Favorite memories from the SB SURGE 2017

[DeputyDan]

A better person to ask about Cayman Air might be Colin Gray.

 

[KathyV]

What went on with Cayman Air? I've had good luck, but have heard some horror stories from friends. Maybe enough complaints and change their ways. Glad you had fun.

In general, I have also had good luck with Cayman Air as well; there have been a few snafu's but nothing too unusual for a commercial airline. For the most part I am an "equal-opportunity airline-hater" and I have had a good, bad, and awful experiences with quite a few of them.

But the folks traveling to Brac for the Surge were stuck in the middle of a freak accident. A fire truck had crashed at the Brac airport during a test run and they could not allow any jets to land there until they could bring in a replacement truck - because it is required for safety to have 2 fire trucks nearby during jet landings. That meant rescheduling many flights, putting on more Otter and Turboprop flights, and probably a major strain on their luggage-transport capacity. I imagine that a lot of folks experienced delays and other problems.

See the link below for information about the fire truck problems, there may have been other issues on top of this, I don't know, but it was unlucky that it happened just in time for the Surge trip.

Brac airport reopens 2 weeks after fire truck crash | Cayman Compass

 

[warf rat]

hey dizzy you should have billy an the angry somonas put it to music an do a video.

 

[Dizzi Lizzi]

Lol and burst everyone's eardrums on land?? But...I might be able to get them to do a acoustic version of back in brac...I'll put it on the rehearsal list

 

[JayG57]

In general, I have also had good luck with Cayman Air as well; there have been a few snafu's but nothing too unusual for a commercial airline. For the most part I am an "equal-opportunity airline-hater" and I have had a good, bad, and awful experiences with quite a few of them.

But the folks traveling to Brac for the Surge were stuck in the middle of a freak accident. A fire truck had crashed at the Brac airport during a test run and they could not allow any jets to land there until they could bring in a replacement truck - because it is required for safety to have 2 fire trucks nearby during jet landings. That meant rescheduling many flights, putting on more Otter and Turboprop flights, and probably a major strain on their luggage-transport capacity. I imagine that a lot of folks experienced delays and other problems.

See the link below for information about the fire truck problems, there may have been other issues on top of this, I don't know, but it was unlucky that it happened just in time for the Surge trip.

Brac airport reopens 2 weeks after fire truck crash | Cayman Compass

 

[JayG57]

This being my first Surge (non diver traveling with my diving wife - Moondog75) I was pleasantly surprised by Cayman Air's response and handling of our flights large group of ScubaBoarders, 20 or so. We were met by a airline rep at the deboarding ramp in Grand Cayman and escorted en mass through immigration, checking our bags, security and escorting us back to our waiting plane. Dare I say valet service? We did get some ugly stares from people who had probably waiting hours for what took us maybe 25 minutes. Hats off to Cayman Air. The outbound flights wasn't quite as fast but went relatively fast and smooth. I know a few had luggage issues but that can happen with any airline at anytime. Thoroughly enjoyed this Surge and look forward to future SB adventures.
Jay G.

 

[KathyV]

This being my first Surge (non diver traveling with my diving wife - Moondog75) I was pleasantly surprised by Cayman Air's response and handling of our flights large group of ScubaBoarders, 20 or so. We were met by a airline rep at the deboarding ramp in Grand Cayman and escorted en mass through immigration, checking our bags, security and escorting us back to our waiting plane. Dare I say valet service? We did get some ugly stares from people who had probably waiting hours for what took us maybe 25 minutes. Hats off to Cayman Air. The outbound flights wasn't quite as fast but went relatively fast and smooth. I know a few had luggage issues but that can happen with any airline at anytime. Thoroughly enjoyed this Surge and look forward to future SB adventures.
Jay G.

I am sure that Dennis and Roxanne had a lot to do with the special service you received, congratulations to both of them!

And I am glad that the airport and Cayman Air made a special effort to assist SB travelers to the Surge event on Cayman Brac. The Cayman Tourism Authority often claims that they are working to increase tourism on the sister islands but then they tend to neglect them and focus on the big attraction which is (of course) Grand Cayman.

In a way that is both good and bad. I love that the sister islands are small and not very touristy, but I am also afraid that the attractions they offer may disappear. I am sure that Little Cayman will maintain its draw because of the fabulous Bloody Bay Wall - but I am concerned that it may become over-developed and turn into a smaller version of Seven Mile Beach. The huge Dart Realty company has already purchased extensive property on Little Cayman and they have announced plans to remodel the Paradise Villas and the Hungry Iguana restaurant. If you think that you might like to visit LC you should try to get their soon before it turns into a major tourist destination.

But Cayman Brac has always been the "forgotten stepsister" of the Cayman Islands and that is a shame because it is so small, and lovely, and funky. I just worry that it could fall into forgotten decay from neglect as the other 2 Cayman islands gain precedence.

The good thing is that Cayman is a very wealthy country, so hopefully that won't happen.

 

[diver0008]

If you think that you might like to visit LC you should try to get their soon before it turns into a major tourist destination.

A few of us from the Brac Surge are planning a trip to Little Cayman October 12 to 19, 2017.

If anyone is interested in joining in, send me a message, and I'll forward you the details.

 

[Dubi]

Danny and I had a great time!

We have been to many "Invasions" but never the smaller surge in January. I really enjoyed the smaller group setting, but have to factor that against the colder water temps....

Many thanks again to Dennis and Roxanne who rocked AS USUAL.

Last but not least Jim from Backscatter for helping us all become better underwater photographers....Not to mention the loaner gear. I need to forbid Danny from borrowing any more gear cuz he wants to buy new stuff!

 

[Dizzi Lizzi]

https://youtu.be/47AzWOguEXc
https://youtu.be/8mZ49fKmrjg
https://youtu.be/6OG5XKIbpu8

BINGO!!!