Need course and gear advice for trip to Hawaii April 2013

[LowDrag]

My wife and I have the AquaLung SolaFX 8mm/7mm one piece suits and love them (8mm in the core/7mm in the arms/legs). They are very snug as you reported on the suit you tried on. Once we are in the water they move quite well. They are definitely not a one person on/off suit for either of us but other than that we really like them. Keep in mind that we are diving Pacific Northwest waters so we need the extra thickness to combat the cold. I would think that the 3mm/5mm would be even more flexible. Good luck and welcome to diving...it's not just a hobby it's an addiction!!!

 

[Supergreg]

I was also of the opinion that my regs were so important that I should buy my own and bring them to my dive destination so I won't die using crappy third world regs, along with all my other kit because it was "better" than the stuff they give you on the boat. Then I noticed I was one of the only guys on the whole boat doing this, and everyone else had a much easier time just showing up in shorts and a mask and using what the boat provided. I switched to this method and I've been just as happy, and more relaxed. Haven't died yet either, knock on wood.

The less you bring, the less stuff you're going to lose. Every boat is going to provide fins, weights, tanks, regs, BCD. Most shops provide rental wet suits (last place I dove with in Maui had wet suit jackets on the boat for free).

72F seems "warm" until you've been underwater for 40 minutes. You can get quite chilly. I can't remember what temperature is required for perfect body heat equilibrium, but it's quite higher (high 80's or low 90's, maybe someone who knows can chime in). Anything less and you will lose body heat during the entire dive.

 

[DukeAMO]

Yes, you get a lot colder when you're under water continuously for 30 minutes or an hour at a time.

It really depends on the person. For example, In 72 degree water I eventually get chilled unless I'm wearing a 5mm wetsuit and a hood. In 80 degree water I got cold in a 1mm skin, but I was comfortable in a 3mm suit. In 85 degree water I still feel better with a 3mm shorty. But there were other people diving in just shorts and a rash guard in 80 degree water. Space heaters we called them.

You should have a decent idea how warm/cold you are after the pool sessions, where you are underwater for a good hour or so at a time. Find out what the water temperature is, and what, if any, wetsuit they have you wear in it. Then ask yourself if you felt warm, cold, or just right. That's a starting point.

 

[zenbudda]

Thanks for all the insight and information gang! This really helps me decide how I want to approach this. I'm thinking I'll buy the mask, snorkel and body suit (and probably the hot skin like mentioned earlier). I haven't heard anyone talk about buying boots for the fins yet. The only fins i've seen at the local dive shops do require boots. Are there fins that don't require boots?

 

[DukeAMO]

Boots are cheap and not fun to talk about. ;-)

Yes, the best fins for scuba usually require neoprene boots under them, because they have an open back with an adjustable strap (or a spring strap). The boots will keep your feet warm too.

My only input on that is that we're switching from the zip-up boots to the pull-on boots, because the zippers sometimes unzip when you don't want them to, and the little velcro strap that's made to hold up the zipper wears out quickly.

You really have to try the boots on. They should be more snug than a normal shoe, but not uncomfortably tight.

 

[diversteve]

Thanks for all the insight and information gang! This really helps me decide how I want to approach this. I'm thinking I'll buy the mask, snorkel and body suit (and probably the hot skin like mentioned earlier). I haven't heard anyone talk about buying boots for the fins yet. The only fins i've seen at the local dive shops do require boots. Are there fins that don't require boots?

Full foot fins are the other option. Typically worn barefoot so only in warmer climates. Sometimes they're worn with dive socks - thin neoprene socks with no hard bottom. Obviously they need to be the right size also.



Typically most divers use open-heel fins and boots of various thicknesses. Some dive with full-foot fins but they're more common for snorkelers. Most rental fleets use them also so they don't have to provide boots for all their dive guests.

Dive boots should have some tread on them so you don't slip on the boat deck, in wet locations etc. For shore diving in places like Bonaire they need to be thickly treaded so your feet don't get shredded on the ironshore/coral often just on/off shore there. Hawaii (the big island) might be another place where that would be good - some of the shore dives there are directly off lava - it's pretty sharp. Typically Maui entries are off the beach.

I like a little thicker boot to keep both the straps and the top of the fin pocket from chafing my ankles also. Boots also provide some protection from things you can step on in the water - like small sea urchins. There's a lot of those at some locations in Hawaii.

If you're going to buy a wetsuit, buying a skin might be redundant. I have one for exposure protection only as I sometimes dive where there's jellyfish, sea wasps or other stinging creatures. To a lesser extent it protects on shore entries over coral or lava.

Just about every wetsuit made has an inner layer - usually something over finished neoprene - to help with donning it. Henderson for example advertises that some of their suits have a micro-fleece lining. As I mentioned previously a skin will help you don a wetsuit also - and keep you slightly warmer.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

zenbudda, you have so many questions that you really need to sit down and talk to people face to face. Some of your questions are pretty generic, and relate to basic dive knowledge, and some relate to dive trip planning and dive planning. Perhaps there is a dive club in your area you can hook up with, or go to a dive show in your area. I dive Hawaii a lot. Hawaii is much different from island to island. Where the surfing is good, the diving is not. The north and east side of each Island generally has the best surfing, and the west and south the best conditions for diving, based on the prevailing winds (which can change from the prevailing to the opposite, though rarely). So you will need a car. You should buy a mask, snorkel and fins. Every dive operation in Hawaii, and almost everyone, will rent you other gear, including a wet suit if you are willing to wear a rental that others have worn and treated like a rental ( ie peeing in it, etc. ) If you buy a wet suit, buy a 3 mil. You will be cold diving in Hawaii with less than that. As for snorkeling and surfing, if the sun is out you'll be fine . If its cloudy you will get cold. All bot dives in Hawaii are escorted dives, and you can find plenty of local instructors or DM's that will accompany you on shore dives if you wish. They will limit you to your competence level, and comfort level. I owned all my own equipment before I had my first dive class. I had a great local shop who paired me up with a knowledgeable instructor who helped me select what I wanted/needed and I tried on everything before buying. There are lots of places like that. I urge you to develop a relationship with a good local dive center that carries a good inventory of equipment. There are lots of options for each pies of gear, and you need some hands on learning and help with it- everyone does. You do not have to take this journey alone!
DivemasterDennis