Eskasi
Contributor
Agreed.....while it is true that sites like Barracuda point are not meant for newbie divers, Sipadan does have easier sites which are world class.....the drop off where the Jacks circle in hundreds are amazing! I would certainly avoid barracuda point as the currents may be quite strong. While I was there, I had to hang on to a fairly large boulder to stay in one place while watching the Barracudas hover. The current was very strong and I even felt my mask lifting away a bit as I held steady. The first rock I grabbed which was the size of a bowling ball wasn't enough as the current lifted me up with it!
Some operators may not take you there as they may get too many requests by more experienced divers to do these sites. I would check with them first. You are wise to do all your theory and pool dives before hand. If I had a choice, I would even do my complete OW before going. However, the house reef at SWV is very simple to dive. Be confident in your skills and you will be ok. If you can, do as many pool dives as possible to get acquainted with buoyancy skills.
Like LekicINC said, just take great care not to damage the reef as a new diver and let the photographers go first. SWV has great rental equipment. I used all my own gear but my buddy rented everything.
I just booked to go back there from the 26th till the 30th of Dec.....can't wait!
Here's a taste of what you may see... The first 3 are off Sipadan, the 4th and 5th are from the house reef and the last was taken off Kapalai. If I am not mistaken, all were taken on the same day....
Some operators may not take you there as they may get too many requests by more experienced divers to do these sites. I would check with them first. You are wise to do all your theory and pool dives before hand. If I had a choice, I would even do my complete OW before going. However, the house reef at SWV is very simple to dive. Be confident in your skills and you will be ok. If you can, do as many pool dives as possible to get acquainted with buoyancy skills.
Like LekicINC said, just take great care not to damage the reef as a new diver and let the photographers go first. SWV has great rental equipment. I used all my own gear but my buddy rented everything.
I just booked to go back there from the 26th till the 30th of Dec.....can't wait!
Here's a taste of what you may see... The first 3 are off Sipadan, the 4th and 5th are from the house reef and the last was taken off Kapalai. If I am not mistaken, all were taken on the same day....
