Crew SLA031211A

Yesterday was the first full day of diving for the crew. We went to three different sites to dive; Toppinos, Sand Key and Eastern Dry Rocks. The conditions were fairly nice. The sun was out most of the time with temps. in the upper 70's but a stiff breeze kept it cool; especially when taking off the wetsuits. The waves were a little sporty with a good surge below. Visability was 40-50 feet. Water temp is someshere around 70-72. Most of the crew, althought new divers, did well. We did have one diver with some anxiety on the first dive. His weight belt keeps slipping down because it's heavy and he is pear shaped with little or no hips to hold the belt. He was close to panic as he returned to the boat, claiming it was too hard to breathe through his regulator. As he reached the ladder he dropped his belt, possibly to become more buoyant but I think it just slipped off. Regardless of the reason, I had to recover it from 25 feet; it was a heavy belt which is why I have a heavy lift, buoyant BCD. I hate recovering weight belts as it is one more bounce from the surface to the bottom and back. Overall it was a good day of diving; no Portugese Man-o-wars!