236 replies to this topic

[Diver Ed]

I dove for more than 30 years, figuring that I would never go to Truk. I believed that the wrecks were too deep, and it would not be worth the trip because of the limited amount of bottom time that I would get. I actually signed up for the trip because of the Palau portion, and included Truk thinking that I would only be able to do 3 short dives per day. The trip started with the shallower wrecks, several of which came to within a short distance of the surface. For the first couple of days, the diving profiles seemed similar to Caribbean diving where you had an option of doing wall dives each dive. Even if you went past 100 foot, there was plenty of wreck to dive in shallow waters, so you had good bottom times. As the week progressed, the max depth did get deeper, and the top of some of the wrecks were deeper as well. Even with that, I did manage to do 4 dives a day, and if my computer started to go into deco mode, it was close to clear by the time i got to 15 feet for a safety stop. I was very surprised with the amount of bottom time that I was getting. I do not have my logs to look at, but I seem to recall that there was only one or two dives where I felt that it was a short dive. Unlike my previous trip, this time I am going with Truk being the reason, and the second portion of the trip is secondary.


It's great to hear from you guys that even if I can't do the decompression dives I would still be able to experience the wrecks. I was pretty worried that without the extra training I would hit the bottom at a wreck and only have 10 min to visit. I know I won't get a lot of time at all the wrecks but I would hope I would be able to get good bottom time on 80% of them.


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[Jerrymxz]

Good post ED!!

Scuba Turtle, I can appreciate your apprehension at the thought of a trip like this. You can't imagine how wound up I was /> . One of the ladies on the previous trip did her 50th dive in Truk. From what I gathered talking to her and watching her dive she had a great time. The Odyssey captain, the divemasters and guides plus all the SD peeps and last but certainly not least Kamala /> will be able to sort through most any issues you may have. The dives are as structured or lax as you want to safely do them. One recommendation is KNOW HOW YOUR COMPUTER works. Know how to set it and know what it is trying to tell you. I did 22 dives on 13 different wrecks. Go back through the trip reports from the last trip to get an Idea what others thought of the experience. And for heaven’s sake if you have a question, please ask. There is no such thing as a dumb question. This is where I put in the part about no amount of Tech training is a waste if you have a good instructor. Advanced Nitrox is a great course.

As for the paying for it part, Ramen noodles and Velveeta cheese and shells is my plan. /> yammv

Edited by Jerrymxz, 01 March 2013 - 08:37 PM.

[ScubaTurtle]

Good post ED!!

Scuba Turtle, I can appreciate your apprehension at the thought of a trip like this. You can't imagine how wound up I was /> . One of the ladies on the previous trip did her 50th dive in Truk. From what I gathered talking to her and watching her dive she had a great time. The Odyssey captain, the divemasters and guides plus all the SD peeps and last but certainly not least Kamala /> will be able to sort through most any issues you may have. The dives are as structured or lax as you want to safely do them. One recommendation is KNOW HOW YOUR COMPUTER works. Know how to set it and know what it is trying to tell you. I did 22 dives on 13 different wrecks. Go back through the trip reports from the last trip to get an Idea what others thought of the experience. And for heaven's sake if you have a question, please ask. There is no such thing as a dumb question. This is where I put in the part about no amount of Tech training is a waste if you have a good instructor. Advanced Nitrox is a great course.

As for the paying for it part, Ramen noodles and Velveeta cheese and shells is my plan. /> yammv

Thanks Ed and Jerry! VERY good advice. I think your right that if I ended up selecting this trip I'd look at Advanced Nitrox to further my knowledge. It sounds like from what I read (I've read through this whole forum post as well as previous ones from the last trip) that the dive crew is great and helpful to the extent possible. It's great to hear. Really I think I would be comfortable going after hearing what you guys have all said. Seems like even without the Tech certs I would still be able to get some great dives in on the trip.

[Jerrymxz]

"...I would still be able to get some great dives in on the trip"

That I can assure you ..

[DivingNole]

Thanks to the great discussion here and some extra info from Jerry, add me to the notify list (my virtual happy dance). Looks like I may pass on the Labor Day trip and save my $$$ for this one. Will also do the add-on trip. If I'm going all that way, I might as well make the most of it!

[scubaclint]

You've been added!

[WreckWench]

Hey Marla...we'll get you on the notify list for this trip. If you can't make it and/or miss the booking window we'll be doing this trip again as soon as I can book another date. This will be our 5th and final year doing Turks and Caicos.

[ev780]

Jerry:

I got your message about posting some of my favorite dives. I have been OOT for a bit but I will get to it in the next week or so and add my two cents worth.

In short I agree with all of what is said. If you have a bit of experience all will be well. The crew undoubtedly was watching us closely and evaluating ur skill and would never let us get in too deep. (pun intended)

Fred

[Jerrymxz]

That's great Fred, I'm enjoying going over my log, researching new wrecks and watching my videos of Truk. Especially the one staring...us :-)

[Jerrymxz]

There was a question raised back several pages about the availability of helium. I was surfing over on TDS forum and it appears that Odyssey now has trimix banked on board. I'll contact them about all the tech questions I have for this upcoming trip. According to the poster he was only charged for gas he used not the entire fill. That checks with what I was charged for oxygen on the last trip. But I want to get the info straight from the horses mouth.

[Buzo Guero]

Interested in this trip if Fiji doesn't come to fruition or work out.

/> !!!

[WreckWench]

Jerry...as I recall they usually only chg for the gas you use...not the fill. That was how they handled 02. Thank you for checking just to be sure!

Tim...Fiji may slip to early 2015 so we stay in the fall/winter months and we can allow for 2 back to back trips...either 2 spots in Fiji or another venue in addition to Fiji.

[Buzo Guero]

Tim...Fiji may slip to early 2015 so we stay in the fall/winter months and we can allow for 2 back to back trips...either 2 spots in Fiji or another venue in addition to Fiji.

No worries, WW!!! Just figuring out what to do a year from now, as I have a hole in my diving itinerary. 2014 could be epic with Truk & Galapagos!!! I'm thinking the Feb 16-23 dates as a stand alone trip. Don't see myself getting away for more than a week until my kids are out of the house unless I want to return to a smoldering scrap heap!!! Even with supervision!!! />

/>

[WreckWench]

2014 is epic with both Truk and Galapagos!!! And the beauty of our trips is you can do one or both of our "offerings" when we go half way around the world to dive!

p.s. No smouldering scrap heaps allowed!

[Buzo Guero]

HEY!!! I'm a realist, remember???? />