MANITOUWADGE, ON – Raymond Gascon recently returned to Northern Ontario, living with his family in Manitouwadge he owns/operates Northern Dive Adventures.  Through his business and in meeting new people Gascon quickly realized there were other divers in the area who wanted to connect, especially to ensure they always have a partner to dive with for safety so Gascon and Kelsey Johansen, Town of Marathon Program Coordinator, formed the Canadian Northshore Dive Club. 

Gascon started diving in 1990, while stationed with the Navy in Cornwall Ontario, since then, he has continued his diving while employed with the Canadian Military, giving him the opputrunity to dive around the world.  While stationed in Victoria, British Columbia, he honed his skills and became certified in all aspects of Scuba diving and is qualified to teach a variety of speciality courses up to and including the Instructor Trainer level. Currently Ray instructs for four major training agencies, PADI – Professional Association of Dive Intstructors, CMAS – World Federation, SSI- Scuba Schools International and ACUC – American Canadian Underwater Certifications. Now retired from the Canadian forces, Gascon is very happy tobe living in Manitouwadge, so close to Lake Superior, where he continues to explore the underwater world of Ontario’s Northshore.

The level of experience of divers in the North Shore Dive Club ranges from those who have been diving for 20+ years, to others who are newly certified.  This group has approximately 10 divers, but is always looking for new members.  North Shore Dive Club includes several divers who were a part of a recent Scuba Diving course presented by Raymond Gascon at Marathon’s Port Hole Pool.