Grand Cayman
Author: Rosemary Detweiler

August 05, 1999 at 12:26:20:

We just got back from Grand Cayman and had the best time. My 12 year old son just got certified. He's not particularly athletic, and this is this most excited I've ever seen him be about something that doesn't plug into an electric socket.

My husband and I hadn't been diving in a while, so we did the pool review session with Red Sail Sports in the morning. That boosted our confidence levels. We skipped the open water review part they normally continue with in the afternoon, so it was half price-they'll let you do that, but you have to ask.

On the advice offered by other message board folks, I arranged a private dive boat charter with Nick Buckley. He used to work for Red Sail Sports, but has in effect struck out on his own in association with Red Baron Dive Charters. The whole cost was similar to what Red Sail would have charged, and he took a video for us. It was such a great experience that I think I'm spoiled forever. A luxury, once enjoyed, becomes a necessity.

We were able to adjust the dives to our schedule, which meant working around the schedule of the kid's program at the Westin to keep my 9 year old daughter busy. With that flexibility, we were able to do two tank dives in the afternoon, whereas we would have been limited to a one tank with most of the bigger operations because of babysitter scheduling.

Nick really pampered us. All three of us were pretty inexperienced, and by the end of the trip we all felt all lot more confident. Nick never let us lift a tank, he got our weight belts set up for us, he checked all of our straps and gear before we plunged in...it was total luxury. I'm sure he'd be wonderful with experienced divers too, but for those of us that still have to think about which side the regulator hose goes on, this was the way to go.

One day we took my 9 year old and she snorkeled above us while we dove down to see the stingrays at Stingray City. Nick brought some rays up to her to touch. Then we went snorkeling on a nearby shallow reef, and my daughter had a great time. Now she's all fired up to get certified. By the way, Red Sail had something called "Bubble Makers" in the Westin pool where they fitted up the 8-12 year olds with tanks and gave them a little mini scuba experience in the pool. Claire loved it.

Diving with Nick Buckley was a terrific experience that I would recommend to anyone, but especially to families that want to dive with their kids. He can be reached at julnnick@candw.ky or 345-949-9116.