Wilmington, NC

[SamArkey]

Hello Everyone!

So I live in Wilmington , nc . I just got certified on Sunday. I hear there are some great places to dive.

Any suggestions? Any one need a buddy?
All is appreciated.

Sam

 

[philmayer]

I would suggest you come to Morehead City with us next weekend, but they require a minimum number of dives first.

There is A LOT of cool diving around you!

 

[battles2a5]

Sam, check out ncdivers.com. Lot of good folks from Wilmington on that board. Talk to Capt Paul at Aquatic Safaris. They run trips out to the wrecks all the time. Stay inshore for awhile and build up some experience. Cape Fear Divers in Carolina Beach is suppose to be good, too. Haven't been out w/ them though. Congrats on your cert and welcome to the club.

 

[yitbos1987]

I can certainly agree. Aquatic Safari is great. Their trips are on-time, well run, and managed safely. I made 4 trips with them in June.

They make several dives perfect for new divers.

I can't recommend them enough!!! A++

 

[SamArkey]

I got certified through Aquatic Safaris. They 're great. Everyone is so friendly there. I definately plan on going back there again.

Has anyone been out to Frying Pan Tower? How is it?

 

[herman]

Welcome to the board.

FPT is a long way out 35-40 miles from CB and in 50-70 ft of water. Currents can at time be strong but all in all a nice dive. Seasick meds are a good idea.

 

[Colliam7]

Has anyone been out to Frying Pan Tower? How is it?

Herman makes some good points. The diving is very good, and it is relatively shallow, so as a newly certified diver you can dive within your depth and skill limits and have a great time. Yes, it is a longer ride, even on the fast AS boat, but worth it. And, depending on your individual predilection to mal de mer, a little triptone may or may not be in order.

 

[SamArkey]

Thanks everyone. I think I'll probably wait until the spring to go, That gives me time to get experienced (And also there are no more scheduled trips this year).FPT seems like a fun place to go, I've heard great things about it. The boat ride out there actually sounds fun. I love boats, my life is surrounded by them.

Anything else you want to share?

-Sam

 

[fireflock]

The Safari Hunt in May is a nice way to kick the season off, get in a dive or two, and maybe score some prizes.

The tower is a really nice area with reasonable depths and a ton of fish life. One of the big dangers in the area is current. Keep that in mind and have a plan for what to do if you do find yourself swept off the site.

Don't miss the sand tiger sharks on the Hyde and Markham.

Final tip - stay away from guys named Andre (just kidding....)

Wilmington really is a great place to dive.

Rich

 

[fpsndiver]

Has anyone been out to Frying Pan Tower? How is it?

I think I was there once or so.....was that the tall thingy out there in the ocean rich? We went diving there right?

Sam...just kidding. There is certainly no need for you to head up to Morehead to dive now that you are certified. Frying Pan Tower is a good trip for you...and the Greg Mickey. However, for the cost conscious and more likely to run trips for newer divers in Wilmington may I suggest:

Dredge (Playa)
Stone
Pocohontas
Hyde
Markham
5 Mile Barge
5 Mile Ledge

those are all close, shallow trips run by Aquatics and Cape Fear at a much lower cost than some of the offshore trips. Get comfy in the water and with your new fangled equipment before you start spending the big bucks with offshore trips. There is tons of good diving here off Wilmington for sure.

Tom Tilmon