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Sea Adventures
TIPS FOR BODY BOARDING
THE EQUIPMENT—We will recommend a beach gasr rental shop close to your accommodation for the appropriate equipment; a board that suits your ability and size, and the proper fins. Of course body boarding could become body board floating or body board crashing, so find out about the current conditions and best locations.
THE SURF—It will not take you long to discover that the sea is a mighty force so always exercise caution, especially during high surf conditions. If you're not an experienced boarder, start with waves that are 1 to 2 feet and break over sand. If the surf is up, catch the wave after it breaks and ride the white water to the beach. Since all beaches are different and even change from season to season, ask other boarders about the surf, obstacles and current. Play it safe, body board with people of similar skill, get advice from the locals, and make friends!
BODY BOARDING ETIQUETTE—Once you have chosen a spot, observe how the other boarders are riding the waves. The locals will take turns with one or two boarders per wave to maximize the fun and minimize collisions. Learn from and respect the experienced boarder before trying some of the advanced moves yourself. Remember, there will always be another day and another wave, so be careful.
TIPS FOR SHORE DIVING
BE QUALIFIED—Diving is for qualified and certified divers only. If you are not certified or haven't been diving for a while, dive only with a certified instructor. If you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with your dive site, seek advice from an instructor or certified diver who has been diving there before.
BE PREPARED—We can recommend a SCUBA shop close to your accommodations where you can rent quality, carefully maintained, and properly fitted equipment. Get a thorough briefing from the dive shop staff about your proposed dive site. Get all the current conditions (visibility, surf, etc.) and complete your dive plan before heading out. Be sure you aren't planning any other activities (flying, etc.) that can compromise safety.
Gear rentals are only available to certified divers.
BE CAREFUL—Completely check out the dive site, and especially the surf conditions, before making the decision to dive. If the site looks good, make a snorkel dive first of the entry spot and surrounding area to familiarize yourself with conditions and hazards. Never dive alone or beyond your abilities or the abilities of your buddy.
TIPS FOR SNORKELING
BE PREPARED—We can recommend a beach gear rental shop close to you accommodations. Rent high quality gear which includes properly fitted fins and mask, de-fogger, sunscreen and fish I.D. card will make snorkeling much safer and more fun. Talk to the rental shop staff to learn the current surf conditions and consult the beach chart in this guide for the best snorkel spots.
BE CAREFUL—Never snorkel in high surf conditions, and since you should never snorkel alone, check your equipment fit and function with you buddy. No hair in the mask? Snorkel positioned correctly below your mouth? Straps not too tight? Comfortable? Then ease yourself in and practice in the shallows. Once you feel relaxed and confident, venture into deeper waters, but never beyond the capabilities of your buddy. Snorkel equipment will not make you a better swimmer so go no further than you would without the equipment. If either you or your buddy feels tired, cold or anxious, head back to the beach.
We highly recommend a guided snorkel tour for inexperienced snorkelers. Take the tour early in your stay on Kauai, so you can snorkel with confidence the rest of your stay.
BE RESPECTFUL—The reef is a living animal. What may look like just rocks or plants is most likely thousands of tiny organisms, trying to build a home. Therefore, enter, exit and rest only on sandy bottoms and bare lava, and never dive in!
Approach fish slowly, you'll find they respond best to the passive viewer, not the fish chaser! Green sea turtles are protected by law, so do not touch or disturb them, just observe them. Also be careful not to stand on the coral, as it can be very fragile. Take away only pictures and leave behind only a ripple!
HAVE FUN—With the right equipment, the appropriate precautions, and respect for the fragile marine environment, you may find that Hawaii below sea level is the best part of all!
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