Quote:
Originally Posted by DarinMartell
Thanks again, I love this site! Few things:
1. I understand about gas planning and would never factor the 30cf as "usable" air. I have never used it except to practice on a safety stop.
2. I carry a UKSL6 hand held, my strobe is also a backup light. And I just picked up a little led hand held at our world underwater that I will try out soon.
3. My last Lake MI dive was at 43 degrees, I have a 7MM suit and while I don't love it, i'm ok with cold.
4. I understand you about the reel. I have one and was using it on a flag & float. It was my first time with a float, a reel, a new wetsuit that I didn't seal the legs enough and got COLD and a new back inflate BCD. It was a mistake, way too many new things at one time. I ended up calling the dive short because I was not comfortable. After a bit of shallow practice I got more comfortable.
While I would love to see the sand tigers, I would also like to see historic wrecks. Since I am between Hattaras and Nags Head, where do you think is the better area for my situation and skill level?
I can't thank you enough, Darin
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Well, compared to Lake MI, this water will feel tropical. Likely upper 50s or even low 60s at depth. Can't say for sure, since I've only dived up that way a couple of times.
As far as adding equipment goes I would advise taking it slow, adding no more than one new thing at a time. Try to avoid the all too comon GAS syndrome (Gear As Solution). I had it, so I recognize the symptoms
It's paradoxical that adding safety gear can actually decrease your safety.
The operators up there know the wrecks and their usual conditions way better than I do. As long as you are honest with them I see no reason not to trust their recommendations. It's not in their interest to take you somewhere that you can't handle and it is in there interest for everyone on the boat to have a good dive. If you're gonna be doing 2 days of diving, the U85 might be a good choice for the second day.
As far as which shop, I've only dealt with OBX Dive in Nags Head, but I wouldn't rule out someone in Hatteras just because of that. If you PM me the name of the shop you are have contacted I can ask a couple of people whether you should steer clear.
Found this dive report from June 22, 2008, I hope your conditions are as good.
Sunday 22nd: The U-85 was our destination today, We had 8 divers on board and we had slightly more seas than the previous day. On the surface we had a 3-5 foot swell every 9 seconds, with no current. The top temperature was a very comfortable 70 with a bottom temperature of 60. The visbility on the top was around 60 ft diminishing to 30-40ft on the bottom. The dives were great and there was planety of marine life to see. Today we had a very large number of Spade Fish, Amber Jacks and Triggers. On the wreck itself we spotted two Conger Eels.