diveprof
Contributor
Awesome dives today. Dive 1 (AOW deep dive class) began with a descent and swim north to the cow skull rock, and then dropping down to the 40' ledge and angel statue (very nice in the subdued light - little fishes in abundance). Then it was onward to and through the trench and down to the 100' wall. Light was very good. Did not need a light at this depth (98'max). We dove the wall and upward to the edge of the forest and then the 55' ledge. The big stump was next with lots of bluegills and sunfish. Then a slight drop down on the N. wall. before the turn back South to the big stump, fallen pine, and pipe 35' ledge. Then back South for an extended safety stop before exiting. 59 min dive. Lots of fish life today and good vis (10-15' except at the thermoclines) Way to go Joel on your deep dive!
Dive two was 63 min. with max depth of 79' . This was a navigation dive. Joel nailed the compass work though we both noted that the Mares puck compass has a very small North point. Hard to tell north from south on this compass. We reviewed that it is probably easier (for those who on occasion cannot read what appears to be 8pt type) to look at the degree heading numbers from below than using the bezel (this was practiced also - out and back and square). Measuring kick cycles and elapsed time over distance went well. From there it was using natural navigation to the plane. Joel wanted a challenge (actually I wanted him to see the benefits of a compass run to hit a target). So he did the navigation from the plane to the drop tank @ 79'. This is a long distance swim over descending terrain. He was very close (I don't always hit it). On the return to the plane he caught the wing (very good). We finished the dive playing with the fishes. River and drift tomorrow.
Dive two was 63 min. with max depth of 79' . This was a navigation dive. Joel nailed the compass work though we both noted that the Mares puck compass has a very small North point. Hard to tell north from south on this compass. We reviewed that it is probably easier (for those who on occasion cannot read what appears to be 8pt type) to look at the degree heading numbers from below than using the bezel (this was practiced also - out and back and square). Measuring kick cycles and elapsed time over distance went well. From there it was using natural navigation to the plane. Joel wanted a challenge (actually I wanted him to see the benefits of a compass run to hit a target). So he did the navigation from the plane to the drop tank @ 79'. This is a long distance swim over descending terrain. He was very close (I don't always hit it). On the return to the plane he caught the wing (very good). We finished the dive playing with the fishes. River and drift tomorrow.
. It was a pleasure being your instructor.
You will never meet a nicer bunch of folks. Truly top notch (even if a particular member lies about never peeing in his wetsuit
).
