39 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

Hey gang...

I've been thinking we may need to have some venues that are flagship destinations for SingleDivers.com meaning that we run several trips a year to them because of their appeal or low price point. What do you think? The suggestions I've had so far include:

1. Cozumel
2. North Carolina (this one is easy as I run 5 trips there a year anyway.)
3. ????


Let me know if we need to have a few 'bread and butter' destinations as they say that we run twice a year like for example doing Cozumel in late July and of course we did it already in January. It might be a destination that new divers love to dive and old salts enjoy as well or something totally unique.

Thanks for the ideas....

[Diverlady]

I think that sounds like a GRAND idea!! Wrecks in NC for the hardcore wreckdivers and Coz as the reliable warm-water getaway!

Diverlady

[WreckWench]

I think that sounds like a GRAND idea!! Wrecks in NC for the hardcore wreckdivers and Coz as the reliable warm-water getaway!

Diverlady

Cool...but the wrecks aren't just for hardcore wreckdivers...lots of newer divers can enjoy this destination too! And a little secret for the girls....there are always TONS of guys on these trips!!! So I'd LOVE some help if you know what I mean!!!

[hnladue]

Guys???? Did someone say guys???? Did you say guys??? Where??? I wanna sign up!! I'll wear a body bag I swear!!

[DandyDon]

An interesting idea? A little wondering outloud...

To appeal to the most divers, the location would need to be a good area for greenhorns to practice in safe conditions, as well as have plenty of interesting dives for the more experienced - including those of us who like to push the envelpe a bit.

Cozumel is not my idea of a good place for a newbie, but I guess it can be, on the right boat, with careful dive guides supervising on the less challenging dives. Cozumel has been so changed by the Ships, though, I'd like to explore down the coast from Playa del Carmen, maybe. Some will object that it's too far, but those will object to something anywhere, I think.

I love your NC wreck dives, but then - I think I was qualified when I went the first time, more so the second. I had nearly 100 dives (#100 was on the U-boat!), experience in currents and other challenging conditions, AOW & Nitrox, and - I didn't mind a 2 hour boat ride each way. I do not see that diving for anyone less qualified than that, and I wouldn't want to be on the boat with divers less qualified, rental gear, etc. Not my idea of diving for the newbie.

Key Largo can offer both types of dives - Molasses for the newbies, wrecks and more challenging reefs for the experienced, and it's convenient to a large number of in-state divers, but two challenges there:
(1) It's can be a little pricey for out-of-staters to fly-in; and
(2) Some of the in-staters will try to just pop in for a day or two. We can take off for a week to make it happen, but they won't see it as a "trip" worthy of them taking off four days. Innocent as their intent may be, they can undermine the whole effort. You see that with your NC tours, too, don't you?

Probably need to be a "trip" that all north of the Rio Grande would consider "a trip," so they'll want to be a part of the project, rather than just a voyeur. Someplace south of The Grand River, with diving for everyone, cheap and fast for anyone norte to reach, cheap enough overall. We're back to Cozumel, aren't we?

The hotel we used in January was fine, and the eating was divine, but I would like better boats. A little more money well spent, I think, and - when someone says they were looking for something cheaper: "This is not a cheap sport. Have you tried skating?"

My, off-the-wall thoughts, anwyway...

Guys???? Did someone say guys???? Did you say guys??? Where??? I wanna sign up!! I'll wear a body bag I swear!!

A body bag...?! What?

thanks for any patience, don

Edited by DandyDon, 12 April 2004 - 07:29 PM.

[WreckWench]

Guys???? Did someone say guys???? Did you say guys??? Where??? I wanna sign up!! I'll wear a body bag I swear!!

Yes there are!!! LOTS of them....calling on more girls to help me out!!! LOL!!!

Now...If you read Don's commentary on NC you'll find most of it on the money. We actually request at least 40 dives and your AOW or equilvelent. However if you were certified on the East Coast or West Coast and and have done most of all of your diving in the Atlantic, Pacific or say the Flower Gardens off the coast of Texas...then your 40-50 dives are equilvelent to 100+ dives in all warm water destinations. Cold water and low vis diving provides far more experience then the usual warm water destinations....not always....but usually.

He is right about a longer boat ride...but many find it relaxing to have a couple of hours to stare at the beautiful ocean and to have plenity of time to gear up and get in as you are ready without punching a clock or having the boat punch it for you so to speak!

I do personally screen anyone interested in diving NC and I can help you decide if you are ready for it or not. Heck I'm STILL not sure that Don was ready the first time but he survived just like everyone else and became a better diver because of it. He like many others still need to remember that the most dangerous part of the trip is the last 10 ft from the hang line to the ladder....DON'T RUSH UP....go very slow and you'll be just fine!!! But heck that is the same for any destination!!!

[No Pressure]

So go back to my suggestion of posting a map of North America with a dot for all the SD.com members on this web site. See where everyone actually lives. Pick a place on each coast. Plan a trip to each coast.
I will put a different twist to Don's thoughts. Maybe more local people will show up to someplace closeby cause it will be so convenient (they go diving locally anyway), and the out of towners can get great restaurant/ bar info from the locals. Not a problem if the local only dive a couple of days, or the weekend. Kamala had some people that only went to Cozumel for the weekend. THis way everyone gets to do a "trip" as well as some "local diving" with other SD.commers. Also, local trips lend themselves to inviting friends to come along for the weekend. Great PR for additional members to get signed up, WW.

[CuriousMe]

I went to Belize with a group to this great place....it's great for group who wants to hang out together and such since y'all are essentially the only ones on the island at any given time. It's out in the Turneffe Atoll (I'm sure I spelled that wrong) and it's called Blackbird Caye..I googled it and got this link (I don't know how I lived before Google )

http://www.blackbirdresort.com/

Lots of great diving...very laid back (love those hammocks all over the place), and loads of fun hanging out in their lounge/restaurant/common area at night with the group.

Don't know that it's a table dancing kinda place but I guess that would depend on who you brought to the party

Peace,
Cathie

[WisconsinGal]

I definitely like the idea and suggestions!

Edited by WisconsinGal, 13 April 2004 - 05:52 AM.

[Bubble2Bubble]

WW

3. ?

The Flower Gardens off the coast of Texas...
Sounds like i need to check that out someday or maybe have a group trip there.


Mike

[WreckWench]

I definitely like the idea and suggestions! 

Great! What destinations do you think should be our standing destinations???

Hey Mike...thanks for the suggestion...I'm working on what it would take to do a Flower Gardens trip as we speak!

[WisconsinGal]

I definitely like the idea and suggestions! 

Great! What destinations do you think should be our standing destinations???

Hey Mike...thanks for the suggestion...I'm working on what it would take to do a Flower Gardens trip as we speak!

Welll.... In addition to the ones you've noted and the suggestion Mike gave regarding the Texas Flower Gardens, how about Florida and the Bahamas? Air fare seems to be quite reaonsable to those locations (bahamas = I guess would depend on which island you fly to), I should say they are reasonable from MSP (minneapolis-st.paul).

I haven't been many places, I'm game for just about anything, as long as my finances will cooperate

[zendiver]

Did someone say "Flower Gardens"? I am suppose to work the boats this weekend at the Flower Gardens. I will post a trip report and some pictures when I return, if the weather behaves itself.

-ZD

[WisconsinGal]

Did someone say "Flower Gardens"? I am suppose to work the boats this weekend at the Flower Gardens. I will post a trip report and some pictures when I return, if the weather behaves itself.

-ZD

That would be wonderful!

[Marvel]

I definitely like the idea and suggestions! 

Great! What destinations do you think should be our standing destinations???

Hey Mike...thanks for the suggestion...I'm working on what it would take to do a Flower Gardens trip as we speak!

Welll.... In addition to the ones you've noted and the suggestion Mike gave regarding the Texas Flower Gardens, how about Florida and the Bahamas? Air fare seems to be quite reaonsable to those locations (bahamas = I guess would depend on which island you fly to), I should say they are reasonable from MSP (minneapolis-st.paul).

I haven't been many places, I'm game for just about anything, as long as my finances will cooperate

Coem to FLORIDA!!! We have such great diving here & I'd love to meet you all....