I'm going on my first dive trip!!

[lobbolt]

I'm planning to go to the philipines over 12/19-24 with my instructor and a few of my friends. I'll be diving and getting the advanced open water certification. I'm also getting my gear before I go. Is there anything I should watch out for there? It's just three weeks till I go but it already seems like forever. Finally... my life has some meaning!! just kidding.

 

[JimHar99]

There is a club for the Phillipines Paradise Divers. I'm sure that they could provide much usefull information.
Enjoy your trip.

Jim

 

[OE2X]

Don't touch a stone fish or lion fish. Really nasty and very painful stings. Bring lots of sunblock. If you have any doubts about going then I'll go on your behalf.

Where are you going? I spent a week wreck diving off of Coron Island. It was amazing!

 

[nanadiver]

Three weeks is forever. Good luck. Have an awesome time. Take lots of pictures. You'll be so excited that you won't remember everything you see. Read up on the local marine life, animal and plant life. Know what to steer clear of. I'm jealous!

 

[pilot fish]

I'm planning to go to the philipines over 12/19-24 with my instructor and a few of my friends. I'll be diving and getting the advanced open water certification. I'm also getting my gear before I go. Is there anything I should watch out for there? It's just three weeks till I go but it already seems like forever. Finally... my life has some meaning!! just kidding.

Have a great, safe time. How many dives do you have now? That's a big trip for your first one

 

[lobbolt]

Have a great, safe time. How many dives do you have now? That's a big trip for your first one

I have no dives beyond certification.

 

[pilot fish]

I have no dives beyond certification.

Have you researched the dives sites, depths, currents and vis? Make sure the DM knows these are your first dives post cert and stay close to the DM. Also, ask around here if anyone has dove the sites you intend to dive so you'll know what to expect. Sounds like a great place to do your first dives. You just want to make sure that where you'll be diving is within your experience level.

 

[Tresj2]

Good point nanadiver! Read a lot on what you can see there underwater. It makes it so much more enjoyable when you see something that you recognise from the things you read before. Try to do that with a buddy so you can point out stuff to each other, instead of just cruising behind a divemaster and waiting for him to point out stuff to you.

This site is good for the bigger stuff: www.divestart.com, but you'll be thrilled when you see big stuff anyway. Try to read on the small stuff that hides under ledges and to read on where you can expect certain species. I love the little porcelain crab that hides in anemones, and the loads of hunchback shrimp that hide under coral flabs. (no touching of or supporting on the corals though !!!)

Jealous indeed
Cheers,
Gurt
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www.divestart.com - where and when to find your favorite critter!