Diving Dry?

[Rainer]

Might be taking a trip to NC in early July for some diving (Morehead City area). I assume the water will be quite warm. That said, how many of you are diving dry down there that time of year? Would be lugging steel cylinders, and don't really like the idea of diving them wet (esp doubles).

 

[fireflock]

Drysuits are pretty common in the winter, but not many people wear them in July.

Doubles are not uncommon on the charter boats, but they don't get you much IMO. You will be asked to stick to NDL's (or at least pretty close) by the charter, and entering overheads is highly discouraged, so a larger single steel is the most common tank.

Water temps should be in the upper 70's. Air temps can easily be in the upper 90's (something to think about for SI's).

Rich

 

[Carolina_Mike]

I second the Fireflock comments. By late June I have shed the Dry Suit, the 7mm, the 5mm and slip into my "old" 3mm. He is also correct about the doubles. NDL dives are preached unless you are on the some of the special "tech" dives. In the summer, in 3mm and with doubles, I wear a dual bladder wing just to CMA or CYA for you. By the way, you will not be disappointed with Morehead. The diving there has so much cool history and cool diving it will send a shiver up your spine and give you memories forever.

 

[JayJudge]

Well, I agree with the above, temps should be mid to high 70s, depending on the wreck, depth etc. Waves in Morehead versus diver in doubles is also something to think about, along with most boats not wanting you to hit NDLs. All of that depends on the charter boat and your experience-if you are worrying about this type of stuff, dive singles, with a pony for redundency, and have a great time. Most stuff off Morehead is 70+ depth, so ascent on a single breath is a high hope. The wrecks are awesome- I just got back from the Oriskany, and was disappointed in comparison.
-Jay

 

[Charlie J]

What the guys said: Drysuits are uncommon in summer - and really not needed - especially with the surface temps, unless you're on a tech trip and are expecting long deco hangs - which the basic commercial charters won't be very open to. You could try and get enough folks together to buy the boat - then you won't be limited to NDL times.

Have fun!