And above all else...

[saying]

This Saturday I'm flying to Puerto Rico for my first liveaboard (Nekton Rorqual out to Mona Island)... by myself, sadly.

So I've checked out all my gear, I've got my soap, non-petroleum suntan lotion, and a whole library of crap to read (all three ID books by Humann & Deloach, The complete short stories of Borges, Under the Black Flag: The Romance and the Reality of Life Among the Pirates {I'm particularly proud of this, most appropriate, selection}, and I'm going back and forth between Thunderball and 20,000 Leauges Under the Sea), and I've been working out like a big dog so I can afford to eat for seven days straight.

My question is: any last minute advice for a first timer?

 

[roakey]

If you're a first timer, Bonine or Dramamine non-drousy.

And USE it as described on the package (which means taking it long before you get on the boat), don't "see if you can handle it." I usually take one before boarding and let it wear off when I have my sea legs and I'm good to go, that's the max I'd experiment with.

Roak

 

[Diver0001]

This Saturday I'm flying to Puerto Rico for my first liveaboard (Nekton Rorqual out to Mona Island)... by myself, sadly.

So I've checked out all my gear, I've got my soap, non-petroleum suntan lotion, and a whole library of crap to read (all three ID books by Humann & Deloach, The complete short stories of Borges, Under the Black Flag: The Romance and the Reality of Life Among the Pirates {I'm particularly proud of this, most appropriate, selection}, and I'm going back and forth between Thunderball and 20,000 Leauges Under the Sea), and I've been working out like a big dog so I can afford to eat for seven days straight.

My question is: any last minute advice for a first timer?

Just a couple of random thoughts:
- You'll be in the sun a lot. Plan for that.
- Aside from seasick you may want to plan for other common travel illnesses (diarrhea, headache, upset stomach, dehydration, indigestion).
- As far as gear goes, did you think about a dsmb, whistle, light and that sort of thing? A light is good to have even if you don't think you need it.
- you can never have too many spares (think batteries) but you can have too few.
- If there's even a remote chance of a romantic encounter..... condoms

R..

 

[CelticRavenVA]

I am sure that others here have there own suggestions for sea sick... Funny enough I have been on some ships that were getting tossed around for 7 days straight. (non diving trips) but found instead of using any sea sick meds I actually did better if I just went out on deck and could see the horizon. Being inside with no reference in the club on the boat with no windows made me a tad dizzy. If you really want a laugh, I got so used to it that I had to use the seasick meds when I was on land after we got home... Yes I get land sick. *rolls eyes*

Other stuff good for any time on a boat, an extra pair of sunglasses!!! Lost mine one trip and ended up hating life, it is very bright out there.

I always take something to fill with water also. While I am sure there will be plenty floating around out there. I actually just got a camelpack to keep with my dive gear so I don't have to go searching for water when I "need" it. Soon as I exit the water after breathing air with no moisture comes to mind.

In addition to the sunglasses an extra hat also.... for the same reasons, you are more likely to loose your hat then your glasses even if you are in wind.

While the boat might have some, (and should) anti jellyfish sting medicine and meat tenderizer for those unexpected encounters. I always pack a small amount of medical gear in my bag no mater where I am going. That way I don't have to go find the ships doctor at 2am when I mash my finger in the drawer in my room.

If you have one, for fun I like to take a GPS also. When you are sitting around people love to play when them and look where they are.

I highly suggest following the advise for diarrhea medication also... I don't even want to fathom what having to clean poo out of a wetsuit would be like, but depending on where you go everyone has a battle with this at one point or another.

For a trip like this, I would also put together a very well planned save a dive kit. If nothing else take all your gear to your LDS, and way, I need a replacement for every strap, washer, and seal for all my gear. I wouldn't count on the boat having the specific equipment I needed for my specific gear. If you use a computer I would make sure this includes an extra battery.

Ok enough of my paranoid ranting on this subject I hope that helps.

 

[voop]

Just a couple of random thoughts:
- You'll be in the sun a lot. Plan for that.
- Aside from seasick you may want to plan for other common travel illnesses (diarrhea, headache, upset stomach, dehydration, indigestion).
- As far as gear goes, did you think about a dsmb, whistle, light and that sort of thing? A light is good to have even if you don't think you need it.
- you can never have too many spares (think batteries) but you can have too few.
- If there's even a remote chance of a romantic encounter..... condoms

R..

Not just if there's a remote chance of a romantic encounter....ALWAYS condoms. Remember, those thingies are water-resistant, and can come handy (with a neat knot) for keeping sensitive things dry in a tight situation. I keep a few in my save-a-dive kit always (and take a lot of heat for it, since my spouse ain't diving nor normally going with me when diving...)

Also, they're usefull for demonstrating boyle's law

 

[Diver0001]

<snip>

meat tenderizer for those unexpected encounters. <snip>

Man! if someone tried to tenderize ME on a liveaboard I would COMPLAIN.

Seriously though. I've never heard of meat tenderizer for stings. Does that work?

R..

 

[fins wake]

Remember, those thingies are water-resistant, and can come handy (with a neat knot) for keeping sensitive things dry in a tight situation. I keep a few in my save-a-dive kit always (and take a lot of heat for it, since my spouse ain't diving nor normally going with me when diving...) Also, they're usefull for demonstrating boyle's law

I can see how your spouse has problems with this ... :54: :jawsdown: :winky:

 

[gj62]

It's been said, but I will say again - Imodium...

You only need to have needed it once, and you'll never forget it again...

 

[gfisher4792]

Man! if someone tried to tenderize ME on a liveaboard I would COMPLAIN.

Seriously though. I've never heard of meat tenderizer for stings. Does that work?

R..

yeah, it works, using the same principle as vinegar, which is that both break down the proteins of the venom/stings (which is how tenderizer, uh, tenderizes).

 

[gj62]

Funny story - kayaking in the bio-bay on Vieques last year with 6 kids. One 8 year old boy got stung on his lower legs and the local guide told him to urinate on it - never saw a kid grin so wide... Anyhow, it worked... So if you find yourself without other treatment options, and you are stung in the right place where this is possible... :54: