Asking your opinion

[MakoSince70]

Welcome back to diving. You will end up loving Cozumel. But let me add a second vote to two items already mentioned.

1. Do a formal refresher course with your local dive shop

2. Make your first Cozumel dive a shore dive. There is a great dive right off the La Ceiba hotel, (I think the hotel is now named El Cid) The hotel is across from the cruise ship docks. There are tanks available to rent right on the shore. The remains of an old airplane are located at the end of the dock. The dive area is roped to keep boats away. There are stairs leading to the water and no current. Just show up, pay a couple of bucks to rent a tank and dive. I bet any local shop would rent you a divemaster.

Another good option is a state park located South of the hotel. The park is Cakanob. I no I killed the spelling on that. But say it like that to the taxi driver and he will get you there. It is mandatory to have a divemaster with you at this park. I don't remember the price but it was resonable to dive with the divemaster. Decent dive, lots of fish. The divemaster will take you to a cave where freshwater enters the ocean. Forms a cool holocline. I believe the cave is the reason for the divemaster requirement. You will just enter the entrance.

Your attitude is correct. Start slow and get comfortable. Within a day or so you will be doing those 80 ft drift dives. And---if you are not ready, there are boat dives in the 40 ft range. As previously mentioned, get a dive operator that will listen to you.
Go with a small boat (6 divers) and you should have better luck getting what you want.

Dive on and good luck

 

[Diver_Jan]

Refresher course! Refresher course! Refresher course!!! I can't stress this ENOUGH. Not only have you been out of the water for 21/2 years, but equipment has changed too. I took a refresher course after being out of divng for some time myself, and boy, am I glad I did! Even after taking the refresher course, I knew my skills were pretty rusty, so as soon as I got some dives under my belt, I signed up for my AOW. My enthusiasm for diving grew...leading me to more classes.

Another thing re equipment, as someone mentioned earlier, I would rent equipment here in the states. That way you are familiar with it, know it works (your life will depend on it), and have your equipment readily available whether you are on the boat or shore diving.

ONE MORE THING>>>>>> Don't forget your DAN INSURANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When are you going to Cozumel? I'm going in March with the folks here at Scubaboard.

Have a great trip and be SAFE!

 

[jrdivagrl]

im sorry to hear about your family! but anyways diving is AWESOME and i hope you have a GREAT time in cozumel. ive never been there before, if you have a camera take some pics and post them up here!

 

[TexasGabby]

HEY ALL - THANKS SOOOO MUCH FOR YOUR GOOD ADVICE.....

I'm back from Cozumel - had a GREAT time - Dive Paradise took very good care of me. I had a great private divemaster (Jorge Zarate) very patient and calming.

I felt OK after doing pool dives here before going - did a shallow dive for first dive went down 66 ft. at Las Palmas Reef - did deep dive at Santa Rosa wall went down 81 ft. WOW - can't wait to go back

Thanks again - you folks here on this site are AWESOME

Debbie

 

[alejandra]

Gabby: First of all I'm very sorry for everything that's happened to you. I'm gladd you're taking scuba diving again, this might help you a bit.
About your next diving, it's very good that you're doing at least one pool before going to the "real thing". I've been to Cozumel and I'm sure you'll find it fascinating. It's by far one of the BEST DIVING PLACES IN THE WORLD !!!
As I suppouse you are going with professional divers, I guess it'll be ok to dive at 60-80 feet. Anyway, you can take it easy and ask them to do a shallow immersion the first time just to check how you feel and from them take it deeper. There are wonderfull places in Cozumel with no more than 40-45 feet, but I bet the deeper places are more espectacular.
Good luck ! and enjoy your whole experience !!!
Alejandra

 

[SteveDiver]

Facts: I certified open water 2 1/2 years ago, deepest dive was 30ft. - did not do any extra dives because sister got sick with cancer - brother died - mother died - then sister died - sooooo - long story short - I haven't followed up with diving.

Now - I'm going to go to pool and dive two days to get back into the swing of things and am flying to Cozumel for my first ocean/drift dive.

The dive operator is scheduling me for my first dive an 80 footer....I'm not soooo sure about this one. I have been completely open and honest with them in my emails.....

I have requested the services of a private divemaster - especially on my first day - but I still don't think I should do a 80 ft dive..

How do you folks feel about this???? curious

Thanks - just concerned if I'm doing things right

If you are going to Cozumel check out this website http://scubawithalison.com/ she is very good and will dive with you. Her groups are small as well....

 

[mcm007]

Maybe you should start with some more shallow dives. Especially not being comfortable.

But please , do not panic. that's the worst thing you can do on a dive. It's kinda like riding a bicycle it shoudl come back to you . pool refreshers are a great idea. sit on the bottom and blow bubbles. become one with the water, ok , enuff ZEN talk..

have a splash !

:dazzler1: