Leaving for Hawaii: Analyze my gear please...

[don Francisco]

Sounds like a good list. A minor nitpik, why not depth gauge on a console with the SPG? It doesn't add much weight or bulk, and gives you redundancy in case of computer failure. One other benefit, in low viz, it's a bit easier to hover with an analog depth gauge vs. a computer.

When I pack I apply a logic I developed when bicycle touring, where I had to lug everything up and over hills. I take nothing without a real reason, the heavier the item, the better the reason has to be. Anything that isn't "lugworthy" gets left home. At the borderline, the cost and availability of the "buy it if/when you need it" option becomes the deciding factor.

 

[sabbath999]

Sounds like a good list. A minor nitpik, why not depth gauge on a console with the SPG? It doesn't add much weight or bulk, and gives you redundancy in case of computer failure. One other benefit, in low viz, it's a bit easier to hover with an analog depth gauge vs. a computer.

When I pack I apply a logic I developed when bicycle touring, where I had to lug everything up and over hills. I take nothing without a real reason, the heavier the item, the better the reason has to be. Anything that isn't "lugworthy" gets left home. At the borderline, the cost and availability of the "buy it if/when you need it" option becomes the deciding factor.

As far as the depth gauge/SPG console, because I don't own one I actually hated consoles when learning to dive, the dumb things were always huge and dragging. So when I got my own rig, I just got an SPG. I may rethink that some day, but now now...

I am a cyclist and a cycling tourist, which is why I obsess over bringing everything I need, but not one ounce more.

I am a minimalist at heart, and as I progress I am planning on exploring the DIR philosophy of diving more (we will see where that leads anyway).

 

[ChimChim75]

Looks good to me. Wetsuit is optional here on boat dives... Water is warm enough for just a rash guard if you are so inclined, but lava rocks are nasty if you are making a shore dive. Thick soled boots are preferable on lava rock entries as well, but I think you'd survive without them.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

Sounds like a good gear list.

You'll get chilled without a wetsuit; the 3mm you propose should be fine for Kona, for most folks. A beanie or hood is also "not excessive" if you are doing multiple dives over several days. I wear 3mm full wetsuit and a 5mm hood when I dive here in Hilo, which is a bit colder than Kona. My wife wears a 5mm wetsuit with hood. You'll likely see some of the DM's and instructors wearing 5mm's... live and dive here for awhile and you lose your cold-tolerance fast

One Suggestion: Seasickness medication The ocean on the Kona-side of the island is generally pretty calm, but 2-3 foot waves are not uncommon. Because you will sit at a mooring for 1-2 dives (with the boat rocking and pitching more than when it is underway), I'd recommend considering motion sickness medication unless you are 100% positive you do not get seasick. Not much fun to be feeling like "death warmed over" while trying to gear up for a dive.

If you are doing AOW in Kona, it will almost guaranteed be 100% boat dives, at several of their permanent moorings. The boat captain will usually make the call as to which dive site(s) you go to that day based on the conditions in order to give you the best possible dives. The bottom drops off fast along the Kona coast, so you'll be surprised at how close to shore most of the mooring buoys are (yards, not miles). Most of the dive sites are a very short boat ride from the harbor.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Reg Braithwaite]

I am thinking about that... again, I don't want to swim around like a Christmas Tree with ornaments, but on the other hand I don't want to have bad records of depth and dive times if my brand new (and as of yet untested "main" computer craps out).

Craps out... Or is broken on the boat by a carelessly stowed tank and you don't find out until it floods in the water...

To clarify: christmas tree is wearing things clipped to a plentitude of rings on your harness/BCD. having two computers, a watch, and a compass on one arm is merely looking like a society matron wearing all of her bangles...

I prefer the latter, personally. And I agree with your sentiment that consoles are bulky. Clip the SPG off and you will be trim and not menacing the reef.

 

[potato cod]

I think the list looks good. Just a couple suggestions.

Since you have a new computer, be sure to pack the manual. There's sure to be something you won't have figured out yet even if you play with it before the trip.

Also, a rash guard for snorkeling. I love to snorkel during my surface interval (hey, if I find myself in warm water, I'm not going to leave it until I have to). A rash guard or dive skin does a great job of protecting against sunburn, which is just no fun on a vacation.

Have a blast!

 

[SouthSideScubaSteve]

OK, being a newbie myself, I'll ask.... Why a Silver Sharpie??

 

[Thalassamania]

OK, being a newbie myself, I'll ask.... Why a Silver Sharpie??

Gear Marker.

 

[Docc]

I'd add a little drybox like this one;

Keep It Safe Waterproof Box reviews and discounts, Witz


Good for room key, tip money for the DMs and Boat Captain, credit card, etc. You can slip it in a BC pocket and tie off to the little D ring.






.

 

[Stoo]

I think your list looks about right. As suggested, I would take, and wear, your second 'pooter. If one dies, most dive ops will want you to sit out for 24 hours if you have been anywhere near deco to make sure you're clean. The second computer will keep you diving.

Remember to take your computers in your carry on luggage, but not in a pressure-proof dry box...

Incidently, I am available to schlep gear and offer advise, once I get the damn snow out of the laneway. I work cheap and don't eat much!