356 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

The reason this is not a newbie dive destination is primarily because we'll be doing live drops and pick ups. This requires good bouyancy and ability to control where you are in the water column. I will however defer to the boat to reply in full so as not to omit anything or oversimplify.

[WreckWench]

Hey all,
I am entertaining this trip. I am new to diving, and thus use quite a bit of air. By this trip, I will have about 20 dives. Are there any "huffers" that would want to buddy up with me. I would be embarrassed to be a weak link for someone. My last dive was Saona Island, Dominican Republic. Two dives: 73' for 38min and 39' for 62 min.

Barry in St. Louis

IMHO considering your 20 +/- dives, I would say that those are respectable profiles. There are tons of tips available. Just about every magazine has articles on air consumption and buoyancy. I have always seen big improvements from the SD Rent-a-Buddy program, too. right Bubbles? (My personal Favorite )

Thanks Zach
I should be the poster child for the Rent-A-Buddy Program!!! During the Grenada trip in June 2007, Zach was the most patient buddy you could ask for, and it made a HUGE difference. When I went on that trip I had less than 10 dives, and was sucking down a tank of air in less than 30 minutes. Now a 100+ dives later, I can hang with the "big dogs" and even come back with air to spare.

The private mentor aka Rent-A-Buddy looks at how YOU are diving and helps to reinforce good skills and techniques EARLY in your diving career before you have a chance to develop bad habits which have to be later undone. It is also customized to YOU and YOUR DIVING which makes it invaluable. Having a trained professional eye is like taking a golf lesson from a pro...it improves your game/diving immediately and by doing it for the course of a trip...helps to set these new habits into your diving regimen.

And it may mean the difference between joining this trip if you are a bit shy on required dives or are still considered a new diver.

I would say to continue getting as much experience as you can to keep your basic skills fresh and then we'll refine them and take them to the next level when you come dive with us!

[ScubaBear]

Is there a 50 dive minimum for this trip??? I have 30 and doubt I will get 20 more before this trip. I am AOW if that makes any difference.

[ScubaPunk]

Payment Update:

1. Peter aka grouper: $437.75 includes pp fee!

Edited by ScubaPunk, 05 February 2009 - 01:13 PM.

[ScubaPunk]

Is there a 50 dive minimum for this trip??? I have 30 and doubt I will get 20 more before this trip. I am AOW if that makes any difference.

The Spree does not have a 50 dive minimum.

[Fishwatcher]

Please move me from the " Those who are interested but can't commit:" list to the "Those Who are Going" list. Also please add me to the Nitrox list.

And, to answer Wreckwench's query: yes I'd be interested in looking around Key West a little after the trip as long as my flight plans allow it.

This will be my first Live-Aboard and I'm quite excited about it!

See you all there!

- Fish watcher

[WreckWench]

Please move me from the " Those who are interested but can't commit:" list to the "Those Who are Going" list. Also please add me to the Nitrox list.

And, to answer Wreckwench's query: yes I'd be interested in looking around Key West a little after the trip as long as my flight plans allow it.

This will be my first Live-Aboard and I'm quite excited about it!

See you all there!

- Fish watcher

YEA!!! Philip...you will love liveaboards and this is a good starter one since we'll also be able to get off the boat once or twice!

[Fishwatcher]

Please move me from the " Those who are interested but can't commit:" list to the "Those Who are Going" list. Also please add me to the Nitrox list.

And, to answer Wreckwench's query: yes I'd be interested in looking around Key West a little after the trip as long as my flight plans allow it.

This will be my first Live-Aboard and I'm quite excited about it!

See you all there!

- Fish watcher

YEA!!! Philip...you will love liveaboards and this is a good starter one since we'll also be able to get off the boat once or twice!

__________

Kewl! I'm bringing lots of trandermal scopolamine ("the seasickness patch"), just in case , but I'm usually good .

- Phil, aka Fishwatcher

[diveprn]

Hi Kamala,
Please book me for the Florida Keys Trip.
Check is in the mail.

Love Valerie (diveprn)

[WreckWench]

Hi Kamala,
Please book me for the Florida Keys Trip.
Check is in the mail.

Love Valerie (diveprn)

Hi Valerie! Its GREAT TO SEE YOU AGAIN! You will LOVE this trip...its so unique and such a great boat! We'll get you on the list....are you diving the FREE NITROX???

[ScubaPunk]

Hi Kamala,
Please book me for the Florida Keys Trip.
Check is in the mail.

Love Valerie (diveprn)

Welcome to the Keys trip Valerie! Looking forward to meeting you.

[ScubaFred]

Hi everyone. This is ScubaFred, the diver formerly known as wfredl.

I joined SD recently under my former screen name, but I decided to fully immerse and call myself what I really am.

I am going to join the dive trip to the Keys with SD and the Spree. I am certified for Nitrox, so sign me up for it.

I will be sending my check and docs very soon.

We are watching the snow melt away here after a crippling ice storm a week ago that left thousands without electricity in the Bootheel of Missouri. That's about 20 miles south of here in Cape Girardeau.
We kept our power here, but I could well identify, as the same happened to us last year.

I am looking forward to a warmer time with everyone in May.

[ScubaPunk]

Hi everyone. This is ScubaFred, the diver formerly known as wfredl.

I joined SD recently under my former screen name, but I decided to fully immerse and call myself what I really am.

I am going to join the dive trip to the Keys with SD and the Spree. I am certified for Nitrox, so sign me up for it.

I will be sending my check and docs very soon.

We are watching the snow melt away here after a crippling ice storm a week ago that left thousands without electricity in the Bootheel of Missouri. That's about 20 miles south of here in Cape Girardeau.
We kept our power here, but I could well identify, as the same happened to us last year.

I am looking forward to a warmer time with everyone in May.

Excellent!! Welcome to the Keys trip Fred. I've read some awful stories about the ice storm. Good time to be living in TX.

[ScubaPunk]

Payment Update:

1. Fred aka ScubaFred ww got your ck-by-fax payment in full for $1250 + FREE NITROX! (Do not forget to drop the original in the mail.)

Document Update:

1. Fred aka ScubaFred ww got your waiver!

[diveprn]

Darn it...I just found out from work that I can't get the days off after all. I am so bummed. I will see what other trip I can make with you guys. I had so much fun in Cozumel last Halloween.