First liveaboard advice

[Nomad-Diver]

Any experience with new skin instead? A friend suggested new skin for any booboos as it holds up against water well.

I've never heard of it (had to google it).

I would think a nice padded bandaid (removed after each dive) would be better protection than a "skin"/film. Sometimes I had to hold them in place with some fabric tape. Removing it after each dive gave the spot some chance to breathe.
I found alternating two pairs of different-style boots the best prevention for heavy duty liveaboard diving

YFMV !

 

[lowwall]

A few things I take on every dive trip that haven't been mentioned above:

- Benadryl (diphenhydramine) tablets. I had a rash reaction to something in the water once and was absolutely miserable until I got some of these. I always carry them now.

- Small tube of Triple Paste for chafed or chapped skin (it's sold for diaper rash, but works for everyone).

- White noise generator app. Get used to it at home and it will definitely help you sleep. Put it on low volume next to your head so it doesn't bother your roommate.

- 10' (3m) phone charger cable. You may not be that close to a working outlet and you want your phone handy in case you need a light even if you don't take my advice on the white noise app.

- Running shorts as swimsuits. Unlike board shorts, they take very little space and dry fast and you can loop them through the liner for secure drying without clips. The liner also lets you wear them comfortably between dives without underwear, further cutting down packing and laundry.

 

[drrich2]

The mention of Mexico jogged my memory; technically it's illegal to bring Sudafed into Mexico. I think many do it, but you might want to think through whether and how.

Richard.

 

[MrBigfins]

earplugs if you're sharing a cabin

edit, also worth thinking about nitrox for the whole trip. I just came back from the Socorro Vortex which is nitrox only, and it was the first time I've done repetitive dives on multiple days and not found myself exhausted at the end of it.

Already upgraded to nitrox, it's a must for me on multiple dive days. My Suunto demands it lol. As for earplugs, do you recommend because of boat noise or snoring roommate? If snoring, I'm adjusted to snoring as I have a bulldog and wife who snore (not sure who is louder) but good advice

 

[MrBigfins]

Lycra socks. Several wise SBers told me to get them for my first LOB, and I did. A couple days in, I stupidly started wondering if they were really necessary (my feet were fine), but kept wearing them anyway. The next day, everyone who didn't have socks started getting blisters. My feet remained fine.

Also clips for hanging your swimsuit to dry on railings. I got the silly parrot ones, but I hear dolphins work well too.

Pepto-Bismol. That's all I'm going to say on that subject.

And probably more exposure protection and a warmer coat than you think you'll need. How much extra neoprene for repetitive dives on liveaboard?

Do you have a link to the clips you purchased? Struggling to determine sizing for clips, not sure if they will be hanging on lines, rails, racks etc. There are so many options on Amazon and I'm confused at this point lol

 

[Esprise Me]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BU6066A/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_khfmEbSJB8RM7

I got two sets of these, so four clips. That was a good number for me given my swimsuits are two pieces each; you might only need one set. I originally looked at some plain metal ones that were cheaper, but I also couldn't figure out which size I needed, and they didn't come in small quantities. These were highly reviewed by cruise ship passengers so I figured they had to be the right size, and they were.

ETA: Can't say for sure about your boat, but on mine I used a railing. There will probably be plenty of those.

 

[Hoag]

Get out all of the clothes that you plan to take. Now, put 1/2 to 2/3 of those back in your closet. You will need clothes to travel in, but once on the boat, staying dry and comfortable is the name of the game. Most of us pack FAR too much the first time on a LOB. Shorts & t-shirts are the norm. You will already have a jacket coming from Pittsburgh, so if it gets chilly you can wear it, so no need to pack another (although a sweatshirt or fleece might come in handy).

 

[scubaNYC16]

So I just snagged an unexpected spot on my first liveaboard to Socorro on March 26- April 3. Normally our family vacations are land based dive vacations that offer my wife (a previous non diver who is just recently certified) options for an enjoyable vacation and my 16 y/o son the option to dive and also enjoy some down time while I dive constantly. I will be making this trip solo, so I won't have to feel guilty about balancing diving with topside family time. So excited as this is one of my top 10 bucket list locations and due to a good deal I will be able to experience it sooner than I expected.

I'm looking for some advice on must pack items for liveaboards, advice for clothing for Socorro during this time of year, any other advice for a liveaboard newbie. Any must have dive gear you recommend ( have plb, naitulis, pony, boots, smb, reel and all typical dive gear) Also looking for any must see or do activities in Cabo San Lucas as I will be arriving 2 days early (got first class cheaper 2 days early than I could get economy the day before charter leaves) Thank you in advance for all your useful advice.

Check out my trip report from Xmas. Water in March/April will be cooler so I wouldn't go with less than a 5mil wetsuit and extra layers unless you don't get cold. You can message me with any questions or post them in the Mexico section.

Socorro Dec 20-28, 2019 Nautilus Belle Amie Video and Trip Report

 

[MrBigfins]

Check out my trip report from Xmas. Water in March/April will be cooler so I wouldn't go with less than a 5mil wetsuit and extra layers unless you don't get cold. You can message me with any questions or post them in the Mexico section.

Socorro Dec 20-28, 2019 Nautilus Belle Amie Video and Trip Report

Loved the trip report and the pics. My concern is less with the diving temps and more with air temp between dives. I dive water as cold as mid 30's in pa quarries ( most in the low 40s at depth though) and I run fairly warm in my 7/8 mm semi dry. I bought a 5mm exclusively for this trip. 79-82 water and I'm in board shorts and a rash guard. 72-78 3mm shorty, may switch to 3mm long after a few days of these temp dives. However when I have dove those temps in those suits the air temps where high 80-90s. So you warm up quickly between dives. This trip the mornings look to be 50-60s and highs at 70s, that's alot cooler in-between dives. I think between the 3mm long, 3mm jacket, and 5mm long and a tag along 3mm dork hood I should be able to stay warm enough. At least I hope so. I bought a large swim parka to stay warmer in-between dives, hopefully that helps

 

[MrBigfins]

Get out all of the clothes that you plan to take. Now, put 1/2 to 2/3 of those back in your closet. You will need clothes to travel in, but once on the boat, staying dry and comfortable is the name of the game. Most of us pack FAR too much the first time on a LOB. Shorts & t-shirts are the norm. You will already have a jacket coming from Pittsburgh, so if it gets chilly you can wear it, so no need to pack another (although a sweatshirt or fleece might come in handy).

I'm a light packer and this is the first trip without my wife in a long time (she is the opposite of a light packer) so I'm excited to travel light. Well except dive gear, that's never light. Intend to do my hydros backpack with all essential dive gear in it as my personal item and 1 checked bag with my pony, clothes, and wetsuits.