1st Dive Since OW

[aerospot]

I'm gett'in kind'a antsy... Were leaving for the Keys next Wednesday. When we were last there (2/07) I did SNUBA. Returning north I promptly visited my LDS and signed up for SCUBA. We did our OW last September. I havent dove since then and am anxious to get wet outside a student / instructor situation. We're taking our 8 year old grandson along and plan to stay in Big Pine.

Any suggestions from those who have been there, done that? I'm wide open! I hear Noname Key has great pizza

I'll get some visit time in with my cousin. She has worked with NOAA as a marine biologist for 25 years and lives in Marathon. I hear the water is both flatter and warmer in the summer.. good! Sure hope we have good weather.

I'm borrowing a BC & Reg / computer from the LDS. I plan to pack it in a plain luggage case and check it. I'm a bit nervous about the airline loosing it or someone steeling it. The bag will be too big to carry on though.

I'll post a trip report along with a gob of pictures when we return.

Dave

[Papa Bear]

Hall's in Marathon is great for new divers! They often have training classes on their boats so you will feel safe and you can stay shallow! Have fun and dive!

[acelockco]

NICE! Have fun. I would surely tell the dive operator your situation so they can put you on the correct boat. You are going to have a great time! Be ready to relax and enjoy!

[Daddy-h2O]

Do you have time to jump in a pool and re-aquint yourself with the gear...?

Just a thought...

[aerospot]

I think I can get a refresher this Monday or Tuesday. I agree I need to re-acquaint myself with the gear.

I'll be sure to check with the dive charters and let them know I'm new. Even shallow has me excited. I may do a dive on the Adolphus Busch. I understand it is a guided dive and may count toward my Advanced Certification.

[shinek]

There are some nice reefs down there, you'll have a lot of fun. As for the Adolphus Busch, don't want to put a damper on your enthusiasm, but when we did it the currents were pretty strong and it sits in about 100ft. Its a great dive, but you may want to save that one until you have a little more experience.

Talk to the dive operators as there are a number of other wreck options down there which may be more suitable.

Whatever you decide to do, have a great trip and we'll look forward to the report and photos.