Hole in the Wall in Jupiter

[johnny_bravo]

This is one of my favorite dives in Florida...I've done about 7/8 times. JDC is top notch so you have that going for you...this is not the dive for you if you are not comfortable with fast descents or have any concerns about your gear...make sure you have good surface signaling to ensure you get picked up after the dive (or hang tight with the DMs).

Be prepared to get your "narc" on with the fast descent and the depths.

Cheers.

-J.-

 

[DeepSeaExplorer]

I did this dive a few years ago and was a little disappointed. The Hole-in-the-wall itself is a mundane dive. It really isn't much more than an undercut ledge. Once past the hole, the reef is below average. It's one of those been there, done that, got the T-shirt type dives. But, like any dive, it's worth doing once...

 

[dumpsterDiver]

I did this dive a few years ago and was a little disappointed. The Hole-in-the-wall itself is a mundane dive. It really isn't much more than an undercut ledge. Once past the hole, the reef is below average. It's one of those been there, done that, got the T-shirt type dives. But, like any dive, it's worth doing once...

Are we talking about the same place? It is a swim through tunnel that is 60 ft? long and 10 feet high and 10-12 feet wide? Or at least that what it feels like on air at 130 feet.

 

[jupitermermaid]

Wow, I'm really looking forward to this dive, now (I was before, but I feel a lot more comfortable after the info you great guys have offered). I usually dive with steel 80's, but will be taking steel 100's (filled with Nitrox) with me for this dive (I'm a conservative breather, but like the idea of having extra csf for the depth and SS's. I love looking at sharks and big jewfish (the same as Goliath Groupers?), and cudas. I can't see myself getting freaked out unless I get "dark narced," which so far I have never had (it's always been good ). I'm cavern certed, so overhead doesn't bother me, and I've done night dives, so the dark doesn't spook me. The JDC crew is great, and I know to "follow or stay close to the line" as the boat follows the DM. I have a sausage in case the current sweeps me away from the group, my equipment is only 4 months old and in good condition, and I have experience in swimming in some current and depth (but not to the extent of being cocky....BIG mistake). Am I missing anything? I like to be prepared. I really appreciate everyone's posting, information, advice, and experiences. Anything else you have to offer or advise is appreciated. Anyone want to join me?

 

[dumpsterDiver]

Do you have a pony bottle? That is on MY required list.

 

[jupitermermaid]

Not as of now, but it will be obtained before the dive. Do I need to secure an additional regulator to be able to use it? This will be my first experience with one, other than before the dive practice. I don't want to have to use something that I'm not familiar with in an emergency situation.

 

[dumpsterDiver]

You will need a first stage and a second stage for the pony. You MIGHT consider taking the octopus from your primary reg and using it on the pony bottle. I use a 13 cu-ft for dives like that which are little or no deco.

Make sure you are comfortable with the rig before you go on your deepest dive ever.

 

[jupitermermaid]

That's one of the things I love about "the Bridge" (Blue Heron). It's a great place to practice and try out new equipment in shallow water. I'll stop by Divers Direct on my way home from work this week and pick up a pony, 1st and 2nd stage, and practice using it during slack tide at the bridge so I'll be comfortable with it before the dive. I've been to 150' before (not one of my smartest moves......I was a new diver trusting my buddy to make good decisions), so this won't be my deepest dive (hopefully....if it is, it will be by accident, cuz I don't plan on going below 150').

 

[DeepSeaExplorer]

Are we talking about the same place? It is a swim through tunnel that is 60 ft? long and 10 feet high and 10-12 feet wide? Or at least that what it feels like on air at 130 feet.

I think so... It was about 10x12, but I don't recall it being 60ft long.

I think it was all the hype surrounding this dive that caused me to be disappointed. I heard things like, "It's like being flushed down a toilet." So I was expecting an adventurous dive. Anyway, it's definitely worth doing. But, I think first time divers will have a more enjoyable dive if the expectations aren't over inflated.

 

[dumpsterDiver]

I think so... It was about 10x12, but I don't recall it being 60ft long.

I think it was all the hype surrounding this dive that caused me to be disappointed. I heard things like, "It's like being flushed down a toilet." So I was expecting an adventurous dive. Anyway, it's definitely worth doing. But, I think first time divers will have a more enjoyable dive if the expectations aren't over inflated.

When I worked as a divemaster, I liked to describe the most challenging conditions for a particular dive site that a diver was likely to encounter. If this scared the diver or caused them to reconsider or choose another less challenging site,, then that was fine with me. If the diver ain't reasonably confident that they can handle the dive, I really don't want to be diving with them.

On the other hand, if they did the dive and it was easier then the "worst probable case" then that was fine too.. Nobody gets hurt either way...

I honestly wonder how long the "cave" really is?