Group trip to Isle of Shoals, NH - Sun, Sept 15th

[Spectre]

MSilvia once bubbled...
When re-boarding, there'll probably be a ladder. When your turn comes to exit, it's often helpful to deflate your BC once you're on the ladder... if the seas are rough at all, and you're positively bouyant, you might get slammed around a bit.

I wouldn't.

Time your exit, grab as high on the ladder as you can and get your feet on as quick as you can. Once your on the ladder you're fine. Then just ride it/climb.

You definately don't want to deflate your BC, and likewise don't take off your fins. If you get tossed off you 1) don't want to be negative and 2) don't want to not have fins!

Occasionally I'll take off one fin, so I can get a better foot on the ladder, but I never take off my left fin unless I've taken off my belt and rig...

We'll be able to go through more details when we're there, and adjust the explinations based on what the boat config truely is, and what the seas are like. We'll definately make sure those that don't have much/any boat experience are exiting the water with people that have more experience and can talk you through it while still in the water.

 

[MSilvia]

Of course, depending on the ladder, you might not have any choice but to take them off.

 

[Spectre]

Spectre once bubbled...

and adjust the explanations based on what the boat config truely is

So they have a bench with a well that your tank will sit in. When you gear up, you just have to remember to loop the bungies around your tank valve in such a way so that you can pop the bungie cord off after you put your first stage on. [We'll show you]

Here's the boat. I'm sure there will be a briefing, since I've not seen a ladder quite like that before. You'll climb up the ladder, and then it looks like you'll step off the ladder to your right and hold that handrail as you get up into the boat.

Oh, and yea... if you _aren't_ sure if you get seasick or not, take some dramamine or bonine or something....

 

[MSilvia]

it's not if, but after how long and in what conditions. Personally, I find that rough seas in small boats while hung over and after eating a greasy sausage egg muffin is a winning combination.

:spew:

 

[raxafarian]

Like Msilvia said.... get a safety sausage and some type of noise maker (whistle, dive alert, etc). You can get a sausage and plastic whistle for around 30 bucks.... You want this in case you find yourself in some current and drifting away from the boat. This past sunday proved that this is basic safety equipment... not for us, but somebody from another dive boat ended up drifting about 2 miles because the current prevented her from swimming back toward the boat.... This is not something to be worried about, just something to prepare for.

Get there early so you have time to load up all your gear, and get everything set up before the boat leaves the pier...much easier than trying to rig bc's, reg's, etc on a stable platform vs. a rolling one.

Don't take regular dramamine.... get the non-drowsy formula, or bonine... take one now to make sure you don't react to it.

Take the recommended dosage the night before, and again about an hour before sailing.

Bring a couple bottles of water ( or better yet, a gallon).

Pay attention to the boat captain.... he'll explain safety equipment, where to put stuff you want to keep dry, policies, etc.

And like spectre said... ask for help. We all need help at one time or another.

Ken

 

[Northeastwrecks]

I've been on this boat before (I'm still annoyed that I can't join everyone this time).

There is definately a ladder. I can't remember whether it is a Christmas tree or a regular ladder. However, here is a suggestion that works well for me.

Approach ladder. Remove fin. Place fin strap on arm. Remove other fin. Place on arm with other fin. Grab ladder, surface and climb. Keep regulator in mouth at all times until you are over the transom.

Exiting in this manner will make sure that you always have air. In addition, if you fall off of the ladder during exit, you will still have your fins.

If there is too much surf to perform this maneuver on the surface, approach the ladder from underwater and remove fins while lightly holding on to the bottom rung of the ladder.

The boat has a head and a small cuddy for dry gear.

The boat is relatively steady for its size. Remember that you must take your first dose of Dramimine or its equilavent well in advance of the dive. I don't tend to get seasick, but I believe that it is supposed to be taken the night before, with another dose that morning.

Good Luck and have fun.

 

[NHreefer]

I belong to too many boards. He has a large regular ladder, but when you are ready to get out, you just unstrap them and hand them to him. He will put them down. I will be at the NEAQ picnic next saturday at Ft. Getty, cookout and fish collectiing. Anyone can go. WWW.NEADC.ORG Good place to meet fellow divers.
Chris

 

[Northeastwrecks]

I know that a number of boats suggest that you exit by handing your fins up to them.

I don't like this approach because you will be without your fins if you fall off the ladder.

That's no big deal in light chop, but try returing to the boat in a three + foot sea, which is when you are most likely to fall.

That said, I have been known to cheat and hand my fins up.

 

[shellbird]

I hope I don't embarrass myself too muchut:

 

[Northeastwrecks]

I'm sure that you will do fine. Remember that it is extremely unlikely that you will see heavy swells on this dive and that, if you do, the dive probably won't go off at all.

This is an excellent boat, crew and site. Captain Rob is on the short list of people I would use for just about any type of diving. He is smart and his vessel is well run. I have no doubt that you will enjoy yourselves immensely.

One other suggestion. Keep your body close to the ladder as you climb. It makes it easier to maintain balance and takes some of the strain off your arms and lower back.