Paralyzed by choice

[Mike]

As for Alison- I have wrestled with this a lot, and really don't want to taxi to the Caleta (I loved being picked up at the Southern resorts, and thought about staying at one again just for that- but better food was a draw to town) however, I'm an incredibly nervous diver and I know that diving with her I'm 'good'. I know that I can do a giant stride entry if I want to (and I generally do), I know I don't have to do any of the lifting of the gear, I know I can stay above 75 feet without getting a private DM (this one is HUGE, my doctors have advised I not dive below 80), I know she'll only go through wide, well lit swim throughs, and I know her rental gear is excellent. For me, taking out a lot of the unknowns is worth the inconvenience of a taxi.

When you find someone who has removed so many of your dive issues you've found a good fit. I'd be the same way, I'd at least get another trip under my belt and see if my diving improves/changes and if some of those issues were no longer factors after the next trip then it might make more sense to look around, but it's certainly understandable why you'd not make a change with a dive operator that has made you so comfortable and removed so many things that you'd now have to worry about again.

 

[chillyinCanada]

Skittl, also try working on a very slow ascent from your safety stop to the surface. You may find a bit more energy that way.

 

[lamarpaulski]

I liked Las Anclas too BUT they don't provide a breakfast so if you have an early boat its a bit of a pain.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Nope, just need a bed in a private room with bathroom . . .

We like the Coral Reef Inn. We don't mind a 20-minute walk to get picked up.

 

[Fin59]

Is there a reason you don't want to take a taxi to the caleta? It's pretty easy and you could still use Allison that way.

 

[Skittl1321]

Is there a reason you don't want to take a taxi to the caleta? It's pretty easy and you could still use Allison that way.

Well, that is what I plan to do, so that I can use her. It's a sacrifice I plan to make- dive op over hotel (since I dont want to stay South again, and that's where she picks up.)

The reason I don't want to is because I'm cheap and it takes more time.

 

[DjDiverDan]

If you stay downtown, and are considering a hotel that doesn't serve breakfast, you can always stop at the Zermat Bakery the afternoon or evening before and pick up some baked goods - a Ham and Cheese Roll, a Chocolate Croissant, or whatever suits your taste. A couple of pastries, a bottle of juice from the OXO, and coffee and your breakfast is set.

---------- Post added June 6th, 2014 at 11:44 AM ----------

I have no idea what the scientific evidence is, but I feel better, and with more energy, using Nitrox for the second dive. Maybe it's only the placebo effect, but if it works for me, I don't care why.

 

[Skittl1321]

I have no idea what the scientific evidence is, but I feel better, and with more energy, using Nitrox for the second dive. Maybe it's only the placebo effect, but if it works for me, I don't care why.

That's kinda what I think- even if it is only the placebo effect; THAT is a documented effect that works. And goodness knows I need more energy, especially when diving.

 

[Mossman]

Well, that is what I plan to do, so that I can use her. It's a sacrifice I plan to make- dive op over hotel (since I dont want to stay South again, and that's where she picks up.)

The reason I don't want to is because I'm cheap and it takes more time.

If she'll pick up at Hotel Coz, you might want to check out the prices there versus staying right in town. The walk really isn't bad at all, just a 10 min stroll. And it's not a "resort" like the southern AIs, just a larger hotel with a big pool in the middle.

The nice thing about staying in a larger hotel is that you're more removed from the street noise than at a place like the Bahia which has rooms overlooking the busy main drag.

As for nitrox, why don't you and scientist hubby try an experiment: you do nitrox, he stays on air, see who has more energy at the end of the day. There's no data to support the "anecdotes" because there are way too many variables, such as the ascent rate that my friend ChillyinCanada pointed out. As for that, see if Allison can provide some pointers to help you go slower.

 

[PARADISE HUNTER]

I suggest looking into the Hotel Barracuda like previously mentioned. I would check with Allison, I bet she'd pick up there and it's still in town. Maybe a four block walk to the square. No road noise, on the water, cheap, private bathrooms, across from Mega. Ask for a room on the north end of the hotel if the pool noise bothers you. It's nothing fancy, rather spartan.

PH