Vegas

Hi All!
I am leaving for Long Beach, California this evening. Our boat heads out at midnight. It will be my first time diving in the Ocean, and my first time on a dive boat. (I dove off my friend's little boat in the lake - but I know that's different).

You all have given me such great advice, suggestions, and tips for every "first" I've posted about so far - so of course I'll keep asking!

other info - my first dive from this boat will be #11 in my log book, and (hooray!) my instuctor will be on this trip also.

So do you all have any tips, advice, and words of wisdom to offer me for this trip? I appreciate all your help ~

thanks a million!

__________________
-The power behind me is greater than the task before me.

MgicTwnger

Getting up the ladder can be tough. If the boat is rocking, get on the first rung when it is at it's lowest point and ride it up. Don't take any gear off, unless the DM says otherwise.
Seasickness medicine is a good thing. Bonine is available over the counter, scopolomine, the really good stuff, by prescription. If you have to puke, do it over the side. Nothing pisses a captain off like vomit on the deck. Believe me, I know.
Tip the crew.
Don't rinse you mask in the camera bucket.
Secure your stuff so it doesn't roll around.
Rinse everything thououghly in fresh water. A mesh bag is good for getting it all done at once.
If you don't need it, don't bring it.
That's all I can think of right now.

Oh......and HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!

__________________
I am not the one who needs mental help. I just need to vent.

Scuba Mama

I agree with the advise already given. Sometimes it will be rocky on the way out and you might not feel like diving but going under is a big help in calming the stomach. It's o.k. if you feed the fish, just shake the mouth piece out if you do puke. Suntan lotion, why burn if you can prevent it.

Scuba Mama

Let us know how it goes. I was ocean diving in Mexico on my 11th dive. Who said my memory is shot.

MgicTwnger

I'd be careful with the suntan lotion, I have been told that it has a bad effect on silicone (like in your mask). However, I use it and have not had any problem.
Also bug spray with deet: it destroys the glue on drysuit seals. This I know for a fact, just glad it wasn't me.

__________________
I am not the one who needs mental help. I just need to vent.

glynneco

Currents, Currents. Some at the surface, some in the middle and some down low. May be strong, weak or nonexistent. Pay attention and swim into the current. Keep and eye out for where you go so you can navigate back to the anchor. Don't forget to watch your air. You may find yourself going through it a lot faster then usual because of your excitement.

If at any time you fell overwhelmed because of the vastness of it all stop, breathe, breathe, breathe. Concentrate on breathing till the moment passes. If it dosen't call the dive. DO NOT be embarrased if that happens. It happens to even experienced divers at times.

Relax and have a great time!

__________________
Is that the bottom of the quarry or is the vis just really bad today?

Vegas

okie-doke,

sunblock, check.
Dramamine, check.
tip money, check.
mesh bag, check.
bungee to secure stuff, check.
mask in camera bucket = plan to swim to shore, check.
Ok to puke off side of boat,
Ok to puke under water, through reg,
NO PUKING ON THE DECK, check.
WATCH THE LADDER - pay attention! - Listen to Divemaster.
follow suggestions for not killing myself on the ladder, check.

oh,yes! and have FUN swimming with the fishies! CHECK!

It sounds like I'm as prepared as I can reasonably be.
Oh! Less than 30 minutes before I head out the door!
HOORAY!

Thanks so much for tips guys! I really appreciate it!

__________________
-The power behind me is greater than the task before me.