----------------------------- 6/28/99 -------------------------------- Dear TRMM/Kwajex participants, And now, for the good stuff... boating and diving on Kwaj... BOATING: ----------- As was mentioned at the March meeting in Seattle, boat rentals are available at Kwajalein. However, in order to rent a boat, you must first take a boating class. One class consists of two meetings, on two consecutive evenings. The following classes are being offered: Class 1: Dates: July 21 and 22 Time: 6-9 pm Class 2: Dates: July 27 and 28 Time: 6-9 pm To sign up for a class, reply to this email and state which one you would like to take: Class 1 or Class 2. Based on the responses, we'll put together a plan and post it in the Kwajex project office in Bldg. 1009. If you sign up, please check with the project office when you get to Kwajalein for the final plan and schedule. If we don't get enough people for a second class, we may cancel one, so remember to check with us when you get to Kwajalein. We may be able to set up some classes for later in the mission. So, if you would like to take the class but won't be at Kwajalein on the above dates, please reply to this message and let us know of your interest. Based on responses, we'll see about setting up some later classes. SNORKELING/SCUBA ------------------------- Kwajalein offers easy access to excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. Both are possible right from Kwajalein island. With access to the recreational boats (see above), you have access to some truly spectacular underwater scenery. As crystal clear as the water can be, however, it is important to be prepared and remember SAFETY FIRST. A few points to remember for those interested in snorkeling or SCUBA on Kwaj. 1) Swimming (including the swimming pools), snorkeling and diving must be done with a buddy at all times. 2) Safety Vests (Mae West type w/ oral inflate and/or CO2 cartridges) are required for snorkeling at all times! 3) It is possible to rent snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, safety vest). $4 / half day (4 hours), $8 / full day. If you bring your own gear, remember that you MUST have a safety vest. Snorkeling gear, including safety vests, are available for purchase at the local store. The cost for safety vests is ~$65-70. 4) There is NO SCUBA gear for rent on the island. If you want to SCUBA dive, you must bring your own gear except for tanks, which are available through the Kwaj SCUBA Club. It is possible to purchase gear locally from individuals who sell particular lines of equipment. But there is no retail dive shop, so equipment may not be readily available. (For those interested in purchasing gear I understand that the prices on Kwaj are very good, compared to prices in the U.S.). 5) All divers must show proof of certification and do one check out dive with a local dive master or instructor before diving on Kwaj. 6) Certified divers can join the Kwaj SCUBA club for a small fee. Compressed air tanks are readily available to club members. (There is no NITROX on Kwaj). 7) The water is quite warm. Many locals dive without any kind of exposure suit even at depths to 100 ft. But if you are sensitive to cold, you might want to consider bringing a shortie or dive skin. ---------------------------- Wendy Whiting Dolci KWAJEX Project Manager NASA Ames Research Center MS 244-30 Moffett Federal Airfield, CA 94035 Phone: 650-604-6358 FAX: 650-604-1094 Email: wdolci@mail.arc.nasa.gov