Ice Pond

Vacation dive trips are always the best... the people you meet, the stories they share, and the things you see. This trip had 4 of us, plus the dive master. Chris, my dive partner was originally from Vail, Colorado and had just recently moved to the Big Island. The other two (Pete and Anya) were from China/LA and Australia...respectively.
Our dive master, Gabe, has lived all over the world...places like the Philippines & Thailand; but the amazing fact was that he was not only familiar with Brainerd but was "family" with the Mosiers (Chad and his Dad, Scott). He basically grew up with Chad and lived with him for years in Colorado.
This trip was designed as a 2 tank dive, meaning you'll go out for the duration of the first tank and then come back to shore (or the boat... whichever the case). Multiple dives are always given some time in between to allow the body to expel excess nitrogen in the blood and typically lasts about 30-45 minutes.
This dive was considered a "walk-in"... as opposed to a boat drop. We suited up and walked out to the edge of the lava beach where we would sit down to put on the fins. With everything on now, we wait for the tide to roll in and then we "face plant" into the water and let the tide pull us out a bit. Once we're about 20 feet out we start our descent. Coral was literally everywhere. There were very few spots with a bare ocean floor. Tons of yellow and black fish, along with a HUGE sea turtle, moray eels, black spikey sea urchins, and things I can't remember the names of!
At my deepest, I clocked the gauge at 78 feet. (Don't tell anyone though because I'm only "certified" to 18 meters/60 feet).
Deeper depths are always fun but it really is amazing at shallower depths because you get to experience the sun rays filtering through the water and of course, it helps to bring colors to life in a much more dramatic way.
The first dive lasted about 52 minutes... which is pretty long. Most dives with less than experienced people tend to be shorter because dive time is completely dependent on how quickly the tank is being depleted.
During our scheduled break, we swapped tanks and did the pre dive checks. Thankfully I tested the tank for fullness right away because for whatever reason the tank was 1000 psi lower than it should be (it was 2000 and it should be 3000).
Gabe, our dive master was able to make a quick trip back to the shop to grab a full tank while we waited out the remaining time of our break.
The 2nd dive was much like the first, but we got to do a "dive through" at an ocean "arch" location. These are always pretty cool experiences, especially for younger drivers because they require good control of your buoyancy. Too much air and you'll go crashing into the "ceiling".
This dive was another suitably long one at 52 minutes again.
By this time the tide was up by probably 30 inches compared to when we launched in. Getting out was a bit trickier because we couldn't see our footholds for stepping out. The tide was also trying to pull you back out and then also push you over as it rolled in.
Either way, no one had too much difficulty getting out. We got the gear rinsed off at the beachside showers, got the truck loaded up, and headed back for the shop.
Before leaving, Gabe and I talked a bit more, making sure to share our Instagrams to stay in touch.
Till next time!Read more