Handi-Divers: Recent Comments

Comment on Quad snorkeling in Oahu

2009-07-20T11:47:18Z

If you want to find really still water around Hawaii, you'd enjoy Molokini Crater off the coast of Maui. It's an old volcanic crater that's lower on one side than the other so it looks like a crescent on the surface. It's sheltered from the waves and currents and it's a fantastic place for snorkeling.

Comment on Quad snorkeling in Oahu

2009-07-20T11:28:53Z

The Hawaiian Islands are surrounded by the blue Pacific Ocean, with its many shades of blue reflecting off the sandy
bottom or living corral reefs. Snorkeling is one the few events that allows you to totally immerse yourself in the ocean to view its natural beauty, of course 76 degree water temperature all year round is not so bad either. On Oahu try our local favorite at Captain Bob’s, on the Big Island, the Deluxe Dolphin Snorkel Sail.

Comment on Quad snorkeling in Oahu

2009-07-03T02:45:22Z

Hi and thanks for the note. Yes, I wanted to go again this year. The girl I'm dating has three kids, so I'm focusing on them instead now. I did some dry suit qualifications in Ventura last month, which was really fun. I still dive Hawaii too, of course. The Dive Pirates are great, I promote them where ever I go. I'm glad to hear you are still diving with them. I'm sure they had another fantastic time.
Cheers!

Comment on Quad snorkeling in Oahu

2009-07-02T17:17:42Z

Hey Pete... just wanted to say hello. Hope all is well... and we missed you this year on the Brac.
Much Love!
Jose

Comment on Quad snorkeling in Oahu

2009-06-24T02:36:33Z

Hi, I am in the same position as your husband... Or at least I was when I first went there with my wife (about five years ago.) I congratulate you on your marriage and I wish you all the best.

I would start slow and get used to enjoying what a beautiful place Oahu is (assuming that is where you are going.) Swimming on the beach is a good way to start and he may feel that is as far as he wants to push it this time. Waikiki is an easy place to start. The next step, actually snorkeling, would be good too. I suggest Hanuama bay but there are other possibilities too. Yes, abrasions are a concern anywhere we talk about coral. For protection, a wetsuit is good but it does get hot if you are not actually diving.

There is also an activity call SNUBA. Part snorkeling, part scuba. This is great activity with special tours. I haven't done this yet because I already dive, but it looks like a lot of fun for people not yet ready to plunge into scuba.

Your husband may find scuba (or snuba) to be more rewarding than snorkeling because of his concern for abrasions. Diving off a boat provides greater protection from abrasions than shore activities, in my opinion. I say this because when we take a boat out, you start out away from everything and then get as close as you want. With shore based activities, the coral could be an obstacle.

He may be happy with just swimming. I find swimming and snorkeling to be about the same level of risk/reward. I feel that scuba is really the way to open up the undersea world, especially somewhere like Hawaii. In the Caribbean, snorkeling is probably more rewarding than Hawaii because of the warmer temps.

You may want to also think about Maui. It's less populated and the snorkeling may be better than Hawaii, I really can't say because I never looked at any of these places from a snorkeling stand point.

In any case, I think Hawaii is a great destination for all these types of activities, even if a person is paralyzed. A person has to take things at their own pace and do what they feel comfortable with, when they are ready.

Again, best wishes for a happy and safe holiday.
-Pete, Manager Handi-Divers,llc

Comment on Quad snorkeling in Oahu

2009-06-23T23:08:40Z

Hi! This was very helpful! My husband and I are returning to Oahu for our second trip this year! Our first was in May and was for our Honeymoon. We did most attractions (PCC, Pearl Harbor, Etc) and didn't spend too much time actually at the beach.

My husband is a paraplegic. This time we're going with our family and they definately want to go snorkeling. My husband is worried and refuses to try to snorkel because we don't have any health insurance. He thinks that if he goes snorkeling that he'll cut his legs on some coral then get infected and we'll end up with some outrageous ER bill. (*knock on wood)

You wrote about how relatively safe Hanauma Bay is. This time my bigger brothers will be there to provide some help. Last time we borrowed a beach wheelchair from Fort DeRussy Beach. I was able to manage everything on my own except trying to push him back up from the water, I'm only 5'2.

What are your suggestions so that maybe I can convince my husband to try snorkeling. He is in great shape and is very active. He's just worried about a possible trip to the ER.

I also found surfing through www.AccesSurfHawaii.org. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Comment on Question from a Mom who is investigating best options for her son

2008-06-27T00:53:25Z

Wow, that was very helpful - Thank you so much. I have called the instructor you mentioned and left him a message. I also found a guy in Garland (using the HSA website you sent me) who is an instructor who is going to help us. We have a pool at our home, and he is willing to come and do a lot of the teaching here. Then they will all go on a trip to this dive lake we have about 3 hours away, that has a
sunken ship and car and get the rest of his certification. It is great because my husband will do everything along with him and will know how to help and what to do with my son. He is very excited and I am glad they are going to have something that is just "their thing" if you know what I mean.

If you are even in our area, please let me know, we would love to meet you.
My son's injury is at T5 so I bet y'all ave a lot of things in common.

Thanks again!
Concerned Mom

Comment on Dive Pirates in Cayman Brac

2008-06-25T16:17:17Z

Here's a link to the photos from this trip, provided courtesy of Gardiner, Dive Pirates Director http://picasaweb.google.com/SunkenSailor/DivePiratesBracReef2008?authkey=p-wr9INyDkU

Comment on Dive Pirates in Cayman Brac

2008-06-23T05:35:59Z

Caymen Brac Trip 2008

This was my first year with the Dive Pirates and it has been the best thing to happen since my injury. I used to dive extensively prior while I was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and had been all around the Pacific including the Barrier Reef. This trip rates up there as one of the best.

The staff on the boats were very helpful in and off the boats and made my reentry into the ocean after 7 yrs a smooth transition. Every dive seemed to be as good as if not better than the next. Clear visibility, lots of species.
The resort was very accommodating to wheelchairs. I had a roll in shower and my only complaint was that the doorway to the bathroom could have been wider. Excellent buffet meals. If you want nightlife however I suggest the larger island.

The Dive Pirates group are an excellent bunch. Mostly vets. I was on the boat with Pete and after seeing him get around with his scooter, I'm definitely going to go that route on my next trip.

Comment on Dive Pirates in Cayman Brac

2008-06-17T04:29:56Z

Here's a link to the Youtube from last year's trip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6NXe_ANl1o&feature=related