Florida Keys and Newbie Advice

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javamama

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Hi Again

As I mentioned, I'm in the process of getting certified. My husband and I have a trip planned for the Keys next month. I'm looking for any kind of tips/advice for where to stay, who to dive with, etc. (we'll probably stay in the Upper Keys)

Also, as a new diver, what kinds of things should I keep in mind on this first trip to the ocean? What kind of outfits to dive with? Should I dive with my husband who will also be newly certified? Hire a DM to go out the first time? What should I expect or look out for?

As you can tell, I have a tiny bit of apprehension, but I really want to have a positive experience so that there will be many more to come.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

Sue

(Forgive me if this comes up twice, I was experiencing some difficulty posting it the first time)
 
Javamama,

Congratulations on getting certified. I personally have not done any diving in the Florida area but I am sure we have a multitude of folks who may be able to help you.

I just wanted to let you know that your original post was moved to the North America section of the forum since your question primarily dealt with you upcoming trip to the Florida Keys.

I have deleted the original post and will be moving the second to the North America section.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

 
Javamama,
I love the keys, I go a few times a year. If you want safe shallow diving with lots of marine life and good reefs, go to Loo Key it's off of Big Pine Key or Little Torch Key.
A good safe operation is Underseas Inc. Palmers Resort is a good place to stay. Let us know how your trip goes.
Mike
 
I'm going to the Keys for Labor day weekend and will most likely be diving with Quiescence in Key Largo ( http://www.keylargodiving.com) . I have dived with them before and like them. They have small boats and are real relaxed. Check out http://www.flkeysdivesites.com for some info

Most of the diving in Key Largo is real shallow and the vis has been good when I've been there (not like Cozumel , but good enough (check out some of my pictures from a trip in April at: http://www.diverguy.com/miscscuba/miscscuba_f.htm - scroll down to the bottom for Keys pictures)

I don't want to spend too much on hotel (how much time do you spend in your hotelroom anyway...) so I'm staying at Howard Johnson in Key Largo and Fairfield inn in Key West.

As for the diving tips...

Number one rule - Relax. A relaxed diver is a much better diver and he/she will also enjoy the dive more and see more fish.

Stay off the coral! - as a new diver you are normally not too good with buouyancy control and it's easy to bump into the coral, so stay a little bit further off the coral until you get comfortable with controlling your depth. We have all been new divers so we know how it is. Improved buouyancy control comes with experience and practice.

Go slow - you see more then.

Don't forget to check your air from time to time.

If you don't feel comfortable to dive with your also newly certified husband, go ahead and hire a DM. He'll also show you the good stuff that you may otherwise miss. But do remember that you are(will be) a certified diver and that you are always responsible for yourself.

You may also want to set aside a few minutes at the end of the dive to practice a few skills like: clearing mask, using your buddy's octopus, buouyancy control.

Get the book Reef Fish Id by Paul Humann (can be found on amazon.com etc.) and at the dive try to remember the fish you see and then look them up afterwards.

Have fun and blow some bubbles!

/Mike
http://www.diverguy.com

 
I'll second diverguy's recommendation to hire a DM. It will probably be the best $ you spend while on the dives. Unless of course you are completely comfortable with both your's and your husbands skills, including navigation. He'll show you the best stuff and look out for the both of you at the same time. If you do hire one, you'll need to notify the dive op in advance so they can have one lined up for you.
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/swift/
https://xf2.scubaboard.com/community/forums/cave-diving.45/

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