RicanDiver:
Is there a lot of current on the Grove? How does one get to it? Guide line, swim down? I heard that there are guide lines through out the inside of the wreck. Just wondering, this would be the largest wreck I have ever hit, hopefully will log it this weekend.
Dived it on a Monday almost a year ago with a screaming current - hanging onto the down/mooring line or else, legs straight out like a flag in the wind, until I got to the wreck. Once there, got downcurrent and swam. Had to be careful to not lose hold of the line, or the dive would be aborted, as i'd never swim back; have to be picked up later.
Then dived it again on Friday of that week, no current - weird. Just depends on the wanderings of the Gulf Stream. Fun dive both ways.
Strongly suggest:
Wear gloves, to protect from barnacles, etc on the lines, getting pushed into the wreck, even a bumpy boarding on the boat;
Long suit, or a good first aid kit;
Knife or shears, in case of fishing line - possible; and
Flashlight - to shine into dark areas.
There were guidelines installed inside the ship for possible swim thrus, but an accident sunk the ship early as it was being towed to place. It first settled with its bow in the air, but was pulled over on one side - not upright, so I don't think the guidelines are being used.
starfish365:
We're planning a trip to the Spiegel May 23 - 30th....since I need to buy a new wetsuit (I only have 7mm right now) any recommendations? 5mm 2 piece ok? I like the idea of a 2 piece.
Hopefully we'll be staying at the Marriott Key Largo Bay Beach resort - they run their own dive boats and rentals...anyone have an qualms about that or should we go with local LDS.
I'm 6 foot by 200+ pounds, and I'd expect to dive the Grove in a 1 mil that late in the spring. Everyone's cold tolerance is different, but if you dive a 7 mil up yonder, I would think a 3 mil would be plenty - if that much.
You can get surface conditions here - air & water, although it'll be cooler at depth:
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.phtml?station=MLRF1
This sites updates continuously. I keep it on my cell-phone speed dial and call it for fun.
don