OP
Mndiv
Contributor
I agree with the 'potential' statement'. But, I also think it is quite possible for a newer diver to have some great diving experiences off the coast. And, while I would echo the sentiment that gaining some additional experience in Key Largo is always a great idea, since the OP is going to be in NC, he has a great opportunity to experience NC diving, particularly some of the wrecks. Depending on your current level of comfort and air consumption you can actually dive some of the deeper wrecks as a new diver, and do so comfortably. As an example: my (then 18y.o.) son dove the U-701, out of Hatteras, at 115' on his 10th dive. His air consumption was better (lower) than mine.He did the Naeco, out of Beaufort, at 136', on his 12th dive. In all honesty, on both days, we (just) happened to have near perfect conditions. On a different day, it may have been more challenging.
Mndiv: One thing you may have heard about is the presence of three WWII German U-boats off the coast. There are three of them, they are considered as some sort of 'rite of passage' by some, and for different reasons they may not be optimal for newer divers (although many newer divers descend on them every year). One (U-85) is shallower (85') but cold (water temps in the 60s). Given your current location, you may be used to colder waters, and that may not be an issue for you. The U-701 is deeper at ~115', and is often plagued by serious currents. I have done it on a great day, and been blown out on the very next day. The U-352 is probably the easiest at 115', but still deep.
In a previous post I provided some links to a couple of Outer Banks operators, one in Nags Head and the other in Hatteras. The 2011 summer charter schedule for the Nags Head operation is still posted, and gives you an example of the sites they go to, or at least went to last season. For the Hatteras operation, a schedule is not on the webpage. But, my recommendation is that you email both, sooner rather than later, and ask their advice on what they would recommned for you during your stay in Hatteras. You don't have to commit to anything, but may be able to get some good advice.
I also mentioned (and offered a link for) Discovery Diving, down in Beaufort, in a previous post. Their webpage is a trove of information on dive sites as well.
Note: in looking at the Hatteras op site, I was reminded that different operators have different, sometimes unique requirements. For example, Johnny Pieno's site indicates: 'EACH DIVER IS REQUIRED TO HAVE A COMPUTER AND DIVING ACCIDENT INSURANCEPROOF OF INSURANCE MUST BE PROVIDED ALONG WITH YOUR CERTIFICATION CARD AT CHECK IN'. You can rent a computer, but you can't show up and buy 'trip insurtance'. DAN membership is VERY inexpensive ($35/year), and the value is tremendous, so think about a DAN membership (DAN: Divers Alert Network - Scuba Diving and Dive Safety Association) - it works worldwide.
Thanks for the advice as always. Me and my dad both have the DAN Standard Plan for 35.00 per year (Is this sufficient), and both of us have a dive computer (Genesis Resource Pro), so neither of these requirements should be a problem. The only thing we ever have rent is exposure protection (saving up for a drysuit being from MN), and the tank. We have a good pair of coldwater regs, BC, fins etc. and all I've dived is a 7mm.
Are the waters relatively clear then? Because diving deep in MN quarry's/lakes when they are murky, you feel like your at 130ft when your actually only at 60ft, so I imagine going deep in clearer waters is not as nervwrecking..
So when your son dove those wrecks of the NC he only had 10 dives total, and it worked fine? Thats reassuring, given the right conditions of course!
