Flower gardens

[Dabaras]

Having a certain number of dives is only one factor. Confidence and comfort in the water are just as important (IMO). I am one of those that went for their first blue water dive in FG (in March by myself). My assigned buddy, divemaster certified with two different organizations, and I got turned around and surfaced away from the boat. Halfway back, I realized that the experienced guy couldn't keep up and wound up calling for the boat ride.
<DIV>By no means am I suggesting that every, or even many, new divers attempt this location. But linking it to a number of dives isn't the most accurate method of determining readiness.</DIV>

[texdiveguy]

Flower Gardens......... this little trek 120 miles off shore is best suited for those divers comfortable in their diving skills and with some good solid dive experience.

Remember you don't have to make all the dives....you can sit out any you want to.

Cost wise for the basic 2 night trip it is not bad for what you get.

It is a good learning experience for many newer divers.

Its a great trip to use nitrox on because of the possible number of dives and the typical dive depths.

Nice boats//good food and caring staff.

[awap]

Dingy ride - BAD.
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<DIV>Mooring line - GOOD.</DIV>
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[ScubaToys Larry]

Originally Posted by Vercingetorix

...my dive buddy will be Mac MacPherson, who was my ScubaToys OW instructor this past January. I also have AOW and will complete (hopefully) Rescue this next weekend.


So, the question is, is this a smart dive for me, or is Mac trying to kill me? I can't ask Mac, he's diving in Cancun as I write this.

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<DIV>Mac!! You're going to dive with Mac! Heck... I'm surprised he didn't bend you in our pool! </DIV>
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<DIV>Just kidding... Mac is a great instructor, and he would not push a diver past their limits. Make sure you follow his instructions and lead, and if he is comfortable with your skills, and you feel comfortable - I'd say you should be fine!</DIV>
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<DIV>Enjoy your dives!</DIV>

[Dabaras]

I've met too many people who have a hundred dives, and still can't set up their gear to assign a number. The "diving" in FG isn't really that different than anywhere else. It is things like getting up the ladder in six foot seasand surface swims if you miss the mooring line that cause more problems. More dives doesn't prepare you for these events. You can either handle them or you can't, usually from day 1.

[yeroks]

How is the coral and marine life in FG? How does it compare to other spots in the Caribbean?

[awap]

Originally Posted by yeroks

How is the coral and marine life in FG? How does it compare to other spots in the Caribbean?

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<DIV>Take a look for yourself: http://www.synergy-productions.com/html_files/gulf_diving2.html</DIV>
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<DIV>Coral species are limited due to temps but big and plentiful. Most tropical fish are present and some are unique to that area. And it's Texas so everything is bigger.</DIV>

[mwhities]

We are thinking about going to FG near the first of September. Anyone in the Texas area wanting to go? I think we might have 4 or 5 people wanting to go here locally. Mississippi is locally.

Michael

[Vercingetorix]

Originally Posted by ScubaToys Larry

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<DIV>Mac!! You're going to dive with Mac! Heck... I'm surprised he didn't bend you in our pool! </DIV>
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<DIV>Enjoy your dives!</DIV>

As Mac is not on this forum yet, I shall rise in his defense. OK...consider him defended.
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[Vercingetorix]

Originally Posted by mwhities

We are thinking about going to FG near the first of September. Anyone in the Texas area wanting to go? I think we might have 4 or 5 people wanting to go here locally. Mississippi is locally.

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<DIV>I'm using Tom's Scuba in Austin to arrange our trip on the M/V Fling from Gulf Diving. They seem to have the best rates. That said, when I mentioned that I was going on this trip while shopping in ScubaToys, some guy(nameless) said "you couldn't pay me to go on that trip." He tapped the concrete floor with his foot and said, "this floor is softer than the bunks". OK...now I'm enthused...</DIV>
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