OBX Diving

[Mike126]

It looks like I might be in Corolla (OBX) later in August. I'd like to dive but have never been to OBX to dive so I need some help. A few questions:

1. Recommendations for a dive operator on the northern half since I'll be staying in Corolla.
2. Recommendations for dive sites that are easier. Its been awhile since I've done ocean dives.
3. What is a good wetsuit choice for August?

Thanks, Mike

 

[Oyster Diver]

I will be in kitty hawk or kill devil hills (cant keep them straight) from August 18th through the 25th and would like to do a couple of shore dives to the huron or triangle wrecks. I've done both before and would rather not hire a guide, but I need to go with someone to keep my wife happy. If you are interested pm me and I'll give you my cell so we can set something up.

I will also try and dive the U-85. I've been out with ghost fleet and liked them but I may try outer banks dive center (across from jockeys ridge) again. If you go with them make sure you call them the night before your dive to make sure it isn't cancelled.

 

[daniel f aleman]

You'll need to go down to Nags Head, not too far from Corolla.

1. Outerbanks Dive Center - rated by one of the scuba magazines as one of the Top 10 shops in the US: http://www.obxdive.com/, another good outfit: http://www.outerbanksdiving.com/
2. Plenty of sites at ~60-80' to dive.
3. 5/3 mil full suit.

Everything is weather dependent out on the ocean.

 

[RAD Diver]

I go out with Bill at http://www.obxdive.com/ & wouldn't hesitate to give them a call. I did the U-85 last weekend & the York 2 weeks before that & will probably be out on the Bedloe with them July 29.
I want to get further south & actually dive Hatteras, but trying to get my Advance Nitrox/Deco done with Bill first.

 

[divengolf]

Highly recommend Outer Banks Dive Center in Nags head. Mile Post 11.5 I believe, across from Jockey's Ridge on the bypass. My son lives in Kill Devil Hills and I dive down there all the time.

OBDC is owned by Bill McDermott. The principal DM is Vince from New York. Both are extremely safety conscious. Great outfit to dive with. I'd book well ahead of time as they tend to fill up quickly during the summer. Don't wait until you get down there. Their schedule and a description of the dives is on line. The Advance is the easiest dive they routinely do. There are several other in the easy category. Tell them what you're comfortable with and they'll make sure that you don't get in over your head. (no pun intended)

5/3 is a good choice. I never dive down there is less than a 3 mil plus a hood. It can get cold depending on the current. Take some gloves along also.

Enjoy.

 

[Mike126]

Hey guys, thanks for the advice. I'll give OBX Dive Center a call.

 

[hurondive]

The bottom temp is very warm right now. 72 at 100ft on the U85 on Thursday and 78 at 60 ft on the Zane Gray on Friday.

 

[aquaman_06]

I too recommend the OBX Dive Center in Nags Head. Bill who owns the shop has a very good cancellation policy and is super easy to work with. Vince Cook who is the head dive master on the Go Between (OBX's boat) is a great guy and their level of attention to saftey is second to none.

We were out earlier this month with them and had some great dives. The water temp was 77 though the ocean was pretty rough. About 1/2 the boat (14 divers total) were puking from the ocean conditions. If you get sea sick start the motion sickness meds the night before and continue them into the next day. Several people on the boat with us had taken meds that morning and were still puking, some didnt dive because of it. As for viz it was so so when we dove, about 25 feet though they told us it can get up to 100+ depending on current.