Yeah it sure makes you appreciate the value of local knowledge. Years ago on one of my side trips to dive in the USA I started with some dives in Calif. Going in with surfers zipping around was a new experience!
I confidently judged the wave sets as we waded in. Braced myself and leaned into the wave expecting to wait till the lull in the set. WRONG! I was used to dealing withe the wave sets on rock platforms and rocky rubble. The wave washed back and took the sand out from under my heels and the next wave tumbled me big time! Exit was also different from what I was used to! Next dive I asked my local diver friend if anyone entered off the rocks at the far end of the beach. He said sure but he didn't know how and wasn't comfortable trying. lol I opted for following the local knowledge and by the end of my visit he said my entry/exits were getting pretty elegant.
Next diving was in Canada, followed local process on gear selection except gloves. Opted for my normal gloves for camera management. ERROR.. dang near froze my fingers off!
Next Florida shore dives. We did one dive had a SI and the locals debated canning the next dive as it was getting a bit to rough! I was astounded as it only had a few ripples in my book. Totally different to Calif they would have considered it dead calm! IMHO a smart traveler respects the locals or risks consequences they may not anticipate!
I confidently judged the wave sets as we waded in. Braced myself and leaned into the wave expecting to wait till the lull in the set. WRONG! I was used to dealing withe the wave sets on rock platforms and rocky rubble. The wave washed back and took the sand out from under my heels and the next wave tumbled me big time! Exit was also different from what I was used to! Next dive I asked my local diver friend if anyone entered off the rocks at the far end of the beach. He said sure but he didn't know how and wasn't comfortable trying. lol I opted for following the local knowledge and by the end of my visit he said my entry/exits were getting pretty elegant.
Next diving was in Canada, followed local process on gear selection except gloves. Opted for my normal gloves for camera management. ERROR.. dang near froze my fingers off!
Next Florida shore dives. We did one dive had a SI and the locals debated canning the next dive as it was getting a bit to rough! I was astounded as it only had a few ripples in my book. Totally different to Calif they would have considered it dead calm! IMHO a smart traveler respects the locals or risks consequences they may not anticipate!