How to be a better diver at Gilboa?

[GOBUCKEYES]

I was at Gilboa for the first time last Sat.I was with my LDS.But what I really want to know is :What are some of the rules and some of the unwritten rules? 1. Like that tables down but the docks I would think they are for people to gear up on. Not for look I was the first one hear not you don't you wish you got this spot be for me!(an then there gear is all over the table for 1/2 the day)I think you know what I'm saying. 2. If I pay to park where do I park I don't want to park @ your camp site. 3. If I park @ the main lot where do I put my gear? At your table/ camp site? I just want to be the good(nice) diver not the... you know diver!!!! Please tell me some do's and some don't s .

 

[Ber Rabbit]

The tables down by the dock are where the people who park in the main lot are supposed to put their gear.

Keep your gear compact when using the tables so others can use them as well.

Paying to park means you have the right to use a campsite. If you're just there for the day offering to let someone who is planning to stay the weekend join you on the site is always appreciated on busy weekends. Granted it takes a little experience to spot those who are cruising for a site so you can make an offer.

Try not to be a picnic table hog when it's busy. When you have one table for food and one table per diver for gear you're going to start getting the looks from those who have no picnic tables at all. If you must use a picnic table for gear instead of a ground tarp or pickup truck bed you can easily get 4 divers per table if you're diving single tank rigs.

When it's super crowded and you can't find a place to park it doesn't hurt to ask a group that's already there if you can join them instead of just randomly parking in the middle of their site. I know I'm happy to share what space I have especially if you offer food
Ber :lilbunny:

 

[gtxl1200]

easier answer.... Charter a dive through the many great lake charters, during the summer weekends at Gilboa. It will probablybe cheaper and a lot more interesting of a dive.

 

[DudleyNMU]

I agree...Charters to the wrecks are much more intrestings and with mikes crazy prices it is prolly cheaper to pay for an 80$ charter. I use gilboa durring the fall and the spring when the boats are not operational to keep the skills up. Never durring the summer months. just my 2 pennys worth...

 

[Ber Rabbit]

But guys, that's not what the OP (who is from Dayton OH and 4 hours from Lake diving) is asking. If you want to charter in Michigan and you live here you have to take a day off work, drive roughly 10 hours round trip AND pay for the charter. It's under 2 hours to Gilboa for us so it's a cost-effective trip.

How about helping the new to Gilboa diver out by sharing how you would like to see them "behave" when they are there. We've all seen "that diver" at the quarry, at least the OP cares enough to ask for advice to avoid being that person.
Ber :lilbunny:

 

[Divin'Papaw]

But guys, that's not what the OP (who is from Dayton OH and 4 hours from Lake diving) is asking. If you want to charter in Michigan and you live here you have to take a day off work, drive roughly 10 hours round trip AND pay for the charter. It's under 2 hours to Gilboa for us so it's a cost-effective trip.

How about helping the new to Gilboa diver out by sharing how you would like to see them "behave" when they are there. We've all seen "that diver" at the quarry, at least the OP cares enough to ask for advice to avoid being that person.
Ber :lilbunny:

Good point Ber.

I can appreciate the sentiment of the suggestion to get out on the Lakes, but folks need to keep in mind how impractical that is for many of us. Many of us are not lucky enough to be a few hours away from great GL wreck diving. Also, keep in mind, that charters get blown out on a regular basis while the quarries are open almost all the time, with recent flooding in Indiana one of the few examples to the contrary.

I always try to get out onto the Lakes 4-6 days a year. Given the distance and unpredictable nature of the weather, it's just not practical for me to get out more than that. If that was all the diving I did between May and Oct, I would not be a happy camper.

 

[crpntr133]

Since we are talking general rules at Gilboa. What is the unwritten rule about the benches ON the docks?

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Since we are talking general rules at Gilboa. What is the unwritten rule about the benches ON the docks?

They are for use and gear storage, within reason, by divers who do not have a camp site.

 

[crpntr133]

They are for use and gear storage, within reason, by divers who do not have a camp site.

So nude sun bathing is out? :no

 

[Ber Rabbit]

So nude sun bathing is out? :no

I've never gotten in trouble for....errrr nevermind
Ber :lilbunny: