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first time diver

Author: Dani (---.44.87.30.res-cmts.sm.ptd.net)
Date: 08-27-08 16:09

Hi...this forum is awesome... I've had my eye on it for several months since I booked a surprise trip for my husband's 40th for Jan/09. Neither of us has ever been diving, but it's something that intreagues me (and I know DH too) and that I feel like we have to do if we are going to be in Culebra. So, I called Culebra Divers today, and inquired about their $100 deal....seems perfect to get our feet wet, so to speak, and experience underwater paradise without big committment or $$. I was SHOCKED to learn that they take these beginner divers into 30 ft of water...is that normal??? I honesly was thinking about something more like 15 feet...the idea of going deeeper for a first timer is a bit scary! Can any of you experts give a first timer some thoughts?? Thanks! 4 months and counting! ;-)

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Re: first time diver

Author: Mort (---.tampabay.res.rr.com)
Date: 08-27-08 17:26

Intro dives usually go to that level, sometimes as much as 40. Very common, and very safe.

Don't worry about it at all. Honestly, 30 feet is not much different than 15 feet. You'll be surprised at how safe you feel once you're down there.

15 feet is just too close to the surface to get the real experience.

Even if you have a sudden problem and/or panic, you can quickly get to the surface without much if any danger. Now, if you're diving at 90 feet and do that, it's another story.

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Re: first time diver

Author: Debbie (205.228.12.---)
Date: 08-28-08 10:32

wiriver,

Yes, that is normal. Culebra Divers typically goes to Punta Soldado, and conducts the lesson in shallow water where you could stand up -- prior to actually descending and doing the 30 foot dive. The going rule is one atmosphere (30 feet) can be safely ascended (quickly if necessary). No experienced dive shop (that wants to hang on to its license) will take you down more than 30 feet without your having the necessary training.

Happy Diving!
Debbie

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Re: first time diver

Author: Jeff (---.178.30.71.dynamic.ip.windstream.net)
Date: 08-28-08 22:12

My suggestion is to practice pressurizing your ears. Just google "clearing ears diving". You'll get lots of really good tips.

The one thing that will kill your fun is to not be able to clear your ears. If you can do this easily, the rest will be a blast. If you can't, peer pressure sometimes makes people do stupid things until the water pressure wins and the eardrums pop.

Have fun on this one, then get certified. It's worth it.

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Re: first time diver

Author: wirvier (---.44.87.30.res-cmts.sm.ptd.net)
Date: 08-28-08 22:38

Thanks guys....very interesting. I am truly surprised to hear what you all have posted. Mort - 30' is not much different from 15'... I'll believe that when I experience it, but something interesting to think about. Debbie - no worries... there is no WAY I'm interested in going deeper than 30'. Jeff - interesting... I did't think about the ear thing...is it completely comfortable once you preassurize your ears, or is there always a little pressure? This is my husband and my first carribean trip... we only vacation in europe to visit friends & family... I don't see us going back again soon... but the way you guys all talk about craving culebra, our vacation habits may change!

So a couple more questions (sorry if they sound silly!)... is it sunny down there at 30'? Are there any fish (or sharks!) that would make you nervous? I imagine myself not panicing completely, but being very anxious "down there"!! eeek... just thinking about it makes adrenaline shoot to my heart!!

Another question I have been wondering about... many people talk about the golf carts & scooters that are available on the island, but people only talk about their experience with renting jeeps. What's the deal with golf carts & scooters... sounds like a fun vacation experience to me... what's the up/downside to these 2 options?

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Re: first time diver

Author: Mort (---.tampabay.res.rr.com)
Date: 08-29-08 09:15

Wirvier, trust me, 30 feet isn't much different than 15, and the visibility will be the same. You'll be able to look up and see the surface and bright sun. There will be light all around you. You'll be surprised.

Jeff's advice about the ears is very good. The trick is to RELAX and take your time. Some people can drop more quickly than others. I, for example, have to drop more slowly than many other divers.... That's just how my ears are.

Again, the key thing to all this is RELAX. The more wound up you are, or the more nervous you are, the more air you use up and the more alien the environment will feel to you.

Millions and millions of people have done what you're about to do. You have nothing to worry about at the depth you're going. Just listen to the instructor and... relax.

As for the golf carts, well... they're golf carts. They don't go very fast and they don't have much power. Scooters are scooters... you probably have been on them before, and you know that they are risky because you're unprotected. Remember that you'll be on public roads. Culebra isn't LeMans, but there are quite a few vehicles around.

I don't think that anyone can give you the ultimate advice about scooters and golf carts. It's a personal preference. If you plan to drive all over the island all the time, or to remote beaches/areas, I'd get a car.

In my last trip of ten days, we didn't rent a vehicle at all, and we were very happy.

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Re: first time diver

Author: Jeannie G3 (---.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date: 08-29-08 14:06

Hola! It's all about ecotourism, too. Leave the smallest carbon print that you can manage. Use publicos, hitch a ride with a local (great conversations), and walk, great exercise. The more you exercise, the more rice, beans and other goodies you can eat. Happy travels! J

supergarcia3

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Re: first time diver

Author: Mort (---.tampabay.res.rr.com)
Date: 08-29-08 15:26

I'm not sure that beans leaves a small carbon print, though. Some experts feel otherwise.

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Re: first time diver

Author: Vicki moore (---.dhcp.jcsn.tn.charter.com)
Date: 09-01-08 22:05

We have been diving for over 31 years. I have been on dives in several places where there were "resort course divers" on the dive. One I remember well was on Kauai in 1990. There were 4 of these folks on the dive and the divemaster stayed with them the entire time at around 30 ft. He did take them down to 60 ft to see some sleeping reef sharks. I was appaled at this. You will find that the difference in 15 and 30 feet is very small. It is just a # in your head and can freak you out if you think about it. Relaxing as much as you can and truly enjoying the underworld wonders, is the true beauty of diving. You will see fish. We did see a small shark when we went diving with Tazz on Culebra last month. You should see nothing that frightens you and Walter will be sure and tell you what to expect and is really good about pointing things out to you. We just returned today from the Florida Gulf Coast and even with a pending hurricane out there and visibility of only 20 feet, I still loved the dive. We went to a max of 70 ft due to the problems with visibility. We normally go to about 100 ft when we do a boat dive out of Destin. Good luck.

Vicki in Tennessee

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Re: first time diver

Author: Mort (12.1.242.---)
Date: 09-02-08 16:59

Vicki, your description of the visibility in Destin reminded me of when I was certified in Monterey. Visibility was maybe 15 feet at most (the usual) and the water was sure cold. We had to remove and replace our masks and do all the requirement in cold, dark water. And we loved it (mostly). It was especially incredible going through the kelp forests. An unforgettable experience.

And after that, we felt ready to dive ANYwhere! LOL.

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