Frequently Asked Questions

Will they have wet suits and other gear in my size?

I know that this was one of my biggest concerns. (And frankly is still an important consideration) Maui Dreams Dive Company has BCD's (buoyancy control devices) to XXL they are quite adjustable, so most people can be accommodated. They have long and adjustable weight belts so that should not be a problem.

The wet suit is the primary issue. Maui Dreams can offer wet suits to 2XL. However, my experience is that since wet suits need to fit snugly, they tend to be shaped to follow the contours of the body and often aren't the right shape for me. My guess is that up to a size 20 or maybe 24 (depending on shape) should be able to wear a standard wet suit without too much problem. For us larger folks, a custom made wet suit is the answer. A good resource for custom suits (all sizes) is Liquid Fit. Liquid Fit offers a 10% discount to all Big Adventure participants! However, I had logged over 100 dives before I bought my first wet suit! The water in Hawaii is quite warm, and many well rounded folks find that they are typically warm, but most people find that they still need something... even if just to protect their skin from rocks and coral. So, here's what I suggest... over a bathing suit... a pair of quick wick leggings from Junonia, the kind that can be used for water aerobics. They are light weight, but give just a touch of warmth, and protection from scrapes and bumps. Previous Big Adventurers have found that the leggings are also great to wear under a wet suit; they make it much easier to get the wet suit on without the "girdle olympics" that neoprene usually requires. On the top, I have worn just a tee shirt over my bathing suit, but what I have found to work pretty well is a light weight neoprene jacket (1.5 mil thick) I wear the 3X from H2OWear. Both H2OWear and Junonia offer a few other options, depending on your size. The trick is to think about something that will give you just a little warmth, not too much bulk, and will protect you from scrapes. Please let me know if you have questions or ideas you want to discuss about this. One of the keys to a successful "Big Adventure" is having clothing and gear that works for you.

What if I can't do it? Maybe I should just plan on snorkeling so I have a 'no shame' alternative...

Big Adventures strives to be an ABSOLUTELY no shame activity. If you decide that you hate diving, but love the beach, or love snorkeling, no problem. The beach where most (if not all) of the dive training occurs is a gorgeous spot... great for sun bathing, superb snorkeling, it has rest rooms and showers. Some nice shady spots as well. So, at any point, you can opt out. Also, Maui is an island packed with activities, if you decide that diving is not for you, there are many other things you can do. In my mind the worst case scenario is that you find out the diving is the most disgusting thing you have experienced, and you spend a lovely week with a bunch of friendly women, in a paradise location.... gee, that sounds better than a poke in the eye!

I'm already certified. Can I participate in this trip?

Absolutely!! Your dive costs will be determined by how much and what kind of diving you want to do and how much gear you'll need to rent. Big Adventures comes with dive buddies!

I have some health problems. Can I dive? Can fat people really do this?

PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) is one of the international scuba diving organizations. They are the agency that will be issuing your certification card. In order to participate in their training programs you need to complete a medical information form. If you have a "yes" answer to any of the questions, you must have a doctor's unconditional clearance before you can take any dive training. This is a liability issue for the organization and the dive shop.

On the medical form it says that extremely overweight people or people who are extremely out of condition should not dive. What I have learned about diving and size is that there are two main concerns related to my size; one is cardio vascular health and the other is decompression sickness (or the bends). While I am not a medical professional and cannot give medical advice, what I have learned about this topic is described on the Health Issues page. View the complete medical clearance form.

Vision Issues: I'm really nearsighted, or I wear contact lenses, will I be able to dive?

Some people do find that they are comfortable wearing contacts under a mask. Others find that they prefer a prescription mask. Prescription masks are quite readily available for rent. Maui Dreams Dive Company can accommodate a fairly wide range of prescriptions. You can be fitted for a prescription mask by trial and error, though it is easier if you have a copy of your prescription.

Which you use (contacts or Rx mask) is a personal preference, but, I don't wear contacts, and I know that from time to time, I might get a little eye irritation while diving, a little salt water in my eye... basic stuff... I'm generally able to just clear my mask, blink a few times, and I'm fine.... I would think that managing that with a contact would be more difficult. There are also a few skills you need to do that involve taking your mask off... again, some people manage with contacts by just keeping their eyes closed or squinting, I think I would be more comfortable not having to worry about the contact. The one 'down' side to using an Rx mask, is that when you are entering and exiting the water, you need to have your mask on a bit earlier and keep it on a bit later until you can get to your glasses (depending on how impaired your vision is).

I'm not plus sized, may I participate? Can I bring a slender friend?

Yes. Big Adventures is a size positive activity and is open to plus size women and their allies. Having slender or averaged women join the group often provides a nice balance. The rules related to size are: you must be supportive of large women being physically active, specifically learning to SCUBA Dive; you are asked to suspend discussion of weight loss and dieting or any body disparaging remarks.

Can my boyfriend/husband come too?

These trips were conceived at a women only conference with the idea of it being for women. In the spirit of "Self Care for Unlimited Big Adventures" a women only environment is an important safety feature. I'm sure that everyone's spouses / significant others are perfectly nice, pro-feminist, size positive people, however, the learning dynamic changes considerably when the group is only women. So, this trip will be a women only trip. HOWEVER, if there are mixed gender couples who want to take part in this kind of activity, I have three suggestions 1) I will hook you up with all the appropriate resources, and you can go at your convenience, or 2) if I can get one or two couples and / or a single or two who are interested, I'd be happy to plan another trip that is mixed gender, and finally, 3) incorporate a Big Adventure "intensive" into your Hawaii vacation. Let me know when you will be on Maui, and I'll try to plan a couple of dive days for just you or you and your spouse / family.

How much will this cost? Isn't SCUBA Diving expensive?

SCUBA Diving can be a very expensive hobby. Big Adventures strives to organize a moderate cost way for people to be exposed to SCUBA Diving. Please feel free to discuss financial concerns with us; we might have some money saving suggestions for you.

Okay, I understand the cost estimates, but what "unexpected costs" might I have?

Well, any other activities that you wish to do. For instance, members of the last group decided that they wanted to do an additional boat trip to dive the sites off Lanai. The cost of that trip was approximately $125.00 per person. However, if anyone had not wanted to go or to spend that money, they could have easily done something else on their own, snorkeling for instance. Other people have discussed going horseback riding or renting a motor scooter. After certification, we have celebrated with a guided night dive, at $50.00 it is a great bargain, but again, it is optional. After certification, some people want to do more instructor guided dives; they pay for that themselves. After certification, some people have wanted to do buddy dives with other participants; they have needed to rent gear for that.

Shopping/souvenirs is another possible expense. All meals and snacks are included, trips to the ice cream parlor are not. Alcoholic beverages are not included. (And are somewhat discouraged: drinking alcohol increases the risks of diving.) Big Adventures coordinates transportation needs so that we can share a rental car and keep the costs down. Many activities will provide pick up and drop off services. If a situation arises where transportation cannot be coordinated, there could be additional cab fare or the need to rent an extra car for a day. Big Adventures will make every effort to pick you up and drop you off at the airport, it is possible that scheduling conflicts may require the use of an airport shuttle.

Can I pay by credit card? Are you absolutely firm on your payment deadlines?

Yes, you can pay by credit card. Maui Dreams Dive Company accepts the usual credit cards in the typical way. Big Adventures can accept credit cards via the Internet service Paypal. If you have questions or concerns about payment scheduling, please feel free to discuss it with me.

What kind of lodging can I expect?

Big Adventures rents lodging that is appropriate to the size of the group. My preference is one of several condominiums near (usually across the street from) a wonderful beach. We try to keep the costs down by taking a less than spectacular view in a good complex at a great location. You can always walk across the street to be in the great view! Most complexes offer pools; some also include spas, fitness facilities and tennis courts. If the numbers of people attending warrant it, a house may be rented. You can expect full kitchen and laundry facilities including a washer and dryer. You can also expect to share a bedroom. If you have specific sleeping or housing requirements, please be sure to discuss them with me in advance.

What if I have questions that aren't answered here?

Then please do not hesitate to contact us!