#3 NYE Roatan "Southern Gem" Dec 31 to Jan 7, 2023 ...Celebrating with Pup the Scuba Cowboy: QUESTIONS QUESTIONS QUESTIONS...

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HOW TO USE THIS TOPIC TO ASK QUESTIONS:
 

Hello and    not only to our club but to the topic you can ask any questions you want about this trip. Please use this topic you are reading right now to ask your questions. You will need to be registered on the SingleDivers.com site and logged into our forums to be able to post. See below for links on how to do these things or email admin@singledivers.com for help.  We will answer your questions here AND update the main trip topic if necessary as well as keep the TRIP FAQ updated in the 2nd topic related to this trip.

 

TYPICAL QUESTIONS NEW MEMBERS ASK:

 

How is the trip information organized?

 

#1 Trip Topic =  Full trip details, pricing, discounts, accommodations, travel details, etc.  (Locked. Only Admins can post to this)

#2 Trip Tooic =  Ongoing Trip FAQ and Answers to the questions from topic #3  (Locked. Only Admins can post to this)

#3 Trip Topic = Questions Topic... ask all your questions in this topic  (Open to anyone to post who is registered and logged in)

#4 Trip Topic = Who's Going, Who's doing what extras, Tours, Add On's etc. (Open to anyone who is GOING on the trip to post in if registered and logged in)

 

More detailed information is available in the thread title "How to Use this Forum to Manage Your Trip"

 

What are the "other" trip topics?

 

We will have other trip topics to help manage the pre-trip experience and ensure that you are as updated as possible. These include seeing who is celebrating a special event or ensuring you are getting the OFFICIAL TRIP PM.

 

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• www.singledivers.com
• click on Forums or click on Take me to the Surface Interval Forums under Forums
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• Finish the registration process

NOTE: Only upgraded premium members can sign up for our trips. The premium membership enables you to receive private trip communications, see the profiles of who else is going, PM others on the trip (and other premium members on the site) as well as entitle you to numerous specials, discounts, perks and deals throughout the year.

 

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• click on Forums or click on Take me to the Surface Interval Forums under Forums
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• YOU WILL ALWAYS USE THE SAME LOGIN INFO BUT YOU LOG INTO EACH DIFFERENT PART OF THE SITE DEPENDING ON WHAT YOU WANT TO DO. (This is a security measure to keep your information safe.)

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• login 
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• We will answer your question in this topic quoting your question so you get a courtesy email indicating we have replied to your questions. 
• We will update the TRIP FAQ located in the 2nd topic listing for this trip.
• We will update the main trip topic #1 if applicable. 

 

 

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1. Ask trip related questions in this topic so we can reply back to you and everyone else reading this topic as soon as we can.
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5. PLEASE DO NOT USE DUPLICATE METHODS TO CONTACT US. Choose one avenue and we will reply via that avenue. If 2 days go by then you can use an alternate avenue. REMEMBER all our trip helpers and site helpers are VOLUNTEERS for the Dive Club.

Hello all, 

 If I understood what I read correctly, I should post these questions here. Please tell me if I am incorrect. 

 

A - For the questions asking if you need rental gear, night dives, etc...do we put a reply in on the post or do I need to add my name to the specific list? 

 

B - It says that there are some limited SD dive computers that may be rented - I would like more information on this.

 

C - I am interested in the Rent A Buddy / Mentor for this trip. I could not find any further information on this program in the forums. I apologize if I overlooked it. What is the best way to get more information on this? 

 

D - What is the best way to ask about details about the resort? 

 

Thank you!

Hi Mindy see my answers below in highlighted text.

 

 

Hello all, 

 If I understood what I read correctly, I should post these questions here. Please tell me if I am incorrect. 

 

A - For the questions asking if you need rental gear, night dives, etc...do we put a reply in on the post or do I need to add my name to the specific list?
Use the Special Accomodations Form in "MY TRIPS" - that is what it is for. Use the checkboxes to indicate popular gear you would like to rent such as BCD, Reg, wetsuit, computer, even dive light and camera are options. If an item is not listed simply state in the Comments /  remarks box. ALSO for BCD or wetstut INCLUDE SIZE in the Comments i.e. "BCD womens Medium" etc.
NOTE: The Special accommodations text box is used for things like special diet needs, allergies, pr other unique issues that you may feel are worth mention. The forms are only seen by the staff, but member summaries are condensed and posted in the Special Needs portion of the Add Ons under Topic #4.

 

B - It says that there are some limited SD dive computers that may be rented - I would like more information on this.
Kamala has a few of the U.S. Navy approved Cochran computers for rent. They are extremely accurate and frankly include lots of features the recreational diver might never use, but the display is large and simple to understand and Kamala helps with initial settings i.e. Nitrox mix. I have three which I have acquired over time which I suppose is the best endorsement one can offer...

 

C - I am interested in the Rent A Buddy / Mentor for this trip. I could not find any further information on this program in the forums. I apologize if I overlooked it. What is the best way to get more information on this? 
Here is a short summary we sometimes include for welcome email messages to new members who are new to or returning to diving:
"...for those just starting out or returning to diving after a long landlocked spell our club offers a unique Rent A Buddy (RAB) or Rent a Mentor Program. It works like this: For a modest fee you are paired with a club member holding a Divemaster or Dive Instructor level cert (typically the club's Founder, Kamala aka WreckWench herself) and your choice of how many days you wish to dive with a Mentor. Not only does this improve your confidence so you relax and better enjoy your dive, you also receive prompt post-dive feedback and tips that quickly hone scuba fundamentals such as buoyancy, air consumption, situational awareness and other skills. It is a very popular program with members who are new divers and again, only SingleDivers.com offers this as part of almost every trip!

 

D - What is the best way to ask about details about the resort? 

Any details you may wish to learn which were not already discussed in the "Accommodations" section of "Topic #1 Trip Details" topic, simply post your questions here in "Topic #3 QUESTIONS" and Kamala herself will research and respond.
 

Thank you!
We are happy to help!

 

Thanks Brad! Well said!

 

Mindy we will get the RAB configured in the system so you can book. Initially we toyed with not offering it (since this trip is so big and I'm usually the one that does the program so I knew I would be so busy above water...) but your enthusiasm for joining our club and this trip inspired us to encourage you to join the trip AND then offer the program accordingly.

 

And thanks for using the #3 topic and for not pinging us via every form of communication we offer members! You rock girl!

Thanks Brad! Well said!

 

Mindy we will get the RAB configured in the system so you can book. Initially we toyed with not offering it (since this trip is so big and I'm usually the one that does the program so I knew I would be so busy above water...) but your enthusiasm for joining our club and this trip inspired us to encourage you to join the trip AND then offer the program accordingly.

 

And thanks for using the #3 topic and for not pinging us via every form of communication we offer members! You rock girl!

agreed on posting in the right spot.  Lately I have been feeling like a complete failure since nobody seems to be understanding this site anymore.  That is something that fell out after covid for some strange reason but you getting it right made me feel alot better.  Keep it up.  

Thanks guys! You make me feel so welcome. Please dont feel you have to do more on account of me. As long as I have a buddy that knows I am new, I will make mistakes, and I wont know what I dont know, that is good enough for me. 😊

Thanks guys! You make me feel so welcome. Please dont feel you have to do more on account of me. As long as I have a buddy that knows I am new, I will make mistakes, and I wont know what I dont know, that is good enough for me.

Thank you for the flexibility. We will see how it all fleshes out but usually I am that buddy. If you are good with doing some modeling for me and learning how to hang still while I take pictures...then you will be having fun but learning too! Its a great combo!

Thanks guys! You make me feel so welcome. Please dont feel you have to do more on account of me. As long as I have a buddy that knows I am new, I will make mistakes, and I wont know what I dont know, that is good enough for me.

Thank you for the flexibility. We will see how it all fleshes out but usually I am that buddy. If you are good with doing some modeling for me and learning how to hang still while I take pictures...then you will be having fun but learning too! Its a great combo!

I am not a great model if I know Im being photographed, but I dont mind. I tend to tense up if I know Im being photographed. 😆Candid shots, not a problem at all. While I dont want to take up your valuable time, Im interested in learning more about underwater photography and videography, so Im glad to assist in any way. (Not interested in professional manner, just as rec diver).

2 questions

A - does anyone know what the typical Roatan pillows and bedding are made of? Im allergic to feather items. Ive never thought about it before, as Ive only dived on or 2 days. I could see that becoming a problem with a week of sleeping and dives. I dont mind reaching out directly, but if someone knows already, That is great.

B - Ive heard that some people get cold after multiple dives. Ive only dove in salt water 3 different trips in 2 different locations. Only one trip has two days of diving back to back. I never got cold once. I bought a shortie thinking I may need it on my April Cozumel trip, but it was too much. I will wear a dive shirt either way. Does anyone have any feedback if I should plan for needing more than my shortie after multiple dives? I do not get cold easily. I know this is hard to answer as it is subjective. I just want to plan on possible scenarios. Thank you!

2 questions

A - does anyone know what the typical Roatan pillows and bedding are made of? Im allergic to feather items. Ive never thought about it before, as Ive only dived on or 2 days. I could see that becoming a problem with a week of sleeping and dives. I dont mind reaching out directly, but if someone knows already, That is great.

B - Ive heard that some people get cold after multiple dives. Ive only dove in salt water 3 different trips in 2 different locations. Only one trip has two days of diving back to back. I never got cold once. I bought a shortie thinking I may need it on my April Cozumel trip, but it was too much. I will wear a dive shirt either way. Does anyone have any feedback if I should plan for needing more than my shortie after multiple dives? I do not get cold easily. I know this is hard to answer as it is subjective. I just want to plan on possible scenarios. Thank you!

Hello Mindy,

    That is actually a very common question.   It is different for every diver, but.........as the week goes by, and the dives pile up, you will probably feel a bit cooler that you did at the start of the trip.  That said. if you have a wet suit and do not need it, no big deal.  If you do not have one and need one, you will not enjoy your trip as much as you should.  I bring one on all trips.  If I am too warm, I open the zipper and let water in, or I dive without it.  I have yet to do a trip where I dove without a wetsuit for the majority of the trip, so that says something.  As for me, I wear a light suit in 70 degree water.  I bring the same suit for 80 degree water, and still use it.  Ed

2 questions

A - does anyone know what the typical Roatan pillows and bedding are made of? Im allergic to feather items. Ive never thought about it before, as Ive only dived on or 2 days. I could see that becoming a problem with a week of sleeping and dives. I dont mind reaching out directly, but if someone knows already, That is great.

 

Rarely if ever will the pillows be made of down. Its just too expensive. To be safe feel free to reach out directly and confirm this... and let me know if you get a reply that is not what I said.

 

B - Ive heard that some people get cold after multiple dives. Ive only dove in salt water 3 different trips in 2 different locations. Only one trip has two days of diving back to back. I never got cold once. I bought a shortie thinking I may need it on my April Cozumel trip, but it was too much. I will wear a dive shirt either way. Does anyone have any feedback if I should plan for needing more than my shortie after multiple dives? I do not get cold easily. I know this is hard to answer as it is subjective. I just want to plan on possible scenarios. Thank you!

Hello Mindy,

    That is actually a very common question.   It is different for every diver, but.........as the week goes by, and the dives pile up, you will probably feel a bit cooler that you did at the start of the trip.  That said. if you have a wet suit and do not need it, no big deal.  If you do not have one and need one, you will not enjoy your trip as much as you should.  I bring one on all trips.  If I am too warm, I open the zipper and let water in, or I dive without it.  I have yet to do a trip where I dove without a wetsuit for the majority of the trip, so that says something.  As for me, I wear a light suit in 70 degree water.  I bring the same suit for 80 degree water, and still use it.  Ed

 

Adding to what Ed has said....

 

Warmth is truly a subjective matter. Newer divers still use their hands alot and fin alot and cover a lot of territory as they are dialing in all their skills This burns a lot of energy and energy = heat so usually newer divers are either too distracted to be chilled or they are moving a lot and do not notice it.

 

Also if your dive is 30-45 mins you probably will not get too cold. If your dive is 60 mins or longer then you will more likely start to feel the water temperature. As you become more proficient in the water you will move less and the less you move...the more likely you are to feel a chill.

 

Women are *usually* more cold natured than men so they are either always cold or will chill easier.  So a lot has to do with how chilled you get on land. Do you chill easy or can you go most of the winter with minimal thermal protection? Where do you live? Someplace hot or someplace cold? Can you tolerate heat easier or cold easier?  Are you more uncomfortable being cold or hot?

 

Take those answers and factor in your movement quotient in terms of being a newer or newish diver and we can pretty much tell what if any thermal protection you may need.

 

This will be winter so water temps will be low 80's if not high 70's. If there is any wind you will certainly feel chilled on the surface from evaporative cooling. And as Ed said and I always say...its easier to cool off than it is to warm up. Too hot...open your suit and let in water. Too cold and well you out of luck unless you can rent something at the resort.

 

Feel free to call me at 864-557-6079 to discuss specifics about your temperature preferences and I can more readily make some suggestions for you.

 

 

Thanks guys! You make me feel so welcome. Please dont feel you have to do more on account of me. As long as I have a buddy that knows I am new, I will make mistakes, and I wont know what I dont know, that is good enough for me.

Thank you for the flexibility. We will see how it all fleshes out but usually I am that buddy. If you are good with doing some modeling for me and learning how to hang still while I take pictures...then you will be having fun but learning too! Its a great combo!

I am not a great model if I know Im being photographed, but I dont mind. I tend to tense up if I know Im being photographed. Candid shots, not a problem at all. While I dont want to take up your valuable time, Im interested in learning more about underwater photography and videography, so Im glad to assist in any way. (Not interested in professional manner, just as rec diver).

 

Being an underwater model is different than being an above water one. Sure we capture fun candid shots but sometimes its just showing a diver next to a really beautiful coral/sponge formation. Or using a diver to show scale in our pictures. So we are not concentrating on your face/smile all the time!   And sometimes if we are really lucky...we will get a picture of you near a turtle or other super cool critter!

 

The main thing about uw modeling is that it helps you to dial in and learn buoyancy. You can't stay still long enough for a picture to be taken if you can't stay still in the water. If we have you focus on being a model...that is usually easier than trying to practice more traditional buoyancy skills. Make sense?

 

Another trick we do is to have you stay the same depth as your mentor. Its harder than it looks. But if you can do it then you will get your buoyancy dialed in much faster than almost any other method. And its easy... look at your mentor. Is she above you? Then you have to rise up slightly. Is she below you? Then you need to come down a little. Do this over and over until you can stay the same depth as your mentor. When you can do that...then we choose a depth in the water column say 55 feet and you practice staying at that depth no matter where you mentor is. Being at the same depth as your mentor uses an easy visual guide to help you. Being at a specific depth means you are using your computer because your mentor may not be at the same depth (after all she may be taking a picture of something) but her student needs to stay at the assigned depth to show she can manage her buoyancy AND show she has situational awareness.

 

We have lots of things we can do to help you dial in whatever you want to improve. Buoyancy? No problem. Trim? Got you covered. Air consumption? Easy!   So when we configure the Rent-A-Buddy in the system so you can sign up for it, make sure you think about what you want to work on in your program so we can customize it for you.

 

Oh and you will learn more about doing underwater photography and video by being a photographer's buddy. And of course all uw photogs love to share tips and how to do things so you'll learn a lot that way too!

Are the two spots still available for this trip. The hubby and I are thinking of jumping on it shows the two spots but also someone signing up? Not sure if the site is updated let me know!

Are the two spots still available for this trip. The hubby and I are thinking of jumping on it shows the two spots but also someone signing up? Not sure if the site is updated let me know!

Hi Hillary,

There is only one spot left in the Booking System Inventory, however I think Kamala may have arranged with the resort IF they had a room come available from a cancellation to place it under the club's reservation block. If so we will hopefully hear from Kamala when she comes up for air in Dominica this week!

BTW we see your status is Married but Buddyless, if this is still true we need you to create a member profile from your hubby specifically named "SoDakMermaid+1" so he will be eligible for a discounted non diver trip package double occupancy to join you. WE NEED TO KNOW so if the extra spot is in fact available it will be provisioned as Non Diver not Diver trip package.

If he has become certified at some point after you created your member profile then he ill need his own member name and profile to book a second Diver trip package.

PLEASE EMAIL your reply to trips@singledivers.com to expedite the process, thank you!