How intense is diving on the east coast for a beginner?

[TrimixToo]

I am a beginner OWD (<20 dives) and I am going to Bonaire. I am considering doing some guided shore diving on the east coast but I have read it can be more intense. Would these dives still be advisable for a beginner OWD? Thanks!

I might be biased since I learned to dive on the east coast. (Maine, for the curious.)

Judge the weather and waves, watch the tides, and dive with someone that knows the waters and you should be fine. Like anywhere else, be especially aware of currents and the potential for change. In the northeast, things are pretty chilly now and conditions change quickly. Along the mid-east (e.g.., NC) to southern east coast things are a bit more benign this time of year than they are farther north. It would not be the best idea to try diving off the NE coast for the first time at this time of year before you have more dives under your weight harness.

Above all, remember that if you're not comfortable with the dive plan and conditions you can call the dive at any time for any reason. The "any time" part includes "before you get in the water." You can always dive tomorrow or next week.

 

[Doctorfish]

I disagree with Trimix. I've boat dived the East side of Bonaire a number of times and it can be very, very challenging. I don't think a new diver with less than 20 dives should even consider. Air consumption will be a challenge for any new diver and doing a safety stop in open rough water is also not easy. Getting back to and on the boat has it's moments as well.

My advice to the OP would be to dive the West side and gain skill, and then dive East another trip.

 

[TrimixToo]

I disagree with Trimix. I've boat dived the East side of Bonaire a number of times and it can be very, very challenging. I don't think a new diver with less than 20 dives should even consider. Air consumption will be a challenge for any new diver and doing a safety stop in open rough water is also not easy. Getting back to and on the boat has it's moments as well.

My advice to the OP would be to dive the West side and gain skill, and then dive East another trip.

I completely spaced it on the area the OP was asking about and thought it was the US East Coast. Oops. My apologies. I will defer to those with actual experience in the right area!

 

[Lorenzoid]

Yeah I was planning on trying to go with BAS diving if I did the east coast. They seem to be very experienced as a guide.

"BAS" is not "BAS," it's Bas, and it's not "they," it's just him. The guy's name is Bas Tol, and I believe Bas is short for Sebastian.

 

[scubbq]

Yes, their team is top notch and can help anyone. That being said, I have dove with East Coast over 20 times, my biggest concern is always getting a boat with some newbie (yes, we have all been there) with whichever concern you can have - primarily inexperience with basic current and air consumption; or GoPro scuba Steve’s that chase the amazing macro chances away by ignoring the briefings. I’d never dive it unless I was confident in my capabilities as to not ruin it for the experienced divers that should be able to maximize every minute, but people do it regardless. I have had several cut short leaving me bitter about the cost/wasted time. It’s too popular now where this is a possibility each morning and afternoon. The weakest link leads the group, finishing both these dive sites requires swimming away from the reef (east) and surfacing as a group due to the open ocean swells. Book private charters if you have the numbers/means.