Getting Knotty w/ Adam

If you are planning on heading down to do your PADI Divemaster course we recommend you check the video link below. It is an introduction to Marlinspike seamanship. Learn the proper way to refer to the "rope", what's the bitter end the standing part, an overhand and underhand turn.

The clip was shot in the Coconut Tree Divers classroom with Adam guiding you through the first set of knots. Learn a half hitch, a clove hitch, a cleat hitch, and  a bowline. These knots are used on a daily basis here at the shop. DMTs receive instruction on how to do them, but it's up to them to practice and master them.

Let us know if there are any particular topics you would like us to cover. If you are not a member sign up for the blog. 

Let's talk about Tips

If you've ever been in to a hotel/bar/restaurant/other service establishment, you may have seen these captions (or a variation thereof) scratched on a pot or jar somewhere on the counter:

"Tipping is not a city in China"

"Tipping is not illegal in Honduras"

"If you're close enough to read this, you're close enough to leave a tip"

"Big tippers make better lovers"

….etc…

We've gone for a simpler and more honest: "Tips are greatly appreciated".

Tip box by the front desk

Some of the slogans are funny, honest, and some are a even little edgier.  The thing is, they don't always answer the questions that our customers have about tipping policy here at Coconut Tree Divers.  Addressing the issue with one of us in the dive shop, makes some people feel uncomfortable, so I thought that this might be a good place to answer some of these questions.  In some places, tipping is customary or even expected, but in other places it is not part of the culture - so for some people, it's hard to know even where to get started!  Here is our guide to tipping:

Is tipping customary in the dive industry in Roatan?

Pretty much any dive shop you walk into would agree with an emphatic yes!  As the diving here is relatively inexpensive compared to many other places, tips (gratuities, if you will) are a very welcome supplement to our income.

How are the tips shared out amongst the staff?

We divide our tips equally, on a weekly basis amongst the working dive instructors, our boat captains and our equipment manager/mechanic.  Here at Coconut Tree Divers, we place a very high value and emphasis on teamwork, and our tip-sharing policy very much reflects this. We have a wooden box mounted on the post next to the front desk for that purpose.

What is an appropriate amount to tip?

This is probably one of the questions that people feel most uncomfortable asking, and there are several possible answers.  One of those answers is "whatever you feel comfortable with", because anything at all is always much appreciated.  If you're looking for a more numerical value, 15-20% is often quoted as a decent baseline.

Ultimately, a tip is an expression of gratuity for good service.  We are customer-oriented establishment, and we strive to provide you with the best possible care and service to suit your diving needs.  I hope that this has answered some of the questions that have come up recently (and remember: you can ask us anything!), feel free to leave a comment or contact us with any further questions.

PS: if you're reading this, become a member of the blog - easy with a Gmail account - see the link to the right of the page.

Half Moon Bay Weather Report

See previous post.  More of the same, diving the flat-calm South Side today.

Recent Sightings

Fresh off the boat this morning, a Seahorse (photo not yet available!)

Arrow crab shedding its skin

Great shot Marco, Bearded Fireworm

Juvenile Spotted Trunkfish (Reverse Pea)

Paul Repka- Computer Genius or Beach Bum??

The story of Paul Repka begins on a sunny afternoon after a long day of diving, when a bald, bearded, biker-looking old guy walked onto the deck of CTD. As Will, our resident Course Director greeted him, all of the DMTs started wondering who this person was, who looked so completely out of place at a Dive Shop. Soon it was known he was to join the ranks of the DMT's, and so would become part of our little family.

Paul Repka. Old, biker-looking, bald and bearded..

Everyone suddenly had a question for him.

"Are you a biker?", "How old are you?", "Are you insane?"

As it turns out, Paul was just a regular suburban man, Milwaukee born and raised, (or Mwaukeeee, as he calls his home town), who decided to take a break from his consulting firm and spend a month or two in the pristine beaches of Roatan. A computer nerd who plays hockey, likes to fish, drinks like a fish, and in his free time he loves jetting off to somewhere in the Caribbean to dive, usually accompanied by his lovely wife, Peg. (sorry ladies, he's taken)

Paul and Peg, out in the blue.

He was not an amateur diver, being already certified as a PADI Rescue Diver, and now he was looking to Go Pro. But being a DMT wasn't going to cramp his style. First thing he did was to find the coolest house in West End and establish a home base. He then proceeded to throw a couple of parties there, which turned him into everybody’s best friend from the start. He was a great DMT, working as hard, and most of the times harder than everyone else to make sure things ran smoothly around the shop. A great and fun diver, he was ready to act whenever a customer needed anything, from spare weights to friendly advice.

Receiving his diploma from Will
after completing the IDC

But it wasn’t all fun and games. Paul was a man on a mission, and he planned to get as much out of the vacation as he could. In a short time he had a spear fishing license, and a Side mount certification. Pretty soon he decided he would start his IDC and get certified as an instructor. After a lot of hard work with Will, he aced his Instructor exams and was officially certified. He then proceeded to pop his cherry here at CTD and certified his first two Open Water Divers!

Repka and his first two Open Water Students

Three months after he arrived on Roatan, Paul was now a Dive Instructor, a known personality around the bars in West End, and all-round beach bum. After being declared mentally insane by his wife, he packed his bags and made his way back home, throwing a huge going away party that lasted for about a week.

A night on the town for P, Repka

A really cool guy, we all learned something from Paul and he learned something from all of us.

Everyone at CTD will miss him and hope he eventually convinces his wife of moving down here.


Here are some things the Staff at CTD had to say about Paul:

“Paul is  hilarious and a great lionfish hunting buddy”

Even underwater he never lost his groove

“Paul is the inventor of a new Side-Plop Open Water Entry, the Repka”

“Pauuuul??? Is always good for a laugh and provoked mask clearing practice a little too often”

At Sundowner's Beach Bar, where he spent most of his time.

“We will miss that Salope”

“Pauuuul? Obnoxious but funny, so he gets away with it and we love him”

Dinner party at Paul's

“Paul was a great person to have around the shop, always ready to help with a smile and a joke. Love You”

“Paul was the most beautiful Yaba Ding Ding Queen we’ve ever seen”

After seeing this photo, Peg (Paul's wife) started worrying about
his mental health and decided
he should get back to the real world

Got any plans this winter?

As Steve Jobs (The King of Apples) once said in 1996 "Good artists copy, and great artists steal".  So I have drawn inspiration from a dive instructor friend in Cozumel for the following Winter Special at Coconut Tree Divers.

Is THIS going to be YOUR winter?

Too much snow?

Drive to work

Where is your car?

It doesn't have to be!!!

If you're wanting to escape any of the above winter prospects, here at Coconut Tree Divers we offer you a 100% NO-SNOW GUARANTEE.  If it snows on the island when you're on your dive vacation = money back guaranteed!  Rainy season is a great time to come, the dive boats are not usually busy outside of the holiday seasons, and the diving is always good - north or south shore.

In addition to this we are offering a special promotion.  For reservations for dive packages or PADI dive courses between now and February 1st 2013, get a chance to win a FREE T-shirt on arrival, if you're the first person to quote our special promotional code NOSNOWRTB in your reservation!  Contact us today to make it happen!

Half Moon Bay Weather Report

Sunny, very calm seas.  Better than yesterday!

Recent Sightings

Seahorse @ Mandy's Eel Garden

Neck crabs @ Everywhere (if you know where to look!)

Hanging Lettuce Sea Slug @ Hole In The Wall

Akona Caicos Mask

This is the mask Coconut Tree Divers uses as a rental. It is an excellent entry level choice. Really, you could just skip the mention of entry level all together and say it is a good reliable mask. LeisurePro sells them for about $20.00. With all the different types of people that come into Coconut Tree Divers it is hard to find a one size fits all mask. This one has come up real close to fitting the bill.

If you are in the market for a new one, do not feel as though the more money you spend the better the mask. There is no direct correlation regarding more expensive = better mask at all. Read prior reviews on this blog as that has been debunked through hours of underwater use. The Oceanic Pioneer is a prime example as is the Oceanic Shadow, expensive and comfortable but not built to last. Yeah I did just use that line.

Rental gear at our shop is used and abused. Not by all customers, but indeed by some. Kind of like the people who rent cars and run them to the ground. If it does not belong to them, some simply throw things around with little regard to their function or that other people will be using them. Case and point for the Akona Caicos mask. With all the abuse they receive through our shop, they are still providing divers hours of viewing pleasure and comfort.

As with most new masks, remember to clear off the coating manufacturers put on them to keep them from scracthing. You need to get that off to help prevent your mask from fogging up. Use a lighter to burn it off, provided it is tempered glass. They usually read Tempered or have a letter T to signify that. You can also use SoftScrub, which is used to clean tiles. When we introduce new masks here at the shop both methods are incorporated. We burn the inside of the lenses with a lighter, rinse them and follow up with a vigorous scubbing with SoftScrub.

Hope that helps.

Due to suggestions provided by websitegrader.com we are incorporating the Coconut Tree Telegraph blog and the DiveGearReview blog into one. We have also recruited to new writers, Diego and Kaela. They are both doing their PADI Divemaster training here with us and have long ties to Roatan, West End and ultimately to Coconut Tree Divers.

Should you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

And by all means, if you enjoy the blog sign up. Have a great day!

Where's my manners?

As with any activity that involves other people there's always an element of etiquette in diving, whether it's on the boat or underwater, that is one of the things that sets apart the experienced diver from the novice.  Some of these things are not exactly written in stone (and by "stone" I mean the PADI Open Water manual!), but rather things you learn from experience by expanding your scuba diving experience.

Here are 5 top tips that will enhance your diving experience here at Coconut Tree Divers!  Can YOU come up with any more?  Leave us a comment!

Island time and the boat schedule

We may be on a Caribbean island where the pace definitely isn't as hectic as elsewhere, but there's one thing that operates like clockwork: our boat schedule.  It's designed for you guys to get the most out of your dives, but it only really works if we leave on time!  Give yourself plenty of time to grab your free coffee, get your equipment set up without feeling rushed - it only makes for a better, more relaxed dive.

Where's my fins??

We keep our groups small, so you're not gonna be crowded underwater, but you are sharing the boat with other divers.  Try to keep your equipment spread to a minimum, that way you also know where all your stuff is.  You wouldn't want to miss jumping in with your snorkel gear when we have dolphins swimming with our boat just because you can't find your mask!

Soap in the bucket

For those of you that like snapping shots during your dive, we have a fresh water bucket for you to store your camera between dives.  The most important thing with the bucket is to make sure that the water stays fresh - we don't want any chemicals or anti-fog agents in the bucket.  The reason is that those chemicals can compromise the o-rings in the camera housings.  If you are going to rinse your mask on the boat, we provide a scoop so you can scoop the water out away from the bucket.

Brief me!

We try to tailor our dives so that divers with similar experience levels are matched up to hit the best dive sites for your level as a diver (more information on our daily dive schedule can be found here).  If you are a more experienced diver, we don't believe in "babysitting" you, but if you are a little unsure of your self we will make sure that you are more closely supervised.  The main thing is that all that kind of information is always given in our thorough pre-dive briefings - make sure you pay attention  It's all about your safety (safety first!) and your enjoyment.  We want you to get what you want out of your dives!

THIS is a Marine Park

After all, you're here to dive, so we want you to enjoy it.  Follow the dive plan, get to know your dive buddy (we will always supply you with one, no worries about travelling alone!), and follow the marine park protocols.  Take only pictures, leave only bubbles, touch only with your eyes!  If we're looking at the more macro aspects of the reef (ie something really really small and really really cool!) be nice, and point it out to the person coming up behind you, we want all of you to see it!

And finally....

ENJOY YOUR DIVE!!!

Half Moon Bay Weather Report

Hot, but thankfully with some breeze.

Recent Sightings

A collection of flamingo tongues @ Blue Channel

Dive Gear, Review, Puppy Weight

If you have been diving, or thought about diving, you will presumably at least have thought about dive equipment.  At first, it can seem a bit daunting to think about investing getting ALL your own equipment.  But after all is said and done, the PADI videos don't lie (remember your Open Water Course), you really are more likely to dive more if you have your own equipment.

Most people might not choose to get "everything" at once. Maybe a mask (it's not much fun if your mask doesn't fit properly) to start with, perhaps a pair of fins - maybe even a dive computer (easy to travel with).  There certainly are a lot of options out there, which could also seem confusing at times, and there are a lot of different things to think about when deciding exactly what equipment to get.  Magazines, reviews, online forums, local dive shop, online dive retailers, dive instructors and of course actually trying the equipment for yourself are all different sources that can help you find what you need-slash-want on every budget.  The big question is, how can you trust the reliability of some of those sources?  Have they actually tested the equipment beyond taking it out in the pool for a few laps?

Our sister blog, Dive Gear Review, is dedicated to providing such advice.  We are reviewing equipment that we use on a daily and regular basis, and giving honest feedback based on literally thousands of hours in the water.  The 700+ dives and confined water dives that we do in a year put our equipment through some serious use, so we are always looking for something that will last the distance.  Being on a remote tropical island with limited on-site retail options is also a factor; we also want equipment that can be serviced easily and at a reasonable cost.  So if you're thinking about it, check out Dive Gear Review.  And lastly, don't let anyone talk you into buying something that isn't right for YOU.

In other news: in addition to the standard lead blocks (lbs or kg) we provide you with for your weight belt/integrated BCD system, we now also offer weights in "puppy" increments (changes week to week).      

Chucky's new friend Boomer (currently interviewing for Rescue Victim)

In the many things that were brought around the birthday party, captains Carl and Fred are now sporting these awesome Captain's hats - thank you to Daniel Magine from Chicago.

CAPTAINS Carl and Fred

Half Moon Bay Weather Report:

Hot and bright.  Add more heat.

Recent Sightings:

Lettuce Sea Slugs @ The Bite

Free-Swimming Green Moray Eels @ Overheat Reef

Hawksbill Turtle with a hunchback@ Sea Quest

Hot In Half Moon Bay

In the aftermath of the dive shop anniversary, it can happen that things slow down a bit in the shop….Not this year!  Every morning this week has seen our two boats - Potlicker and Wish U Were Here - go out for two tank dives.  Potlicker has been filled with about 60 to 80% return customers.  Wish U Were Here is operating on a separate schedule to accommodate a group of 9 ski patrollers and kayak guides from Colorado, on their "spring escape".

Some of the return customers, Kevin and Frances Bugbee, a couple from Boston who come to Coconut Tree on a yearly basis brought an interesting display item for the shop.  It turns out that we were featured in a "things to do in Boston" publication called The Improper Bostonian…Not that we are in Boston or the North East, but we are definitely a "thing to do".  If you saw us featured, leave a comment!

Things to do (but not in Boston)

On another note, Coconut Tree and the Roatan Tec Team welcome a group of Tec divers and Instructors from Utila Dive Center, who have planned an epic Tec dive to 400ft scheduled for tomorrow afternoon - check our Coconut Tree Divers and Go Pro Caribbean Facebook Page for photos and details to follow.

Half Moon Bay Weather Report:

More.  Sweat.

Recent Sightings:

Octopus @ Hole In The Wall

Pipehorse @ Blue Channel

Many many Juvenile Spotted Drum @ all over the Northern Marine Park

The Adventures of Chucky

Those of you who have done a Rescue Diver course with us in the last few years will be familiar with "Chucky".  For those of you who haven't taken that step (yet) Chucky, originally from Kazakhstan, washed up on the beach at Half Moon Bay during Hurricane Wilma in 2005.  Lost and alone, he was rescued by the Coconut Tree Divers crew.  Far away from home (and broke), PJ took pity on him and gave him a job as an assistant on the Rescue Diver course.  He isn't actually very good at it i.e. gets lost repeatedly, only to be found again somewhere on the reef by a succession of different rescue students.  Given all this, some people are surprised that PJ actually still lets him dive with us...

After 4 years, he has settled in quite well (he even started getting some of his own equipment - mask and weight belt).  These days, after work, he can be found enjoying his favourite drink at The Bar at Coconut Tree Restaurant with the rest of the crew.

Johnnie Walker Black Label

Half Moon Bay Weather Report: when are we getting A/C on the dock?

Recent Sightings: 

Seahorse @ Jolly Roger

Freeswimming Green Moray Eel @ Overheat Reef

Black Spotted Nudibranch @ Pillar Coral

10th Birthday Party

As every year, April 20th saw the return of "The Birthday Party" (4/20).  This year, as always, was a huge success.  It was especially special as it was the 10th anniversary...one whole decade of Coconut Tree Divers.

Our boats have been quite full  with many divers and courses for the last two weeks.  With all the visitors being enthusiastic divers, we had both boats going out most mornings, and some afternoons as well.  After the party we hit a spell of bad weather, which forced us to the South Side for a few days (a rarity in April), but we are now back on our usual schedule - two boats again this afternoon!

We would like to thank everyone who came to the party and made it the occasion that it was, especially to those of you that came from various far-flung corners of the world.  The combination of a bright sunny day, calm seas, a mountain of floaty toys, 20 gallons of punch, 700 cans of beer, 70 pounds of shrimp, steak and chicken cooking all afternoon, two pinatas, beer frisbee really made for quite some party!

Particular thanks to Ron and Alex from Baltimore for bringing the CTD 10th Anniversary custom t-shirts and sunglasses, Daniel and Gina from Chicago for the wristbands, Keith Woods and Gay for preparing all the delicious food (steak and shrimp!), Lou and Tina for setting up the sound system, and Marco and the beer kitty for the addition of the birthday banner.  Last and most of all, thank you from all of us to PJ, Gay (and Mr Vincent Bush of the Coconut Tree complex) for making all this possible.

For those of you that were not able to make it (this year) - here are some highlights!

Time Flies When You're Having Rum

4/20 Merchandise on display!

Can you find your floaty?

Happy Birthday

The people who made it all happen

How many times can YOU count to 10?

Sunset

We're Back!

After a hiatus on the blog (vacation!)…The Coconut Tree Telegraph is back up and running.

Rainy season has been fairly kind to us this year, with a steady stream of divers and students in the shop.  Weather disruptions have come and gone, and we have now moved into "Semana Santa Weather" (read: hot, no wind).''

Over the last few years we have had a number of improvements and expansions to the dive shop.  Some of you will already be familiar with some of these, others have been quite recent.

In 2009, we expanded the deck, and moved the equipment rinse tanks and outside storage area.  The compressor also came out of the back room (Tree's office), and moved into its own shed, which has space available for a second compressor.  The tanks and the fill station are next to the compressor shed, in their own little cage.

We have recently acquired some new Cressi BCDs to add to our equipment selection.  There is a comprehensive review of those BCDs and other equipment we use at Dive Gear Review.  If you're looking to buy some equipment, definitely watch that space for more reviews to come.

Some time ago, we replaced the white "beer cooler" with a proper Salva Vida sponsored refrigerator.  We're still keeping them cold for you…

In that same area, we also added a flatscreen TV, where we're displaying photo slideshows, video clips and feedback videos from training courses (check out Monty's helmet cam when you see him!)  We also bought a Canon Powershot camera and housing, which is available for rent for USD20 per dive or USD35 for the day.  Whether you have your own camera or if you rent one of ours, consider taking the Digital Underwater Photography Specialty to get the most out of your vacation photos!

And on a closing note, as it is April after all….

T-11 days (and counting) until the corporate event of the year, the Coconut Tree 10th Anniversary Extravaganza (4/20).

Half Moon Bay Weather report:  feelin' hot hot hot, light breeze, clear skies

Recent Sightings:

Spotted Eagle Ray @ Lighthouse

Spotted Sea Hare @ Half Moon Bay (confined water)

Seahorse @ Blue Channel