Headed to Blue Hole 6/7-6/8, tips?

[DandyDon]

All the rest was solid advice, But that is probably just me choking on my kool-aid.

Ok, she has less than 24 dives. Please share your suggestion.

I don't use the downline there, but I stay with my buddy who does as he always has to work his ears out - more there than in warm water.

 

[BigBubbaJ]

Ok, she has less than 24 dives. Please share your suggestion.

I don't use the downline there, but I stay with my buddy who does as he always has to work his ears out - more there than in warm water.

Fair enough, Don.

I would suggest then that all new divers work tirelessly at using their BCD(adding on descent, venting on ascent) and their lung air volume to control descent and ascent. Not to say it can't be useful during an emergency, but I personally would give the opposite advice. Learn to control all aspects of buoyancy, especially ascents and descents with a BCD, and lungs and strive to stay in the neutrally buoyuant "pocket" . Ask Ron... he'll share the "worst dive of his life" when I did a night dive at the hole in a new drysuit and a new rig... at the bottom I felt the need for the line (which I didn't need). It can become a crutch. Especially in a place like the Blue hole.

 

[DivingDoll]

Oh my gosh thank you so much for the tips and tricks! This board is so friendly and helpful! I really appreciate you guys.

Ok, to answer questions: We did our OW check-off in Homestead, Utah.

We are staying Monday night (after diving) so plenty of time before driving over the pass the next day. It's our anniversary weekend so we are going to enjoy an extra day.

I was planning on renting gear locally (Ocean First Divers in Boulder) because I need to try on a 7mil wetsuit (I own a "custom" 3mil). I am blessed with ample assets and will probably need to rent a mens suit, so I don't want to count on getting down to BH and finding something on a whim.

Thank you all for your help! I can't tell you how much I appreciate it

If anyone wants to drop by and dive with us please feel free!

 

[BigBubbaJ]

Ocean first divers is a great shop. I am taking my UTD Tech 1 through them now. (I will be headed down to NM on Thursday the 10th).

Too bad you guys can't join us at Aurora on Saturday!

Have fun in NM!

Justin

 

[DivingDoll]

Thanks Justin!
I know, I am so bummed about Saturday! We both work nights and will be working Friday night and sleeping Saturday so we can work Saturday night

Have fun next week!

 

[fire_diver]

Hey doll (damn that sounds sexist!)

If you want a bit of excitement, I DARE you to giant-stride from the rocks! Just have a good hold on your mask and reg, make sure your BC is inflated!

 

[DandyDon]

Hey doll (damn that sounds sexist!)

If you want a bit of excitement, I DARE you to giant-stride from the rocks! Just have a good hold on your mask and reg, make sure your BC is inflated!

Uh, nah - don't. Surely he was kidding.

I've done a stride entry from higher at The Pit at Dos Ojos, but it's not for the new without special instructions. We've discuss the pros and cons of the two ways for the really big falls in Advance forum. One of the risks with an inflated BC is offset by making sure you don't breath underwater then pop to the surface with a lung full of compressed air, and some instructors have divers hold their snorkels in their mouths to avoid that and tongue biting. I did it the other way, with a deflated BC, safe breathing, more control - but I wouldn't want to climb those rocks all suited up.

So while I am sure he was joking, just in case you weren't - don't.

 

[BigBubbaJ]

Uh, nah - don't. Surely he was kidding.

I've done a stride entry from higher at The Pit at Dos Ojos, but it's not for the new without special instructions.

You think it's higher than Oil Slick Leap?(to the right of the stairs?)

 

[DandyDon]

You think it's higher than Oil Slick Leap?(to the right of the stairs?)

I may have misunderstood him. The platform to the right of the stairs is fine, lower than many boats I've stepped off of...

Click for larger...

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When he said "giant-stride from the rocks," I thot he meant from above, which would be good training for The Pit (we didn't get any; I lied to my buddy that it wasn't much and we did it - higher than the where the jumpers go off) - too high for her first visit...

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Anyway, you get a lot of opinions here. It's up to DivingDoll to pick the best. I try to give safer suggestions than my personal record as a klutz is known for. :blush:

 

[fire_diver]

No, I was talking about the rocks, not the platform. And Yes, I was joking. I would actually be shocked if someone made that jump. It's scary enough to stand on the edge up there without 50 pounds of gear strapped to your body. I'm sure it's been done, but it's not for the faint of heart (but may be for the light of brain!)