Newbs on boats?

[genreviam]

Hi everyone!
First, thanks for all the GREAT info in the So. Cal section of the board. I'm a new (really new) diver. 4 dives since being certified last summer. 2 shore dives and 2 inland dives.
My son (15 yrs old) and I will be at Catalina April 25-28 for a dive trip. I'm working out all the trip details (mainly by lurking and reading all the relevant threads here!). I grew up in So. Cal. so I'm familiar with the area and have been to Catalina (15 years ago).

I am planning on 2 days of diving at Casino Point, and one boat dive day. I am a little nervous with the boat dive. (It would be our first boat dive) With our rank amateur experience, is a boat dive a good idea? Do they tailor the dive to our experience level? If so, what about more experienced divers who also paid for a great diving day? How does the dive master or captain cater to amateurs and experienced divers on the same trip?

My wife has one requirement: I need to bring my son back in one piece!

A special thanks to Dr. Bill and Gillyweed_girl and scubadobadoo. Dr. Bill for his endless (and tireless) responses to everyone's questions about Catalina, and Gillyweed_girl and scubadobadoo for the excellent write-up and pics on their Catalina trip.

 

[dlndavid]

I think boat dives are easier than shore dives myself. And just let them know you are new to diving and they will group you accordingly, I'm pretty sure. Relax and enjoy, have fun.

 

[headhunter]

Welcome to the SoCal section of ScubaBoard!

You'll have a great time on both the dives at Casino Point and on the Boat.

As David just mentioned, just let them know on the boat that you've only done a few dives since being certified about a year ago.

Here is a thread about Etiquette on Dive Boats in SoCal that you may want to read:

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=94095

It might make you a bit more comforable concerning the dos and don'ts of boat diving. It's no big deal and hopefully, everyone on the boat will make you feel welcome and offer to help.

I know you mentioned you grew up in SoCal, but I'm not sure if you still live here. If you do, maybe you and your son can join us at one of our Wrinkles Beach Dives or Mo2vation Boat Dives sometime. It's a friendly group and we welcome new divers. You'll find more info on those in the Trips and Local Marketplace... SoCal forum.

Christian

 

[Lexy]

Boat diving is a fantastic idea! I wish I had started boat diving earlier than later. New divers would be more than welcome on boats. I think you'll find it so much easier than shore diving. The boat drops you right on your site.... Anyhow, I'd say go for it.

 

[genreviam]

Thanks! I was really hoping ya'll would say that!!
Boat dive it is!
Headhunter, thanks for the link. Lot's of good info. I moved out of So. Cal 14 years ago, although I'm there off and on for business/family. I'll keep a watch for when your group has get togethers and if they coincide... I'd love to join you. Of course, any excuse to dive is a good thing!

 

[headhunter]

Thanks! I was really hoping ya'll would say that!!
Boat dive it is!
Headhunter, thanks for the link. Lot's of good info. I moved out of So. Cal 14 years ago, although I'm there off and on for business/family. I'll keep a watch for when your group has get togethers and if they coincide... I'd love to join you. Of course, any excuse to dive is a good thing!

You may want to update your profile with a city and state. It will help us add context to your posts.

Hope to see you sometime!

Christian

 

[genreviam]

Profile updated!
Hey Headhunter, I was born and raised in Altadena. At the end of Fairoaks ave, 2nd to the last house before the Camp Fire Girl camp and the mountains. Great place to grow up. Spent my time with my dogs roaming the foothills...

 

[headhunter]

Profile updated!
Hey Headhunter, I was born and raised in Altadena. At the end of Fairoaks ave, 2nd to the last house before the Camp Fire Girl camp and the mountains. Great place to grow up. Spent my time with my dogs roaming the foothills...

I know that area. It's nice!

I'm near the end of Lake Ave. by the old Cobb Estate entrance to the National Forest.

I've only been living in the area for 7 years and grew up around Hollywood.

Christian