Any Chicago divers here?

[ppatrick]

Hi Patrick, I guess you can see there are lots of divers available. I'm diving someplace every weekend whether I have a charter or not. Just love to dive. I do have a space available Sunday out of Burnham Harbor at 7AM. We will dive the car ferry "The Straits of Mackinac". She rests in about 80 ffw, so is considered an advanced dive. Interested? PM me with your mobile number and I'll get you on.

I too will be at Haigh on Saturday around the West Dock. I'll be one of the guys with the Torpedo sea scooters. Everybody say Hi!

Bill Loy

Thanks for inviting me to the join the car ferry dive. I'm a new diver and not ready to try 80 ffw (yet). The deepest I ever dove was 45 ft. Personally I wouldn't try to go deep than 60 ft (the deeper the more dangerous if something wrong happens). Thanks Bill.

 

[biloy53]

That sounds like good judgement Patrick. Never dive if your uncomfortable with conditions or your experience level. Wreck Diver and Deep Diver specialty courses would help a lot with that comfort level and expand your dive world greatly.

Still though there are lots of great dives under 35". One of my most fun was in 15-20 feet, off the Coronado Islands near San Diego. The Sea Lion pups were a blast.

If I ever have a less challenging charter or trip you will be welcome.

PM me with your email address. I'd like to refer you to another online scuba group in the Chicago area that does lots of dive events at all skill levels.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

I'd agree with Bill. I'd encourage you to be cautious as you gradually gain more experience. I'd also encourage you to take AOW and Rescue if you haven't yet. NEVER DIVE BEYOND YOUR TRAINING OR YOUR COMFORT LEVEL.

I dove with my Bill, Robb (ElectricBear) and 5-6 other divers on the Mack about a month ago. The group I was with started to do some pretty deep penetration of the wreck that I wasn't comfortable with. Rather than join them I left the ship and hung out 5-10 feet above the deck, keeping other divers in sight in case I had a problem. I then rejoined my group when they exited. We could have communicated better before the dive (I believe that was my fault, not theirs), but the point is I didn't dive beyond my comfort level. Once I get more wrecks under my belt along with a wreck course, I'll feel more comfortable doing recreational-level penetration dives. Until then, I'll pass. KNOW YOUR LIMITS!

 

[justleesa]

I see Tony...I see Bill...Dean...Shannon and many chicago divers 'round here

Oh my what a flashback! lol

I'm from Chicago (Six Corners/Rosemont), but not anymore - so I guess that doesn't count, eh?

 

[ppo2_diver]

Once I get more wrecks under my belt along with a wreck course, I'll feel more comfortable doing recreational-level penetration dives. Until then, I'll pass. KNOW YOUR LIMITS!

It should also be noted that one should find a wreck instructor who KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING!