Is Hilma Hooker a good dive for a new OW diver?

[bonobo8103]

I am a new OW diver and for now, feel most comfortable not going much past 60 ft deep and I also don't have the best air consumption. Would you recommend not doing the hilma hooker for now or is alright for an OW diver? Thanks!

 

[tursiops]

It is an OK 60 ft dive...you can get to the hull and propellor. Best done as an 80-90 ft dive. The sand is 100 ft, so safe.
Not recommended if your air goes a way quickly. Perhaps you can do an AOW class and to the HH for your Deep dive?

 

[CT Sean]

You can stick to the top of the side of the hull and swim along the railing so the deck is under you (since it's laying on its side) to stay around 60 feet and back to the prop (or start at the prop and work your way forward) but that's pretty much all you can do. Maybe plan it later in the week so you gain a little comfort on reef dives.

 

[arew+4]

I am a new OW diver and for now, feel most comfortable not going much past 60 ft deep and I also don't have the best air consumption. Would you recommend not doing the hilma hooker for now or is alright for an OW diver? Thanks!

Define new, but I would lean towards "if you have to ask". I took my 17 yo son to it, he was OW at the time with about 60-70 dives. I got us 100cf tanks for the dive. I did not take him thru the swim thru. I did it for the first time as an OW also with 50-60 dives but with a local guide. There are plenty of things to see in Bonaire at 60 feet or less. I recommend gradually working your way down to 120.

 

[MntryDvr]

Define new, but I would lean towards "if you have to ask". I took my 17 yo son to it, he was OW at the time with about 60-70 dives. I got us 100cf tanks for the dive. I did not take him thru the swim thru. I did it for the first time as an OW also with 50-60 dives but with a local guide. There are plenty of things to see in Bonaire at 60 feet or less. I recommend gradually working your way down to 120.

I think this is excellent advice. I took both of my daughters diving on the HH when they were in their teens, but they were experienced cold water divers. The bottom portion of the dive was fine for all, but the current really kicked up as we ascended and required a hand on the anchor line at all times. Something to be aware of.

 

[eelpout]

Buoyancy skills and air consumption should be a mastered skill to do it, unless you are diving with experienced diver who can watch you and that you have trust in. The advice above is great but it all oils down to controlling your depth, that means paying attention to it and watching your air conssumption and being able to plan your dive properly. I have taken people on that wreck from a boat and from shore. If you haven't swam with scuba a long distance 100 meters, you may end up using 50% of your air on the way out...guess what, you still have to swim back. Plan your dive, dive your plan.

 

[ps444mike]

i would say yes you could do it.. but like others say stay on the railings (60 feet) let your dive buddy know your level of dives and skills watch your air and have your buddy stick with you.. dont panic and if it doesnt feel right call the dive.. better safe than sorry..

 

[divezonescuba]

I don't think that any one has mentioned the entry issue.

Be careful on entry to this divesite. It is one of the more difficult. It is best done on a calm day. I have aborted a few times based on the wave action. Exit is a lot easier since you are going up hill.

So, watch what other people do, take your time, and go slowly over the iron shore. I have seen many people fall down and get hurt on that. Better to have a wetsuit on.

My personal philosophy is that no dive is so good that it is worth getting hurt over.

 

[BigDaddyGlad]

I am a relatively new diver, AOW certified, with 70 dives in my log. Bonaire is my favorite location (so far), with about 25-30 dives.

Hilma Hooker is a fantastic wreck dive, but as others have said here I would recommend waiting until you've got a bit more comfort with air consumption and buoyancy. You can certainly swim around the hull and propeller, but the fun is closer to 100ft.

Also, I strongly suggest hitting the site early in the morning. It tends to get quite busy with cruiseship divers around 9:00 or 10:00, and the site will get silted up. Last time I dove it, we were in the water by 8:15 and we had the whole wreck to ourselves. Visibility was unlimited, and we got to swim with a turtle for a bit. There were about 4 or 5 tarpon just hovering in the cargo area. Amazing dive.

 

[tursiops]

I am a relatively new diver, AOW certified, with 70 dives in my log. Bonaire is my favorite location (so far), with about 25-30 dives.

Hilma Hooker is a fantastic wreck dive, but as others have said here I would recommend waiting until you've got a bit more comfort with air consumption and buoyancy. You can certainly swim around the hull and propeller, but the fun is closer to 100ft.

Also, I strongly suggest hitting the site early in the morning. It tends to get quite busy with cruiseship divers around 9:00 or 10:00, and the site will get silted up. Last time I dove it, we were in the water by 8:15 and we had the whole wreck to ourselves. Visibility was unlimited, and we got to swim with a turtle for a bit. There were about 4 or 5 tarpon just hovering in the cargo area. Amazing dive.

It is a great dive in the afternoon, because the sun angle illuminates the deck/holds of the ship.