No diving in several years - Aldora a poor choice?

[TexasGuppy]

I'm looking to book a week long diving trip to Cozumel next month. In the past, I usually just get 1 or 2 dives in while traveling with the wife, but this time it's just me.
Haven't dove in 6+ years and don't know my consumption rates. Looks like Aldora doesn't allow single diver finish the dive on low air, it's a group start to finish. I don't want to impact the other divers, but I also don't want to get just stuck with newbies only at shallow depths. Should I just try it with them and switch to another outfit if needed? Or am I overthinking this?

Thanks, first post, but already learned so much reading all the other threads!
Mike

 

[Paul M]

You haven't dived in 6 years but your profile shows you have over 200 dives.
I wouldn't worry about it. If you are worried but have some available time, try and get to a swimming pool for a quick refresher before your trip.

 

[js1221]

You could also just book a private DM with Aldora for your first day. That will get you back in the water and you won’t be affecting the rest of the group.

 

[ragodman]

I'm looking to book a week long diving trip to Cozumel next month. In the past, I usually just get 1 or 2 dives in while traveling with the wife, but this time it's just me.
Haven't dove in 6+ years and don't know my consumption rates. Looks like Aldora doesn't allow single diver finish the dive on low air, it's a group start to finish. I don't want to impact the other divers, but I also don't want to get just stuck with newbies only at shallow depths. Should I just try it with them and switch to another outfit if needed? Or am I overthinking this?

Thanks, first post, but already learned so much reading all the other threads!
Mike

 

[ragodman]

Dive Palancar is the outfit you want in Cozumel.

 

[NDL_Diver]

I'm looking to book a week long diving trip to Cozumel next month. In the past, I usually just get 1 or 2 dives in while traveling with the wife, but this time it's just me.
Haven't dove in 6+ years and don't know my consumption rates. Looks like Aldora doesn't allow single diver finish the dive on low air, it's a group start to finish. I don't want to impact the other divers, but I also don't want to get just stuck with newbies only at shallow depths. Should I just try it with them and switch to another outfit if needed? Or am I overthinking this?

Thanks, first post, but already learned so much reading all the other threads!
Mike

It is a GREAT option. Aldora will group you with like experience divers. They have 7 boats. They use 120 cubic foot tanks (50% more than standard 80 cf).
I would still get a private DM for 1st dive since your rusty. You will fill out dive form and they ask you questions to help group you on 1st boat. Having a private DM allows you to stay down as long as you want and you surface with them vs group DM unless you are all finished the same time. You also get a little more help before, during and after the dive.

 

[TexasGuppy]

I'm going to a refresher course this week, but don't think a pool will give me a feeling of consumption on an actual drift dive. Didn't think of doing private DM, that's a good idea.

I'll also check into Dive Palancar

 

[ggunn]

I'm going to a refresher course this week, but don't think a pool will give me a feeling of consumption on an actual drift dive.

That's true, especially since you can't get anywhere near as deep in a pool. Depth has a great deal to do with consumption rate.

 

[TexasGuppy]

That's true, especially since you can't get anywhere near as deep in a pool. Depth has a great deal to do with consumption rate.

Also depends on how much you let the current chart your course. My last drift dive there I recall having to stay fairly close to the reef to reduce that effect.

 

[ggunn]

Also depends on how much you let the current chart your course. My last drift dive there I recall having to stay fairly close to the reef to reduce that effect.

FWIW, the current pretty much always charts your course if there is any, and there usually is around Cozumel. The more you fight it the quicker you will blow through your air. If you need to stop and wait for someone it is much better to duck behind a coral head or big sponge or to get down in a sandy depression than to kick against the current.