Perfect choice with SCUBA Iguana.
I have done both Gordon Rocks and also the area around Floreana Island. GR is much closer to Pto Ayora so it's a bit less of a crossing.
If I had to pick one, at least from my limited exposure, I would return to Gordon Rocks.
The currents will have nothing to do with your weighting. The dive staff will examine the extant currents as you arrive, and begin to select one of the "paths" that are marked on the above dive briefing chart. They will select the ones that present the easiest due to the serious currents that can do unusual things in
the rocky confines of what is left of a long-ago volcanic cone. (see above)
They will then place the boat in a quiet lee of one of the volcanic walls. Take this opportunity to do a quick buoyancy check. We have been there several times, but once a couple who had arrived for some land-based diving in advance of their Aggressor trip were with us. They refused the opportunity for a buoyancy check and went on to perform miserably on the dive.
The SCUBA Iguana DMs know the drill very well. Listen to the briefing, but also understand that they may alter the dive plan once underwater. I see no need for reef hooks, but due to the volcanic rock, lack of Coral and such, there should be no prohibition. For me, and my groups, there has never been a need for anything more than leather work gloves simply to hang on. Some of my participants insisted on wearing their rubber diving gloves which will quickly shred. There are some frequently visited spots where you will literally have to hand-over-hand yourself in a crawl over short expanses on flat lava.
To say you want to dive in the Galloping Pogos but want to avoid currents, lateral and vertical- kind of contradictory. Think of it as a learning experience. Tell the DMs in advance of your lack of experience and apprehension. Stay very close to them. The day-dive option is very appealing as it is very cheap compared to Liveaboards, but understand that even these guys have seen their share of less experienced divers. It is essentially a "Europen backpacker" clientele, so many levels of expertise arrive. (No less so than the Liveaboard guests, but they come with other issues) Either way, the S.I. DMs understand who they might have at their doorstep. Tell them who you are, expect exemplary service and attention far beyond anything you may have seen in the Caribbean as to professional expertise. Still- stay close and do your part.
At Gordon Rocks, we have usually always seen Hammerheads while in the center of the volcanic cone which has a sandy floor at maybe 100fsw depth. You make this dive at between 60-75fsw as you cross from remnants of the conical edges. On the dive I referenced above, the one with the two Aggressor divers, they ran out of air at 40 minutes in, the DM sent them to the surface from 45fsw to the overhead boat. The DM and I continued thru to 1:20 while watching Mobula Rays, then ghosting off watching the Seals work the crashing waves against the cone. I thought we had seen plenty until we saw a Shark stalk and finally get himself a Seal meat dinner. The Aggressor divers were sitting on the boats bitching about something when we returned. We just grinned and said nothing.
Pretty Spectacular stuff, Gordon Rocks. And yes~ it does.
