USVI diving last week

[sea-nile]

I just got back from the USVI. I stayed in St. John and went diving 3 days. It was great! I did get a few good pictures. Should I post them here or with the underwater pictures? It was only OW dives 11-16 for me. I can't wait to dive again but it will probably have to wait until April when I go to Cozumel.

 

[ScubaSteve]

I would say this location is perfectly fine for a trip report for travel to an area covered by this forum.

 

[islandmon]

Hello this is islandmon. I see that you just did a dive in St. John. I live here in St. Thomas in the USVI. What company did you go out with in St. John? Was it Chris Sawyer? The reason I say that is Chris Sawyer used to have a shop in St. Thomas. His old crew bought it and they are now named Red Hook Dive Center. I am going out with them tomorrow on a Discover Scuba Dive. Next time you come to the Virgin Island check out these website Scuba Diving in St. Thomas Virgin Islands
http://www.stthomasvirginisland.com/:crafty:

 

[sea-nile]

Yes, we did go out with Chris Sawyer one day and with 6 paq scuba the other 2. I will be returning in June. I can't wait! I will post some pictures soon.

 

[Sheilamo]

Hello Sea Nile...my husband and I are headed to St. John's in December. What was your experience with 6 Paq scuba? We are considering trips with them to the Rhone and Tobago (BVI). Would appreciate your comments.

 

[Sprokit]

Hello All,
I just returned from STT yesterday. I did a few dives with Red Hook Dive Center. My girlfriend also did a Discover Diving session with them. As Islandmon correctly stated, this is essentially a new operation started by some of Chris Sawyer's earlier staff (Wayne, Russel, Tom, and Z). They are working out of Chris's old shop next to Molly Malone's and purchased much of the rental gear, compressor, boat, etc.
They are running 2 dive morning and 1 dive afternoon packages, night dives when there is enough interest, and are planning Rhone trips once the season demand is established.
What separates this operation apart from others on island is the experience of the staff. Among them, they must have 50+ years of diving experience and the instruction is top notch. Most of us have experienced high volume "resort" type instruction at one time or another. This is different and the personalized attention and thoroughness of their programs are differentiators, in my opinion. Although it was her idea, my girlfriend was anxious before starting the discover diving session. Russel patiently walked her through all the pool work. Wayne was phenominal in guiding her through an open water dive. The goal of Discover Diving is to introduce prospective divers to scuba and hopefully generate a desire to continue on to certification. They exceeded in this.
I want to state that I am in no way associated with RHDC, except being a very satisfied customer.
Hey Islandmon, I hope to run into you sometime. I have a condo @ Point Pleasant. Will be down at the end of January for a few months.

 

[Doll_Fin]

I have a condo @ Point Pleasant. Will be down at the end of January for a few months.

Need anyone to house sit for you when you're not there??

 

[islandmon]

This is islandmon see you when you get here


islandmon
St. Thomas Virgin Islands Frenchman's bay Vacation Villa rental by owner

 

[tedj101]

FWIW, I second this recommendation. I haven't been to STT for a couple of years, but I have dived a lot with all of these guys and they know how to run a good operation. (My daughter and I did our initial check outs with Wayne. He is a great instructor.) You won't go wrong with this crowd!

Regards,
<TED>

Hello All,
I just returned from STT yesterday. I did a few dives with Red Hook Dive Center. My girlfriend also did a Discover Diving session with them. As Islandmon correctly stated, this is essentially a new operation started by some of Chris Sawyer's earlier staff (Wayne, Russel, Tom, and Z). They are working out of Chris's old shop next to Molly Malone's and purchased much of the rental gear, compressor, boat, etc.
They are running 2 dive morning and 1 dive afternoon packages, night dives when there is enough interest, and are planning Rhone trips once the season demand is established.
What separates this operation apart from others on island is the experience of the staff. Among them, they must have 50+ years of diving experience and the instruction is top notch. Most of us have experienced high volume "resort" type instruction at one time or another. This is different and the personalized attention and thoroughness of their programs are differentiators, in my opinion. Although it was her idea, my girlfriend was anxious before starting the discover diving session. Russel patiently walked her through all the pool work. Wayne was phenominal in guiding her through an open water dive. The goal of Discover Diving is to introduce prospective divers to scuba and hopefully generate a desire to continue on to certification. They exceeded in this.
I want to state that I am in no way associated with RHDC, except being a very satisfied customer.
Hey Islandmon, I hope to run into you sometime. I have a condo @ Point Pleasant. Will be down at the end of January for a few months.

 

[Sprokit]

Islandmon, I cannot wait to get back down there. We woke up to 26 degrees this morning!
Doll Fin, I wish that I could take you up on your kind offer. Unfortunately, when I am not there, I throw the condo into a rental pool (trying to cover the condo fees somehow $830/month).
RHDC is working with a number of resorts in marketing vacation/dive packages. Smart move, in my opinion. Islandmon will probably have more details, but given the economy, tourism is expected to be significantly off this winter. It is important to support your local dive operators!
tedj101, I agree with your comments. I had Wayne as my instructor for my Rescue Diver cert. We went way beyond the course outline and simulated many "real world" scenarios. Wayne also trained the local police dept. in SAR. He is a "pro" in every sense of the word.