Going To Hawaii ( got some concerns )

[bigreddiver]

Hey suba buddies im going to Hawaii this summer and havent done an ocean dive wether it be a shore dive or a boat dive ive got some concerns as to how much different it is compared to a lake dive and i dont mean that its going to be lame but wether i should need a guide for safety or what my dive buddie is just a fresh as me im by no means scared of the water ive been a competitive swimmer for years but i dont know what the ocean gonna do with all that gear on well anyways tell me what u guys think wether im full of it or there is something to it

 

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

I'd recommend you book a couple of days on a boat so you can do your first ocean dives with a DM. You'll feel more comfortable and you won't have to worry about navigation and whatnot.

If you decide to try your first ocean dives with two new divers, stay well within your limits and familiarize yourself with your compass. Try to find a place that you can do a straight line out and back. You would be better to hire a guide for shore dives until you are comfortable and have some experience.

Another idea would be to sign up for an AOW class, which will get you more experience in a great location with an Instructor.

Have fun!

 

[k8brandt]

Which island? This for more specific references.

 

[DeputyDan]

Big reasons you should not go it along in a new ocean locale.

1) Getting lost on navigation
2) Currents.
3) Boats/shipping - ferry lanes

Do boat dives - follow the DM.

 

[Scubagolf]

I dive Hawaii on vacations 1-2x year. Very good diving in the islands, with a great chance of encountering big animals. I agree with the recommendation above that you consider a couple of days either on a dive boat or from beach with a dive guide.

There is an excellent sub-forum devoted to diving in Hawaii. http://www.scubaboard.com/forumdisplay.php?f=291

Which island(s) are you planning on diving from. I have posted a couple of trip reports for Maui and The Big Island in the past. Great topside stuff, too!

 

[boulderjohn]

Although I am not disagreeing with anyone who has already written, I do want to suggest that you will probably find the diving in Hawaii easier than the lakes you are used to. The main reason is visibility. You can usually see much better in tropical ocean waters than in lakes. Relax and have a great time!

 

[RICHinNC]

On Oahu....do ...Oz and you will enjoy it a lot.

 

[friscuba]

Assuming you are fairly inexperienced, I'd personally recommend trying the boat dives and follow the DM around for your first couple of dives just to make sure you've got the hang of it, unless you've got a bunch of lake diving experience. Big difference between someone with an OW cert and 2-5 lake dives under their belt, and 30-60 lake dives under their belt... really depends on your experience level.

Once you get the lay of the land, then try the shore diving. Both Maui and the Big Island have good operators and good shore diving opportunities. I'm biased towards the Big Island, having dove here tons. I'm heading to Maui in May and will probably try some shore diving so I'll have a better idea of comparisons.

Have fun.

 

[kidspot]

usually the big differences people face (as in more difficult) are the entries through surf, surge, and currents. You get used to it quickly, but I've noticed that it is difficult for many divers who have never been in the ocean.

Let us know what island and we can recommend specific dives to get started with also - if you are going to be on Maui drop me a PM and we'll see about doing a dive together

Aloha, Tim

 

[LGF]

Definitely go with a guide. They know where to go and what to look for. It's also nice to have a DM so you don't have to worry. Have fun. I was in Maui two weeks ago and had a really great time. Do both boat dives and shore dives. Your goning to have a blast. If your in Maui, do the Molikini crater.