Hello from Southern Indiana

[Copland]

Hello,

I just wanted to introduce myself and get a bit of helpful information. I recently received my SSI OW cert from Aquatech in Evansville Indiana. If you're in the tri-state area you won't find a nicer establishment or better customer service. They really bent over backwards to accommodate my fiancé and my hectic schedules. I know that's a plug for them, but they all were really great - Thanks Larry, Diane, and most of all Tammy.

Now I need some advice; we got our OW and will be honeymooning for 9 days in French Polynesia (1 initial day in Tahiti, 4 days on Moorea, and a final 4 Days in Bora Bora). My question is what to look for in a dive outfit, what to expect, and any bad experiences? Any help or advice would be appreciated, and I've really enjoyed all of the information on this forum

Thanks,

Todd

 

[tstormdiver]

Hey Guys, How's it going?

I can't speak of the specific area, but things to look for in a dive operation is Staff that is experienced in the area. They can tell you about currents, tides, topographical features underwater & about certain animals underwater. Look for good, well maintained equipment (scuba equipment, boats & such). As we discussed in your class, make sure you plan & execute you own dives. Unless in an area (marine park or such) where you are required to be right with a Dive Master, do not rely on the Dive Master plan you dives. You may choose to stay with the Dive Master (they generally know where the cool stuff is), but plan it & execute it yourselves.

As a side thought, you might post your questions in the Asia section of the board. Maybe some locals can give you some recommendations.

 

[Copland]

Thanks Tammy!!! Do you ever sleep?
Anyway, I'm gonna try to get into the shop sometime this week to get some essentials for our trip. I'm sure I'll see you there.

 

[tstormdiver]

Yes, I sleep, Just have to be up at 4 am this weekend to be ready for work at 6. I will be in the shop some on Mon & Fri. (have to work nights on Tues.- Thurs.), but also have to teach a class on those days.

 

[Copland]

Thanks for the heads up, it never crossed my mind to post in area specific forums. I'll try to make it into the shop before you get into the classroom, I just want to get some odds and ends before we start packing up.

 

[tstormdiver]

Actually I'll be teaching from 8am- 3pm. But I should still be around.

 

[Sam Miller III]

You were very fortunate to have Tammy as an Instructor--she is a very knowledgeable dedicated instructor, however, she has been known to check out divers in Kentucky, which prohibits her from teaching the offical Indiana bubbling song:

BACK HOME AGAIN IN INDIANA
AND IT SEEMS THAT I CAN SEE
A GLEAMING CANDLELIGHT
STILL SHINNING BRIGHT
THROUGH THE SYCAMORES FOR ME

THE NEW MOWN HAY
SEND ALL IT'S FRAGRANCE
FROM THE HILLS I USE TO ROAM
WHEN I DREAM ABOUT THE MOONLIGHT ON THE WABASH,

THEN I LONG FOR MY INDIANA HOME!

I sincerely hope that you master bubbling the song before you depart for Polynesia...

Posted some info for you and yours on the Polynesian site, what ever it is called - hope that it helps make you honeymoon and diving memorable ones...

SDM

 

[tstormdiver]

You were very fortunate to have Tammy as an Instructor--she is a very knowledgeable dedicated instructor, however, she has been known to check out divers in Kentucky, which prohibits her from teaching the offical Indiana bubbling song:
SDM

Gee,... Thanks.....:mooner: (full of sarcasm)
That's only because I was born, raised, live (& will probably die) in KY, which by the way is the better side of the Ohio River!

 

[Copland]

I understand where Dr Miller is coming from...I'm a Hoosier at heart, but with that being said I would much rather dive at the Hoptown quarry then step one foot into the Ohio River. I had an amazing time down there and I have a feeling I will be spending an unusual amount of time Kentucky with my new found hobby.

 

[Sam Miller III]

I am amoung Royality!

A FJR all state foot baller and the best underwater instructor in Souhern Indiana and certainly in all of Kentucky.

Tammie, have a question;
When I was younger we always goggled (we didnot have masks and the term Skin diving was not in common useage) in the coal mine stripper pits in Lynnvile ..not too deep probably 40 feet but always clear. Never hear of them being used..Why?

Copeland, I have been retired so long and seldom if ever use a professional title, especially amoung a bunch of divers, so please "Sam" from this day forward--or as my wife addresses me "Sam, damn it!"

Copeland FYI sent you a PM with questions,

Cheers from CenCal,

SDM