This is a very helpful thread for a newb such as myself. We have pretty much only been diving to Bonaire, two trips, and potentially will go back a third time next spring, but for pretty much any other dive trip I want an SMB and some way to practice it ahead. It would be great if there was opportunity in AOW to practice. I am also starting to feel like I am going to have to figure out a dry suit soon if I am ever going to be more than a recreational/vacation diver. I just get so darn cold everywhere else and would love to dive more often more "locally". New Mexico, California, etc