Uncle Pug goes to Fiji ~ discussion thread open for posting

[Damselfish]

Skip the big light, not needed and just blinds the fish and sunburns the coral. Less weight too.

 

[OE2X]

It will ruin you! Bad for your health. You'll won't want to ever dive dry again

Two words: Sun Screen. And use lots of it.

Have a great time, but no whining that the water is too cold when you get home!

 

[scubamax]

Be ready to cope with the possiblity of AL tanks.

 

[Mako Mark]

Be ready to cope with the possiblity of AL tanks.

They make them out of something else??

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Let me know if you want to borrow an aluminum backplate ... your SS one might be too much weight ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[RiverRat]

Let me know if you want to borrow an aluminum backplate ... your SS one might be too much weight ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

Good point:
I'm a fairly new diver but luckily I learned in the muck up here in the Northeast and have also been diving warm. So I've been diving many combinations of tanks, BP's and wetsuits. Not diving dry yet. I did have to switch to an AL plate in NC when I brought my steel 100's as I was over with my 9# SS plate. In Cayman my 3mm shorty did very nicely in the 80 degree temps. And with the rental AL80's my 9# SS plate countered the AL nicely. Only needed 3# on my belt. Very nice diving.
This was a singles rig with an Oxycheq 45# wing.

 

[Spectre]

*nod* My 9# was perfect out in Truk w/ double 80s, 30 cuft stage and a 40lb wing. And to I was thinking of dumping that thing! Glad I kept it

 

[BigJetDriver]

Sheesh.... I need real advice here folks.... how am I going to cope with warm water when all my experience is with cold water low viz!

I'm kinda partial to #441.

You sure as heck didn't think you'd get anything other than a good razzing did you??? :11:

I went to the Caymans recently, and did at least one dive that went to 174 fsw for a total time of 3 hrs 10 min. All I had on was a diveskin, and was perfectly comfortable. I echo the advice you did get; i.e. broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and lots of waterproof sunscreen.

Have a great time! Cheers!

 

[donacheson]

Got a PM from NetDoc yesterday. I'm going to Fiji representing ScubaBoard. Needed to get a passport. Got it today.

I'm strictly a cold water diver. Any advice welcome... but hurry... I leave on the 28th... this coming Thursday. :11:

Where are you going in Fiji?

If Vatu-I-Ra, the passage between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are not included, do try to get a few days in those waters. (Yes, I know that's where Dan Grenier went missing and I'll miss diving with him, but it's worthwhile to get there.)

 

[kalvyn]

Sheesh.... I need real advice here folks.... how am I going to cope with warm water when all my experience is with cold water low viz!

I wore a 3 mil full wetsuit (no gloves or hood) in both Bonaire and Puerta Vallarta and was plenty warm. I would strongly suggest a pair of X-Shorts, they a re VERY nice to have. I didn't have them in Bonaire but did have them in PV, I won't dive warm without them after that trip. That way you can have all your regular things in your pockets, just like at home.

I dive my Halcyon in both places, wearing 4# on a weight belt to counter the swing of the AL80. I probably could have ditched the 4# by the end of the trip, but it is part of my normal gear-up to put on a weight belt.

I brought my HID to both places. I only really turned it on about half the time, but it's not a hassle to have it with you. Do definitely carry your light on with you, as it looks too much like a pipe bomb in the X-ray machines. I've had to explain it every time I've traveled with it so far.

Lastly, if you want to use your Jets you will need to bring booties. I just wear the ones I got for my original OW dives here (5 mil high-top booties) and they work just fine.

I am somewhat loathe to even pretend to be able to give you advice, UP. The only suggestion I would have is that the first dive take it easy, since it will be a change from what you're used to (drysuit, tons o' exposure gear, etc). I find that my first dive on a warm-water trip is basically an "orientation" dive. The reverse is also true when I get home. That first dive back in the Sound is always an orientation dive.

Have fun over there, I wish I could go too!

Jimmie