Finally got wet!

[hypnodean]

Well, been two months since my OW check out and finally got to go diving!

I went to west palm today to a place called the scuba club, http://www.thescubaclub.com/ Their facility is modest on looks, but they are SO super nice and helpful!

I was cautious sicne this was my first "real" dive (Ie- no one from my class, me with atrangers, ocean, etc etc etc) and they were so nice and helpful! A great drift dive, reasonable prices, and the crew and office folks were just top notch (Yeah I know I sound like I work there... LOL but no- I don')

Now, I do have a question- What books do you suggest to help identify what the heck I was LOOKING at down there? I found myself oohing and aahing inside and then wondering, he what is that round slimy thing with the tuft that puufs in and out... So, would like to learn some proper terms.

Also, we saw this 6 foot wide ray of some sort, would like to be able to intelligently comment as to weather it was a manta or a sting ray, so figure someone out there (or everyone) will have an opinion on which books are best for us florida divers.

Ok... Now I am hooked even MORE!

Dean

 

[simbrooks]

Its a real difference when you go out in the salt rather than checkouts with people you have studied with!! I still mostly dive with my GF, but occasionally i get let off the hook to dive other places without her.

I would have replied to your other email about getting buddies, but from what i recall, the dates you were looking at were out, or else i had something lined up already. Still looking to see what i can find in the Orlando area and around, i have a fair list to dive!!

 

[MaresMan1]

Now, I do have a question- What books do you suggest to help identify what the heck I was LOOKING at down there? I found myself oohing and aahing inside and then wondering, he what is that round slimy thing with the tuft that puufs in and out... So, would like to learn some proper terms.

You might try the Reef Series of books by Paul Humann and Ned Deloach. They are really good books for identifying fish, coral and creatures. Their books are broken down by regions, so Florida, Caribbean and Bahamas are covered in 1 book for each of the areas mentioned above. You can buy them as a set and save, if you are interested in all three. I know that Divers Direct in Fla sells them, but you can also get them from Amazon.

Good luck in your new adventures and have fun.

Dive Smart;Sive Safe
:cool1:

 

[H2Andy]

Now, I do have a question- What books do you suggest to help identify what the heck I was LOOKING at down there? I found myself oohing and aahing inside and then wondering, he what is that round slimy thing with the tuft that puufs in and out... So, would like to learn some proper terms.

Also, we saw this 6 foot wide ray of some sort, would like to be able to intelligently comment as to weather it was a manta or a sting ray, so figure someone out there (or everyone) will have an opinion on which books are best for us florida divers.

Dean

laugh.. man i am so there with you. i think the marine life is my favorite part of diving. as to the ray, if it was dark on top and close to the bottom, chances are it was a southern stingray (though it could be a rarer and smaller yellow stingray). if it was large and swimming in the water column, it might have been an eagle ray. my gut feeling tells me it was an eagle ray you saw. did it have a looooooooooong skinny little tail? if yes, you saw an eagle ray.
(hard to say, though... these are just educated guesses).

as for guides, i love this site http://www.fishid.com/

their quizzes are lots of fun, and their books look nice. i started out with a
little pocket guide, which i still have. it didn't overwhelm me, and i was able to slowly build on my knowledge.

have fun! =P

 

[MikeJacobs]

I really enjoy Paul Human and Ned Deloach books - reef fish identification, reef creatures identification and reef coral identification. They may be a bit on the pricey side, but the pictures are excellent and the write-ups have been more than sufficient... kinda like an encyclopedia. You can buy the "Florida Caribbean Bahamas" versions, put them on your coffee table, and be warmed by the memories and conversations they'll start.

Well, been two months since my OW check out and finally got to go diving!

I went to west palm today to a place called the scuba club, http://www.thescubaclub.com/ Their facility is modest on looks, but they are SO super nice and helpful!

I was cautious sicne this was my first "real" dive (Ie- no one from my class, me with atrangers, ocean, etc etc etc) and they were so nice and helpful! A great drift dive, reasonable prices, and the crew and office folks were just top notch (Yeah I know I sound like I work there... LOL but no- I don')

Now, I do have a question- What books do you suggest to help identify what the heck I was LOOKING at down there? I found myself oohing and aahing inside and then wondering, he what is that round slimy thing with the tuft that puufs in and out... So, would like to learn some proper terms.

Also, we saw this 6 foot wide ray of some sort, would like to be able to intelligently comment as to weather it was a manta or a sting ray, so figure someone out there (or everyone) will have an opinion on which books are best for us florida divers.

Ok... Now I am hooked even MORE!

Dean

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

I bought my Reef ID book back when I first started diving. Its a great resource for ID'ing the fish. I bring it along with me for post dive conversation and when filling out my log book. The newer versions are even more comprehensive.

The three book set will run you about $100, but you usually can find the set cheaper if you shop around. Each book seperately runs $35-40.

Also put on your book list Ned Deloachs Diving Guide to Florida. It breaks each area up, includes maps and GPS and Loran coordinates

As for the ray you saw. I am taking a guess it is an atlantic stingray. They are very common. They reach about 4 ft. wing span. The eagle ray is darker, the wing tips more pointed and is covered in obvious white spots. The yellow stingray is smaller, no wing span, but rather disk shaped, and are about 8-12 inches wide. You probably did not see a manta ray since they can be quite shy.

 

[KeyLargoBrent]

are also available on CD-ROM! The three-part reef ID set covers fishes, reef creatures, and corals. Another publication by the same authors covers reef fish behavior... very interesting stuff!

I draw and make notes during dives about things that I want to identify, and fire-up the computer when I get home. The printed books are nice, but I'd hate to get 'em soaked (or otherwise abused) on a dive boat.

I think I've seen abbreviated versions of the ID books printed on waterproof paper. Tho far less extensive, they seem better suited for use aboard a boat.