Just got back from the dive and trying to write a coherent response before passing out.
Dive #1: We arrived at the Thunderbolt according to schedule but damn was the spray/wind cold! The captain (s) and dm(s) were very kind and accommodating, letting me do my own thing with some minor restrictions. I was pretty much allowed to do anything but go into deco or do technical penetration inside the wreck. I stayed close to the crowd just to keep things easy for the guide. The viz was around 50 ft, water temp 74 on top 70 on bottom, and very mild current. After about 20 min, I went up with everyone else got back on the boat. Some interesting highlights: when I jumped off, my spool came unraveled (happens to the best of us) and I had to do a bit of reeling and cutting to save the spool (made me mad), and I saw some beautiful hogs.
Dive #2: Was a reef. About 25 ft deep max (same water temps) and saw a nurse shark, eels, a lot of conch, etc. The charter limited us to 50 min, which was fine, and allowed us all to do our own profiles so long as we stayed in the group.
Some notes about the boat/shop: Very nice crew and had great conversations about spear fishing, new england wreck diving, fish, etc. This is a fantastic recreational shop. That being said, nothing technical (except for equipment) is allowed but they certainly do their best to accommodate the few tech divers that get down. The charter has a policy that EVERY diver purchase or have a snorkel, which is a little ridic in my opinion but policy. I ended up zip tying a clip to my snorkel and attaching it to my but d-ring (very funny)
. Their instructors seem to know what they are doing and have very solid teaching philosophies/backgrounds. As a side note, if you are getting your doubles filled here, remind whoever is filling the tanks that they only need to fill one tank with the isolator open. Mine ended up being shut and they filled both tanks separately, no big deal, but just saying. I would go back if I were doing another recreational dive but may look elsewhere for a technical charter. I definitely recommend them though...
