Prep for NC

[A2thaK]

My wife's family all lives in NC, so we are going to visit next summer. After reading all the fantastic reviews, we really want to dive while we are there. We are very interested in the wrecks, sharks and abundant fish. However, we only have about 15 dives, most in Cozumel, the rest in lakes. Therefore, I am worried about our experience level. We plan on one more trip to Coz this fall, and hopefully more diving around here in lakes and quarries. We will prob take the PADI Deep Diver and Wreck Diver classes.

What else can we do to prep ourselves to dive in NC? Thanks for any help.

 

[keithdiver]

My wife's family all lives in NC, so we are going to visit next summer. After reading all the fantastic reviews, we really want to dive while we are there. We are very interested in the wrecks, sharks and abundant fish. However, we only have about 15 dives, most in Cozumel, the rest in lakes. Therefore, I am worried about our experience level. We plan on one more trip to Coz this fall, and hopefully more diving around here in lakes and quarries. We will prob take the PADI Deep Diver and Wreck Diver classes.

What else can we do to prep ourselves to dive in NC? Thanks for any help.

Check out tortuga charters, he runs a great operation. His home down the causeway from the boat is also georgous Central air/ cable/ space galore, hottub. Give Capt. james a call i am sure that you will be very Happy

 

[herman]

First off, do at least 2 or 3 inshore wrecks. The vis is not as good but it gives you a chance to experience some NC diving without the long off shore rides. Then move up to the more offshore dives. Consider renting larger tanks and better yet larger nitrox tanks. With as few dives as you have and the fact that our wrecks tend to be a little deeper the extra gas and NDL is a good thing. You also need to understand this is not the hand holding type dives like you did in Coz, your dive is not planned and there is no DM unless you hire one (not a bad idea). The boat gets you there, the captain gives you a dive briefing and you are on your own.
Lastly, get seasick meds. The first trip off shore is not the time to learn you get seasick. It's not uncommon to see 1/2 of the boat a lovely shade of green.

 

[A2thaK]

Also, we will be staying at Ocean Isle, so prob diving out of Wilmington.

 

[parzdiver]

Contact the charters where you are looking to dive. Most will have DM's available to act as as in water guides for a minimal fee. If you aren't sure of yourself, this is the best way to get someone familiar with the local conditions in the water with you. It is also a great opportunity because they usually know the wrecks very well and can show you the best sites.

I did it on my first dive in NC (didn't bring my own buddy). After that first dive, it was my call if I wanted the DM on the second dive. The insta-buddy turned out to be a great guy and we did the second dive that day and the two the next without the DM.

 

[robint]

My wife's family all lives in NC, so we are going to visit next summer. After reading all the fantastic reviews, we really want to dive while we are there. We are very interested in the wrecks, sharks and abundant fish. However, we only have about 15 dives, most in Cozumel, the rest in lakes. Therefore, I am worried about our experience level. We plan on one more trip to Coz this fall, and hopefully more diving around here in lakes and quarries. We will prob take the PADI Deep Diver and Wreck Diver classes.

What else can we do to prep ourselves to dive in NC? Thanks for any help.

IMHO, the AOW and deep diver courses will be a big help in getting you ready. Also, nitrox cert would be helpful as it will give you more bottom time as long as you aren't an air hog. The other big thing is dive dive dive between now and next summer. If you don't already own gear, go buy it. YOu will dive more and get more comfortable in the water, wherever you dive, if you have the same gear each time you dive.
Cozumel is fun diving, but it is drift and led by a DM. If you can, I recommend a dive trip somewhere that requires you to navigate to and from the boat.

robin

 

[Big John]

First get your AOW before you do any of the other courses, most boats will not let you on board without it since most of the offshore dives are in the 100' to 120' range. There are shallower wrecks inshore but most of the charters will be going to the deeper stuff. Check out this link on the ncdivers board Wreck Charters for the Inexperienced for more info on what the diving is like.

 

[A2thaK]

Thanks for all the help. I am already nitrox certified, and I will def take the AOW and Deep Diver. We both own all our gear, but I only have a 3mm and she a 5mm. Will we need more insulation? I will prob be getting a hooded vest soon due to cold thermoclines around here in the "clear" lakes. Is the wreck diver necessary? I plan on trying to get a bunch of dives in before then, since air consumption is a prob for my wife and I. On Santa Rosa wall, we hit 85' for a while, and slowly shallower and were at 500psi (her) and 900 (me) at like 40-45 min. (counting the 3 min ss)

 

[Scubamedicjoe]

you have some great advice something else you might look at beside advance open water and nitrox is posting before you come many locals divers would be more than happy to assist you ,i can tell you herman and myself along with many been hear some time .

 

[BabyDuck]

for late summer a 3 or 5 mil will be fine for most people.