Mitsugirlys FASCINATION with San Juan-review & pictorial

[WinstonsMom]

Then here's a video I put together of her progression throughout the night of her first class. It's about 5 min long...so just warning ya.

 

 

 

 

Love the way she boogies down with each victory! Nice that she's having a blast. Here's hoping her ears start to behave - she will sure be even happier when that happens!

 

Lisa

[luvcruzing]

You have an amazing daughter, Kim.:)

[mitsugirly]

Love the way she boogies down with each victory! Nice that she's having a blast. Here's hoping her ears start to behave - she will sure be even happier when that happens!

 

Lisa

 

Yep' date=' she's having a blast and tonight was her "night dive" and she loved it. Still can't get the ears to pop. :(

 

You have an amazing daughter, Kim.:)

 

 

Thank you so much. I kinda think so too. :D

[mitsugirly]

Ok, last night of her diving for awhile. Tonight was a night dive. They turned out the lights, put things in the water and went diving. This is an open dive for any of the kids in the program. Tonight there would be a total of 4.

 

 

 

 

Sakari has learned to put her equipment together by herself now.

 

 

 

The lights went out and off they went.

 

 

 

They had little things put in the water for them to check out.

 

 

 

They also had a go-pro under water and hooked up to a tv in a viewing room for us to watch if we wanted to (or we could be out there at the pool watching). Of course I was the crazy mom running back and forth between the pool and the tv trying to catch everything that went on.

 

Of course the kids knew about this camera and they would take every chance they could to pose for it.

 

Sakari showing the camera her skills of removing her regulator and smiling for the camera.

 

 

 

Then putting it back in.

 

 

 

[mitsugirly]

 

 

 

[mitsugirly]

One last video to share and then I promise I'm done. This is her watching her instructor swim through the "caves" (which is just pvc pipe) and learning to maneuver around it and then she did it...with ease. So proud of her.

 

RW_-p5Cr48s

[mitsugirly]

So now she's done. She's a PADI Seal. She will be working on her Master PADI Seal over the next year by doing the specialty dives and improving her skills. (1 dive a month).

 

She will not get to return until December because the November dive is while we are on our next cruise. She was bummed about that, but not about the cruise of course.

 

I had planned on doing a snuba dive with her on this upcoming cruise, but with her ears...that's not going to happen now. :(

 

 

She has a year 1/2 to figure out this ear issue now. I just don't know what to do.

 

Thanks for letting me share this with you and THANK YOU for suggesting it and pointing me in the right direction. She LOVES IT!

[bunnyette]

Do you think maybe she might need tubes in her ears? I had to have them as a child, once they were out, I could pop my ears, no problem scuba diving...

 

 

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[mitsugirly]

Do you think maybe she might need tubes in her ears? I had to have them as a child, once they were out, I could pop my ears, no problem scuba diving...

 

 

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She has never had any ear infections or ear problems...like ever. (Other than being able to pop them on the plane...and now in the water). So no, that wouldn't work because a doctor wouldn't put tubes in her ears if she's never had a history of issues. I just feel so bad for her. :(

[bunnyette]

So do I! I love reading about her...she reminds me of myself. Could you get a referral to a ear nose throat specialist...it's odd she can't pop her ears. I hope it works out for Sakari. She is a born scuba diver...my company actually employs them...so there is a career there[emoji3]

 

 

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[broberts]

She has never had any ear infections or ear problems...like ever. (Other than being able to pop them on the plane...and now in the water). So no, that wouldn't work because a doctor wouldn't put tubes in her ears if she's never had a history of issues. I just feel so bad for her. :(

 

Have you consulted an ear, nose, throat specialist? There may be an underlying issue that is not readily apparent.

[perfect match]

KIM! I am so excited to see your posts about Sakari's scuba class! Thank you for posting the pictures and video! It looks to me like she is doing great! I hope she is able to work out the issue with clearing her ears. I have always had a bit of trouble with mine, but once I get past a certain depth I always manage to get them cleared. For me, it is about 20-25 ft. Once I get them cleared, I'm good for the rest of the dive. I know you were taking her to the Dr. for cleaarance beforee she started the program. If the Dr saw no problem, I'm sure she will get the knack of clearing her ears eventually.

 

You mentioned how awkward Sakari's dolphin (mermaid) kick looks with the scuba tank. I saw exactly what you meant in the video. Besides looking akward, it's not very efficient with scuba gear, either. Having tried it myself, I know that first hand.

 

I was wondering if her dive shop offers swim lessons that could help her become more proficient and comfortable with the flutter kick. Maybe she could use swim lessons to bridge the gap between her scuba classes, and keep her in the loop with the dive shop as well. If you think the swim lessons might be a good idea, maybe ask her dive instructor to suggest it to her as part of her scuba training. Her dive instructor would most likely know what class she should be in to master the skills she needs based on what classes they offer. Just my 2 cents here.

 

Have you mentioned to Sakari's scuba instructor that you were thinking about trying snuba on your cruise? If not, you might want to see what he thinks about that idea before you dismiss it completely. In snuba, your tank is on a float at the surface. You can only go as deep as the hose connecting you to the tank allows. Sakari wouldn't have to go any deeper than she - or you - felt comfortable with. I have seen your pictures of Sakari diving down pretty deep to pick up things she saw on the bottom, and she looked like she knows how to handle her mask and regulator, so I bet she would love it. One thing I don't know is if kids Sakari's age would be allowed to book a snuba excursion since I don't have kids her age.

 

One last question for you. How did you like the full face mask you tried? I am so used to a regular mask and snorkel, or regulator if I'm diving that I wouldn't want one, but my non-diver DH has shown some interest. If it would make him like snorkeling more, I'd be all for him getting one!

Edited October 15, 2016 by perfect match

[mitsugirly]

So do I! I love reading about her...she reminds me of myself. Could you get a referral to a ear nose throat specialist...it's odd she can't pop her ears. I hope it works out for Sakari. She is a born scuba diver...my company actually employs them...so there is a career there[emoji3]

 

 

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Can I ask what your company employs them to do? Like what kind of business.

 

 

I just had to say...she loves scuba diving so much and can't wait to be able to do it in the ocean. We went to Newport Aquarium over the weekend (My surprise to her because they had the mermaids there swimming in the water...her life goal she says is to actually do this...but she seen them in the large tank with the fish and immediately said "THOSE ARE FAKE MERMAIDS!!! They are using an octopus for air and there's a scuba diver there with them! Oh my gosh...see what scuba did for her...she realizes this now. She said she is going to be a real mermaid and not use any air regulator when she's in the tank).

 

So...there's a tank there with these really SCARY looking huge sharks in them with super jacked up teeth! I said "Would you want to scuba in that tank?" She said "YES! That's the tank I would pick to be a mermaid in!" She said over and over that she wanted to swim with them! YIKES!! I will admit, THIS is the main reason I am afraid to scuba...the sharks. Yes, I realize they say they normally don't bother you, but I'm still scared.

 

 

 

Have you consulted an ear, nose, throat specialist? There may be an underlying issue that is not readily apparent.

 

 

No I have not and I'm pretty sure that they probably would not refer her to a specialist if she's not having any "problems" with her ears otherwise. I don't think that it would justify a referral in her case just because she can't pop her ears. But if she doesn't figure it out by the time she's ready to be certified, I'll definitely be seeking out a specialist at that point. :(

[broberts]

...

 

No I have not and I'm pretty sure that they probably would not refer her to a specialist if she's not having any "problems" with her ears otherwise. I don't think that it would justify a referral in her case just because she can't pop her ears. But if she doesn't figure it out by the time she's ready to be certified, I'll definitely be seeking out a specialist at that point. :(

 

Great pictures, as usual.

[mitsugirly]

KIM! I am so excited to see your posts about Sakari's scuba class! Thank you for posting the pictures and video! It looks to me like she is doing great! I hope she is able to work out the issue with clearing her ears. I have always had a bit of trouble with mine, but once I get past a certain depth I always manage to get them cleared. For me, it is about 20-25 ft. Once I get them cleared, I'm good for the rest of the dive. I know you were taking her to the Dr. for cleaarance beforee she started the program. If the Dr saw no problem, I'm sure she will get the knack of clearing her ears eventually.

 

You mentioned how awkward Sakari's dolphin (mermaid) kick looks with the scuba tank. I saw exactly what you meant in the video. Besides looking akward, it's not very efficient with scuba gear, either. Having tried it myself, I know that first hand.

 

I was wondering if her dive shop offers swim lessons that could help her become more proficient and comfortable with the flutter kick. Maybe she could use swim lessons to bridge the gap between her scuba classes, and keep her in the loop with the dive shop as well. If you think the swim lessons might be a good idea, maybe ask her dive instructor to suggest it to her as part of her scuba training. Her dive instructor would most likely know what class she should be in to master the skills she needs based on what classes they offer. Just my 2 cents here.

 

Have you mentioned to Sakari's scuba instructor that you were thinking about trying snuba on your cruise? If not, you might want to see what he thinks about that idea before you dismiss it completely. In snuba, your tank is on a float at the surface. You can only go as deep as the hose connecting you to the tank allows. Sakari wouldn't have to go any deeper than she - or you - felt comfortable with. I have seen your pictures of Sakari diving down pretty deep to pick up things she saw on the bottom, and she looked like she knows how to handle her mask and regulator, so I bet she would love it. One thing I don't know is if kids Sakari's age would be allowed to book a snuba excursion since I don't have kids her age.

 

One last question for you. How did you like the full face mask you tried? I am so used to a regular mask and snorkel, or regulator if I'm diving that I wouldn't want one, but my non-diver DH has shown some interest. If it would make him like snorkeling more, I'd be all for him getting one!

 

Thanks and glad you enjoyed the pictures. She had an awesome time and is sad that she doesn't get to do another dive until December.

 

Yea, her mermaid kick UGH!!! I told her to stop that shiznit or she wasn't coming back. That worked and she didn't do it much after that on the following 2 classes. :p No need for swim classes. She knows how, just refuses to do it. But she straightened up real quick after that. I showed her how ridiculous she looked doing that with a tank on her back and she laughed.

 

I did mention the snuba to her instructor and some of the other scuba staff there. They said in order for her to go down deeper than she is in the pool, she would really need to learn to clear her ears and to do it several times as she's going down. They told the kids to do it every few feet, but since she can't do it at all. :( He said he would work with her on it...and he did that night. I felt bad for the other kid because she got a lot of his attention that night. But still no go.

 

You do have a point about only going as far as she felt comfortable, so I guess that's a plus. The other thing I was thinking about is the helmet dives and was concerned about it because I know you walk along the bottom at around 20' or deeper. But I'm told that the helmet takes the pressure and it doesn't affect your ears? So we might try one or the other.

 

I believe on most things, 8 years old is the age limit. We are going with NCL this time around and when looking at their excursions (like at Coral World in St Thomas), it allowed me to put in a booking for her (I just didn't complete it yet). So, they must. SHE'S FINALLY AT THE AGE, HEIGHT, AND WEIGHT...for most excursion activities. WOO HOO. Progress I tell ya! :p I might add the only reason I'm considering a ship excursion is that we are only in port until 2pm, which means back at the ship by 1pm and I believe we are in port with two other ships and one being the Oasis...and of course we are the Epic, which isn't a small ship either. :eek:

 

Ok, so the full face mask. It was interesting. I'm use to breathing using my mouth with the snorkel and truth be known, I have always had sinus problems since I was young and basically live on nasal spray to breathe. So, I do a lot of mouth breathing to begin with. I could breathe fine, but I was still doing it with my mouth open. I didn't have any problems getting air and I didn't have any problems with fogging (which was something I wondered about). But I also found that the "view" wasn't what I expected it to be. I figured a full face mask would have a full view, but it doesn't because of the design, there was a part that your nose goes in and around, kinda just like a regular mask. So, even though it was clear, it was still a little distorted. The other thing is that the snorkel is at the top of the face piece and it's hard...so no moving it to a different position...it is where it's going to be. At first, when I was looking directly down, I felt the mask suction to my face really hard and I couldn't get in air in or out and I freaked out. It happened several times. I finally discovered that the snorkel was going under water and that was causing it. :eek: My bad. But after discovering this, I was all better. I was able to dive down with no problems and no problems getting water inside. It does have a purge at the bottom so if you get any leakage in it, it does not go on your face, but behind this rubber piece that goes around your face and then flows to the bottom of the mask and out the purge. So that was kind of neat.

 

In the end, it cost $110 at my dive shop (with a 10% discount on top of that). I decided the best thing for me was to purchase a nice scuba mask instead. I just have to say that when I had this mask on....I SWEAR everything on my face needed to be scratched. LOL Kinda like the minute that you dye your hair and then every spot on your head needs scratched at that point. :p

 

I ended up with a Scubapro Crystal Vu mask with a purge for $94. I have never had a mask with a purge so hopefully I'll be able to figure this out. I also bought one of those neoprene covers to go over the straps to keep from pulling my long tangly hair. I figured that was probably the best investment yet. LOL I'm wondering if I should get a new snorkel as well. I'm still debating and have no clue which to get.

[bunnyette]

Can I ask what your company employs them to do? Like what kind of business.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No I have not and I'm pretty sure that they probably would not refer her to a specialist if she's not having any "problems" with her ears otherwise. I don't think that it would justify a referral in her case just because she can't pop her ears. But if she doesn't figure it out by the time she's ready to be certified, I'll definitely be seeking out a specialist at that point. :(

 

Well not very glamourous, I work for a large utility company, the divers go down to check for blockages into the cooling pools nuclear) & hydro turbines. However very well paid[emoji2]

 

 

 

 

 

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Edited October 18, 2016 by bunnyette

[mitsugirly]

Well not very glamourous, I work for a large utility company, the divers go down to check for blockages into the cooling pools nuclear) & hydro turbines. However very well paid[emoji2]

 

 

 

 

 

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You said nuclear :eek: although probably not what I'm thinking. :D My hubby was just telling her of all the jobs that scuba divers could do (funny didn't mention this one hehe) and was saying something to her about dive and rescue people (I could never do this myself and I'm a nurse...just the thought :() and also mentioned welding under water (we watched a show on this before and it was pretty neat). I'm pretty sure at this point her goal is to be swimming with scary sharks. I'm glad she has many years ahead of her to change this goal!:p

[bunnyette]

Not to worry, they are far away from the reactors but zebra mussels can block the grates, the divers check for them among other duties....She'll make a very good salary though. Enough to book a suite on her cruises[emoji12]

[TravelingAPor]

You have an awesome daughter! :)

[mitsugirly]

Not to worry, they are far away from the reactors but zebra mussels can block the grates, the divers check for them among other duties....She'll make a very good salary though. Enough to book a suite on her cruises[emoji12]

 

 

Life goals=booking a suite on a cruise. :D

 

 

You have an awesome daughter! :)

 

 

Aww, thank you so much.

[perfect match]

I just had to say...she loves scuba diving so much and can't wait to be able to do it in the ocean. We went to Newport Aquarium over the weekend (My surprise to her because they had the mermaids there swimming in the water...her life goal she says is to actually do this...but she seen them in the large tank with the fish and immediately said "THOSE ARE FAKE MERMAIDS!!! They are using an octopus for air and there's a scuba diver there with them! Oh my gosh...see what scuba did for her...she realizes this now. She said she is going to be a real mermaid and not use any air regulator when she's in the tank).

 

So...there's a tank there with these really SCARY looking huge sharks in them with super jacked up teeth! I said "Would you want to scuba in that tank?" She said "YES! That's the tank I would pick to be a mermaid in!" She said over and over that she wanted to swim with them! YIKES!! I will admit, THIS is the main reason I am afraid to scuba...the sharks. Yes, I realize they say they normally don't bother you, but I'm still scared.

 

 

https://photos.smugmug.com/Sakari-Scuba-Diving-Class/i-D7MKvjD/0/S/PA154113%20copy-S.jpg[/img

(

 

Love your aquarium trip! I'm with Sakari about what tank to swim in! I'm choosing the one of the really awesome sharks! :D

 

OK, now that you're done questionng my sanity...... :eek: Yes, I've already swam with sharks both in an aquarium and have encountered them in nature on a number of scuba dives I have done. Hopefully, I'll see more on the dives I will be doing on our upcoming Oasis cruise. Scuba gear is already packed and ready to go! :cool:

 

As far as mermaids go, does Sakari remember that a mermaid is half girl and half fish with the half above the waist being girl and below the waist is fish? Since the top half of a mermaid is girl, she heeds to breathe air like a girl. She does not have gills like a fish. Since most mermaids want to spend as much time under water as they possibly can, they use scuba like any other girl who wants to stay under water as long as she can would do. Present company included! :D

[perfect match]

Thanks and glad you enjoyed the pictures. She had an awesome time and is sad that she doesn't get to do another dive until December.

 

Yea, her mermaid kick UGH!!! I told her to stop that shiznit or she wasn't coming back. That worked and she didn't do it much after that on the following 2 classes. :p No need for swim classes. She knows how, just refuses to do it. But she straightened up real quick after that. I showed her how ridiculous she looked doing that with a tank on her back and she laughed.

 

I did mention the snuba to her instructor and some of the other scuba staff there. They said in order for her to go down deeper than she is in the pool, she would really need to learn to clear her ears and to do it several times as she's going down. They told the kids to do it every few feet, but since she can't do it at all. :( He said he would work with her on it...and he did that night. I felt bad for the other kid because she got a lot of his attention that night. But still no go.

 

You do have a point about only going as far as she felt comfortable, so I guess that's a plus. The other thing I was thinking about is the helmet dives and was concerned about it because I know you walk along the bottom at around 20' or deeper. But I'm told that the helmet takes the pressure and it doesn't affect your ears? So we might try one or the other.

 

I believe on most things, 8 years old is the age limit. We are going with NCL this time around and when looking at their excursions (like at Coral World in St Thomas), it allowed me to put in a booking for her (I just didn't complete it yet). So, they must. SHE'S FINALLY AT THE AGE, HEIGHT, AND WEIGHT...for most excursion activities. WOO HOO. Progress I tell ya! :p I might add the only reason I'm considering a ship excursion is that we are only in port until 2pm, which means back at the ship by 1pm and I believe we are in port with two other ships and one being the Oasis...and of course we are the Epic, which isn't a small ship either. :eek:

 

Ok, so the full face mask. It was interesting. I'm use to breathing using my mouth with the snorkel and truth be known, I have always had sinus problems since I was young and basically live on nasal spray to breathe. So, I do a lot of mouth breathing to begin with. I could breathe fine, but I was still doing it with my mouth open. I didn't have any problems getting air and I didn't have any problems with fogging (which was something I wondered about). But I also found that the "view" wasn't what I expected it to be. I figured a full face mask would have a full view, but it doesn't because of the design, there was a part that your nose goes in and around, kinda just like a regular mask. So, even though it was clear, it was still a little distorted. The other thing is that the snorkel is at the top of the face piece and it's hard...so no moving it to a different position...it is where it's going to be. At first, when I was looking directly down, I felt the mask suction to my face really hard and I couldn't get in air in or out and I freaked out. It happened several times. I finally discovered that the snorkel was going under water and that was causing it. :eek: My bad. But after discovering this, I was all better. I was able to dive down with no problems and no problems getting water inside. It does have a purge at the bottom so if you get any leakage in it, it does not go on your face, but behind this rubber piece that goes around your face and then flows to the bottom of the mask and out the purge. So that was kind of neat.

 

In the end, it cost $110 at my dive shop (with a 10% discount on top of that). I decided the best thing for me was to purchase a nice scuba mask instead. I just have to say that when I had this mask on....I SWEAR everything on my face needed to be scratched. LOL Kinda like the minute that you dye your hair and then every spot on your head needs scratched at that point. :p

 

I ended up with a Scubapro Crystal Vu mask with a purge for $94. I have never had a mask with a purge so hopefully I'll be able to figure this out. I also bought one of those neoprene covers to go over the straps to keep from pulling my long tangly hair. I figured that was probably the best investment yet. LOL I'm wondering if I should get a new snorkel as well. I'm still debating and have no clue which to get.

 

Glad you had video of Sakari doing her mermaid kick while on scuba, and were able to convince her to change to a flutter kick. While no one wants to look silly, the flutter kick just plain works better with scuba. If she were freediving (going down deep without a tank) her monofin and mermaid kick works great, but freediving is not something I'd reccomend for a girl who is having trouble clearing her ears.

 

I've never done a helmet dive, so I can't help you much with that . I do know that above the surface of the water, the helmets are pretty heavy, but once you get below the surface they aren't too bad. I'm not sure about needing to clearing your ears in the helmet, but since they are pumping air into the helmet and you breathe normally, it makes sense that you wouldn't need to clear your ears. I am by no means certain about that though. With the helmet, you walk along a path along the bottom that has been set up for you to follow, so you are limited as to where you go.You will have to assess your comfort level and decide whether snuba, a helmet dive or neither one will be best for you and Sakari. With your port schedule, I agree with you that whichever you decide, a ship's excursion would be best. I do not want to read in your next TR that you missed the ship!

 

Thank you for the info about the full face mask. I've shared what you said with DH, and I think he's decided to stick with his regular snorkel mask for now. Sounds like you got yourself a pretty good mask. I used to have one with a purge valve, and if I remember correctly, I thought it was a good feature to have. I hope it works well for you.

 

We are going to Hilton Rose Hall on our Falmouth stop on Oasis, largely based on your reviews! We are looking forward to our day there. I understand there isn't much of a beach, but did you find any snorkeling worth doing there? At this point, I'm not planning on bringing my snorkel gear. I'm planning on some kayaking or sailing, or maybe just relaxing by the pool.

[mitsugirly]

Love your aquarium trip! I'm with Sakari about what tank to swim in! I'm choosing the one of the really awesome sharks!

 

 

:eek: I WOULD DIE OF A HEART ATTACK!! I just don't know if I can get over that fear or not. If I could, I would probably take diving lessons myself.

 

 

OK, now that you're done questionng my sanity...... :eek: Yes, I've already swam with sharks both in an aquarium and have encountered them in nature on a number of scuba dives I have done. Hopefully, I'll see more on the dives I will be doing on our upcoming Oasis cruise. Scuba gear is already packed and ready to go! :cool:

 

Ok, I have to ask...how did you swim with them in an aquarium? I was told by her instructor all of the neat things they get to do diving and one of them is they dive in the aquarium at our local zoo (The Columbus Zoo, which everyone knows from Jack Hanna). I guess they do things for the zoo when needed. They also dive in the polar bear tank (of course he let me know it's when the polar bears where put away for them to do it), but I can totally see Sakari wanting to do something like that when she gets older.

 

As far as mermaids go, does Sakari remember that a mermaid is half girl and half fish with the half above the waist being girl and below the waist is fish? Since the top half of a mermaid is girl, she heeds to breathe air like a girl. She does not have gills like a fish. Since most mermaids want to spend as much time under water as they possibly can, they use scuba like any other girl who wants to stay under water as long as she can would do. Present company included! :D

 

You have a good point with the explanation of mermaids. However, she watches a mermaid show a lot and none of them swim with air so...I doubt she would believe that story. :p

[mitsugirly]

Glad you had video of Sakari doing her mermaid kick while on scuba, and were able to convince her to change to a flutter kick. While no one wants to look silly, the flutter kick just plain works better with scuba. If she were freediving (going down deep without a tank) her monofin and mermaid kick works great, but freediving is not something I'd reccomend for a girl who is having trouble clearing her ears.

 

I've never done a helmet dive, so I can't help you much with that . I do know that above the surface of the water, the helmets are pretty heavy, but once you get below the surface they aren't too bad. I'm not sure about needing to clearing your ears in the helmet, but since they are pumping air into the helmet and you breathe normally, it makes sense that you wouldn't need to clear your ears. I am by no means certain about that though. With the helmet, you walk along a path along the bottom that has been set up for you to follow, so you are limited as to where you go.You will have to assess your comfort level and decide whether snuba, a helmet dive or neither one will be best for you and Sakari. With your port schedule, I agree with you that whichever you decide, a ship's excursion would be best. I do not want to read in your next TR that you missed the ship!

 

Thank you for the info about the full face mask. I've shared what you said with DH, and I think he's decided to stick with his regular snorkel mask for now. Sounds like you got yourself a pretty good mask. I used to have one with a purge valve, and if I remember correctly, I thought it was a good feature to have. I hope it works well for you.

 

We are going to Hilton Rose Hall on our Falmouth stop on Oasis, largely based on your reviews! We are looking forward to our day there. I understand there isn't much of a beach, but did you find any snorkeling worth doing there? At this point, I'm not planning on bringing my snorkel gear. I'm planning on some kayaking or sailing, or maybe just relaxing by the pool.

 

 

Yea, I have always wanted to do the helmet dive but that is only because of Hartleys in Bermuda. I remember watching so many of their videos and "holding" the "trained" fish of his and thought this was so amazing. Then they started getting bad reviews and especially after the incidence with the person that had a heart attack when doing the dive with them and the response time. While of course that person had underlying conditions that might have not even been known, I think the part that everyone had a problem with was how they responded to it. The other things is that so many people reported how cocky the owner is and how he treats people bad. So, that kinda ruined it for me. Even his son doesn't come on these boards anymore and he use to be real active. So, I had never considered doing a helmet dive after that. I would have to give it a lot of thought. I think the snuba would be neater myself.

 

I hope I did get a good mask that will last me for awhile. My mask came apart (popped out of the frame several times) a few cruises ago and even though it popped back in, it started doing it more often and then started leaking. So, it's 6 years old and time for a new one IMO. I just don't know how to do the purge on it. They told me I could try it out before buying, but I didn't have my bathing suit with me that night. But hey, I suctioned it to my face and it felt mighty darn good. :D What is a good snorkel to get and what should I look for? Are there differences? I have had a pretty good experience with my dry snorkel from US divers so far.

 

 

Hilton Rose Hall is very nice. I heard that it is even more expensive now than when I went. The beach is "ok". The problem for us is the day we were there the waves were a little crazy and it stirred up the water. You couldn't see anything. So, I wasn't able to see if there was anything in the water as far as snorkeling. It does go quite a ways around, we just didn't adventure too far from right in front of the pool area. I believe it goes all the way around to the trees at the other end in this picture.

 

 

 

But the lazy river and the grounds are gorgeous! There's several pools too.

[perfect match]

The aquarium dive I've done is Dive Quest at Epcot.

 

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcot-divequest/

 

It was way better than I expected. My husband and our neighbor were allowed to do the backstage tour with me even though they didn't pay for the experience. They watched the dive from the regular visitor section of the aquarium, them met me after the dive to see the video they made. Besides the sharks, there were so many different fish in there, and sea turtles as well. At one point our group went into "shark alley" and sat in a circle on the bottom while the sharks circled above us. Oh, one couple in our group got engaged during the dive as well.

 

If I remember correctly, to purge your mask just tip your head so the water in the mask is near the purge valve and blow out through your nose to force the water out.

 

Since you are comfortable with your dry snorkel, if I were you, I'd stick with that. I personally still use one that is open at the top. That is the type I have used for years, and I would rather get an occasional mouth full of water than try to breathe in and get nothing because the top of the snorkel is under water. That's just me, though. Most people I know seem to prefer a dry snorkel. With the dry type, I guess the most important thing is that the valve at the top really does keep the water out.

 

If the lens was popping out of your mask, it was definitely time for a new one! Check the fit with the snorkel you have in your mouth and be sure it still seals well. Any mouthpiece you put in your mouth changes the contour of your face, and since you will use the mask and snorkel together, that's when you want the seal to be tight.

 

What a shame about the helmet dive operator in Bermuda! I hate to hear stories like that. I wouldn't want to do any kind of dive with them either. I always research any dive op I use before I book with then with safety being my main criteria.

 

I was just looking at Coki Dive Center in St Thomas to see if they were the ones who offer snuba. Well, I didn't see snuba, but look what I found! They have- wait for it - a Bubblemaker program for kids Sakari's age!

 

http://www.cokidive.com/padi-bubblemaker

 

Why not contact them and see what they offer? Sakari would go crazy! She also wouldn't mind so much missing her session at home while you are on your cruise. I did not research this much. I just read through and saw that they do a brief instruction session, followed by a supervised dive in 10 ft. of water. Do you think Sakari could handle that? I'd get in touch with them and tell them what she is doing at home. See what they say. Decide if you are comfortable with what they tell you. I never looked for snuba or helmet diving once I saw this, but you can ask about that, too, if you want. If Sakari does the kids Bubblemaker at Coki, ask if you can snorkel along with the group so you can watch - I mean take pictures! Let me know what you think!

 

EDIT: I just went back to look a little more and saw that PARENTS are welcome to dive, too!

Edited October 19, 2016 by perfect match