First Night Dive -

[FishFood]

Me and my dive buddy did our first night dive tonight. Dove the St Andrews Jetties down in Panama City, Florida. It went horrible.

To start off, apperently they are having a bit of a red tide issue. We walk down to the beach to find dead fish everywhere... Probably would have been a good reason to call the dive, but we arent that smart.

So, we head out into the water... Uh, there's no VIZ! What in the world... the tide should be coming in right now...!!! We tried to cross over the rocks to get out into the channel. My buddy made it, but I literally ran face first into a rock. We deciding it wasnt worth it. No viz + dead fish = not good dive.

So, we got out and (for those familiar with the area) went over to the gulf side of the jetties. Fish were alive, & had decent viz. All was going well. Critters were out and about. I was getting some decent pictures. then i realize, hey, we are moving pretty fast out to sea... That makes no sence, the tide should be coming in... I signal to my buddy to turn around and head back. While we were turning around we somehow got swept away from the rocks (again, the tide is NOT going as predicted) So now we have to fight the current while hopefully going in the right direction...

Oh, and my brand new backup light flooded... Not a good day.



Anyway, live and learn.

Lesson for the day, tides dont come straight in and straight out. When they have to go sideways, they do strange things when going around obstacles...

[kingfish]

That doesnt seem like much fun at all.
Hopefully your naxt one will go better.

Jas.

[Charlotte Smith]

Doesn't sound like much fun.....hope its better for you next time!

[Queen]

Bummer, hope you'll try again...night diving can be the most peaceful experience.

[datamunk]

yea night dives are great. i did a really fun dive once where the current was so so strong and i wsa about 15foot off the floor (depth around 50 foot still) and would just put arms and legs out and spin in circles as i went... i passed a few divers and they were probably wondering what in the world i was doing.

but yea, obstacles completely change the "normal" tides and cause currents and what not. glad ya made it back safe!

[RoadRacer1978]

Wow, what a horrible experience. Glad you are both alright and I know you probably learned a bunch from that dive. They say what doesn;t kill ya makes you stronger. Well, you could win a poewrlifting contest after that dive.

Again, glad you are alright and thanks for some lessons learned for the rest of us.

[scubafreak]

Keep at it, I love night dives more than day dives. The atmosphere is awesome.

[Scubastud16]

Man, I can't wait for my first night dive. Sorry you had a bad experience. Just curious, what type/brand of light did you have that flooded?

Danny

[ohiofireman]

I am currently in my advanced open water course and will do my night dive tomorrow here in Curacao. We are starting off with a deep wreck dive in the morning followed by a search and recovery dive course and then the nigh dive. I am pretty nervous about it. Any pointers on how to get over the anxiety?...lol

[torrey]

Originally Posted by ohiofireman

I am currently in my advanced open water course and will do my night dive tomorrow here in Curacao. We are starting off with a deep wreck dive in the morning followed by a search and recovery dive course and then the nigh dive. I am pretty nervous about it. Any pointers on how to get over the anxiety?...lol

My first night dive was the most fun I've had diving. There were a number of people on our boat who were doing their first night dive, and one person was terrified. It took a lot of coaxing by the DM to get her in the water. When it was over, she was ready to conquer the world...started talking crazy about arctic diving next. Just keep your wits about you and stick with your group and you'll be fine. It will really heighten your senses because your focus is only on what your light hits.