Where did the dive club get it's name?

Back in 1980 the “club” was started by a diver on any given weekend by calling a fellow diver and saying “hey, wanna go diving?” The dive would then be set.  One of the most common places for the group to go was Salt Creek for most of the summer and winter to camp out.

 The names of the first members of the club were: Linda Chancy, Stephen Jones, Rich Pfouts, Pat Chorizo, John and Gee Gee Scarboro, Ken Simmons and Ron Simmons. I hope I didn’t leave anyone out!                           -

 Now, about the birthplace of the club.  One weekend up at The Creek we were sitting down at Tongue Point watching the sunset and drinking some wine. All of the above named members were present  We noted that it seemed like only this group was active in diving and enjoyed camping too.  So, we thought we could start a club since others like the Hood Canal Seals had stopped meeting.  But without a name... no matter, we knew that we just wanted to keep diving and enjoy the outdoors.

 At the beginning of the camping trips decisions were made like this: I would get off work early and head up to the Creek; each one of us was responsible for bringing part of the 3 meals and we all split the cost.

 About the name, it was conceived on Tongue Point.  Earlier in the day John Scarboro was debating whether he should swim under the kelp canopy in order to get to his wife,

instead he elected to drop his special collection of abalone and swim through on the top.  As Pat and I were watching we were yelling out "Kelp Krawler diver, what a sissy!". That night we again were out at the Point enjoying the sunset and some wine. During that time we decided to call the club the Kelp Krawlers.  (editor’s note, notice that Wine was involved)

 The first meeting was September, 1980 and  was held at Shakey's pizza on Plumb Street. The club membership went from 8 to 13. We decided on a President and that our first outing would be to Fort Flaggler State Park on Columbus Day weekend.

When and where does the dive club meet?

The dive club meets on the third Tuesday of every month except December (when we have our Christmas Party).  We meet at Dirty Dave's Pizza Parlor, 3939 Martin Way East, Olympia, WA.  The meeting starts at 7:00 PM and is open to the public.  Directions.

Many members arrive between 6 to 6:30 PM to order food and socialize.  Stop by, introduce yourself and you'll be welcomed to the group.  We're a friendly bunch.

How much does it cost to become a member?

Membership is $15 for a Single Membership and $25 for a family membership.  Dues are paid annually and help support the clubs activities such as creating new Marine Protection Areas and publishing the monthly newsletter.  Paid members also get discounted access to the Sund Rock marine preserve.

You can download the membership application here, by right clicking and selecting "save as".

How does the dive club find dive buddies?

The Kelp Krawlers use an email list at Yahoo to communicate.  This is a great way to pick up a dive buddy for a dive almost any day of the week or weekend.  Sign up today at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kelpkrawlers.

Who do I contact for more information?

Contact any of the dive club officers by telephone, which is listed on all of the newsletters.   Or you can contact the Webmaster by sending email to boydski "at" kelpkrawlers.org.