Sidemount Diving, Cozumel Trip, Do You?

[Andrew Dawson]

If going SM (lets say single) why not put the tank on first, then roll in. I just started SM diving and while I didn't have a boat to roll in from, I had to practice going in with the tank(s) on several times.

I considered this...here are the reasons I declined it:

-I have no experience with single tank SM
-I see no major benefit to it over BM, in this case as I will get more roll [kit is not balanced] but gain ability to feather tank if it has a leak....so...is a wash, IMO
-the infrastructure is all set up for BM boat diving...I prefer to focus on the diving itself, not the gear, when I am there
-renting a jacket BCD there means less gear to carry

I could be wrong on the excessive rolling with only one SM tank on, tho...

 

[NeilA.]

It sounds like you are making a good choice Andrew.

Go with the standard dive protocol, at least at first.

 

[Andrew Dawson]

Thanks!

I just found this on my shelf! Been carrying it around for 10 or 20yrs! I got certified in 2005 so probably since then

 

[Andrew Dawson]

 

[SlugLife]

Yeah, but do you take all that on vacation? I can see having all that in my car...but...not when going on a decently far away tropical vacation...

Yes. I am currently working on trying to slim down my save-a-dive kit a little. However, an extra 1st stage seems pretty reasonable if I already have one, and will be using my own regulators for SM. Renting regulators might work in a pinch, if I had a problem with one of mine, but I suspect they wouldn't want me reconfiguring theirs.

But since it sounds like you might be using rental-gear, make sure you check all of your rental gear, while you're at the shop. Hook up the regulators to the tank and pressurize, breathe through both regs a couple times. Even if you're not renting a tank, they should be able to loan you one for a moment to check the regs. Inflate the BCD fully, check for any noticeable leaks, deflate. I'm sure someone somewhere has a scuba-rental checklist to go through.

 

[Andrew Dawson]

We here! I dove off of Roberta's Scuba Shack dock for a weight and gear check...shallow solo dive...water was great warm n clear...saw a small, round stingray right by me

Few cruise ships due to COVID, off season, and hurricane Grace.

We are being evaluated out of our rooms to a concrete bunker hall tonight. Lots of metal window shutters deployed, etc around Grand Park Royal Cozumel.

This place is great! Food is...ok...but adequate. Lots of pools, bars, etc.

I have not done a dive excursion, yet.

Soooooo many tourism activity offers!! I understand, this is a tourism location and locals are trying to earn a living...but, it is a bit pressured and relentless at times. Otherwise, generally....folks are super friendly and kind

Lots of folks from all over, too

 

[SlugLife]

It's been a long while since I was in Mexico. Understand the culture is that of the hustle, especially in tourist locations. When I was there, I set a challenge for myself, to walk from one end of the tourist-shopping area to the other without buying a single item. And then, I was allowed to buy stuff on the way back. Anyway, for about $20, I had about 10 drinks. With my other $20 I got some sunglasses, real leather hat, and about 4-5 other small items.

What I'm saying is don't be afraid to say no.

 

[ggunn]

It's been a long while since I was in Mexico. Understand the culture is that of the hustle, especially in tourist locations. When I was there, I set a challenge for myself, to walk from one end of the tourist-shopping area to the other without buying a single item. And then, I was allowed to buy stuff on the way back. Anyway, for about $20, I had about 10 drinks...

And you could still walk?

 

[SlugLife]

And you could still walk?

Yes, and I made it back to the cruise-ship!

Lets just say my alcohol tolerance being so high is part of why I don't drink anymore.

 

[MMM]

Glad you are in Coz and sorry you hit the year's first (small) hurricane. I think you will be very happy diving with a single tank on your back. Unless you are a hoover, you won't need extra air. If that becomes a problem, there are a few ops that offer bigger steel tanks. But my guess is that you'll be just fine. Have a great time.