Okinawa Divers?

[narced_1]

Hello there all....I am looking at taking a short hiatus to Okinawa from the Tokyo area at the end of april...the 25th - 30th to be exact....i was wondering if anyone lived there and would want to show my buddy and i around for a few days....I am a DM (current insured etc) and my buddy is AOW....we want as many dives per day as our drysuits will allow. Can't wait to get there.


Narced_1

 

[Arduous]

Welcome to the board from the cold waters of New England USA
Have fun, Dive Safe..............................Arduous.`

 

[sunfish]

I was in Okinawa last month. I was only slightly cold in a very old wetsuit that I think used to be 5 mm. I think a drysuit would be severe overkill.

 

[narced_1]

Thanks for that good bit of info....good to know, what was the water temp last month? what part of the island? i am looking to be in the central area. from what i am finding out though is that my 5/3 may be enough, but i want to do 4-5 dives per day....so i would rather be a little on the warm side....what is the water temp now? Thanks


Narced_1

 

[sunfish]

Narced, I am assuming you mean the main island of Okinawa. I was in Kerama, which is about an hour and a half by ferry. If you can fit it in your schedule, DEFINITELY get yourself to one of the "distant islands" for at least some of your dives.

My dive comp says that the temp was between 20 and 23 degrees celcius while I was there. I expect it may be slightly warmer by the time you will be there, but I can't bet my next paycheck on that or anything.

 

[DrnUSMC]

Hey Narced,

Water temps this last weekend were running about 70. Diving a 5/3 should keep you warm enough doing 4-5 a day as long as you can dry off/warm up between dives. What base are you going to be closest to? And Sunfish is right, you definitely should try to get out to the Keramas if at all possible. Here's a good place to check current conditions:

www.h2okinawa.com

 

[narced_1]

Thanks for the info and the link....I am sure that will be helpfull....i am happy that i don't have to take my Drysuit now. 5/3's are so much easier to pack... I will be close to the Kadena area.....

Narced_1

 

[AliKat]

Unfortunately, I will be in Korea during the timeframe you will be here. But definately, leave the drysuit at home. I am very cold, but even I don't need a dry suit out here in the dead of winter.

Temps should be up to about 72-74 by then. I would recommend a full 3, or at the most a farmer john and shorty, each 3. A beanie or a hooded vest are still good idea.

I would recommend you check out Rich Ruth at Fathoms. He does regular trips to the Kerama's and may also be able to hook you up with some local diving. I believe his WEB site is Fathoms.net.

Have fun and sorry I won't be here.

Ali

 

[Jonathan]

Yeah - another Tokyo based diver, welcome aboard.

If you need a buddy any time give me a shout - I try and get out every 2 to 3 weeks down to Izu....

Have fun
Jonathan

 

[AliKat]

Hey, Drn

I didn't H2Okinawa was back online. Who is running the site now? Thanks for that info. I missed that site after RC left end of last year.