On Saturday, May 17, 2008, I dove with Shawn McElravy (divemaster) from Ocean Concepts, and Ryan Cox. We did two dives, the Mahi, a 95 foot deep dive on a ship that was intentionally sunk as an artificial reef and Makaha Caverns, a 50 foot deep dive on a shallow coral reef with lava tubes and swim throughs.
Dove with Ryan in Shawn's group. We were the only two with cameras. There were 12 divers and two "guides", so they paired up all the divers and the two guides each took a group. Our group was the second in and Ryan and I were the first of our group to giant stride in. Headed down the mooring line to the wreck. Ryan, Shawn and I hung out until everyone else showed up. Took some photos, and tried not to burn through too much air.
Made one lap around the wreck taking photos. Got a nice photo of a Scrawled or Broomtail Filefish and some photos of a juvenile Leaf Scorpionfish. Also got a photo of Wire Coral and an Imperial Slug.
Headed back up the line at the end of the dive. I was a little low on air again so Shawn sent me up with another diver who was also low.
For the second dive, Ryan and I giant strided in and dropped down to the bottom. Shawn led the group on a "tour" of the caverns. Went through several swim throughs and little slot valleys. Took lots of photos. Lots of turtles - got some really good photos, especially of one small turtle that was being cleaned be a swarm of Ringtail Surgeonfish.
Got a good photo of a Triton's Trumpet, a Tiger Flatworm, and a Fourspot Butterflyfish.
I discovered the how to use the macro function on this dive and it really helps!!
I was a little low on air again so Shawn sent me up with another diver who was also low. Ascended without a safety stop and hauled out.
I like this operator better than all the others I have dived with in Hawaii so far. They are just much more professional in their approach. They conducted a good safety briefing and a good dive briefing. The have an air station suspended at safety stop depth for low air situations. They provided lunch. Even though they are a few dollars more, they are worth every penny.
8 years ago
