The creation of our name was spontaneous and actually bestowed upon a couple of the divers in our little group by another diver. As mentioned on our home page, many of us are members of dive clubs. Two of the "squirrels" were at a meeting of their dive club, when during a portion of the meeting while reported dives where being made, they "reported" that they did a particular dive during the previous weekend. While recounting the details of the dive, another club member piped up that they were like a couple of secret squirrels, going off on their own and diving without letting anyone know what they where up to. From then on, they where known as secret squirrels. When the idea for this site was conceived, it seemed appropriate that we  adopt the name "Secret Squirrel Divers", as we all simply enjoy going diving and doing the dives that we like.
 

"Keep Your Nuts Dry And Your Tail High"

Putting the comedic value aside, some thought did in fact go into creating the motto. As you may know, squirrels will store acorns (nuts), which is their main food source, in various places in the autumn to help them get through the winter. They must choose their storage locations carefully; too wet of an area and the nuts may rot and be inedible, or freeze into the ground making them unattainable. Poorly hidden nuts may be found by other animals and eaten. Where and how the squirrel hides his nuts are important details that must not be overlooked if the squirrel is to survive.

Divers, like the squirrel, must pay attention to details. Depth, bottom-time, gas supply, and ascent rates are just a few details that we must pay very close attention to if we also are to survive, and those are merely the obvious items! A good diver must also consider tides, navigation around the dive site, and general site conditions. Keep your nuts dry; i.e., pay attention to details.

Regarding keeping your tail high; over the countless years that I've enjoyed watching squirrels - o.k., I grew up in the country and I am easily amused -  I came to notice that when a squirrel has its tail up, he is at his most alert. It may also have something to do with pride; that is if squirrels can be proud.

Divers, again like the squirrel, must always be alert. We must pay attention to our surroundings both during a dive, and to conditions prior to diving. We would not jump into the water with a thunderstorm on the horizon would we? When diving with a buddy we must be alert to their location and well being, as well as the possible deterioration of site conditions.

Pay attention to details and stay alert. In other words: Keep your nuts dry and your tail high!

About the pride thing . . . o.k., be proud to be a Secret Squirrel.

© 2005, 2006 Secret Squirrel Divers Inc. All Rights Reserved