Our friends keep reporting stories (they heard from a friend who heard from a friend maybe?) of drift currents that you can't even see things/enjoy the dive.
So, really...is the current/drift diving THAT bad? Granted our friends do underwater photography so I can understand why drift diving wouldn't work out for that (or CAN you slow yourself down for pics?). But for your normal diver?
There is plenty to see while drift diving. And, with skill and practice photography is easy to do in most cases. Although, drift diving may require a diver to learn new skills or just perfect skills he or she already has... For many it is something that is worthwhile and fun, but for some, drift diving is not for them. However, if your not used to drift diving, it may take a little time to get the knack of it.
Keep in mind:
Good buoyancy: Watching out for what is in front , above and under you. Body position against current can push you up or down very quickly. Use it to your advantage for moving in the water. In all honesty, one of the best ways of learning this sill is to watch the turtles
! They are the true masters !!
Control kicking: Learn how to use fins with the current. Very often fins are used like rudders instead of finning (is that a word ??) . Did I mention the turtles ??? :turtle: And yes, you can stop in current. Turning into the current and finning slowly is often enough to keep you in one spot. Watch the fish, they do it all the time. :fish:
Control breathing: Watch air consumption as a diver may use more working with or against the current. Slow steady breathing helps buoyancy too.
Communicate with your buddy/divemaster: Be aware that the current can separate buddies quickly. If the current is a bit much the pace can get exhausting. My husband and I have a special signal when we need to find a place to rest. We make a horizontal letter "T" with our hands, then point to a coral formation to duck behind and get out of the current. This way Michael knows where I am going and he is prepared not to overshoot the rest stop. Get down low and hover above the bottom, holding on to coral is not permitted. Resting a half of min. is usually enough to regroup . This is also a good way to wait for the group to catch up to you if you happen to get ahead of them. Plus, you may be surprised what you find while you are waiting
Safety: Always have Signaling device (sausage) and whistle and no how to use them. If you do get separated from your divemaster/group you may have to surface on your own. A surface marker and small reel with 30 feet of line is all that is needed. Float the marker, look and listen for boat traffic on the ascent. Once on top, look around for your boat or any boat if needed. Make sure to know the name of your boat and dive op. Blowing a whistle is also a good way to get a boat captain's attention if needed.
Sometimes the currents do pick up and you do go along rather quickly, and, granted, sometimes the current can be VERY fast. In those cases, the only option may be to tuck the camera, batten down the hatches, spread your arms out and fly like a Manta ! But then, there are times that the conditions are entirely opposite and you have to actually kick. It all depends on the reef and/or day.
Do some research and read the trip reviews from the past few months. Find 3 - 5 dive ops with reports of drift diving Cozumel and divemasters who have helped divers with drift diving. If you would like to book a Cozumel trip, then decide on a short list of ops that are of interest to you and contact the dive op with questions. These folks are the masters and their guidance and advice is phenomenal. I can say, in all honesty, that my divemaster for the past 9 years, Pedro Pablo of Blue XT SEA Diving is one of the main reasons I enjoy diving Cozumel so much. If you pay attention to your divemaster and watch how turtles get around in the water, (In many cases, they are one and the same) you will do just fine !!
Overall, Go to Cozumel ! Then go with the flow and enjoy !! Please don't forget a trip report when you get back !
