4th of July Scuba Bash

I returned for another year of the 4th of July Scuba Bash.  This was the 27th annual event and my 6th time participating.  This year there were around 40 divers.  I dove with White Eagle and Gustavo and had a good dive.  Both were experienced divers but had little experience in the Coral Sea.  White Eagle lost a weight and fortunately Gustavo was over-weighted and could pass one off.  We went counterclockwise as is my preference.  Navigation was good.  The water was warm enough that I could manage in my 3 mm wetsuit.  My mask was leaking a little bit.  I am not sure what that is about, but it was good practice to be able to clear it periodically.

They did the prizes again this year and there were a lot of masks, fins, Mares dive computer, some torches and the odd prize was lobster bags.

2016 - XS Scuba gear bag, never used

2017 - Tusa fins, traded to offset Atomic SS1

2020 - Akona Backpack, never used

2021 - SP Gadgets GoPro holder and case, donated to Boy Scouts

2022 - Tusa fins, traded to offset Bare Exotherm jacket

2023 - Oceanic Viper 2 fins, TBD

The Oceanic Viper 2 fins ($94.95) would be an upgrade from my current Viper fins.  If possible, I would rather offset the cost on the purchase of a new mask (~$100) or new BCD (~$300-$500).

Aside from certification dives in 2005, 2023 marks 10 years of active scuba diving from 2013 to 2023.  I have averaged about 3 days of diving per year and accumulated 52 total dives.  Enough to necessitate a second dive log.