Aldora: what I've been missing

[Dirty-Dog]

Can you speak more about doing technical diving with Aldora? I did not realize they did that. The guy I used to use is long gone, and I'd like a new option for next time.

I've done tech diving with Julio (who is in Bali now...), and Memo. I believe there are at least a couple other staff that do tech. However, even if the group as a whole isn't doing tech, it's never been a problem if I chose to do a little 'tech lite' on one of the trips. By that I mean if there are 6 on the boat, and two of us have planned to go a bit deeper than rec limits, for example, nobody gets real tense.

I'm not of the tech caliber myself. I know DM Sharif is into the tech stuff, Memo too. Call the shop. I know certain gases ( besides the normal EAN) used to be pricey and hard to get. Alternate gasses may be cheaper now but I will not speculate.Slinging a tank on the big boy boat is not an issue at all. Jeffro does it all the time. Never a problem.

I've never done anything super extreme on Cozumel, but it's never been a problem getting a bottle of 50% or 80% for deco.

Good luck with the chemo Dirty-Dog. I'm 17 years out from a stem cell transplant for Leukemia (AML M5). It doesn't get everyone. I'm living proof. Think positive!!!!

Thanks. I have already outlived a different (and incurable) cancer - 5 year survival is 50%, and I'm 7 years post-diagnosis. And this type (metastatic squamous cell) is eminently curable (like, 95%). But since I'll have a radical neck dissection followed by 6 weeks of cisplatin and radiation, I expect recovery to take a while. Diving, I think, will be very therapeutic.

 

[ggunn]

My 1st backroll I didn't extend my legs and I think smacked the backs of my calves on the boat rail I'd been sitting on. Initially couldn't figure out why I was in substantial pain. Wouldn't have been wanting to 'hug' a couple of big tanks to me at the time.

I have done that. Ouch. I am now acutely aware of the necessity to kick my legs out as I roll back.

 

[teknitroxdiver]

I've done tech diving with Julio (who is in Bali now...), and Memo. I believe there are at least a couple other staff that do tech. However, even if the group as a whole isn't doing tech, it's never been a problem if I chose to do a little 'tech lite' on one of the trips. By that I mean if there are 6 on the boat, and two of us have planned to go a bit deeper than rec limits, for example, nobody gets real tense.



I've never done anything super extreme on Cozumel, but it's never been a problem getting a bottle of 50% or 80% for deco.



Thanks. I have already outlived a different (and incurable) cancer - 5 year survival is 50%, and I'm 7 years post-diagnosis. And this type (metastatic squamous cell) is eminently curable (like, 95%). But since I'll have a radical neck dissection followed by 6 weeks of cisplatin and radiation, I expect recovery to take a while. Diving, I think, will be very therapeutic.

Do you recall what size doubles were available, and if helium was an option? (Though if it's anything like the helium prices I vaguely remember from there, it's probably not worth it)

 

[uncfnp]

Do you recall what size doubles were available, and if helium was an option? (Though if it's anything like the helium prices I vaguely remember from there, it's probably not worth it)

If you are serious about technical diving in Coz you might want to check these ops.

Deep Exposure Dive Center Cozumel Diving Rates

Technical Diving and Specialties

I have not dove with them but have seen them referenced on Coz threads about tech diving. I think both offer trimix and at least one supports rebreathers.

 

[teknitroxdiver]

If you are serious about technical diving in Coz you might want to check these ops.

Deep Exposure Dive Center Cozumel Diving Rates

Technical Diving and Specialties

I have not dove with them but have seen them referenced on Coz threads about tech diving. I think both offer trimix and at least one supports rebreathers.

I actually did my trimix training with Roly at Dive Cozumel. As far as I know he moved to Playa, and maybe on from there by now.

Good call on Deep Exposure. I've heard a lot of good about them.

 

[Dirty-Dog]

Do you recall what size doubles were available, and if helium was an option? (Though if it's anything like the helium prices I vaguely remember from there, it's probably not worth it)

I've never asked about helium, but since Dave monitors the Cozumel forum, he should know.
When I've dove backmount doubles, it's always been AL80's. Sidemount, of course, works with any size tank, and Aldora has AL 40, and 80, and HP 100 and 120 (that I know of, there may well be others).

 

[Dave Dillehay]

Aldora also has on hand a slew of various pony bottles that are O2 clean and can be used for deco stops.


Dave Dillehay
Aldora Divers

 

[C Dub]

Aldora also has on hand a slew of various pony bottles that are O2 clean and can be used for deco stops.


Dave Dillehay
Aldora Divers

Dave - can you do Trimix and support Tech dives?

 

[Dave Dillehay]

Dave - can you do Trimix and support Tech dives?

The answer is yes, but I'll try to get our Tech Maestro Memo to add in details. I am not the tech guy.

Dave Dillehay
Aldora Divers

 

[Memo Mendoza]

Dave - can you do Trimix and support Tech dives?

We are not dedicated to Tech diving, however some of our staff are tech divers and with the enough time for planning and getting the equipment needed we may be able to accommodate a small group . Is just a matter of getting the right tanks, hardware and gases, helium is available here on the island we just may have to ask a friend to let us use his booster. Meridiano 87 even rents doubles. it works better when we are not extremely busy and we can dedicate one of our boats exclusively for a tech group, you may be asked to bring some equipment with you, , stage kits, stage regs, and something else that comes up.