184 replies to this topic

[WaterDragon]

Hi

This is my first dive trip to NC. I just got back form Bonaire. I was wondering is the current in NC on these wrecks going to be more of a problem?

On these wrecks is there a archor line that you follow down or do you do a free descent and a free ascent with no achor line to follow?

[Scubatooth]

WaterDragon

over the 4th there was only 2 dives where the current came up but it wasnt that bad you couldnt swim againist.

as for the ascents and descents its reccomended that you follow the anchor line down which is hooked into the wreck by the divemaster. Also they really discourage free descents and ascents as if you hit mid column currents you could totally get blown off the wreck and you would be in no mans land.


I will dig up the picture that shows the rigging under the boat for safety stops

Tooth

[WaterDragon]

How is the currents on these wrecks in NC?
I just got back from Bonaire and I didn't really notice any currents there.

Can someone that being to both places compare the currents for me?

[WaterDragon]

WaterDragon

over the 4th there was only 2 dives where the current came up but it wasnt that bad you couldnt swim againist.

as for the ascents and descents its reccomended that you follow the anchor line down which is hooked into the wreck by the divemaster. Also they really discourage free descents and ascents as if you hit mid column currents you could totally get blown off the wreck and you would be in no mans land.


I will dig up the picture that shows the rigging under the boat for safety stops

Tooth

Thank you I would appreciate it.

[Scubatooth]

Here is a example of a carolina rig

[WreckWench]

Payment Update:

1. Jerry aka WaterDragon got your dep and first pymt on ck1162.



Note: PLEASE put your screen name on the check as well as the trip you wish to apply the money too!

[WreckWench]

ScubaTooth is right...stay on the anchor line going down and up and you'll eliminate 98% of all current issues you'll encounter. If the current is at the bottom simply use the wreck to 'hide' from the current or even pull yourself along the wreck with your fingertips rather than trying to swim against it. You'll conserve air, move forward into the current and you'll not hurt the wreck as you'll only touch it with a finger or two. (I use this latter strategy all the time!)

[WaterDragon]

Payment Update:

1. Jerry aka WaterDragon got your dep and first pymt on ck1162.



Note: PLEASE put your screen name on the check as well as the trip you wish to apply the money too!

Will try and remeber for future trips with this group. Thanks for letting me know.

[scuba1fun]

Hi Kamala,
Hope you had a great Christmas and have a very fun New Year! My check for the deposit will be in the mail on Jan 2nd! Can't wait!! to North Carolina!!

Thanks,
Amy

[scuba1fun]

WaterDragon

over the 4th there was only 2 dives where the current came up but it wasnt that bad you couldnt swim againist.

as for the ascents and descents its reccomended that you follow the anchor line down which is hooked into the wreck by the divemaster. Also they really discourage free descents and ascents as if you hit mid column currents you could totally get blown off the wreck and you would be in no mans land.


I will dig up the picture that shows the rigging under the boat for safety stops

Tooth

You are absolutely right about the free descents! I have done @ 40 wreck dives on the NC coast and the ONLY time I did a free ascent or descents was for my one of my certs (deep or wreck?).

Also, for all those concerned about the currents, I did my first wreck dive (110 ft) after only 11 dives in quarry/calm water. Never should have gone so soon or without a wreck certification - what are friends for? It was a stormy day with 10 ft swells and I was more than happy to get in the water! :-) Honestly, in my experience, the currents have not been that bad. The wrecks are awesome and the dives incredible!! But as someone mentioned, wreck dives on the NC coast are not for everyone.

P.S. I have brought friends wreck diving that had never been. Some refused to take anything for seasickness (Triptone for me). "I never get sick on boats" - famous last words. 90% of them spent the trip home feeding the sea creatures!

[WreckWench]

Hi Kamala,
Hope you had a great Christmas and have a very fun New Year! My check for the deposit will be in the mail on Jan 2nd! Can't wait!! to North Carolina!!

Thanks,
Amy

That is great! Another gal wreckdiver! WAAAAAAYYYYYY COOOOOOOLLLLLLL!!!!

I'll let you know when I get your check! And keep watching this thread for all the details! -ww

[WreckWench]

You are absolutely right about the free descents! I have done @ 40 wreck dives on the NC coast and the ONLY time I did a free ascent or descents was for my one of my certs (deep or wreck?).

Also, for all those concerned about the currents, I did my first wreck dive (110 ft) after only 11 dives in quarry/calm water. Never should have gone so soon or without a wreck certification - what are friends for? It was a stormy day with 10 ft swells and I was more than happy to get in the water! :-) Honestly, in my experience, the currents have not been that bad. The wrecks are awesome and the dives incredible!! But as someone mentioned, wreck dives on the NC coast are not for everyone.

P.S. I have brought friends wreck diving that had never been. Some refused to take anything for seasickness (Triptone for me). "I never get sick on boats" - famous last words. 90% of them spent the trip home feeding the sea creatures!

You bring up some excellent points.

1. ALWAYS use the line up and down. Free ascents and descents are for the Caribbean. ALSO...the boat is anchored to the wreck and can not leave its mooring until ALL the divers are back on the boat and the anchor is released by one of the divemasters. This makes for a VERY VERY LONG wait in open ocean if you are drifting somewhere away from the boat.

2. I'm glad you realized that 11 dives was far too few to go diving in NC. I'm even more glad that you not only survived but are a better diver because of it. We ask for at least 40 dives so that divers are comfortable with their gear and diving.

3. Sea sickness...yes I've seen hundreds of divers tell me "I never get sea sick" and then be unpleasantly surprised when they suddenly were seasick in NC. As a result I now carry industrial sized bottles of meclizine for anyone who needs or wants it. Sure beats having a bad trip cuz you were queasy.

Looking forward to having you on the trip! -ww

[scuba1fun]

If there is anything I can do to help from the NC end, let me know! I would be more than happy to!

[WreckWench]

If there is anything I can do to help from the NC end, let me know! I would be more than happy to!

Absolutely! For starters we usually have 50% or more of the trip participants come from the local drive in area! So helping us find more divers who want to join us helps out tremendously!

I will certainly need help as we get closer to the trip so I'll let you know what you can do! In the meantime if you know anyone who might like to join us...tell 'em about us! -ww