Liveaboard to much for a newbie?

[AevnsGrandpa]

Hi all,

After reading through some posts on liveaboards, I went to the web site for Nekton diving and it really looks cool. I think I would love to do it, but since I have only been certified since last July and have a whopping total of 10 dives in, is a week long liveaboard too much??

Thoughts? Opinions?

Thanks,

Jeff :06:

 

[glbirch]

Hi all,

After reading through some posts on liveaboards, I went to the web site for Nekton diving and it really looks cool. I think I would love to do it, but since I have only been certified since last July and have a whopping total of 10 dives in, is a week long liveaboard too much??

Thoughts? Opinions?

Thanks,

Jeff :06:

Too much in what way? As long as the dives involved are not beyond your comfort/skill level and you are aware of what will be involved I wouldn't think there would be a problem. Some people can find doing four or five dives in a day to be tiring, but there's no rule that says you have to do every dive.

I may be prejudiced, as I had already booked a three week/three liveaboard trip to Australia before I had even completed my OW certification back when I was getting started in Scuba.

Which of the Nekton ships were you looking at?

 

[LoneWolf]

I HIGHLY recommend liveaboards. In January I spent a week on a Blackbeard's liveaboard. When I boarded I also had about 10 dives under my belt. After a week onboard I had a total of 25 dives under my belt. During that week I ate, dived, slept, dived...everyday. Also, everyone onboard were divers of varying skills. I learned as much about diving top side as I did in the water from all the conversations. Listen carefully when the divemaster goes over the dive plan. If it seems too difficult of a dive for you, such as too strong a current, bow out of that one. For various reasons, most people on my boat didn't dive EVERY SINGLE dive. So there is no shame in bowing out of any of them. Liveaboards are ideal for new divers because the one thing we need to do is dive alot. And you will get more dives in on a liveaboard then you will with a land based operation. My boat typically got 4 dives in a day, to include the night dive. I have done land based and I have done liveaboard. I will most likely stick with liveaboards in the future.

 

[simbrooks]

After reading through some posts on liveaboards, I went to the web site for Nekton diving and it really looks cool. I think I would love to do it, but since I have only been certified since last July and have a whopping total of 10 dives in, is a week long liveaboard too much??

I guess i have a few thoughts. We were thinking of doing a liveaboard when we had the spare cash - particulary for the Nekton ones, they do cost a bit, but i do like the idea of having a nice luxury room to rest in rather than a bunk house below like some other liveaboards (although for the price...).

You and i have very few dives, however it depends where your dives have been, how recently and if you plan to put any in before the trip that might make that count. Where all 10 last summer/fall? If so maybe a few more to get used to things, if all lately, it doesnt hurt to put in a few more!!!

The big thing is that there will be dives going on many times per day, you probably can pick and choose what you want to do. Some many not feel they are getting their "money's worth" if they dont do all the dives, particularly as the dives are all paid for. Dont feel pressured into doing them, tired divers arent good divers!! I would suggest either being nitrox certified and have a computer if you want to do many dives, otherwise you might find yourself off the tables quite easily unless they are all shallow dives (not likely).

I think it would be a good experience as long as you have the stamina for it, you could easily double if not treble the dive count you have so far and of course all that bottom time will lead to you being more comfortable in the water. However have you buoyancy in check as best you can to avoid reef damage!

 

[glbirch]

The big thing is that there will be dives going on many times per day, you probably can pick and choose what you want to do. Some many not feel they are getting their "money's worth" if they dont do all the dives, particularly as the dives are all paid for. Dont feel pressured into doing them, tired divers arent good divers!! I would suggest either being nitrox certified and have a computer if you want to do many dives, otherwise you might find yourself off the tables quite easily unless they are all shallow dives (not likely).

Definitely a dive computer if you're doing a live-aboard. Some of them will rent you one, but in the long run you will likely want to own one. Nitrox can also give you more of a safety margin, and you might even be able to do the course on board the boat.

 

[rcohn]

It really depends on you and the liveaboard/area. For example, a Galapagos liveaboard would be a very bad idea for a new diver, while say, the Cuan Law in the BVI would be just fine. If you really just want to dive 3 to 5 times a day on vacation and do little else, a liveaboard would be great. While I was on the Caribbean Explorer, there was a woman from England who had just completed her BOW. She did her AOW while on the trip and had a great time.

First, choose a liveaboard in an area known for easy diving suitable for beginners. Be honest about your enthusiasm and skills. For example, if you suffer ear barotrauma after a day or two and have to spend the rest of the trip on the boat it won’t be much fun. Also, some people quickly get tired of a 5 dive per day routine, but if that sounds like fun to you, go for it and have a great time. Diving again and again, with no time to forget what you’ve just learned, will greatly increase your skill and comfort level.

Ralph

 

[simbrooks]

if you suffer ear barotrauma after a day or two and have to spend the rest of the trip on the boat it won’t be much fun.

One reason why we didnt sign up immeadiately (apart from funds) was due to my initial diving barotraumas - that is starting to subside now and my clearing is getting better, but it would have been a real pain if i had gone on such a trip and after the first day had been out for 3 or more (used to be 5-6 days when i first started) due to that trouble.

Some of these boats do offer courses, so you can learn, practice and just enjoy as you go!

 

[Knavey]

I highly recommend Nektons cruises. My wife and I did Cay Sal Bank last year with them and I am just trying to get some time off so that I can do one this summer with them again.

The diving is NOT difficult by any stretch of the imagination. They have a very well equipped boat, knowledgable crew who will jump in with you anytime if you want a buddy, and the food is terrific.

The accomodations are perfect...you spend VERY little time in your cabin, but I do prefer their style over some of the "camping" style boats.

You basically wake up, eat breakfast, dive, SI with snack, dive, lunch while the boat moves to new site, dive, SI with snack, dive, dinner, night dive, move boat while you sleep. I did mention that you dive, eat and sleep right?

My wife only had a dozen dives under her belt when we booked the trip, and the diving was very comfortable for a new diver. The DMs love to hit the water, and there is no fee for having them with you if you feel you need a little shepherding starting out.

The boats are anti-sea sick, but we took pills anyway and never had any problems.

Well, there is a ton more to say, but I would quit reading right now and go book a cruise if I were you.

 

[CuriousMe]

The only live aboards I've done are Blackbeards (done that twice). They were great experiences. Most of the dives could be very doable for an inexperienced diver. A few were on the deep side, so you need to know your comfort zone with your ability and training...you could take the oportunity to do your AOW during it and have an instructor do the deep dive with you though. I did my AOW on a Blackbeard and it was great....you have a huge diversity of dives to choose from.

Enjoy!

Peace,
Cathie

 

[Michael Schlink]

Now here is something I can talk about. I've been on a bunch of 'em. Everything from bunks to queen size beds. As far as experience needed-None-Most liveaboards offer open water classes. Dive computers and Nitrox are not an absolute neccesary but will make the trip more enjoyable for several reasons. Ear problems are very common on liveaboards but there is an easy solution to this (Otic Domboro). I think a carib. based liveaboard is a great way to gain more experience quickly. I was on a live aboard in Palau on there was a guy that had less than 30 dives. Go for it, you'll have a blast. Please feel free to PM me if you have more questions.-M