If you are here on Scubaboard you are already on the right track for planning. Over the years I've been so impressed by dive professionals here in the islands. There is a great willingness to help you out and be sure you meet your needs. Many divers set up bookings last minute, but with a little planning you can really set yourself up for fantastic experiences whether you are doing 1 or 10 days of diving. Some thoughts and tips on doing so...
1. Allow some flexibility with your booking dates. Weather can impact surface and underwater conditions. Lighter winds can open up the playbook for sites and make options less limited. Lighter winds and reduced swell are always ideal. Especially if you are booking upon arrival on island - ask what days look to be the best? You can also do your own research (NOAA forecast for example) and get a good idea of what is ahead. If you book well in advance which is the best idea in my opinion, let the dive operation know that you are flexible with diving days and touch base with them several days before your planned/booked days. It's also fine to express an interest in diving with a group of divers that are of your experience level. Mixed groups are common, but if you wish to do "mellow" or shallow dives - most companies will do their best to make it happen. On the other end of things, many companies offer more advanced dives. Remember that you are the customer and it is absolutely ok to express your desires as the pertain to your experience level and dive interests.
2. Keep open dialog with the crew when you arrive. Divemasters love to know if you are nervous, rusty, new etc... While we can often interview and determine these things on our own, it's best to communicate up front. A good crew will bend over backwards to make sure you get personalized as well as helpful guidance when you express these things. It's also best to let them know if you've had bad/challenging experiences in the past. Again, a good staff will work to ensure they don't repeat. We LOVE to have the chance to further educate and train divers to get better. A GOOD DIVER IS ALWAYS LEARNING. The reality is that most divers don't get to dive 10,20, 30+ times a year. A little rust is expected if you fall into these categories. Past ear issues are also a great thing to communicate.
3. Consider the option of shore diving!!!! This is such an overlooked opportunity in Hawaii! The shore diving throughout the islands is awesome. Shore diving doesn't mean hard work and missing out on anything. It certainly doesn't mean you are a beginner either. While shore dives are certainly a great starting point if you are rusty (or fall into any of the other perviously mentioned categories) they can offer opportunities that a boat may not. They are great for long bottom times generally and are usually more personalized.
4. Refresh before you come if the opportunity is available. This can mean a pool refresher at a local dive shop - or just a run through your training manual / DVD. If you have a dive buddy / family members you can go over things together. Minimally you should review hand signals and communication. We all have had challenges with the fine art of underwater communication. Slates btw are great for eliminating these issues.
5. If you don't log dives......(I'm old school and think everyone should). It is sooo important to know how much weight you need. 4 extra pounds / 4 to light = potential for a less than desirable dive experience. YES, they can be overcome and handled, but if you know already based on experience what you need it is the single most important piece of information (again, in my humble opinion) that you can provide a DM. It also opens the playbook for your options for sites/dives sometimes. If several divers on a boat "have no idea" it tends to impact decisions on dive sites. This is a complex issue that I won't get into in detail this post, but if you don't know - work with a guide on your dive(s) to figure it out. It will go really far in terms of your progression as a diver. Proper weighting can also be a safety issue as you likely are very aware. Minimally, by getting your weight right - you ensure longer bottom times.
Anyway, that's all for now gang. I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year full of amazing diving. I hope these thoughts are well received and guide some divers to better experiences with some amazing operations and guides here in the Hawaii Islands.
Love to hear your thoughts. AND really happy to help as always with any questions dive members may have.
Cheers
A
1. Allow some flexibility with your booking dates. Weather can impact surface and underwater conditions. Lighter winds can open up the playbook for sites and make options less limited. Lighter winds and reduced swell are always ideal. Especially if you are booking upon arrival on island - ask what days look to be the best? You can also do your own research (NOAA forecast for example) and get a good idea of what is ahead. If you book well in advance which is the best idea in my opinion, let the dive operation know that you are flexible with diving days and touch base with them several days before your planned/booked days. It's also fine to express an interest in diving with a group of divers that are of your experience level. Mixed groups are common, but if you wish to do "mellow" or shallow dives - most companies will do their best to make it happen. On the other end of things, many companies offer more advanced dives. Remember that you are the customer and it is absolutely ok to express your desires as the pertain to your experience level and dive interests.
2. Keep open dialog with the crew when you arrive. Divemasters love to know if you are nervous, rusty, new etc... While we can often interview and determine these things on our own, it's best to communicate up front. A good crew will bend over backwards to make sure you get personalized as well as helpful guidance when you express these things. It's also best to let them know if you've had bad/challenging experiences in the past. Again, a good staff will work to ensure they don't repeat. We LOVE to have the chance to further educate and train divers to get better. A GOOD DIVER IS ALWAYS LEARNING. The reality is that most divers don't get to dive 10,20, 30+ times a year. A little rust is expected if you fall into these categories. Past ear issues are also a great thing to communicate.
3. Consider the option of shore diving!!!! This is such an overlooked opportunity in Hawaii! The shore diving throughout the islands is awesome. Shore diving doesn't mean hard work and missing out on anything. It certainly doesn't mean you are a beginner either. While shore dives are certainly a great starting point if you are rusty (or fall into any of the other perviously mentioned categories) they can offer opportunities that a boat may not. They are great for long bottom times generally and are usually more personalized.
4. Refresh before you come if the opportunity is available. This can mean a pool refresher at a local dive shop - or just a run through your training manual / DVD. If you have a dive buddy / family members you can go over things together. Minimally you should review hand signals and communication. We all have had challenges with the fine art of underwater communication. Slates btw are great for eliminating these issues.
5. If you don't log dives......(I'm old school and think everyone should). It is sooo important to know how much weight you need. 4 extra pounds / 4 to light = potential for a less than desirable dive experience. YES, they can be overcome and handled, but if you know already based on experience what you need it is the single most important piece of information (again, in my humble opinion) that you can provide a DM. It also opens the playbook for your options for sites/dives sometimes. If several divers on a boat "have no idea" it tends to impact decisions on dive sites. This is a complex issue that I won't get into in detail this post, but if you don't know - work with a guide on your dive(s) to figure it out. It will go really far in terms of your progression as a diver. Proper weighting can also be a safety issue as you likely are very aware. Minimally, by getting your weight right - you ensure longer bottom times.
Anyway, that's all for now gang. I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year full of amazing diving. I hope these thoughts are well received and guide some divers to better experiences with some amazing operations and guides here in the Hawaii Islands.
Love to hear your thoughts. AND really happy to help as always with any questions dive members may have.
Cheers
A
