Dazza

Hello All,

I'm off to the Red Sea next Sunday with the better half and while
she's sunning herself, I'm hoping to to do some diving.

I'm PADI AOW (not that it means a great deal I know). Been about 5
months since my last dive in Thailand.

As it's been 5 months since last dive, should I seriously consider a
refresher course?

Will the operators ask for medical/see log book etc to see what I've
been doing?

Who to go with/who should I avoid? Are trips from the hotels any good?
Will a 5mm suit be too warm? (yes I generally feel the cold).

Generally looking for any tips/advice. Anytihng you can help me with
would be appreciated.

Cheers
Dazza.


--
Please reply to group.
Email address is spam trapped.

Ken

"Dazza" <lemons@apples.tippy.org> wrote in message
news:j10b73l7eblbt0foanofrb880pd2ctesf2@4ax.com...
> Hello All,
>
> I'm off to the Red Sea next Sunday with the better half and while
> she's sunning herself, I'm hoping to to do some diving.

You won't have to try hard to find a dive op - they're everywhere


> I'm PADI AOW (not that it means a great deal I know). Been about 5
> months since my last dive in Thailand.
>
> As it's been 5 months since last dive, should I seriously consider a
> refresher course?

I don't think you'll have time to organise one between now and Sunday.





> Will the operators ask for medical/see log book etc to see what I've
> been doing?

If they don't - run away




> Who to go with/who should I avoid? Are trips from the hotels any good?
> Will a 5mm suit be too warm? (yes I generally feel the cold).

There is a jetty at Sharks Bay from which a number of operators will work.
See who's working out of your hotel - from a logistics point of view they
will be the easiest to go with. You may be able to pre-book your diving from
here by email, and save yourself a few ££ by doing so. You are very close to
the Tiran Strait so you have some of the best diving in the area on your
doorstep. What suit thickness you need is purely a personal choice, to do
with heat / cold tolerance more than anything else. Water temps at this time
of year there will be mid to high 20s.



>
> Generally looking for any tips/advice. Anytihng you can help me with
> would be appreciated.

Have you ever been to te Red Sea before? The norm in the Sharm area is for
the boats to go out for the whole day, with lunch on board for around 40LE
(that's £4 per day for all food and drink). Some hotels have shore access,
and if yours is one and there's a dive centre at your hotel you may be able
to get some dives on the hotel reef. Inevitably this is rather worn down by
the snorkellers and the dorks who insist on walking on the reef itself - but
the convenience is superb.

Don't change any foreign currency here -do it there, it's cheaper. Also get
yourself a comprehensive Visa on entry at the airport - it's too late if you
miss the opportunity, and your ability to go to some dive sites will be
severy restricted if you don't. Visas are around £12 and valid for a
fortnight.

Ken

Dazza

On Sun, 17 Jun 2007 20:37:05 +0100, "Ken" <ken@k1at.freeserve.co.uk>
wrote:

>I don't think you'll have time to organise one between now and Sunday.

Yeah I thought that. Thanks for the confirmation.

>> Will the operators ask for medical/see log book etc to see what I've
>> been doing?
>
>If they don't - run away

OK good tip. Need to organise a medical quick then, dont have my cert.
Log book up to date though.

>There is a jetty at Sharks Bay from which a number of operators will work.
>See who's working out of your hotel - from a logistics point of view they
>will be the easiest to go with. You may be able to pre-book your diving from
>here by email, and save yourself a few ££ by doing so.

I tried finding out from the hotel who the dive operator is, no such
luck. Hotel email address bounces...! Damn Airtours..

>You are very close to
>the Tiran Strait so you have some of the best diving in the area on your
>doorstep. What suit thickness you need is purely a personal choice, to do
>with heat / cold tolerance more than anything else. Water temps at this time
>of year there will be mid to high 20s.

Aaah ok, thats good to know. Thanks.

>Have you ever been to te Red Sea before?

Never. First time there.

>The norm in the Sharm area is for
>the boats to go out for the whole day, with lunch on board for around 40LE
>(that's £4 per day for all food and drink). Some hotels have shore access,
>and if yours is one and there's a dive centre at your hotel you may be able
>to get some dives on the hotel reef. Inevitably this is rather worn down by
>the snorkellers and the dorks who insist on walking on the reef itself - but
>the convenience is superb.

hmm ok, could be good to look out for though.

>Don't change any foreign currency here -do it there, it's cheaper. Also get
>yourself a comprehensive Visa on entry at the airport - it's too late if you
>miss the opportunity, and your ability to go to some dive sites will be
>severy restricted if you don't. Visas are around £12 and valid for a
>fortnight.

Damn, already done it. Oh well. Thanks for info on the Comprehensive
Visa though.

Cheers
Dazza

Ken

"Dazza" <lemons@apples.tippy.org> wrote in message
news:io6b731fuu6p91jg024nffv61hn9321mun@4ax.com...
> On Sun, 17 Jun 2007 20:37:05 +0100, "Ken" <ken@k1at.freeserve.co.uk>
> wrote:
>
>>I don't think you'll have time to organise one between now and Sunday.
>
> Yeah I thought that. Thanks for the confirmation.
>
>>> Will the operators ask for medical/see log book etc to see what I've
>>> been doing?
>>
>>If they don't - run away
>
> OK good tip. Need to organise a medical quick then, dont have my cert.
> Log book up to date though.

err . . hang on. I'm not prying, it's noine of my business. IF you can
honestly self-certify, there's no need for a medical. You will be familiar
with the PADI disclaimer form - as long as you're not going to have to
answer YES to any of the questions, you won't need a medical - but you will
know the answer to THAT question. I don;t know that you need a specific
diving medical though. If, forexample, you;re on tablets for high blood
pressure and your GP is sarisfied thatr all is well and under control, a
letter from him / her to the effect that in his / her opinion you are fit to
dive recreationally within no-deco limits then all SHOULD be OK. Again, you
could always email (or for speedy responses, 'phone) the dive op at that
end.



>
>>There is a jetty at Sharks Bay from which a number of operators will work.
>>See who's working out of your hotel - from a logistics point of view they
>>will be the easiest to go with. You may be able to pre-book your diving
>>from
>>here by email, and save yourself a few ££ by doing so.
>
> I tried finding out from the hotel who the dive operator is, no such
> luck. Hotel email address bounces...! Damn Airtours..

Get in touch with Airtours, they may well know who, if, works out of the
hotel they use. What IS the hotel you're stating at? It may well be someone
on the NG knows it!



>
>>You are very close to
>>the Tiran Strait so you have some of the best diving in the area on your
>>doorstep. What suit thickness you need is purely a personal choice, to do
>>with heat / cold tolerance more than anything else. Water temps at this
>>time
>>of year there will be mid to high 20s.
>
> Aaah ok, thats good to know. Thanks.

Have a look at a map of the Sinai. It's a triangle, with the apex downward.
You are just a bit up from the tip on the right hand side as you look at it.
The Strait of Tiran (Tiran Island opposite your place) is the entrance to
the Gulf of Aqaba which goes al the way up to the (tiny) bit of Israeli
coast on the Red Sea (Eilat) and the only bit of coast that Jordan has
(Aqaba). The far side of the gulf is all Saudi Arabia. The Strait itself is
almost closed off by four reefs (upon which lie some old wrecks!) along
which there is superb diving. You're spoilt for choice. Most of the diving
will be on the southern side of the reefs, as the prevailing northerly wind
makes for some choppy conditions on the northern side. However if you get a
chance to dive the north side, in the event the wind has had a change of
heart, do so. As the northern side is relatively rarely dived it is far less
touched by snorkellers' hands. Speaking of which BTW - do NOT pack gloves.
Diving with gloves is prohibited - makes it less likely you'll want to touch
anything (which might sting back!)




>
>>Have you ever been to te Red Sea before?
>
> Never. First time there.

Unless you're very used to tropical reefs, prepare to be amazed.



>
>>The norm in the Sharm area is for
>>the boats to go out for the whole day, with lunch on board for around 40LE
>>(that's £4 per day for all food and drink). Some hotels have shore access,
>>and if yours is one and there's a dive centre at your hotel you may be
>>able
>>to get some dives on the hotel reef. Inevitably this is rather worn down
>>by
>>the snorkellers and the dorks who insist on walking on the reef itself -
>>but
>>the convenience is superb.
>
> hmm ok, could be good to look out for though.
>
>>Don't change any foreign currency here -do it there, it's cheaper. Also
>>get
>>yourself a comprehensive Visa on entry at the airport - it's too late if
>>you
>>miss the opportunity, and your ability to go to some dive sites will be
>>severy restricted if you don't. Visas are around £12 and valid for a
>>fortnight.
>
> Damn, already done it. Oh well. Thanks for info on the Comprehensive
> Visa though.

Enjoy. I'm off to Sharm for my seventh visit in a fortnight's time, dragging
my 17 yr old son along for his third trip there. I have yet to tire of it,
having for the last two visits never dived a site I have not dived before.
Actually I stated packing tonight. I'm like a small child. It's tempting to
sit watching tv with mask and fins on! BTW I'm 48. I tend to act my shoe
size, not my age.

Ken

Mick Whittingham

In article <j10b73l7eblbt0foanofrb880pd2ctesf2@4ax.com>, Dazza
<lemons@apples.tippy.org> writes



Adding to the other contributions as I was there 2 weeks ago:

>
>As it's been 5 months since last dive, should I seriously consider a
>refresher course?

All the dive outfits I have dived with out there start off with a
check-out dive.

The larger outfits will give you a choice of boats and locations which
you can match to your skill level. Out of 14 days I only dived from the
same boat twice.
>
>Will the operators ask for medical/see log book etc to see what I've
>been doing?

I've never been asked for a medical although I get and carry a new one
every year and only a Nitrox card if I wanted Nitrox and a dive card of
some sort.

When you arrive and enter the airport building on the left are some
local bank booths. They sell you a double stamp visa for £10 or 20 US
dollars. If you don't get a visa you are limited to the areas you can
dive, ie local to Sharm, not the Ras Mohamed Park end, or further etc.
You can't go back and get a Visa once you have left the airport.

>
>Who to go with/who should I avoid? Are trips from the hotels any good?

Lots of places offering diving services. My last two visits I dived with
The Red Sea Dive College in Naama and I can recommend them.

>Will a 5mm suit be too warm? (yes I generally feel the cold).

I was diving in a 5mm shorty with sleeves my wife in a full 3mm one
piece. No probs generally with getting cold but at 30+ meters my knees
were getting a bit cold to the end of the dive.
>
>Generally looking for any tips/advice. Anytihng you can help me with
>would be appreciated.

Do not drink the tap water OR clean your teeth in it regardless of what
you have been told. Drink loads and loads of bottled water, 3 of 4
litres a day on top of your beer consumption. 6 litres cost 6 to 7
Egyptian pounds. Some small super markets will try to rip you off. ie
the one next to the big car park in Naama across from the Tourist police
office. The guy there will try every trick there is: Short change, over
charging, if you're new there he'll give you change in pelastas instead
of EL.

Get a small bottle of medical hand wash gel from Boots to take with you,
for use after you have left the loo and before meals. Helps keep the
Sharm Sh*ts away. As does drinking lots of water to keep you hydrated.
>
If you book a trip ie quad biking in the desert, it with cost you twice
as much through the travel rep than going to the same company direct.

Any thing specific, just ask.
--
Mick Whittingham
'and I will make it a felony to drink small beer.'
William Shakespeare, Henry VI part 2.

SW

"Dazza" <lemons@apples.tippy.org> wrote in message
news:j10b73l7eblbt0foanofrb880pd2ctesf2@4ax.com...
> Hello All,
>
> I'm off to the Red Sea next Sunday with the better half and while
> she's sunning herself, I'm hoping to to do some diving.
>
> I'm PADI AOW (not that it means a great deal I know). Been about 5
> months since my last dive in Thailand.
>
> As it's been 5 months since last dive, should I seriously consider a
> refresher course?
>
> Will the operators ask for medical/see log book etc to see what I've
> been doing?
>
> Who to go with/who should I avoid? Are trips from the hotels any good?
> Will a 5mm suit be too warm? (yes I generally feel the cold).
>
> Generally looking for any tips/advice. Anytihng you can help me with
> would be appreciated.
>
> Cheers
> Dazza.
>
>
> --
> Please reply to group.
> Email address is spam trapped.

Dazza

I've been to Sharm once, I'm a trainee diver (soon to be SAA Club Diver), I
absolutely loved it. I stayed in Shark's Bay Hilton. I can recommend the
dive club that operates from there, they're called Sinai Dive Club
(www.dive-club.com). The website is a bit naff and it doesn't say much about
Shark's Bay, but the dive guides there are good, and they all speak good
English (some are English, but they're from all over). The "house reef" is
amazing and is a very relaxing dive with loads of wildlife.

As Ken said, prepare to be amazed!

Steve

Dazza

On Sun, 17 Jun 2007 22:33:21 +0100, "Ken" <ken@k1at.freeserve.co.uk>
wrote:

>err . . hang on. I'm not prying, it's noine of my business. IF you can
>honestly self-certify, there's no need for a medical. You will be familiar
>with the PADI disclaimer form - as long as you're not going to have to
>answer YES to any of the questions, you won't need a medical - but you will
>know the answer to THAT question.

Good point about the self certify. Totally forgot about that. The last
one I did in Florida didn't ask me to fill one out.....hmmm. I've got
a copy of the form (the op sent it me!). Dont need to tick anything on
there. No medication or anything.

The main reason I'm askling about medicals is a friend of mine didn't
have a medical form when he went and the op wouldn't let him dive. I
got the impression it was a standard thing required for Egypt or
something. It seems not.

>I don;t know that you need a specific
>diving medical though. If, forexample, you;re on tablets for high blood
>pressure and your GP is sarisfied thatr all is well and under control, a
>letter from him / her to the effect that in his / her opinion you are fit to
>dive recreationally within no-deco limits then all SHOULD be OK. Again, you
>could always email (or for speedy responses, 'phone) the dive op at that
>end.

I've managed to get hold of one dive op who have been really good at
telling me what they require. So I'm happy and good to go.

>Get in touch with Airtours, they may well know who, if, works out of the
>hotel they use. What IS the hotel you're stating at? It may well be someone
>on the NG knows it!

Sol Sharm in Sharks Bay...anybody?

>Have a look at a map of the Sinai. It's a triangle, with the apex downward.
>You are just a bit up from the tip on the right hand side as you look at it.
>The Strait of Tiran (Tiran Island opposite your place) is the entrance to
>the Gulf of Aqaba which goes al the way up to the (tiny) bit of Israeli
>coast on the Red Sea (Eilat) and the only bit of coast that Jordan has
>(Aqaba). The far side of the gulf is all Saudi Arabia. The Strait itself is
>almost closed off by four reefs (upon which lie some old wrecks!) along
>which there is superb diving. You're spoilt for choice. Most of the diving
>will be on the southern side of the reefs, as the prevailing northerly wind
>makes for some choppy conditions on the northern side. However if you get a
>chance to dive the north side, in the event the wind has had a change of
>heart, do so. As the northern side is relatively rarely dived it is far less
>touched by snorkellers' hands. Speaking of which BTW - do NOT pack gloves.
>Diving with gloves is prohibited - makes it less likely you'll want to touch
>anything (which might sting back!)

>>>Have you ever been to te Red Sea before?
>>
>> Never. First time there.
>
>Unless you're very used to tropical reefs, prepare to be amazed.

I certified off the barrier reef, was pretty amazing stuff. haven't
seen anything that colourful since then so really looking forward to
it.

>Enjoy. I'm off to Sharm for my seventh visit in a fortnight's time, dragging
>my 17 yr old son along for his third trip there. I have yet to tire of it,
>having for the last two visits never dived a site I have not dived before.
>Actually I stated packing tonight. I'm like a small child. It's tempting to
>sit watching tv with mask and fins on! BTW I'm 48. I tend to act my shoe
>size, not my age.

Can't wait! Wont be taking any pics, but will try and remember to
report back on my experience.

Cheers
Dazza.

Dazza

On Mon, 18 Jun 2007 11:51:21 +0100, "Rick Hughes"
<rick_hughes@btconnect.com> wrote:

>> As it's been 5 months since last dive, should I seriously consider a
>> refresher course?
>
>If you feel confident in the water then no.

I thought so, always been pretty happy under water.

>> Who to go with/who should I avoid? Are trips from the hotels any good?
>> Will a 5mm suit be too warm? (yes I generally feel the cold).
>
>yes ... I was there a month ago in a 2.5mm suit and that was certainly warm
>enough ... even for 40m dives.

OK, was just wondering whether to bother packing my suit. Maybe not.

>Dives out to Tiran from Sharks Bay are ideal as you save about an hour on
>the boats from Travco .... so you should be there before they arrive ...
>although go for some gentle drift dives first before you go for a high speed
>fly-by, has superb fast drift dives on Thomas Reef ... great fun.
>The wreck of the Kormoran out at Tiran is a great 'intro dive' if you have
>not dived a wreck before ... serious big boys playground, the whole ship
>burst open and over a huge area, winches, masts, steel plates .... great to
>explore, massive table coral formations, the dive is shallow (max 10m) and
>about as safe as it gets for a wreck dive.
>
>Don't forget the snorkeling in Sharks bay ... the place is teeming with Lion
>fish ... and as they are so shallow, great photo opportunity for you.

Good tip, the Mrs will love that! :-)

Cheers
Dazza

Dazza

On Mon, 18 Jun 2007 13:24:10 +0100, Mick Whittingham
<Mick@whittinghamsite.fsnet.co.uk> wrote:

>All the dive outfits I have dived with out there start off with a
>check-out dive.

Aaah ok, thats a good idea. Suppose it gives them a good idea of where
people are up to.

>I've never been asked for a medical although I get and carry a new one
>every year and only a Nitrox card if I wanted Nitrox and a dive card of
>some sort.
>
>When you arrive and enter the airport building on the left are some
>local bank booths. They sell you a double stamp visa for £10 or 20 US
>dollars. If you don't get a visa you are limited to the areas you can
>dive, ie local to Sharm, not the Ras Mohamed Park end, or further etc.
>You can't go back and get a Visa once you have left the airport.

Hmm ok. Worthwhile knowing. Must try and remember that one.

>>Will a 5mm suit be too warm? (yes I generally feel the cold).
>
>I was diving in a 5mm shorty with sleeves my wife in a full 3mm one
>piece. No probs generally with getting cold but at 30+ meters my knees
>were getting a bit cold to the end of the dive.

OK, mines a full 5mm. Quite nice for the med, sounding like might be a
tad warm for their.

>Do not drink the tap water OR clean your teeth in it regardless of what
>you have been told. Drink loads and loads of bottled water, 3 of 4
>litres a day on top of your beer consumption. 6 litres cost 6 to 7
>Egyptian pounds. Some small super markets will try to rip you off. ie
>the one next to the big car park in Naama across from the Tourist police
>office. The guy there will try every trick there is: Short change, over
>charging, if you're new there he'll give you change in pelastas instead
>of EL.

I've heard the water thing quite alot, hope I dont dont back ill.

>Get a small bottle of medical hand wash gel from Boots to take with you,
>for use after you have left the loo and before meals. Helps keep the
>Sharm Sh*ts away. As does drinking lots of water to keep you hydrated.

OK, that one's on the list.

>If you book a trip ie quad biking in the desert, it with cost you twice
>as much through the travel rep than going to the same company direct.

OK, another good one. Will have a look into that.

Cheers
Dazza.

Hank

On Mon, 18 Jun 2007 22:52:43 +0100, Hank
<henry.race@NONOODLESHEREbtconnect.com> yelled "I'm in love with the
modern world" before writing:

One more thing, there's a hotel at the bottom of Naama Bay called the
Lido. Keep walking down, past the casinos on your left, you'll pass
the Werner Lau dive school and you want to take a left just past
there. It'll bring you to the open air restaurant. They have a big
jetty/decked are which goes out over the water where you can it, eat,
chill etc etc. At night they shine lights onto the water and there
are *hundreds* of lion fish swimming round in the shallow water there
as a consequence. Lots of pipe fish too. The food's not bad either.
Don't miss it.
_______________________________

Hank

"Ready everyone? Mambo!!"

Ken

"Dazza" <lemons@apples.tippy.org> wrote in message
news:43pd735ipm7729tbnv1b9gkmqip39rpqo2@4ax.com...
> On Sun, 17 Jun 2007 22:33:21 +0100, "Ken" <ken@k1at.freeserve.co.uk>
> wrote:
>
>>err . . hang on. I'm not prying, it's noine of my business. IF you can
>>honestly self-certify, there's no need for a medical. You will be familiar
>>with the PADI disclaimer form - as long as you're not going to have to
>>answer YES to any of the questions, you won't need a medical - but you
>>will
>>know the answer to THAT question.
>
> Good point about the self certify. Totally forgot about that. The last
> one I did in Florida didn't ask me to fill one out.....hmmm. I've got
> a copy of the form (the op sent it me!). Dont need to tick anything on
> there. No medication or anything.
>
> The main reason I'm askling about medicals is a friend of mine didn't
> have a medical form when he went and the op wouldn't let him dive. I
> got the impression it was a standard thing required for Egypt or
> something. It seems not.

Self-cert is all I've ver done, all I've ever seen anyone do. The only times
medicals were involved were when divers reported odd symptoms after diving,
when Ocean College would NOT take them out again unless and until they'd
been cleared by a dive medic locally.



>
>>I don;t know that you need a specific
>>diving medical though. If, forexample, you;re on tablets for high blood
>>pressure and your GP is sarisfied thatr all is well and under control, a
>>letter from him / her to the effect that in his / her opinion you are fit
>>to
>>dive recreationally within no-deco limits then all SHOULD be OK. Again,
>>you
>>could always email (or for speedy responses, 'phone) the dive op at that
>>end.
>
> I've managed to get hold of one dive op who have been really good at
> telling me what they require. So I'm happy and good to go.
>
>>Get in touch with Airtours, they may well know who, if, works out of the
>>hotel they use. What IS the hotel you're stating at? It may well be
>>someone
>>on the NG knows it!
>
> Sol Sharm in Sharks Bay...anybody?

It's a new one in Shark's Bay - no idea if there's a dive op in it. Wouldn't
be surprised if there was! Have good trip.

Ken

Mick Whittingham

In article <hsvd73t2m8u0s7qev8rd4p7po2o202tf4r@4ax.com>, Hank
<henry.race@NONOODLESHEREbtconnect.com> writes
>On Mon, 18 Jun 2007 22:52:43 +0100, Hank
><henry.race@NONOODLESHEREbtconnect.com> yelled "I'm in love with the
>modern world" before writing:
>
>One more thing, there's a hotel at the bottom of Naama Bay called the
>Lido. Keep walking down, past the casinos on your left, you'll pass
>the Werner Lau dive school and you want to take a left just past
>there. It'll bring you to the open air restaurant.

It's called 'On Deck'. I've stayed at the Helnan Marina which is the
hotel Werner Lau is in front of.

http://www.123cam.com/travel.php?var...ernerlau.com/e
gypt/webcam.htm

>They have a big
>jetty/decked are which goes out over the water where you can it, eat,
>chill etc etc. At night they shine lights onto the water and there
>are *hundreds* of lion fish swimming round in the shallow water there
>as a consequence. Lots of pipe fish too. The food's not bad either.
>Don't miss it.

All the lion fish hide under the deck during the day time on the bay
side near the steps to the water.
--
Mick Whittingham
'and I will make it a felony to drink small beer.'
William Shakespeare, Henry VI part 2.

Rick Hughes

visa is £10 or $15 or 15? ....
I take USD to buy as that is about £7.5 compared to £10


"Mick Whittingham" <Mick@whittinghamsite.fsnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:ER4trhEqlndGFwa2@whittinghamsite.fsnet.co.uk. ..
> In article <j10b73l7eblbt0foanofrb880pd2ctesf2@4ax.com>, Dazza
> <lemons@apples.tippy.org> writes
>
>
>
> Adding to the other contributions as I was there 2 weeks ago:
>
>>
>>As it's been 5 months since last dive, should I seriously consider a
>>refresher course?
>
> All the dive outfits I have dived with out there start off with a
> check-out dive.
>
> The larger outfits will give you a choice of boats and locations which you
> can match to your skill level. Out of 14 days I only dived from the same
> boat twice.
>>
>>Will the operators ask for medical/see log book etc to see what I've
>>been doing?
>
> I've never been asked for a medical although I get and carry a new one
> every year and only a Nitrox card if I wanted Nitrox and a dive card of
> some sort.
>
> When you arrive and enter the airport building on the left are some local
> bank booths. They sell you a double stamp visa for £10 or 20 US dollars.
> If you don't get a visa you are limited to the areas you can dive, ie
> local to Sharm, not the Ras Mohamed Park end, or further etc. You can't go
> back and get a Visa once you have left the airport.
>
>>
>>Who to go with/who should I avoid? Are trips from the hotels any good?
>
> Lots of places offering diving services. My last two visits I dived with
> The Red Sea Dive College in Naama and I can recommend them.
>
>>Will a 5mm suit be too warm? (yes I generally feel the cold).
>
> I was diving in a 5mm shorty with sleeves my wife in a full 3mm one piece.
> No probs generally with getting cold but at 30+ meters my knees were
> getting a bit cold to the end of the dive.
>>
>>Generally looking for any tips/advice. Anytihng you can help me with
>>would be appreciated.
>
> Do not drink the tap water OR clean your teeth in it regardless of what
> you have been told. Drink loads and loads of bottled water, 3 of 4 litres
> a day on top of your beer consumption. 6 litres cost 6 to 7 Egyptian
> pounds. Some small super markets will try to rip you off. ie the one next
> to the big car park in Naama across from the Tourist police office. The
> guy there will try every trick there is: Short change, over charging, if
> you're new there he'll give you change in pelastas instead of EL.
>
> Get a small bottle of medical hand wash gel from Boots to take with you,
> for use after you have left the loo and before meals. Helps keep the Sharm
> Sh*ts away. As does drinking lots of water to keep you hydrated.
>>
> If you book a trip ie quad biking in the desert, it with cost you twice as
> much through the travel rep than going to the same company direct.
>
> Any thing specific, just ask.
> --
> Mick Whittingham
> 'and I will make it a felony to drink small beer.'
> William Shakespeare, Henry VI part 2.

Baz

"Dazza" <lemons@apples.tippy.org> wrote in message
news:j10b73l7eblbt0foanofrb880pd2ctesf2@4ax.com...
> Hello All,
>
> I'm off to the Red Sea next Sunday with the better half and while
> she's sunning herself, I'm hoping to to do some diving.
>
> I'm PADI AOW (not that it means a great deal I know). Been about 5
> months since my last dive in Thailand.
>
> As it's been 5 months since last dive, should I seriously consider a
> refresher course?
>
> Will the operators ask for medical/see log book etc to see what I've
> been doing?
>
> Who to go with/who should I avoid? Are trips from the hotels any good?
> Will a 5mm suit be too warm? (yes I generally feel the cold).
>
> Generally looking for any tips/advice. Anytihng you can help me with
> would be appreciated.
>
> Cheers
> Dazza.
>
>
> --
> Please reply to group.
> Email address is spam trapped.

Hi Dazza.
I was in Sharm Christmas 2005/06 and Summer 2006 .
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...05150492009104
Shows us during our first trip doing our first ever OW dives.
We did two shore dives at Sharks Bay to do our Skills for OW Certs.
When we went back in the summer we also had two Boat Trips out to the reefs
from Sharks Bay.
Any of the operators will pick you up and take to Naama Bay for trips out to
the Ras Mohamed Park.
We used Dive Africa diveafrica.com

Have Fun.
Baz

Dazza

Hi Guys,

Well, I'm back from Sharm and I have to say some of the best diving
I've done, really enjoyed it. Thanks for all your tips.

Especially the anitbac hand wash! Didn't quite save me though, I did
end up with an upset tummy, luckily it didn't need any medication to
clear. Probably because of the rediculous amount of water I was
drinking.

In the end I went with the dive shop on site with the hotel. Mr.
Diver, who have several places around situated in hotels around the
area. Probably a tad more expensive than the others. They all spoke
perfect English, mainly as there where some English guys working
there. The rest of the staff being South African or Italian.

To start out with they required a check dive. I went to Sharks Bay to
do a dive from shore with an instructor. The shore dropped off to
around 30m but we max'd at 20. Just a leisurely dive to check they
where happy with what I was doing. Made sure I could set the kit up,
buddy check, boyancy check, safety stop etc.

For the second lot I went out to Sharks Reef/Yolande. Then the
Dunraven (almost a drift down the outside then swim up through
sections on the way back) then Ras Umm Sid.

Sealife spotted included large schools of Baracuda, a number of large
Humphead Napoloeon Wrass, Lion Fish and one particular site at Ras Umm
Sid with literally hundreds of Glass Fish plus lots of the other usual
culprits.

I commented I was worried my 5mm semidry would be too warm. In fact I
found for me, in 28deg water to be spot on and was thankful for it on
the 3rd dive.

Overall a thoroughly enjoyable holiday and diving and I think I'll be
looking to go back towards the end of the year.

Thanks again guys.
Dazza.

Keith Manning

"Dazza" <lemons@apples.tippy.org> wrote in message
news:9tlp83t5hgclhbol7s1lhev0gh7v8djur7@4ax.com...
> Hi Guys,
>
> Well, I'm back from Sharm and I have to say some of the best diving
> I've done, really enjoyed it. Thanks for all your tips.
>
> Especially the anitbac hand wash! Didn't quite save me though, I did
> end up with an upset tummy, luckily it didn't need any medication to
> clear. Probably because of the rediculous amount of water I was
> drinking.
>
> In the end I went with the dive shop on site with the hotel. Mr.
> Diver, who have several places around situated in hotels around the
> area. Probably a tad more expensive than the others. They all spoke
> perfect English, mainly as there where some English guys working
> there. The rest of the staff being South African or Italian.
>
> To start out with they required a check dive. I went to Sharks Bay to
> do a dive from shore with an instructor. The shore dropped off to
> around 30m but we max'd at 20. Just a leisurely dive to check they
> where happy with what I was doing. Made sure I could set the kit up,
> buddy check, boyancy check, safety stop etc.
>
> For the second lot I went out to Sharks Reef/Yolande. Then the
> Dunraven (almost a drift down the outside then swim up through
> sections on the way back) then Ras Umm Sid.
>
> Sealife spotted included large schools of Baracuda, a number of large
> Humphead Napoloeon Wrass, Lion Fish and one particular site at Ras Umm
> Sid with literally hundreds of Glass Fish plus lots of the other usual
> culprits.
>
> I commented I was worried my 5mm semidry would be too warm. In fact I
> found for me, in 28deg water to be spot on and was thankful for it on
> the 3rd dive.
>
> Overall a thoroughly enjoyable holiday and diving and I think I'll be
> looking to go back towards the end of the year.
>
> Thanks again guys.
> Dazza.

Interesting report, thanks for sharing it. I want to get there sometime
soon.

Keith

paulus

"Dazza" <lemons@apples.tippy.org> wrote in message
news:9tlp83t5hgclhbol7s1lhev0gh7v8djur7@4ax.com...
> Hi Guys,

> In the end I went with the dive shop on site with the hotel. Mr.
> Diver, who have several places around situated in hotels around the
> area. Probably a tad more expensive than the others. They all spoke
> perfect English, mainly as there where some English guys working
> there. The rest of the staff being South African or Italian.
>

Hi Dazza,
Nice to see you enjoyed the diving.
I'm having two weeks over chrimbo and new year at sharks bay. The hotel I'm
booked in has Mr. Diver as the on site dive outfit. I looked at their (Mr.
Diver) web site and wasn't too impressed to be honest. I was happy to see
your report though. I feel a bit happier. Still I don't need to use the in
house outfit. Plenty to choose from outside the hotel!!

So I wonder which hotel were you at? I know Mr. Diver are spread all over
the show so it might not be the same hotel as I'm going to. And I know that
the same company can have vastly different opperations at different sites.
All it need is one jerk of a DM/Instructor to spoil the day.

I stayed at Sharks Bay Hilton 3 years back and enjoyed the dive company
there. Top hotel also.

Stayed at the Club Fanara at Ras Um Sid 2 years back and found some nice
diving off the shore. Ras Um Sid site being a shore dive obviously!! Hotel
was good.

I did a liveaboard last year and saw all the top wrecks on the northern
route. The only one we missed was the Kingston. The rib handler misread the
current. Never saw the wreck!! Hell of a drift though.

I was booked to go on a liveaboard this year but our club fell apart and
most of us cancelled.

Day boats are hard work sometimes, depending on how the opperator runs the
show.

Paulus

Ken

"Dazza" <lemons@apples.tippy.org> wrote in message
news:9tlp83t5hgclhbol7s1lhev0gh7v8djur7@4ax.com...
> Hi Guys,
>
> Well, I'm back from Sharm and I have to say some of the best diving
> I've done, really enjoyed it. Thanks for all your tips.
>
> Especially the anitbac hand wash! Didn't quite save me though, I did
> end up with an upset tummy, luckily it didn't need any medication to
> clear. Probably because of the rediculous amount of water I was
> drinking.
>
> In the end I went with the dive shop on site with the hotel. Mr.
> Diver, who have several places around situated in hotels around the
> area. Probably a tad more expensive than the others. They all spoke
> perfect English, mainly as there where some English guys working
> there. The rest of the staff being South African or Italian.
>
> To start out with they required a check dive. I went to Sharks Bay to
> do a dive from shore with an instructor. The shore dropped off to
> around 30m but we max'd at 20. Just a leisurely dive to check they
> where happy with what I was doing. Made sure I could set the kit up,
> buddy check, boyancy check, safety stop etc.
>
> For the second lot I went out to Sharks Reef/Yolande. Then the
> Dunraven (almost a drift down the outside then swim up through
> sections on the way back) then Ras Umm Sid.
>
> Sealife spotted included large schools of Baracuda, a number of large
> Humphead Napoloeon Wrass, Lion Fish and one particular site at Ras Umm
> Sid with literally hundreds of Glass Fish plus lots of the other usual
> culprits.
>
> I commented I was worried my 5mm semidry would be too warm. In fact I
> found for me, in 28deg water to be spot on and was thankful for it on
> the 3rd dive.
>
> Overall a thoroughly enjoyable holiday and diving and I think I'll be
> looking to go back towards the end of the year.

Glad to learn you had a good time. I just arrived back from Sharm last
night. I went with Explorers, stayed at the Ocean Bay and dived with Ocean
College (same people I think - very cosy). This was my 7th trip with them,
and obvfiously happy or I wouldn't have gone so often with the same outfit.

One thing though - I think you need a new butcher! 5mm in 28ºC? That's a
boil-in-the-bag recipe! I spent my entire week's diving wearing my swim
shorts and a T shirt.

Ken

Robyn

Hi Ken,

> One thing though - I think you need a new butcher! 5mm in 28ºC? That's a
> boil-in-the-bag recipe! I spent my entire week's diving wearing my swim
> shorts and a T shirt.

Personally I would disagree with your comment Ken. Depending on a person's
build, 5mm is about right for 28c.

Although a semi-dry is a little OTT for most people.

I have found that those who are of slim build and wearing a T-Shirt, tend to
be very heavy breathers under the water.

Whereas for myself, I love dives which are over the normal 40mins, aiming
for 1hr+ instead.

Just my 2p,
Robyn

Ken

"Robyn" <spam@eclipse.co.uk> wrote in message
news:rbSdnVi0tbBd7A7bnZ2dnUVZ8sCsnZ2d@eclipse.net. uk...
> Hi Ken,
>
>> One thing though - I think you need a new butcher! 5mm in 28ºC? That's a
>> boil-in-the-bag recipe! I spent my entire week's diving wearing my swim
>> shorts and a T shirt.
>
> Personally I would disagree with your comment Ken. Depending on a
> person's build, 5mm is about right for 28c.
>
> Although a semi-dry is a little OTT for most people.
>
> I have found that those who are of slim build and wearing a T-Shirt, tend
> to be very heavy breathers under the water.
>
> Whereas for myself, I love dives which are over the normal 40mins, aiming
> for 1hr+ instead.
>
> Just my 2p,

Hey, to each their own. The correct thickness to wear is whatever you're
comfy with. Personally I have always been far more comfortable in conditions
which most others find a bit chilly. During my week there I dived three
dives each day, of an hour's duration each give or take 5mins. All these
were in a T shirt and I never once felt cold. Instead, I went for swims off
the back of the boat between dives in order to keep cool. The AC in my room
was kept at a v comfortable 16ºC (minimum setting) throughout my stay. A few
years ago I went for a week's diving to Tenerife in Feb. The water was at
17ºC, and I wore a 3mm wetsuit - toasty! My SAC is around 12-15 most dives.

The joys of bioprene!

Ken