Sipadan 1st timer

[jjjason1]

Hi all,

I recently got licensed for OW and have arranged a trip with several friends to Sipadan from Dec 16th to Dec 22nd (in 2 weeks time !!), will be staying at the Mabul Water Bungalows and I am really excited. But looking through some of the posts, I was just a bit wary if I will be able to handle wall diving and drift diving, and the seemingly much deeper water than that I am accustomed to during my licensing. Is there anything I should pay specific attention to? I have read through some atrocious news about blast fishing at Sipadan (true?)?

Appreciate any pointers!

Thanks,
Jason

 

[Eskasi]

You will be fine....much of the dives are quite easy. Inform your DM and have him watch you. Stay within the group and not in front or behind....buoyancy control is what you will have to learn to master throughout your early dive career. Breathe slow and easy too so you don't have to surface too early and end the dive for the group.

Your first checkout dives will be off the house reef. Sandy bottom, easy as pie. Stay off the bottom as you may end up kicking up the silt...Vis can be quite bad at Mabul Island...but there is a lot to see for the trained eye. It is a good way to get into the groove again, practice your buoyancy skills and get used to your gear.

Barracuda point may have strong currents....dont be too alarmed if you are drifting fast....stay with the group and close to the reef. Please be careful not to damage the reef though.

Are your friends new to Diving too? If not, have them keep an eye on you too....it can be very reassuring and you will build confidence much faster.