!

30. Turn your FunCat into a float! Decorate it for the 4th of July and parade it around your lake or bay.

31. Play with a beach ball between two or more boats — Don’t let it hit the water!

32. Sight see underneath the surface! See what creatures you can spot. Bass? Tadpoles? Anemones?

33. Sip Lemonade on a hot day under the shade of your FunCat bimini!

34. Find you own private swimming hole — or a secluded spot in the middle of the water that you can call your own!

35. Let your creative side come out! Take really unique photos from the water!

36. Tour a community on the water to see it from the perspective of the water.

37. Fly a kite from the sea!

38. Have a Pirate Day! Everyone get together and talk like pirates, act like pirates, and make the FunCat be your Jolly Roger!

39. Blow bubbles over the water! Try to catch them as you drive around.

40. Sketch from a unique perspective! Draw on the FunCat. Be a Plein water painter.

41. Play cards side by side; make sure you don’t let anyone peek at your hand.

42. Learn to swim from the seat of a FunCat! Bring life jackets and floaties for safety.

43. Get engaged on a FunCat! Pop the question in the middle of a lake!

44. Use your smart phone to watch your favorite shows while cruising the bay.

45. Hug someone in the middle of the lake! FunCat hugs!

46. Have a group party! Park a lot of FunCats on the water and make an island of fun!

47. Go to an on the water bar. Drive up to a marina bar and grab some fish and chips and a cold brew! Check out some good ones here!

48. Throw a party! Music, food, games! Take them all out on a FunCat for the ultimate on the water party.

49. Conquer your fears on a FunCat. Are you afraid of the water? The FunCat provides a very comfortable and easy experience to help conquer your fears.

50. Name your FunCat. Memorialize a loved one, or come up with a quirky name to fit your FunCat’s personality.

51. Go bird watching — private, relaxing viewing.

52. FunCat Karaoke!

53. Find animals in the clouds while floating in the middle of the bay, and reclining on your chaise-lounge boat.

54. Eat popsicles in the hot summer sun while cruising around the water.

55. Create a floating fort. Use sheets and rope and make your FunCat into the best mobile fort ever!

56. Have story time with kids while swaying in the middle of the bay! Read a story about the beach!

57. Have a FunCat car wash complete with a hose fight!

58. Visit as many lakes as you can! Tour each one on your FunCat and list what makes each lake unique.

59. Catch up on some time for yourself. Free and alone on the water.

60. Do yoga on the water.

61. Have a girl day! Do your toes, while you bask in the sun.

62. Knit a baby hat or a tea towel while you float in the peaceful breeze.

63. Go on a first date! Take your date out on the water and enjoy the relaxed and close seating.

64. Get (or give) a massage while cruising around the lake.

65. Decorate your FunCat — personalize it with bumper stickers, flags, windsocks, or pinwheels. Get Creative!

66. Dive for toys! Use diving rings and sticks, and have fun!

67. Go Geocaching!

68. Create a FunCat photo booth complete with props!

69. Have an iced tea party on the water! Make cucumber sandwiches and bring watermelon.

70. Race remote control sailboats in the middle of the lake.

71. Place a Slip ‘n’ Slide on the end of a FunCat, and use it to slide right into the water.

72. Get a floating basketball hoop and play basketball from a FunCat.

73. Have breakfast on a FunCat. Get up early and bring coffee and donuts or make pancakes and bring yourself a plate.

74. Go on a group date. Ride a FunCat per couple, and play follow the leader or FunCat tag!

75. Take grandma and grandpa out on the water for a leisurely treat.

76. Take time to relax and write in your journal, while on the water.

77. Play charades out in the middle of the bay!

78. Have a FunCat joust tournament with pool noodles as javelins.

79. Have a sponge ball fight on the water! All the fun of water balloons without the trash. Here is a tutorial on how to make sponge balls.

80. Play mermaids.

81. Have a diving contest.

82. Do your exercise laps in the middle of the lake.

83. Start a FunCat Club!

84. Create an on the water lemonade stand with delivery service for communities on the water.

85. Do your homework away from noise and distractions.

86. Feed the fish. Bring some stale bread, and see if you can fish watch from your FunCat.

87. Trash the dress — Riding a FunCat what a fun way to trash the dress! Make sure you get photos.

88. Wine Tasting! Set up your own wine tasting with meats, cheeses and a little something sweet. Enjoy the atmosphere while tantalizing your senses.

89. See if you can catch a waterfront concert from the water.

90. Serenade someone from the water like a gondolier.

91. Snuggle on up a FunCat — get your cuddle quota on the bay.

92. Go fishing! Use the FunCat to sneak up on the biggest fish — with the silent motors the fish won’t hear you coming.

93. Have a little peaceful time while taking care of your To Do List — pay the bills, respond to emails, etc.

94. Play sharks and minnows or Marco Polo in the middle of the lake.

95. Dress up and have a photo shoot on the water!

96. Ride around and play Sudoku, or fill in crossword puzzles.

97. Facetime on the water! Share the FunCat experience with live video.

98. Trap crawdads! Use the FunCat to keep an eye on your traps, and then make a Louisiana crawfish boil.

99. Fly a flag from your FunCat — The 4th of July is the perfect day.

100. Spend time to write a letter to a pen pal. Describe your peaceful perspective while cruising the lake.

101. Shoot a movie from a FunCat, share it on social media, facebook, YouTube, etc. Maybe it will go viral!


If you have even MORE creative ideas we’d love you to share them with us. Comment below! And remember: have fun on a FunCat this summer!

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Inspirational Quotes — Part Two

Our inspirational quotes and images have been very popular, so we decided to create a few more. Please enjoy our inspirational — and fun — eye candy, and be sure to check out http://www.sea-trek.com to find Sea TREK locations to visit! Remember to pin our quotes on Pinterest and follow our Inspirational Ocean Quotes Board http://www.pinterest.com/seatrek/inspirational-ocean-quotes/

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Do You Need a Vacation?

Sub Sea Systems has put together a flowchart to see if you need a vacation in your life. Answer some questions and find out if you NEED a vacation.
  If you are interested in finding out more about our fantastic products and programs visit our websites.
www.sea-trek.com | www.dolphin-trek.com | www.funcats.com | www.stingray-bay.com | www.sharksinteractive.com | www.subseasystems.com

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FunCat Electric Catamaran from a Kid's Perspective

This week we would like to share with you the FunCat from a kid’s point of view. We know that kids love FunCats; we’ve seen the smiles on their faces, and the twinkles in their eyes. But we would love to share the comments that have been shared with us from the minds of our child models, family friends, and customer’s children.

FunCat electric catamarans are fantastic, and perfect for kids. They offer the comfort of a wide chaise lounge that allows people to relax side-by-side, while silently cruising the water at 4mph. Because they are electric there is no need for messy gasoline, dirty oil, or even sails. Just plug the FunCat in and charge it! The charge will last 4-6 hours with continuous use as long as you use the recommended marine batteries, and we love the FunCat’s control system because it is so fun and simple to use.

FunCats are very easy. That is what makes them so great for kids of all ages. They are easy to transport, easy to launch, easy to climb onto, easy to drive, easy to maintain — They are just easy!

Jordan age 3 says: “It’s EASY to get on a FunCat… you just walk right on!”

The most popular aspect of a FunCat seems to be the controls. The kids love the fact that they can control the watercraft on their own. It is so simple and fun to learn that they can’t wait to get their hands on those buttons.

“The FunCat is cool, because the controls are so easy to use, and I could use them by myself.” — Tawny age 14

"The best thing was that even I could drive one...I wish my Dad would buy me one!" — Parker age 6

“I rided on it and the buttons made it go forward and backwards! I sat next to my brother James, and he let me drive." — Jordan age 3

FunCats have two motors that control two recessed propellers — one on each pontoon. The controls, which consist of two rocker switches (buttons that can be pushed forward or backward), are on the right armrest (just behind the convenient cup holder). Each button controls one propeller. If you push both forward you’ll go forward; both back you’ll go backwards. The fun part is figuring out how to turn– push the right switch forward, and you’ll turn left; push the left switch forward and you’ll go right. And pushing the two switches in opposite directions will even make the boat spin in a perfect 360!

Playing on the water is always a blast for kids, but the FunCat makes it even more fun! Riding out onto a lake or bay, and splashing the water as you cruise makes happy memories for the whole family!

“I liked swinging my feet in the water! That was so much fun! Can we go again?” — Sawyer age 4

“I liked it because you could explore the water without having to get wet. It would be a great alternative and fun way to get a suntan.”  — Tawny Age 14

FunCats offer a way for families to share their love of water together while exploring rivers, lakes or even the ocean. Whether you are waking up early with your kids and a pile of fishing gear, or cruising a calm lake while your kids drive in the summer sun, it is guaranteed your kids will have a great time — and so will you!

For more information visit www.funcats.com

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How to Plan the Ultimate Vacation

Sub Sea Systems is a leader in manufacturing and developing products and programs in the tourism industry. We have created some of the most amazing experiences and unique products that enhance vacations through memories that last a lifetime. Based on our experience in the industry, we’d like to share with you our guide to planning the most marvelous vacation you’ve ever had.

1. The first step in planning is to choose a destination.

There is no place more peaceful and also exciting than the ocean. Teeming with life and color, the sea is a place to relax on the shore, explore the multitudes of life existing in the tides, or even experience life beneath the surface.

An escape to the sea means tropical breezes, the smell of coconut and the warmth of sunshine.

2. Next you must choose a hotel that accommodates you appropriately. 

Will you be mostly out in the world experiencing the culture and activities as much as you can? Will you spend a lot of time in bed with room service and cocktails while lounging in your PJs? Make sure your room is the one you want, while balancing the cost with your desires. There are some fantastic accommodations such as: the ocean suites at Resort World Sentosa in Singapore where your window looks out into the world’s largest aquarium. The most realistic 3D HD big screen you’ll ever see! Or you could stay at the Atlantis in the Bahamas: you can book an all inclusive vacation with access to aquariums, waterparks, and animal exhibits with as modest or as extravagant accommodations as your heart — and wallet — desire.

3. Once you have your destination and hotel chosen you will want to decide when you will be going. 

Weather, crowding, school and work schedules: all of these things will need to be weighed according to your desires. Do you want the best weather? You may have to deal with crowds and high prices. Do you want the cheapest? You may deal with weather, and have to take more time off. Be sure to choose the options that are the most important to you.

4. Then you will want to plan your activities. 

Looking into the local area attractions can inspire you. Reading up on TripAdvisor and asking around on Facebook will help you decide what things you want to be sure to do on your vacation. We know one thing is certain: you want to find the best restaurants. Not necessarily meaning the fanciest, or the most expensive, but — the most delicious. We have found that hotel employees are very helpful in this area. After all they eat everyday and they are local! Seafood is always fresh when you vacation on the ocean. Make sure to taste some fun cocktails and desserts, too! It is vacation after all!

Activities and excursions that create long-lasting memories are the best for vacation. The week or two in the sun will fly by, but your memories will remain. Planning a Sea TREK experience should be on the top of your list.

This is so simple to do and only requires a ten-minute briefing. It is a shallow water (up to 27ft) helmet dive! Anyone 8 to 93 and up can participate! If you can walk and breathe you can Sea TREK. Over 2.5 million non-divers and even non-swimmers have felt delight as they took their first breath below the surface, and the number continues to climb! You and your family or friends can experience the sea without using precious vacation time to take diving classes. Walk underwater and see the creatures of the sea! In some locations we even offer interactions with dolphins, rays, sharks and turtles. Imagine the experience. Bubbles, fish, weightlessness, sparkling sunlight, and coral: the beauty of the sea.

Make sure to also find a location that has FunCat rentals. The FunCat is the most leisurely way to cruise the ocean. Lounge in the chaise lounge style seat while silently cruising around the sea. Set your cold drink in a cup holder, rest your arm on the armrest, shade your eyes with the bimini, and drive the FunCat with the simple bush of a button. Use the FunCat to: get to better snorkel locations, catch a tan away from crowded beaches, roam and explore, or just relax.

There are also a few destinations around the world that offer incredible experiences that are not to be forgotten. SHARKS! Interactive and Stingray Bay are fascinating programs that challenge people to face their fears and misconceptions about sharks and stingrays. The program allows guest to actually touch, feed, hold and swim with trained sharks or stingrays. The program seeks to educate and promote conservancy by creating a passionate response and empathy in the participants. Imagine holding a shark or snorkeling with stingrays? How amazing!

We also recommend planning a nighttime activity. Whether it is to see a band, participate in a festival, or go dancing you should check out the local flavor and find out what the night scene has to offer.

Many vacation destinations also offer historical tours that show off traditional architecture, old buildings, and share local history and legends, and/or beautiful hiking tours that take you on winding paths to see places that will take your breath away. Make sure to consider what you would like to include. Are you into physical activity and the outdoors? Or do you prefer culture and architecture? You can always look for local vineyards and take a wine tour, or spend some time shopping for the perfect vacation memento or art piece to add to your dining room. Be sure to save time for fun extras you may not be able to anticipate. You might find something extra special and be too booked up to participate.

Of Course, for those vacations that might not include a trip to the sea, there are amazing aquariums that allow people to experience the creatures and the beauty of the underwater world — minus the coconut scent and tropical waves. These are wonderful places to include in any vacation that keeps you landlocked, and all of the tips remain the same. What do you want to experience? What memories do you want to take home with you?

Whether you drink way too many margaritas and soak up the night scene, or you hike the trails and hit the waves we hope you have the most memorable vacation, and we look forward to seeing your Sea TREK, FunCat, SHARKS! Interactive and Stingray Bay photos. Have Fun!

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