Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year

rob.laurie · 29th April 2008, 02:53

Thanks Owen & everyone else that has contributed to this thread & the PM's I've recieved, keep it coming...

P.M. me details for your August trip, look's like that might just be do able. If He could be made available, even better. I am looking to put together a group trip early next year & checking it out ahead of time would be great.

Thanks again, Rob

Quote: (Originally Posted by omech)

Feel like going August 23-30, 2008? I'm going with a couple of OC recreationals and thus wouldn't mind a CC buddy or two. We're on Thorfinn.

They have Sodalime 4-8 on board and a tub of Sofnolime 8-12 (with my name on it). It's at a bit of a premium ($200 & $225us respectively) but after I looked at shipping or packing sorb in overweight luggage it wasn't so far out of line. They can get more from Guam if they know in advance. I believe they also have a supply of 3L steel tanks (12 rings a bell) with DIN valves, though I'm going to confirm that in the near future, or just take my own valves. Boosted O2 is available. Haven't asked about Helium.

From what I've heard they'll leave you to your own devices and I like the idea of going to a wreck with just a few ppl versus a whole boatload. Granted I've heard the boat has it's quirks

but I'm willing to give it a shot if I can avoid the cattle approach of Oddessy.

We're flying out of Seattle thru HNL and then on Continental's Island hopper to Truk. Northwest's and Continental's baggage policy seems to fit in with carrying a Meg onboard without too much hassle, though as of May 15 domestic checked baggage has been reduced to one free bag with the second bag costing $25 and the third bag $100.

That's about the limit of my knowledge at this point. If you're going after August I'll post more specifics.

Owen

omech · 29th April 2008, 03:06

Quote: (Originally Posted by jqn)

Thanks Joe,

Owen, if the Thorfin will get us He and we have some guys to split it then I could be in for this trip. Keep me posted.

Jerry

Here's the scoop from Thorfinn:
"We have available 244 cu. ft. onboard sold at $1,050/cylder onboard. If you wish to pre-order this, kindly advise so we can have it reserved for you. "

At $4.30us/ft^3, at least we won't need much each. By my rough calcs, I'd estimate using less than 40ft^3 over the week.

Carol (Thorfinn rep.) didn't state whether they gave any compensation for partially used cylinders at the end of the week. I've inquired about that and am waiting for a response.

Any one else feel like going to Truk and sharing a bit of He?? Thorfinn has 11 spots remaining on Trip #0835 – August 23-30, 2008.

***jradomski*** · 29th April 2008, 04:22

Quote: (Originally Posted by omech)

Here's the scoop from Thorfinn:
"We have available 244 cu. ft. onboard sold at $1,050/cylder onboard. If you wish to pre-order this, kindly advise so we can have it reserved for you. "

At $4.30us/ft^3, at least we won't need much each. By my rough calcs, I'd estimate using less than 40ft^3 over the week.

Carol (Thorfinn rep.) didn't state whether they gave any compensation for partially used cylinders at the end of the week. I've inquired about that and am waiting for a response.

Any one else feel like going to Truk and sharing a bit of He?? Thorfinn has 11 spots remaining on Trip #0835 – August 23-30, 2008.

Its gone up a bit.. The prices I had were from 2006... at that time he was just passing on the cost of the gas, which varied at times... considering its gone up much more than 30% locally, It seems like a bargain...

dive2dive2000 · 29th April 2008, 23:04

Hi Guys,

Here is my ppo2 The thorfin is a less expensive way to see chuck. It is no better than a land base operation. If you can afford the diffrence in price the odyssey is the way to go hands down. Blue lagoon is my next choice. The odyssey is by far the best choice. The capt is also the local chamber operator something to keep in mind the next one is in guam. As far as food and ammenities odyssey wins hands down blue laggon secound. Please keep in mind no matter if you are a resident business or vistor all goods come in one way on a cargo ship every 3 weeks, so if it aint there it aint there, you are in a remote part of the world. the best part of the odyssey and he is the only one to do this, he will dive wrecks to the skill level of the majority on board BUT he has a 18' skiff and will take a few people to wrecks of their skill level! Another great option and this is what I did I arrived 2 days early dove with blue lagoon and then boarded the odyssey and dove with them by the way they are affiliated you stay will be at blue lagoon being that is where the boat picks up and drops off.

I am reluctant to comment on the destruction of wrecks but here goes The Odyssey and the local goverment have worked hand in hand over the last 10 yrs to implement preservation of all ship wrecks and a chamber for divers so they would not have to be air lifted to guam. Joe please call a spade a spade you get a deal on the thorfin its afordable and thats why you use her lets not start false bullshit the thorfin sucks the food is lousy and your stuck on hunk of a shipwreck itself . Now which discription did you prefere the first paragraph or the secound.

***jradomski*** · 30th April 2008, 03:52

Quote: (Originally Posted by dive2dive2000)

Joe please call a spade a spade you get a deal on the thorfin its afordable and thats why you use her lets not start false bullshit the thorfin sucks the food is lousy and your stuck on hunk of a shipwreck itself . Now which discription did you prefere the first paragraph or the secound.

I DON'T get a discount on the Throfinn! I pay the same as everyone else, but I have gotten some extra freedom and have gotten a private room each time.. On my last trip I saved a few $$ only because I worked out a deal where I paid and shipped cylinders that he would rent.. I got retail credit, thats it.. If I want a discount I have to do what everyone else does.. Bring a group and I don't do that because this is my vacation..

I have never had a problem with the food on the thorfinn.. Descent varienty (but basic) and plenty of it - lots of in beteween dive snacks as well.. Most of the complaints I have heard are from people that don't like fish.. Over the week the thorfin will have several meals involving fish (more when the supermarket is low on goods).. If you make arrangements ahead of time they will acomodate special meal requests..

BTW I HAVE turned down free and very cheap trips on the Odyssey (and Agressor when it was there) in the past several years, I was supposed to do a trip with BL, but that one got cancelled.. So money is not the issue.. I recommend the Thorfin because I have had a good time on every trip I made with him.. I like the new (well new in 2006) 30ft launches that are confortable and fast...

The only negative that I can say is that unless you are doing something special, you are on a specific dive schedule.. The dive times are the same every day.. If you get a group of 4 divers, you can usually modify the schedule a bit... but meal times are pretty much set..

matt_reed · 30th April 2008, 04:27

[quote=jradomski;183832 both the odyssey and the agressor (when it was there) have been blamed for seriously damaging some of the wrecks..[/QUOTE] Blamed by Lance...wonder why that might be?

[quote=jradomski;183832 Thats why some of them now have moorings off the wreck.. .[/quote] Which every man an his dog uses when it suits them. And which were sabotaged when they were first put in...no accusations here, but why would anyone do that?

[quote=jradomski;18383 I have been a repeat customer of the Thorfinn and will be again on my next trip to chuuk..[/QUOTE] Each to his own, and you obviously have a relationship with Lance, but I know more people who say this about the Odyssey than the Thorfin. And the only one bad mouthing the other operations is Lance...you wont hear the other operators trying to slander him...they don't need too.

In relation to the best time of year, if you want flat and super calm try in June, July. This is not great if you are on the Odyssey as it means you swing off the wreck and have to swim further, but it is beautiful. October tends to be Jellyfish season, so take your wetty.

rob.laurie · 30th April 2008, 05:15

Hey guys, just looking for some positive advice & appreciate the input, I understand personal loyalties, but lets not get too far off track here.

Quote: (Originally Posted by matt_reed)

In relation to the best time of year, if you want flat and super calm try in June, July. This is not great if you are on the Odyssey as it means you swing off the wreck and have to swim further, but it is beautiful. October tends to be Jellyfish season, so take your wetty.

Thanks for giving me some insight as to seasonal differences, you are the first one to do so. Looks like I'll avoid October !!

Not sure if I understand & must be missing something here, but why would the Odyssey swing further away from a mooring during flat & super calm vs any wind or current ? Seems to me it would be the other way around, No?

I'm looking more toward putting together a ccr exclusive January trip & If anyone out there is interested, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me.

Thanks, Rob

***jradomski*** · 30th April 2008, 06:15

Quote: (Originally Posted by matt_reed)

Blamed by Lance...wonder why that might be?

actually the firts time I heard it I was talking with the guys at bl several years back... heard it again from someone at the trukstop after that.. on one of my trips I asked lance and he told me supposedly which ship did what damage.. but that was after I brought it up..

Quote: (Originally Posted by matt_reed)

Which every man an his dog uses when it suits them. And which were sabotaged when they were first put in...no accusations here, but why would anyone do that?

I heard there were some problems as well..

Quote: (Originally Posted by matt_reed)

Each to his own, and you obviously have a relationship with Lance, but I know more people who say this about the Odyssey than the Thorfin. And the only one bad mouthing the other operations is Lance...you wont hear the other operators trying to slander him...they don't need too.

The only time I have heard lance talk negative about another operation is when someone else starts the conversation (not to say that he has not done it on other trips which I can't speak for).. I have never heard him originate any negatives about another operation other than the lack of experienced guides at times.. in my experience you have to pry that type of info out of him and usually he will only talk in private but once you get him going..... I am not saying that the odyssey is a bad operation or bad boat, just that I prefer to dive with a known entity and that I originally chose the Thorfinn because he used tenders and not tying the ship into a wreck.. to me this was the big plus when I made my initial choice.. I have been on live aboards that all diving was done off the liveaboard.. in some cases it was great and in others I felt it was a negative... In truk I felt it would be a negative becuase you usually cant see as many wrecks as using tenders..

I am not tied to the hip with the thorfin. I am just relaying multiple positive experiences that I have had.. If I have to spend my hard earned money, I want to know what I am getting.. I know he has alot of repeat business.. on my last trip almost everyone had been on the thofinn at least once.. several of the people like myself had multiple trips with him.. I think the thorfins biggest asset is his guides (although, on the last trip I did alot of solo dives..) Their main guys (bedowein and Remo) have been with him a very long time.. Is the Thorfin perfect.. definately not, but he has my business as long as I continue to have positive experiences..

as to the acomodations on board, your perception definately will depend on which cabin you have.. some have shared showers and heads some have a private head and/or shower.. I have been lucky (even my 1st trip) that I have always been able to get a cabin on the lowest deck.. They are roomy (smallest is probably about 8ft x 12ft not including shower/head) for a live aboard and have private showers/head.. The worse rooms are probably on the lounge deck with the main deck somehwer in between...

for someone that wants to decide what they will eat every day the thorfin is not for you.. You have a choice at breakfast, but all the other meals are pretty much decided.. On my last trip we had one guy that really didn't like it (its hard to forget, he let it be known regularly).. all he normally ate was chicken (if I rember correctly) and he was not preparred for not being able to have it every meal (he was one of teh few new people)...

The only thing I didn't like was some local staple.. thankfully it was just there as an extra to try and not the main meal.... I guess its an aquired taste..

off the top of my head.. we had several pork and fish meals, chicken and bufallo atleast once.. pizza.. meals usually had a potatoe, vegatable and salad.. definately not gourmet, but more than adequate.. The most important thing is that the food never disagreed with me...

jqn · 1st May 2008, 15:39

Quote: (Originally Posted by jradomski)

for someone that wants to decide what they will eat every day the thorfin is not for you.. You have a choice at breakfast, but all the other meals are pretty much decided.. .

Joe,

What does that mean for a vegetarian?

Jerry

Terry · 1st May 2008, 16:00

I am headed out on the Oddysey in two weeks for a tour of the Truk wrecks. Though I am going with Olympus Dive Center in NC, I made all of my equipment reservations through Cliff at their home office in Florida. He will have sorb reserved for me. Though, they do not have rebreather (Inspiration style) tanks on board. They do have 30 cu ft aluminums setup for air and O2, used as swing tanks for the OC tech divers. I changed out the house clamps to 5.5 inches on my HH's metalsub mounts and am prepared to mount 30's there, and in the event they do not have the 30's I am prepared with hoses to swing an 02 tank. (Some saw my other post regarding this). I plan on bringing my O2 valve and cleared it with Cliff that I can swap it out with their valve, if for some reason I can not swap valves I'll just dive their tanks with the valve pointing straight back.

With all off the reservations, they warned me that there still is a possbility that O2 may not be available. Cliff said it hasnt happened yet, but could.
I will bring OC gear, and open mind, and a sense of humor.

I will post a full trip report on my return in about a month,

Terry

29th April 2008, 02:53	#11 (permalink)
rob.laurie New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Alberta Canada Posts: 45	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Thanks Owen & everyone else that has contributed to this thread & the PM's I've recieved, keep it coming... P.M. me details for your August trip, look's like that might just be do able. If He could be made available, even better. I am looking to put together a group trip early next year & checking it out ahead of time would be great. Thanks again, Rob Quote: (Originally Posted by omech) Feel like going August 23-30, 2008? I'm going with a couple of OC recreationals and thus wouldn't mind a CC buddy or two. We're on Thorfinn. They have Sodalime 4-8 on board and a tub of Sofnolime 8-12 (with my name on it). It's at a bit of a premium ($200 & $225us respectively) but after I looked at shipping or packing sorb in overweight luggage it wasn't so far out of line. They can get more from Guam if they know in advance. I believe they also have a supply of 3L steel tanks (12 rings a bell) with DIN valves, though I'm going to confirm that in the near future, or just take my own valves. Boosted O2 is available. Haven't asked about Helium. From what I've heard they'll leave you to your own devices and I like the idea of going to a wreck with just a few ppl versus a whole boatload. Granted I've heard the boat has it's quirks but I'm willing to give it a shot if I can avoid the cattle approach of Oddessy. We're flying out of Seattle thru HNL and then on Continental's Island hopper to Truk. Northwest's and Continental's baggage policy seems to fit in with carrying a Meg onboard without too much hassle, though as of May 15 domestic checked baggage has been reduced to one free bag with the second bag costing $25 and the third bag $100. That's about the limit of my knowledge at this point. If you're going after August I'll post more specifics. Owen
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29th April 2008, 03:06	#12 (permalink)
omech New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 27	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Quote: (Originally Posted by jqn) Thanks Joe, Owen, if the Thorfin will get us He and we have some guys to split it then I could be in for this trip. Keep me posted. Jerry Here's the scoop from Thorfinn: "We have available 244 cu. ft. onboard sold at $1,050/cylder onboard. If you wish to pre-order this, kindly advise so we can have it reserved for you. " At $4.30us/ft^3, at least we won't need much each. By my rough calcs, I'd estimate using less than 40ft^3 over the week. Carol (Thorfinn rep.) didn't state whether they gave any compensation for partially used cylinders at the end of the week. I've inquired about that and am waiting for a response. Any one else feel like going to Truk and sharing a bit of He?? Thorfinn has 11 spots remaining on Trip #0835 – August 23-30, 2008.
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29th April 2008, 04:22	#13 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 2,817	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Quote: (Originally Posted by omech) Here's the scoop from Thorfinn: "We have available 244 cu. ft. onboard sold at $1,050/cylder onboard. If you wish to pre-order this, kindly advise so we can have it reserved for you. " At $4.30us/ft^3, at least we won't need much each. By my rough calcs, I'd estimate using less than 40ft^3 over the week. Carol (Thorfinn rep.) didn't state whether they gave any compensation for partially used cylinders at the end of the week. I've inquired about that and am waiting for a response. Any one else feel like going to Truk and sharing a bit of He?? Thorfinn has 11 spots remaining on Trip #0835 – August 23-30, 2008. Its gone up a bit.. The prices I had were from 2006... at that time he was just passing on the cost of the gas, which varied at times... considering its gone up much more than 30% locally, It seems like a bargain... __________________ 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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29th April 2008, 23:04	#14 (permalink)
dive2dive2000 PRISM DIVER & LUVIN IT! Current Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 784	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Hi Guys, Here is my ppo2 The thorfin is a less expensive way to see chuck. It is no better than a land base operation. If you can afford the diffrence in price the odyssey is the way to go hands down. Blue lagoon is my next choice. The odyssey is by far the best choice. The capt is also the local chamber operator something to keep in mind the next one is in guam. As far as food and ammenities odyssey wins hands down blue laggon secound. Please keep in mind no matter if you are a resident business or vistor all goods come in one way on a cargo ship every 3 weeks, so if it aint there it aint there, you are in a remote part of the world. the best part of the odyssey and he is the only one to do this, he will dive wrecks to the skill level of the majority on board BUT he has a 18' skiff and will take a few people to wrecks of their skill level! Another great option and this is what I did I arrived 2 days early dove with blue lagoon and then boarded the odyssey and dove with them by the way they are affiliated you stay will be at blue lagoon being that is where the boat picks up and drops off. I am reluctant to comment on the destruction of wrecks but here goes The Odyssey and the local goverment have worked hand in hand over the last 10 yrs to implement preservation of all ship wrecks and a chamber for divers so they would not have to be air lifted to guam. Joe please call a spade a spade you get a deal on the thorfin its afordable and thats why you use her lets not start false bullshit the thorfin sucks the food is lousy and your stuck on hunk of a shipwreck itself . Now which discription did you prefere the first paragraph or the secound. __________________ Safe Diving, Martin "but what's the fun of getting what you need, instead of what you want?" Last edited by dive2dive2000 : 29th April 2008 at 23:07.
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30th April 2008, 03:52	#15 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 2,817	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Quote: (Originally Posted by dive2dive2000) Joe please call a spade a spade you get a deal on the thorfin its afordable and thats why you use her lets not start false bullshit the thorfin sucks the food is lousy and your stuck on hunk of a shipwreck itself . Now which discription did you prefere the first paragraph or the secound. I DON'T get a discount on the Throfinn! I pay the same as everyone else, but I have gotten some extra freedom and have gotten a private room each time.. On my last trip I saved a few $$ only because I worked out a deal where I paid and shipped cylinders that he would rent.. I got retail credit, thats it.. If I want a discount I have to do what everyone else does.. Bring a group and I don't do that because this is my vacation.. I have never had a problem with the food on the thorfinn.. Descent varienty (but basic) and plenty of it - lots of in beteween dive snacks as well.. Most of the complaints I have heard are from people that don't like fish.. Over the week the thorfin will have several meals involving fish (more when the supermarket is low on goods).. If you make arrangements ahead of time they will acomodate special meal requests.. BTW I HAVE turned down free and very cheap trips on the Odyssey (and Agressor when it was there) in the past several years, I was supposed to do a trip with BL, but that one got cancelled.. So money is not the issue.. I recommend the Thorfin because I have had a good time on every trip I made with him.. I like the new (well new in 2006) 30ft launches that are confortable and fast... The only negative that I can say is that unless you are doing something special, you are on a specific dive schedule.. The dive times are the same every day.. If you get a group of 4 divers, you can usually modify the schedule a bit... but meal times are pretty much set.. __________________ 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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30th April 2008, 04:27	#16 (permalink)
matt_reed New Member Current Rebreather/s: Pelagian Other Rebreather/s: Pelagian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Philippines Posts: 12	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year [quote=jradomski;183832 both the odyssey and the agressor (when it was there) have been blamed for seriously damaging some of the wrecks..[/QUOTE] Blamed by Lance...wonder why that might be? [quote=jradomski;183832 Thats why some of them now have moorings off the wreck.. .[/quote] Which every man an his dog uses when it suits them. And which were sabotaged when they were first put in...no accusations here, but why would anyone do that? [quote=jradomski;18383 I have been a repeat customer of the Thorfinn and will be again on my next trip to chuuk..[/QUOTE] Each to his own, and you obviously have a relationship with Lance, but I know more people who say this about the Odyssey than the Thorfin. And the only one bad mouthing the other operations is Lance...you wont hear the other operators trying to slander him...they don't need too. In relation to the best time of year, if you want flat and super calm try in June, July. This is not great if you are on the Odyssey as it means you swing off the wreck and have to swim further, but it is beautiful. October tends to be Jellyfish season, so take your wetty.
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30th April 2008, 05:15	#17 (permalink)
rob.laurie New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Alberta Canada Posts: 45	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Hey guys, just looking for some positive advice & appreciate the input, I understand personal loyalties, but lets not get too far off track here. Quote: (Originally Posted by matt_reed) In relation to the best time of year, if you want flat and super calm try in June, July. This is not great if you are on the Odyssey as it means you swing off the wreck and have to swim further, but it is beautiful. October tends to be Jellyfish season, so take your wetty. Thanks for giving me some insight as to seasonal differences, you are the first one to do so. Looks like I'll avoid October !! Not sure if I understand & must be missing something here, but why would the Odyssey swing further away from a mooring during flat & super calm vs any wind or current ? Seems to me it would be the other way around, No? I'm looking more toward putting together a ccr exclusive January trip & If anyone out there is interested, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me. Thanks, Rob
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30th April 2008, 06:15	#18 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 2,817	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Quote: (Originally Posted by matt_reed) Blamed by Lance...wonder why that might be? actually the firts time I heard it I was talking with the guys at bl several years back... heard it again from someone at the trukstop after that.. on one of my trips I asked lance and he told me supposedly which ship did what damage.. but that was after I brought it up.. Quote: (Originally Posted by matt_reed) Which every man an his dog uses when it suits them. And which were sabotaged when they were first put in...no accusations here, but why would anyone do that? I heard there were some problems as well.. Quote: (Originally Posted by matt_reed) Each to his own, and you obviously have a relationship with Lance, but I know more people who say this about the Odyssey than the Thorfin. And the only one bad mouthing the other operations is Lance...you wont hear the other operators trying to slander him...they don't need too. The only time I have heard lance talk negative about another operation is when someone else starts the conversation (not to say that he has not done it on other trips which I can't speak for).. I have never heard him originate any negatives about another operation other than the lack of experienced guides at times.. in my experience you have to pry that type of info out of him and usually he will only talk in private but once you get him going..... I am not saying that the odyssey is a bad operation or bad boat, just that I prefer to dive with a known entity and that I originally chose the Thorfinn because he used tenders and not tying the ship into a wreck.. to me this was the big plus when I made my initial choice.. I have been on live aboards that all diving was done off the liveaboard.. in some cases it was great and in others I felt it was a negative... In truk I felt it would be a negative becuase you usually cant see as many wrecks as using tenders.. I am not tied to the hip with the thorfin. I am just relaying multiple positive experiences that I have had.. If I have to spend my hard earned money, I want to know what I am getting.. I know he has alot of repeat business.. on my last trip almost everyone had been on the thofinn at least once.. several of the people like myself had multiple trips with him.. I think the thorfins biggest asset is his guides (although, on the last trip I did alot of solo dives..) Their main guys (bedowein and Remo) have been with him a very long time.. Is the Thorfin perfect.. definately not, but he has my business as long as I continue to have positive experiences.. as to the acomodations on board, your perception definately will depend on which cabin you have.. some have shared showers and heads some have a private head and/or shower.. I have been lucky (even my 1st trip) that I have always been able to get a cabin on the lowest deck.. They are roomy (smallest is probably about 8ft x 12ft not including shower/head) for a live aboard and have private showers/head.. The worse rooms are probably on the lounge deck with the main deck somehwer in between... for someone that wants to decide what they will eat every day the thorfin is not for you.. You have a choice at breakfast, but all the other meals are pretty much decided.. On my last trip we had one guy that really didn't like it (its hard to forget, he let it be known regularly).. all he normally ate was chicken (if I rember correctly) and he was not preparred for not being able to have it every meal (he was one of teh few new people)... The only thing I didn't like was some local staple.. thankfully it was just there as an extra to try and not the main meal.... I guess its an aquired taste.. off the top of my head.. we had several pork and fish meals, chicken and bufallo atleast once.. pizza.. meals usually had a potatoe, vegatable and salad.. definately not gourmet, but more than adequate.. The most important thing is that the food never disagreed with me... __________________ 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. Last edited by jradomski : 30th April 2008 at 06:18.
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1st May 2008, 15:39	#19 (permalink)
jqn New Member Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2005 Location: So. California Posts: 71	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Quote: (Originally Posted by jradomski) for someone that wants to decide what they will eat every day the thorfin is not for you.. You have a choice at breakfast, but all the other meals are pretty much decided.. . Joe, What does that mean for a vegetarian? Jerry
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1st May 2008, 16:00	#20 (permalink)
Terry New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Atlanta Posts: 89	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year I am headed out on the Oddysey in two weeks for a tour of the Truk wrecks. Though I am going with Olympus Dive Center in NC, I made all of my equipment reservations through Cliff at their home office in Florida. He will have sorb reserved for me. Though, they do not have rebreather (Inspiration style) tanks on board. They do have 30 cu ft aluminums setup for air and O2, used as swing tanks for the OC tech divers. I changed out the house clamps to 5.5 inches on my HH's metalsub mounts and am prepared to mount 30's there, and in the event they do not have the 30's I am prepared with hoses to swing an 02 tank. (Some saw my other post regarding this). I plan on bringing my O2 valve and cleared it with Cliff that I can swap it out with their valve, if for some reason I can not swap valves I'll just dive their tanks with the valve pointing straight back. With all off the reservations, they warned me that there still is a possbility that O2 may not be available. Cliff said it hasnt happened yet, but could. I will bring OC gear, and open mind, and a sense of humor. I will post a full trip report on my return in about a month, Terry Last edited by Terry : 1st May 2008 at 16:06.
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