Truk in 2008

spike jackson · 11th April 2007, 15:46

Some friends are planning a return to Truk next year, this time hopefully with rebreathers.
So: when's the best time to go weather and vis wise?
Which operator do you recommend?
Land based or liveaboard?
Availability of cylinders/ O2/ sorb/ helium etc?
Any other hints and tips from those who've taken their units out would be great!

Doppler · 12th April 2007, 13:59

Quote: (Originally Posted by spike jackson)

Some friends are planning a return to Truk next year, this time hopefully with rebreathers.
So: when's the best time to go weather and vis wise?
Which operator do you recommend?
Land based or liveaboard?
Availability of cylinders/ O2/ sorb/ helium etc?
Any other hints and tips from those who've taken their units out would be great!

Spike:

I was there a couple of years ago with Odyssey and had a great trip. Rebreather friendly... but at that time boosting oxygen was a bit of an issue if I recall. Shipping in scubber is logistically challenging but with this much lead time you should have no terminal issues.

Had buddy use land-based (Truk Stop) and he was pleased with the level of service, but somewhat limited range for sites.

Helium is very expensive if you can arrange it.

Gilles · 12th April 2007, 14:55

I just returned from Truk, accompanied by Meg.

I was hosted by Capt. Lance Higgs and crew on the SS Thorfinn

Truk Lagoon wreck diving aboard the Truk Lagoon SS Thorfinn In Micronesia

Very good accomodations. Rebreather tanks available for rental (AP ones only) and ability to boost O2 to 190 bar or so. Each O2 fill is some USD35 and each 14/35 fill was some USD70. A bucket of 4-8 Sodasorb USD195.

In spite of my plea for Rebreather buddies here on RBW, I was the only RB amongst a group of single tank OCrs

.

I will return (maybe I can accomodate this 2008 plan) in the hopes of performing real dives on the Aikoku, San Fransisco, Shinkoku, amongst others.

Thorfinn is not cheap, but it is good. Good food, competent crew, and ability to provide logistics for more involved dives. Very much scope to do so.

They normally send single tankers on 5 dives a day, on 5 different wrecks. Some of these you could spend a whole week on. Everything from near surface to 70m (as far as I'm currently aware of).

Perhaps Lance would consider volume discount on He/O2/sorb and general accomodation. I doubt a group of Rebreather's would be disappointed.

***jradomski*** · 13th April 2007, 09:36

Quote: (Originally Posted by Gilles)

I just returned from Truk, accompanied by Meg.

I was hosted by Capt. Lance Higgs and crew on the SS Thorfinn

Truk Lagoon wreck diving aboard the Truk Lagoon SS Thorfinn In Micronesia

Very good accomodations. Rebreather tanks available for rental (AP ones only) and ability to boost O2 to 190 bar or so. Each O2 fill is some USD35 and each 14/35 fill was some USD70. A bucket of 4-8 Sodasorb USD195.

In spite of my plea for Rebreather buddies here on RBW, I was the only RB amongst a group of single tank OCrs

.

I will return (maybe I can accomodate this 2008 plan) in the hopes of performing real dives on the Aikoku, San Fransisco, Shinkoku, amongst others.

Thorfinn is not cheap, but it is good. Good food, competent crew, and ability to provide logistics for more involved dives. Very much scope to do so.

They normally send single tankers on 5 dives a day, on 5 different wrecks. Some of these you could spend a whole week on. Everything from near surface to 70m (as far as I'm currently aware of).

Perhaps Lance would consider volume discount on He/O2/sorb and general accomodation. I doubt a group of Rebreather's would be disappointed.

I like the thorfinn myself.. I got those Rebreather tanks for Lance.. he has both 2l and 3l cylinders.. if you bring your own m25 valves you dont have to use the inspo ones (anthough they work fine with most units)..

His oxygen is not cheap but it is 100% - last time I checked.. (its shipped in from guam) unlike the o2 supplied from alot of the other operators (made by a PSA system) thats why it costs more..

you can alos have your own sorb shipped there and he will receive it..

I'll probably go back again next year, and it will be with the Thorfinn again..

grandizer52 · 13th April 2007, 14:51

Gonna be station in guam next year...may-ish, would like to go, but not doing live aboard. I'd really recommend the truk stop hotel, also i might ship my boat over from guam so that adds more options
can you count me in too. the reason i don't want to do a live aboard is kind of personal

laytah
steve

Underwaterbear · 13th April 2007, 20:57

Guys,

Are these costs roughly the consensus??

"Rebreather tanks available for rental (AP ones only) and ability to boost O2 to 190 bar or so. Each O2 fill is some USD35 and each 14/35 fill was some USD70. A bucket of 4-8 Sodasorb USD195."

Gilles, I'm assuming your prices were for 3L/19cf cans?

Cheers
AB

Who wants to go but has not got permission from the exchequer ...yet!

pdxDiver · 13th April 2007, 22:31

Quote: (Originally Posted by Underwaterbear)

Guys,

Are these costs roughly the consensus??

"Rebreather tanks available for rental (AP ones only) and ability to boost O2 to 190 bar or so. Each O2 fill is some USD35 and each 14/35 fill was some USD70. A bucket of 4-8 Sodasorb USD195."

Gilles, I'm assuming your prices were for 3L/19cf cans?

Cheers
AB

Who wants to go but has not got permission from the exchequer ...yet!

Count me in as interested in the trip

Gilles · 14th April 2007, 12:05

Quote: (Originally Posted by Underwaterbear)

Guys,

Are these costs roughly the consensus??

"Rebreather tanks available for rental (AP ones only) and ability to boost O2 to 190 bar or so. Each O2 fill is some USD35 and each 14/35 fill was some USD70. A bucket of 4-8 Sodasorb USD195."

Gilles, I'm assuming your prices were for 3L/19cf cans?

Cheers
AB

Who wants to go but has not got permission from the exchequer ...yet!

jradomski answered this question for you. I believe he (Thorfin) has 6 pairs altogether.

Quote: (Originally Posted by jradomski)

I like the thorfinn myself.. I got those Rebreather tanks for Lance.. he has both 2l and 3l cylinders.. if you bring your own m25 valves you dont have to use the inspo ones (anthough they work fine with most units)..

Waiting to get photos of the Hula girls

provided by the Liveaboard.

Oh... and the diving was

spike jackson · 16th April 2007, 07:34

Hi guys
Thanks for all the replies. For the moment planning is in the embryonic stage and I'm not sure I'll be able to get the finances together to make the trip. If and when things progress I'll put up another thread here.

***jradomski*** · 17th April 2007, 07:24

Quote: (Originally Posted by Underwaterbear)

Guys,

Are these costs roughly the consensus??

"Rebreather tanks available for rental (AP ones only) and ability to boost O2 to 190 bar or so. Each O2 fill is some USD35 and each 14/35 fill was some USD70. A bucket of 4-8 Sodasorb USD195."

Gilles, I'm assuming your prices were for 3L/19cf cans?

Cheers
AB

Who wants to go but has not got permission from the exchequer ...yet!

The way o2 is billed is like this... he has 2 rates for o2, one for large tanks and one for pony type tanks (to cover the waisted gas needed to flush the booster vs actual volume billed)..

You are ALWAYS charged as if it is a full fill.. so if you have a 3l (19 cuft tank) and only want a 5 cuft top off you still pay as if it were a 19cuft fill..

He said was going to charge the same for both 19 and 13 cuft tank (not sure if he implemented this) but if he didnt the price should only be $10 less than what was mentioned.. (when I was there it was $36 per 19 cuft o2 fill)

11th April 2007, 15:46	#1 (permalink)
spike jackson New Member Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 28	Truk in 2008 Some friends are planning a return to Truk next year, this time hopefully with rebreathers. So: when's the best time to go weather and vis wise? Which operator do you recommend? Land based or liveaboard? Availability of cylinders/ O2/ sorb/ helium etc? Any other hints and tips from those who've taken their units out would be great!
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12th April 2007, 13:59	#2 (permalink)
Doppler Cut along dotted line... Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Evolution Pelagian Other Rebreather/s: Pelagian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Not Basingstoke... thank god Posts: 188	Re: Truk in 2008 Quote: (Originally Posted by spike jackson) Some friends are planning a return to Truk next year, this time hopefully with rebreathers. So: when's the best time to go weather and vis wise? Which operator do you recommend? Land based or liveaboard? Availability of cylinders/ O2/ sorb/ helium etc? Any other hints and tips from those who've taken their units out would be great! Spike: I was there a couple of years ago with Odyssey and had a great trip. Rebreather friendly... but at that time boosting oxygen was a bit of an issue if I recall. Shipping in scubber is logistically challenging but with this much lead time you should have no terminal issues. Had buddy use land-based (Truk Stop) and he was pleased with the level of service, but somewhat limited range for sites. Helium is very expensive if you can arrange it. __________________ Steve Lewis "Why settle for reality when there are so many cheap alternatives..."
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12th April 2007, 14:55	#3 (permalink)
Gilles Worship the feminine Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Den Haag (Netherlands) Posts: 762	Re: Truk in 2008 I just returned from Truk, accompanied by Meg. I was hosted by Capt. Lance Higgs and crew on the SS Thorfinn Truk Lagoon wreck diving aboard the Truk Lagoon SS Thorfinn In Micronesia Very good accomodations. Rebreather tanks available for rental (AP ones only) and ability to boost O2 to 190 bar or so. Each O2 fill is some USD35 and each 14/35 fill was some USD70. A bucket of 4-8 Sodasorb USD195. In spite of my plea for Rebreather buddies here on RBW, I was the only RB amongst a group of single tank OCrs . I will return (maybe I can accomodate this 2008 plan) in the hopes of performing real dives on the Aikoku, San Fransisco, Shinkoku, amongst others. Thorfinn is not cheap, but it is good. Good food, competent crew, and ability to provide logistics for more involved dives. Very much scope to do so. They normally send single tankers on 5 dives a day, on 5 different wrecks. Some of these you could spend a whole week on. Everything from near surface to 70m (as far as I'm currently aware of). Perhaps Lance would consider volume discount on He/O2/sorb and general accomodation. I doubt a group of Rebreather's would be disappointed. __________________ Gilles http://www.dirrebreather.com
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13th April 2007, 09:36	#4 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 3,113	Re: Truk in 2008 Quote: (Originally Posted by Gilles) I just returned from Truk, accompanied by Meg. I was hosted by Capt. Lance Higgs and crew on the SS Thorfinn Truk Lagoon wreck diving aboard the Truk Lagoon SS Thorfinn In Micronesia Very good accomodations. Rebreather tanks available for rental (AP ones only) and ability to boost O2 to 190 bar or so. Each O2 fill is some USD35 and each 14/35 fill was some USD70. A bucket of 4-8 Sodasorb USD195. In spite of my plea for Rebreather buddies here on RBW, I was the only RB amongst a group of single tank OCrs . I will return (maybe I can accomodate this 2008 plan) in the hopes of performing real dives on the Aikoku, San Fransisco, Shinkoku, amongst others. Thorfinn is not cheap, but it is good. Good food, competent crew, and ability to provide logistics for more involved dives. Very much scope to do so. They normally send single tankers on 5 dives a day, on 5 different wrecks. Some of these you could spend a whole week on. Everything from near surface to 70m (as far as I'm currently aware of). Perhaps Lance would consider volume discount on He/O2/sorb and general accomodation. I doubt a group of Rebreather's would be disappointed. I like the thorfinn myself.. I got those Rebreather tanks for Lance.. he has both 2l and 3l cylinders.. if you bring your own m25 valves you dont have to use the inspo ones (anthough they work fine with most units).. His oxygen is not cheap but it is 100% - last time I checked.. (its shipped in from guam) unlike the o2 supplied from alot of the other operators (made by a PSA system) thats why it costs more.. you can alos have your own sorb shipped there and he will receive it.. I'll probably go back again next year, and it will be with the Thorfinn again.. __________________ Joe Radomski CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer ANDI Instructor Trainer Director #10 All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated.
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13th April 2007, 14:51	#5 (permalink)
grandizer52 Sport Kiss & Shearwater Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Sport Kiss Classic Kiss MK 15.X Other CCR Home Build Join Date: May 2006 Location: pearl city hawaii EARTH moving to Iscandar Posts: 254	Re: Truk in 2008 Gonna be station in guam next year...may-ish, would like to go, but not doing live aboard. I'd really recommend the truk stop hotel, also i might ship my boat over from guam so that adds more options can you count me in too. the reason i don't want to do a live aboard is kind of personal laytah steve
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13th April 2007, 20:57	#6 (permalink)
Underwaterbear A Prismer in Megland Current Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2005 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 198	Re: Truk in 2008 Guys, Are these costs roughly the consensus?? "Rebreather tanks available for rental (AP ones only) and ability to boost O2 to 190 bar or so. Each O2 fill is some USD35 and each 14/35 fill was some USD70. A bucket of 4-8 Sodasorb USD195." Gilles, I'm assuming your prices were for 3L/19cf cans? Cheers AB Who wants to go but has not got permission from the exchequer ...yet!
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13th April 2007, 22:31	#7 (permalink)
pdxDiver New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 31	Re: Truk in 2008 Quote: (Originally Posted by Underwaterbear) Guys, Are these costs roughly the consensus?? "Rebreather tanks available for rental (AP ones only) and ability to boost O2 to 190 bar or so. Each O2 fill is some USD35 and each 14/35 fill was some USD70. A bucket of 4-8 Sodasorb USD195." Gilles, I'm assuming your prices were for 3L/19cf cans? Cheers AB Who wants to go but has not got permission from the exchequer ...yet! Count me in as interested in the trip
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14th April 2007, 12:05	#8 (permalink)
Gilles Worship the feminine Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Den Haag (Netherlands) Posts: 762	Re: Truk in 2008 Quote: (Originally Posted by Underwaterbear) Guys, Are these costs roughly the consensus?? "Rebreather tanks available for rental (AP ones only) and ability to boost O2 to 190 bar or so. Each O2 fill is some USD35 and each 14/35 fill was some USD70. A bucket of 4-8 Sodasorb USD195." Gilles, I'm assuming your prices were for 3L/19cf cans? Cheers AB Who wants to go but has not got permission from the exchequer ...yet! jradomski answered this question for you. I believe he (Thorfin) has 6 pairs altogether. Quote: (Originally Posted by jradomski) I like the thorfinn myself.. I got those Rebreather tanks for Lance.. he has both 2l and 3l cylinders.. if you bring your own m25 valves you dont have to use the inspo ones (anthough they work fine with most units).. Waiting to get photos of the Hula girls provided by the Liveaboard. Oh... and the diving was __________________ Gilles http://www.dirrebreather.com
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16th April 2007, 07:34	#9 (permalink)
spike jackson New Member Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 28	Re: Truk in 2008 Hi guys Thanks for all the replies. For the moment planning is in the embryonic stage and I'm not sure I'll be able to get the finances together to make the trip. If and when things progress I'll put up another thread here.
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17th April 2007, 07:24	#10 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 3,113	Re: Truk in 2008 Quote: (Originally Posted by Underwaterbear) Guys, Are these costs roughly the consensus?? "Rebreather tanks available for rental (AP ones only) and ability to boost O2 to 190 bar or so. Each O2 fill is some USD35 and each 14/35 fill was some USD70. A bucket of 4-8 Sodasorb USD195." Gilles, I'm assuming your prices were for 3L/19cf cans? Cheers AB Who wants to go but has not got permission from the exchequer ...yet! The way o2 is billed is like this... he has 2 rates for o2, one for large tanks and one for pony type tanks (to cover the waisted gas needed to flush the booster vs actual volume billed).. You are ALWAYS charged as if it is a full fill.. so if you have a 3l (19 cuft tank) and only want a 5 cuft top off you still pay as if it were a 19cuft fill.. He said was going to charge the same for both 19 and 13 cuft tank (not sure if he implemented this) but if he didnt the price should only be $10 less than what was mentioned.. (when I was there it was $36 per 19 cuft o2 fill) __________________ Joe Radomski CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer ANDI Instructor Trainer Director #10 All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated.
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