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Post by nemrod on Apr 8, 2007 23:05:00 GMT -8
A litle narrative, in that video we had just decended from the anchor line and I was leading the way into the current. I wanted to get to the front of the tower and then work down it and then make a loop back to the anchor line using the current to carry us down and eventually up and back. I paused there at the end of the video and dumped my wing a bit so I could relax and just hang while my buddy caught up with me. I am checking my air and depth vs my computer while I wait for him. As soon as he caught up I checked his air and we continued. I cut across and through the tower--a small swim through and he caught up again on the other side and we decended together to just shy of 130 feet. From there we worked our way back up to the line. We just about touching red on my computer at the beginning of the ascent. By the time I had hit 15 feet the computer had cleared, I still had 1200 psi and my buddy was sitting on 700. He hung for a couple of minutes getting on the boat close to empty. I stayed on the line and breathed down to 500 and then went to the surface and let the current carry me to the tag line.
The Oriskany is a potentially dangerous dive, it is real easy to get really deep here real fast. If you go down the outboard side of the tower, next stop--230 feet!!! On the inboard side you hit the deck at about 140 feet. An 80 cf tank is not enough air for this dive and it will get some divers in trouble eventually. At least we both had pony bottles.
Nemrod
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Post by shackle on Apr 9, 2007 4:50:11 GMT -8
Great information James. I am hoping to do the Oriskany this summer.
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Post by nemrod on Apr 9, 2007 9:07:45 GMT -8
They are running both "tech" and recreatinal divers out ot the Oriskany. Apparently they charge 150-200 dollars for a single tech dive which of course is equal to two recreational dives due to deco. If it is a recreational dive they do not allow large double sets because they don't want you doing deco under the shops insurance, tech divers are not covered and sign a waiver I think. The going rate for recreational two tank dive is 150 dollars. It is a long boat ride and they burn lot's of expensive petrol. I don't think they would have a problem with small double sets or 100 cf singles. The 30% nitrox will get you to the deck and afford a reasonable dive time. Unfortuantely I know of no source of nitrox cleaned 100s for rent down there. I would carry a pony also for emergency on this dive. Even 100 cf is cutting it close to do a good safety stop. Thee is plenty to see up shallower on the tower but do not forget that the tower is still 70 plus feet deep. This is a deep dive and I hate to say it but it is but a matter of time until some divers run out of air on it and get bent in a panic ascent. I hope not but you know-------. A number of boats are running out there, several are fast open boats, center consoles of 22 to 28 feet and a fast 34 foot cat called the Y-Knot (Capt Dave Mucci) and a large and slow and steady and safe and comfortable boat called the H2O Below with Capt Doug and some pretty deck hands and friendly lady DM. Note, I did not ask permission to dive my Phoenix, I just did it. Don't ask and don't tell. Capt Doug looked at it but only remarked he had not seen one of those in a while but I could tell he was looking it over. I would bring a spare single hose just in case you hit a day when they are in a frettful mood. I had my spare Legend in the bag in case they freaked out on me. You can see my Phoenix Aqua Master rigged out just under my arm. The big fellow is Ken, he dove with the DM and is from up in Minnesota, not a double hose diver but a nice fellow with a sissy single hose. It is so nice diving in current or scootering my Tekna DV3X without the constant onslaught of bubbles in my face and ears--double hose is the best, modern or vintage. Single hose is for girls. The Oriskany is one of the best wreck dives in the world and will only get better. Nemrod
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Post by JES on Apr 9, 2007 13:46:50 GMT -8
Great information James. I am hoping to do the Oriskany this summer. According to my friend (who owns the MBT Divers Dive Shop in Pensacola), the best time to dive the Oriskany is May through June. Remember, there are never any guarantees on the conditions. These can range from zero current and 150 ft + visibility to what James and Jake experienced with no refunds.
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Post by Seahuntjerry on Apr 9, 2007 18:41:04 GMT -8
Hi James, My Jetfins have been in use for over 30 years. Please let me know what boat you used to get out to the Oriskany? Thank ,Jerrys Aka Kemp's Cow
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Post by nemrod on Apr 10, 2007 0:07:58 GMT -8
Jerry, we went out on the H2O Below, Captain Doug, booked through MBT dive shop. The shops work several independent boats. Last year I went out on the Y Knot with Capt. Dave Mucci. Last fall I went out on a fast center console to another area but I forget the name. The northern Gulf is highly variable. It can go from glassy calm to fierce by any standard and can do so quickly. In the summertime, into early fall, conditions are prime unless of course there is a hurricane.
James
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