My Bonne Terre Experience

[SoccerJeni]

Wow, I'm sorry you had such a bad experience there. I always thought diving was supposed to be fun and by your description this doesn't sound it was very fun and exciting. Constantly worried about being kicked in the face, over-crowded dives, and being put into uncomfortable situations is not my idea of a good time. Isn't diving stress-free and a time just to take it all in? IMHO there is nothing worse than being on an over-crowded dive and or dive boat. You mentioned they did air checks throughout the dive; when you said you didn't pass your 2nd air check did anyone escort you back out or were you still close to where you entered? I would have thought the dive leaders wouldn't of led divers who didn't have a cave cert into an area with an overhead environment and let alone cramp everyone into it. I understand you are technically in an overhead environment everywhere inside the mine but I would think that they would have a more "open" environment tour for the less experienced divers. Just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.

Yes, I was very stressed out! The biggest stressor was losing my friend! I cannot tell you how nervous I was.

They do have a safety escort you back if you do not pass the air check locations. And a safety is supposed to help any diver that is having trouble or that surfaces for whatever reason, which is why it was particularly scarey we didn't know that we lost a few people and all the safeties were with us.

Well, the majority of the dive is in a non-overhead environment. The surface of the water in most places is about 150 feet below the mine ceiling. But, there are a few overheads within the water.

 

[CAPTAIN SINBAD]

What kind of exposure protection were you wearing? Was it enough?

 

[SoccerJeni]

I had on a 5mil farmer john, plus a 5 mil hood, and 3 mil gloves. It was chilly when you first jumped in, and the second dive it took quite a while to adjust to the water. But I was never shivering or really even that cold during the dive. My 2 buddies had 7 mil farmer johns.

 

[Johnny Mojo]

Jenni,

I forgot to ask........How did you like your new BC?!

J.

 

[SoccerJeni]

Jenni,

I forgot to ask........How did you like your new BC?!

J.

Oh! It worked out well! I did get in the pool before I went to just test it out. I'm really glad I did that because I couldn't find the rear dump in the pool. I finally found it once I was leaving the pool. It actually has a lot of pockets, and different places on it so it feels a little overdone, but overall it was great!

 

[idocsteve]

Well, the majority of the dive is in a non-overhead environment. The surface of the water in most places is about 150 feet below the mine ceiling. But, there are a few overheads within the water.

Yeah you don't usually count overheads that are outside the water. Otherwise you could go so far as to say that when you're in your car on the way over there you've actually penetrated an artificial wreck.

 

[SoccerJeni]

Yeah you don't usually count overheads that are outside the water. Otherwise you could go so far as to say that when you're in your car on the way over there you've actually penetrated an artificial wreck.

Lol! I was just trying to explain it clearly since the written word isn't as clear as the spoken word, especially when I can use my hands to demonstrate. Lol.

 

[idocsteve]

Lol! I was just trying to explain it clearly since the written word isn't as clear as the spoken word, especially when I can use my hands to demonstrate. Lol.

I completely understand Jeni, and I'm sorry that I couldn't have been there for you during your time of upsetment.

I would have given those divemasters a piece of my mind!

Making such a pretty girl cry like that.

It's APPALLING!

 

[nagel]

It might be the luck of the draw...depending on how many people sign up as far as how large the group is. The winter is their busy season. Not sure if they still require 3 dives in the winter or not...they use too. In summer, they drop it to 2 dives or use too.

There are a lot of reviews on this forum and others. Some become very passionate both ways about Bonne Terre. Best advise is to try it once and you will know if it's for you.

Yes, as you progress to the "upper dives" the pack tends to thin out. In fact, once you get to the latter dives it usually is just 1-2 people with the guide.

What I experienced was a "cattle dive" with many novice divers that wanted to stay in front with the guide. Nothing against novice divers, just my opinion maybe the best dive for somebody just out of OW. Although I tried to stay back, I still got kicked around. The other issue I had was floating in the abyss. Trail 1 there is a section where you are just there..cannot see any walls or bottom....this kinda freaked me out a little added with dealing with fins in my face.

Some in my group were nervous about the overheads. This didn't bother me (I've been in Cenote's in Mexico (they call them caves here). However, I was in no shape to try overheads the way I was feeling. Scrapped the later dives.

Snagel

 

[Davemohio]

Jeni,

Thanks for the excellent and descriptive report. I was anxious to hear how it went for you.

Sometimes..ya have dives like this..not often, thankfully.

I would have been stressed out. I also would have been more p***ed off. I could not have handled that crowd of divers.