Dive boat attire and etiquette

[vondo]

This is a great thread. I'm getting ready for my first boat trip in about a month and a half, so this has answered many of my questions. But...

My biggest worry is getting my wetsuit on. It takes me about a half hour. Really. So, when should I start the struggle to get into it? -I don't want to hold everyone up (or miss the first dive while fighting with it).

FYI: I'll be renting, otherwise (depending on weather) I'd consider putting it halfway on before boarding.

That seems like quite a while. Here are a couple of suggestions for getting one on easier:
1) Wear a lycra dive skin, the wetsuit will slide on right over it. Now you are putting on two things, but each of them is easier.
2) Take a plastic grocery bag and put it over your feet and hands when you slide them into the suit. Then remove before doing the next appendage. I don't do this, but I did see it and it looked like it really helped.

If it really does take that long, put it at least halfway on as soon as you get on the boat.

 

[TheRedHead]

I'll be renting, otherwise (depending on weather) I'd consider putting it halfway on before boarding.

That's a good idea. Sometimes it's very hard to get your wetsuit on with one hand because your other hand is holding on to something to keep from pitchng over. It also saves time.

 

[DandyDon]

Is that:

1: Once per lifetime

2: Once per season

3: Once per dive

the K

It's usually once per trip for me.

My biggest worry is getting my wetsuit on. It takes me about a half hour. Really. So, when should I start the struggle to get into it? -I don't want to hold everyone up (or miss the first dive while fighting with it).

FYI: I'll be renting, otherwise (depending on weather) I'd consider putting it halfway on before boarding.

That sounds odd. The skin undersuit and plastic shopping bags will both help, but I still cannot see 30 minutes to don a wet suit?

Anyway, start putting it on as early as you wish. I've seen people put them on all the way before boarding, but that could be too hot. Maybe up to your waist early...?

 

[dlndavid]

Okay we have gone over many things to bring, now how about etiquette?
Try and be nice to the other divers, they payed their money too.
Keep your gear close by your own area, and try to respect the area of others.
Offer words of encouragement to those that look nervous.
Help out those needing assistance with wetsuit and or gear donning.
Pay attention to the crew, captain and dive master.
Bring Bananas for everybody. :banana:

 

[devolution365]

Thanks vondo.
Yeah, I've read the scores of info on this board about getting a wetsuit on. I've tried the grocery bag trick with a little success, but hope to get a diveskin by the time I leave.

The biggest problem I have is my fingers. My Dr thinks I have RA, but my blood tests aren't able to confirm it yet. Treatment can't start until there's a diagnosis, so for now I'm stuck with painful fingers that only bend about halfway down. It makes donning a wetsuit a frustrating experience. Luckily it's usually worth it. :05:

 

[Gonz]

Another question here: At what point in the gear donning process do you put your fins on? I've read in one of the instruction books that it's one of the last things you do, however I tend to lose alot of dexterity on land once I've donned a full tank. Other than looking like a newbie, is there another reason I should not put on my fins before I get my tank/bcd on and jump ship, so to speak?



And thanks for all the great replies. I'm heading down to Nassau tomorrow and will be diving with the fine folks at Stuart Cove's. I'm still a relative beginner, so all the tips offered here are very helpful reminders.

 

[DandyDon]

Okay we have gone over many things to bring, now how about etiquete?
Try and be nice to the other divers, they payed their money too.
Keep your gear close by your own area, and try to respect the area of others.
Offer words of encouragement to those that look nervous.
Help out those needing assistance with wetsuit and or gear donning.
Pay attention to the crew, captain and dive master.
Bring Bananas for everybody. :banana:

Uh - thanks for pointing out the etiqute issue, and nice suggestions to a point. Divers usually are pretty nice to others - don't make fun of those puking, etc.

But I want to have my video camera handy when the captain sees a newbie coming onboad with Bananas for everybody - omg!! :11:

:lol:​

 

[RonFrank]

Another question here: At what point in the gear donning process do you put your fins on? I've read in one of the instruction books that it's one of the last things you do, however I tend to lose alot of dexterity on land once I've donned a full tank. Other than looking like a newbie, is there another reason I should not put on my fins before I get my tank/bcd on and jump ship, so to speak?



And thanks for all the great replies. I'm heading down to Nassau tomorrow and will be diving with the fine folks at Stuart Cove's. I'm still a relative beginner, so all the tips offered here are very helpful reminders.

Well, you COULD put your fins on the moment you get on the boat, and then pass out the bannana's You'll be VERY popular! :banana:

I generally put my fins on just before climbing into the BC. You definately want them on before getting into the BC, because once you are in, you will NOT be able to bend down and touch your feet unless you have REALLY long arms, or you remove the tank from the holder.

Have fun!

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

What's the deal with bananas?

 

[BabyDuck]

considered bad luck by some boat captains.