Regulatrix
Contributor
I'm not a lady but two things make my dive better:
Getting there a little earlier, setting up before the commotion and just relaxing.
Second, ear plugs because I like to sit at the stern and the silence is nice.
Yep, we figured out that getting to the day boat early is great for several reasons: (1) as you say, it's a little more relaxed experience setting up one's gear; (2) getting the spots you and your buddy prefer (like, in the shade); and (3) if you're using the dive operator's lead, having primo access to some of the limited-availability weights (like if you need twos, and they're few and far between, you increase your chances of snagging some). That said, we do advocate a cooperative and supportive approach toward your fellow divers (like, don't be a hog).