Link>>> http://www.oceanwreckdivers.com/flea_market.php

I will certainly be there. Need a few things for this up-coming season.

I've never been to it, but have been meaning to go for years. Maybe I'll make it this year.

It is well worth going Mike. It is a great chance to meet all of the local divers and operators in the area. We missed last year, but I will have a table there this year.

Captain Jim

I'm psyched.. I hate getting up early on sundays but I'll have to make this exception.

Jay,
I'll be there around 9:00 (9:30?). I'll give you a call when I arrive so we can meet. I've got your cell #.

Mike

See you there

Today was my first time at the OWD flea market, and I must say that it was much bigger than I expected. The signs along the road directing me to the school was a great idea. I definitely would have missed it if those dive flag signs weren't where they were. It was also nice to put faces with the names of so many people I know "online", like Jay (Couped), Cheryl (Cheryl), John (from NESS), Capt. Zero (The John Jack) and so on. Capt. Tony was raising $ for his son Michael to be a student ambassador in Alaska, and his table was bustling with activity. I picked up a few nick-knacks, but no real "gear". The hot dogs were delicious...thanks Boy Scouts. I was able to smack a few of my new "NJdive.com" stickers (like the logo up top) here and there as well. I'm already looking forward to next year.

Today was the OWD Flea Market in Toms River and I was fortunate to attend. It was my first time and I consider it my very first unofficial Wreck Valley trip although there was no water involved. I couldn’t believe the amount of cars in the parking lot, and I thought I was early! I made quick work of finding a parking spot and headed inside. Upon entering I immediately felt like a kid in a candy store, and I hadn’t even gone inside the main floor. As I scouted the tables in the hall it was difficult for me to focus on any one thing. Just too many nice things to look at. After a few minutes I got myself together and headed in to the main floor.

My first impression was WOW this is great although they may consider a bigger place as there are many vendors. My main objective was to find some tanks (HP 100’s) then maybe a pony bottle. I was also looking for some XL Jet Fins with spring straps and some other odds and ends. After a looking around for a few minutes my phone rings and it was Mike (mb104) from NJDive.com. We had exchanged numbers and agreed to meet at the Flea Market. It was great to finally meet Mike after corresponding for some time. He took the time to introduce me to some of the different dive boat crews like the Gypsy Blood and the Independence II. Thanks Mike!! We walked around some more and I finally hit pay dirt. I found a new HP 100, which I quickly paid for and asked if it could be set aside for me. Unfortunately he only had one, but the day was young.

While walking around some more I notice a name tag on a person as they walked by. The name tag said Cheryl. Haha Surely that had to be WV’s Cheryl, so a quick about face and a hi Cheryl I’m Jay quickly revealed just what I thought. It was great, Cheryl has been a wealth of great information since my time dodging rockets in Iraq and is a colorful character on the WV forum. She also took some time to show me around and share some of her insight. It was a pleasure to finally meet her. Thanks Cheryl!

After a few hours I didn’t find my second HP 100, Pony, or XL Jet fins. I did get a Dive Rite wreck reel, a Super Pony Tamer (for when I finally get the Pony) and some brass snap bolts and clips. Best of all was the opportunity to finally meet some good people. It was a good trip!

Written like a true trip report. You will fit in well here.