Autumn in the AM
Mar
19
2010

Dive No.: 1999 Dive Site: Hawaii Loa, Oahu, Hawaii Max Depth: 45ft/13m Total Time: 36 mins Air: 200bar – 120 bar Mix: EANx36 Tank: 80cu Weight: 8lbs Visibility: 40ft/12m Water: 73F/23C Exposure: rash guard, 5mm full wet suit (busted zipper), 3mm shorty, 3mm skull cap Comments: Autumn had just arrived in Oahu after a long series of flights from Haiti. I had been roped into working the morning charter. Nothing like a 5am start time to say “aloha!” Conditions were choppy as a fierce tradewinde pressed down on Koko Marina. The air was Hawaiian cold (65F/18C) and the water wasn’t much warmer (73F/23C). We dropped anchor and explored the crater rims of Hawaii Loa. There was a nice diversity of » read more «

Birthday Turtles
Mar
19
2010

Dive No.: 1997 Dive Site: Koko Craters, Oahu, Hawaii Max Depth: 35ft/11m Total Time: 38 mins Air: 200bar – 130 bar Mix: EANx36 Tank: 80cu Weight: 8lbs Visibility: 80ft/24m Water: 73F/23C Exposure: rash guard, 5mm full wet suit (busted zipper), 3mm shorty, 3mm skull cap Comments: Took a group of college-aged girls out on a turtle-finding expedition around Koko Craters in celebration of one girl’s 21st birthday. The turtles didn’t disappoint, as over half a dozen of the beautiful Hawaiian reptiles glided past us towards the wrasse cleaning stations. Several other turtles were sighted snuggled under the crater rim. Dive No.: 1997 Dive Site: Koko Craters, Oahu, Hawaii Max Depth: 35ft/11m Total Time: 43 mins Air: 200bar – 120 bar » read more «

Hawaiian Monk Seal!!!
Feb
26
2010

Dive No.: 1996 Dive Site: China Walls, Oahu, Hawaii Max Depth: 51ft/15m Total Time: 45 mins Air: 200bar – 130 bar Mix: EANx36 Tank: 80cu Weight: 8lbs Visibility: 130ft/40m Water: 75F/24C Exposure: rash guard, 5mm full wet suit (busted zipper), 3mm shorty, 3mm skull cap Comments: Easily one of the top ten diving experiences in my life—and I have nearly 2000 dives! The gentle current from the previous dive had picked up quite a bit. As descended down the gradual slope of the urchin-covered volcanic stone wall, it was evident that we were in for one heck of a ride. A trio of chill turtles was the first to greet us. They hung with the group for a while, cruising » read more «

Sea Cave
Feb
26
2010

Dive No.: 1995 Dive Site: Sea Cave, Oahu, Hawaii Max Depth: 74ft/22m Total Time: 38 mins Air: 200bar – 120 bar Mix: EANx32 Tank: 80cu Weight: 8lbs Visibility: 100ft/30m Water: 75F/234 Exposure: rash guard, 5mm full wet suit (busted zipper), 3mm shorty, 3mm skull cap Comments: Great group of divers: all advanced, independent, and totally stoked for a great dive. Good thing Roger and I delivered! The sea cave is an impressive sight both above and below the waters. Plunging into the crystal-clear waters, we swam under the arch leading into the cave at 50ft/15m. Schools of yellow tangs swarmed the entrance. A lone turtle, startled by our presence, calmly left her hiding spot inside the cave. The back of » read more «