After returning to Southern California, I was finally able to meet up with the crew of Ocean Technology Systems (OTS) who graciously offered to take me out to Catalina Island to learn how to use the Guardian Full Face Mask. OTS began in 1984 with a dream to design the best underwater communication system available and then to market that company throughout the world. They have succeeded at their initial endeavor and now provide face masks and communications for recreation, commercial, search & rescue, education, the military, and tv & film.

Not only did they take me out on their boat, but they gave me a full face mask complete with a buddy phone so that I could talk with other divers while underwater! The mask took only about half of a dive to get used to and it was pretty awesome having the ability to talk to your buddies and to have a free air space.

Diving out on Catalina is absolutely beautiful, sea lions frolic in and out of giant green forests, the kelp swaying in the gentle current but remaining firmly anchored on the rocky reef. Garibaldi, which appear to be goldfish on steroids, protect their territory and their young. Docile leopard sharks skim just above the ocean bottom, paying no attention to these strange beings that point and shout. We even had a large pod of dolphins escort us home. Thank you so much, OTS, for allowing me to take part in this day of adventure!