Bottom Scratchers Dive Club

[cb5150]

are those split fins?

Yes. They appear to be an early prototype of split-fins without spring straps.

Many paddle-boarding abalone divers of that ancient era preferred them over heavier paddle fins. If you notice, there are no snorkels attached to the masks because...and most people don't know this, but... the name "Bottom Scratchers" actually refers to snorkels and their intended use.

 

[Sam Miller III]

Be aware of dive history

Fins were first manufactured in US in 1940...940 pairs of Churchill's -- Then all production went to WW11 effort until after wars end -1946

American designed and produced mask were brought into the market place about the same time, but WW11 interfered

The divers were probably felling for Abalone rather than conventional free diving---have no explanation for the fish


SDM

 

[urmaddad]

The May 1949 issue of National Geographic Magazine had an article with photographs about the Bottom Scratchers Dive Club. This attached image of Jack Prodanovich is from that article and I believe that he is indeed the diver to the left of the board. The diver to the right might or might not be Wally Potts. More research is needed for early photos of him.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Wally Potts

Jack and Wally

44

 

[Sam Miller III]

Bottom Scratcher


[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs4QW2y2S5E[/URL]


SDM