First Timer Liveaboard in Raja Ampat - Help Needed

[Plutonist]

Noise and tiny rooms I can handle, but I need to eat!!

Frankly. staying hungry should be the least of your worries in Indonesia. They have superb breakfast options, congee (bubur), soups, rice, noodles, gado gado, etc. All easy to find thanks to Google maps reviews. Avoid "western" buffet-style hotel breakfasts.

 

[living4experiences]

Also making my first trip to Raja Ampat. Backing my bags for an end of the week departure and deciding on which fins to bring.
1. Travel fin - good solid fins and perform much like my regular fins but they are shorter.
2. My normal split fins. I know some don't like them but they are comfortable and don't kick up a cloud behind me or wear me out.
3. The frog fins old style, solid fins

Which of the above would you recommend for Raja Ampat and Thailand diving and why?

Skip the travel fins and split fins. Travel fins are too short. I use my split fins for easy diving because it's less stress on my bad knees, but there's too much water volume being lost with each kick if you're diving in current. You need a blade fin that gives you good propulsion for the strong currents of Raja Ampat.

 

[living4experiences]

Noise and tiny rooms I can handle, but I need to eat!! Any chance you'll report back after your stay in Feb for a comparison of the two?

Maybe I'll book both then cancel one based on the next few months of comments from people.

I'll write a post-trip report and let you know.

 

[rmorgan]

I feel you on the stronger legs which is why I prefer split fins, Thanks for the comment. I am booked for 12 days on the Gaia Love liveaboard. What pray tell was the boat you were on?

I'm just finishing up rehab of an Achilles/calf tear from 18 months ago, which wandered into tendinitis. But things were good on this trip--just need to do more of the same. We were on the Dew Nusantara, and before that for a week on Kri. Terrific from beginning to end.

Skip the travel fins and split fins. Travel fins are too short. I use my split fins for easy diving because it's less stress on my bad knees, but there's too much water volume being lost with each kick if you're diving in current. You need a blade fin that gives you good propulsion for the strong currents of Raja Ampat.

Yeah, but . . . first, the Go Sports, while light, are not "travel fins" in the sense of taking them to the beach for a snorkel. They are sturdy, and quite maneuverable, without much flex at the tip. More so the Gorillas. But don't take my word--there's lots of commentary on the board about them. As to the splits, I agree, in general, but we were diving with a couple who have 20-year-old split fins, and they hung with the guides in major current.

 

[rmorgan]

@pasley, I don't know your situation, but I noted your profile image and bio. You're an inspiration. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[pasley]

@pasley, I don't know your situation, but I noted your profile image and bio. You're an inspiration. Have a wonderful trip!

Thank you. I have a lot of fun teaching Adaptive SCUBA. My past students include individuals with the following challenges:
3 ea Blind
Several Quadriplegic, incomplete quadriplegic and 6 walking Quads.
Paraplegic and multiple limb amputees. Plus dozens of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and PTSD and student on the spectrum.

Spending the kids inhenitence is not only a right it is a kindness to the kids as they don't have to worry about how to manage or spend the money. ;-0

 

[scubaNYC16]

Thank you. I have a lot of fun teaching Adaptive SCUBA. My past students include individuals with the following challenges:
3 ea Blind
Several Quadriplegic, incomplete quadriplegic and 6 walking Quads.
Paraplegic and multiple limb amputees. Plus dozens of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and PTSD and student on the spectrum.

Spending the kids inhenitence is not only a right it is a kindness to the kids as they don't have to worry about how to manage or spend the money. ;-0

Wow, that sounds so amazing and rewarding. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[danzn16]

The hotels in Sorong are cheap enough that there's no question it's just easier to book an extra day before. I did that last year at the Swiss Bel. I checked in at 9 a.m. while the lobby was full of divers waiting to check in later in the afternoon. The lobby is not air conditioned and the mosquitoes are fierce.

The breakfast buffet at the Swiss Bel is gross, with very unsanitary conditions. People put their hands in the food instead of using a serving utensil. The room is ultra tiny. The Muslim moaning of prayers is about every 4 hours all day long and it's very loud.

I'm staying at the Aston in February. It's got to be better than the Swiss Bel...I hope.

I’ll be staying at the Aston as well in Feb. Going on scubaspa

 

[Dan]

Skip the travel fins and split fins. Travel fins are too short. I use my split fins for easy diving because it's less stress on my bad knees, but there's too much water volume being lost with each kick if you're diving in current. You need a blade fin that gives you good propulsion for the strong currents of Raja Ampat.

It’ll be my 11th time in RA in this coming January. I found my perfect fins for that current diving, they are Mares Avanti Quattro Plus.

 

[Dan]

3) Having a 'pointy stick' is nice... I bring mine on all my SE Asia dives, tho usually only use it on a muck dive.

Definitely! There are lots of stinging hydroids on the coral outcrops. Since NO gloves are allowed while diving in RA, the stick is long enough to keep your hand from accidentally brushing onto that itchy coral, while anchoring yourself on the bottom or wall.

This is my pointer (bought it from Amazon.com)

https://a.co/d/gB1EHee