Question Equipment for Full Cave Course in Mexico

[Tracy]

Seconded, Kim as well

I have never taken a course with Kim, but he is a good guy to sit and chat with.

 

[VikingDives]

Those of you that took training at Protec, which instructor did you use and why ? Also when I take my SM course should I take it there in combination with the cavern course? Or take SM here in Houston and then go there and take intro there? I have been diving with Protec (well a guide associated with them) for the last few years in the Cenotes but all of that diving has been BM. Its good to hear that they have great instructors any recommendations would be extremely helpfull.

I'd take SM in Mexico, if I was you. I'd assume you're considering tech sidemount (and if you aren't, you should). The odds of getting a good SM class with protec I'd say are pretty high. They are probably in SM most of the time, and it's going to be a lot easier to do cavern if you've got all the basics out of the way.

I don't know how protec does it, but my cavern class covered a lot of skills, intro added 2 more, IIRC there's only 2 skills that hadn't already been covered in both intro and full. . .

If you're going to Mexico to learn to cavern dive, you'll probably end up doing a bunch of cavern dives in your SM class. Besides, you'll find that tech instructors tend to have specific things they like to do, and you'll be learning those things during SM. If you learn from someone else, you may have to unlearn those habits when you get to Mexico.

 

[Underwater Tourist]

Those of you that took training at Protec, which instructor did you use and why ? Also when I take my SM course should I take it there in combination with the cavern course? Or take SM here in Houston and then go there and take intro there? I have been diving with Protec (well a guide associated with them) for the last few years in the Cenotes but all of that diving has been BM. Its good to hear that they have great instructors any recommendations would be extremely helpfull.

I recently completed my training there

I did SM+cavern during my 1st trip and then finished intro+full cave during my 2nd trip. I think thats the best approach as it lets everything sink in.

I was trained by Skanda (1st trip) and Kim (2nd trip). Both are excellent but have different styles. If you prefer a slower, more chill approach, then Skanda is your man. You can drop a nuke next to the guy and he won’t twitch. But if you want something more active, then go with Kim; either way you will be in great hands.

And about sm, maybe no need to do a full course because its more likely that you will get better training at protec, but you can do a couple of pool dives so you become at least a little familiar with the config.

Here are some reviews that were written about protec:

Full Cave Course Review - Protec Tulum

All, I wanted to take a few moments to share my recent experience with Protec Tulum. Earlier this month I completed my full cave course with Protec in Tulum. Initially, I was scheduled to take the course as the only student and I would have two instructors (one of which was working to complete...

scubaboard.com

Review - Cavern to Full Cave Course Review

A couple of years ago when I was researching different places where to do my cave cert, I read a review about Protec (Tulum) which convinced me to do all of my training with them. Having completed it two weeks ago, I thought I would write one as well, as I am sure there are other people doing...

scubaboard.com

 

[Mike Klieb]

I did SM+cavern during my 1st trip and then finished intro+full cave during my 2nd trip. I think thats the best approach as it lets everything sink in.

How long was the SM+cavern ? 5 or 6 days ?

 

[Underwater Tourist]

How long was the SM+cavern ? 5 or 6 days ?

It was 6 days, but keep in mind that:

1) I had some prior sm experience (did a couple of try pool dives) so I was sort of used to the config. Its not rocket science.
2) We (myself and another student) didn't have any major hiccups during the course, so we didn't require any additional training days.
3) Neither of us got super tired diving and training for 6 days straight. I know some people take 1 day break in between. We were considering doing that, but in the end decided to push thru.
4) "On paper" sm from 0 + cavern is 8 days

 

[Merida Cave Diver]

I'm literally at Protec right now doing CCR with Skanda, good guy. But back to the gear topic... I had to go with a much heavier wet suit... freezing my nads off being in the water so long.

 

[Graeme Fraser]

I'm literally at Protec right now doing CCR with Skanda, good guy. But back to the gear topic... I had to go with a much heavier wet suit... freezing my nads off being in the water so long.

Well folks, I’m finally flying out tomorrow for 2 weeks for my Cave course with Protec. Looking forward to it, apart from the 10.5 hr flight, Cancun airport and jet lag that is!

We’re staying in a budget hotel right above Protec, which is handy (junction of 30th / 4th Calle). Anywhere you PDC regulars recommend for a few beers and something to eat in the evening? My buddy and I enjoy socialising, but maybe with a slightly more mature crowd.

I think I’ve packed everything. Anything you think I’ve missed?

 

[VikingDives]

I think I’ve packed everything. Anything you think I’ve missed?

Don't forget your snorkel.

 

[BoltSnap]

Anything you think I’ve missed?

Your pink split fins.

Have a great time and good luck to you.

 

[Wibble]

Dive certification cards.

Credit card.