Calling out Utila residents/divers

[Sloeber]

In just over 2 weeks I will be leaving the good ole USA and taking myself down to Utila for the foreseeable future. No departure date is planned, but thinking about 9-12 months then moving along somewhere else. Also plan to get my DM, OWSI, and MSDT certs before leaving. Any last minute words of advice for me?

I'm looking forward to some great diving, meeting new people, and a new path in life. When you see the pasty-white, well-fed American wandering the streets come the first week of November please say hi and introduce yourself.

 

[Midge907]

Thats one heck of a dream move. If I didnt love my wife so much I would move to an island for a year myself

 

[Thalassamania]

Best of luck.

 

[Sloeber]

Divorced 7 years. Shoulda done this 8 years ago

 

[craracer]

If you have a moment, see if you can hook up with Dr. Rob Davis. He's the Director of the Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Center in Utila (wsorc.com). Great guy to dive with, and of course he really knows his stuff.

rob at wsorc dot com

PM me if you want his phone number.

 

[Cudabait]

My advise is to get to the island before you commit to any specific dive operation. You can walk anywhere on the island. Take a few days and check them out. For starters, I would recommend you meet with and speak to course directors Matt Awty (Coral View Resort) and Andy Phillips (Utila Dive Center) and while you're at it, talk to the people at Deep Blue Divers (next door to Utila Dive Center) They are all good friends of mine and you can't go wrong with any of them. Have fun!!

 

[Sloeber]

Thanks for the adivce, guys. I have not yet had the chance to meet Dr. Rob but will make attempts to once I arrive.

Cubabait - I've been to Utila I think 5 times now, so I'm no stranger to the place. There should be a few people ready to greet me once I hop off the ferry. I've recieved my Rescue cert from UDC, plus did some other specialty classes with them and some fun diving, so I know the crew there well. I've also dove with Deep Blue, and I've also had the chance to watch Matt conduct an intro to TEC course as well. Barring unforeseen circumstances, I already have my dive outfit picked out, but I know enough of the island that I can change it in a moment if something doesn't feel right. There are many fine operations on Utila and I will be lucky to dive with, train with, and/or help certify dfivers with any of them.

 

[Cudabait]

Sloeber,

Looks, like you've got all the bases covered.........go have fun!!

 

[keesmon]

Enjoy man! That is all the advice I can give you. An open mind and plenty of sunshine awaiting you. Congrats in advance.

 

[Canadense]

FYI, Rob has been off island for well over a year.