ScubaQTX
Registered
First of all this is an outstanding dive. I've done the Oriskany, the Spiegel Grove, the Duane, the Bibb, the Aguila in Roatan, and a mine sweeper (forgot the name) in Cancun and can tell you that this wreck is amazing, even in its infancy.
Here is a tip that will be useful. If you find yourself moored on the southernmost buoy, you'll be going down on the bow and you'll end up on the wreck at 95 feet. If the current is also from the south, it's gonna make for an interesting air situation, especially if you try and swim back to the buoy connection (and you may have to depending on the current). For example, we got paired (2 plus 1 - not really a pair) with a relatively new solo diver and I was concerned if he was going to make it back up safely. fortunately, with the help of the emergency deco bottle, we got him up safely, but probably with less than 100 psi.
If we had been moored on the north buoy, it would have been much easier (with the current from the south). the wreck topography is shallower towards the stern.
Having said all that, it is so, so much fun. look for the Duval Street sign to the south of the Bigger radar (it's on an pole or an antanea at depth around 70 feet) for a great photo op. The Conch Republic flag on the port side, mid wreck (I think) is also a great pic. Have fun! Be careful!
Here is a tip that will be useful. If you find yourself moored on the southernmost buoy, you'll be going down on the bow and you'll end up on the wreck at 95 feet. If the current is also from the south, it's gonna make for an interesting air situation, especially if you try and swim back to the buoy connection (and you may have to depending on the current). For example, we got paired (2 plus 1 - not really a pair) with a relatively new solo diver and I was concerned if he was going to make it back up safely. fortunately, with the help of the emergency deco bottle, we got him up safely, but probably with less than 100 psi.
If we had been moored on the north buoy, it would have been much easier (with the current from the south). the wreck topography is shallower towards the stern.
Having said all that, it is so, so much fun. look for the Duval Street sign to the south of the Bigger radar (it's on an pole or an antanea at depth around 70 feet) for a great photo op. The Conch Republic flag on the port side, mid wreck (I think) is also a great pic. Have fun! Be careful!