#68384 - 11/27/07 11:52 AM
Raimiti for weak swimmer
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carrieg
Member
Registered: 04/10/06
Posts: 153
Loc: Los Angeles
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I am intrigued by the descriptions I've heard of Raimiti, but one of my concerns (besides the lack of hot water, which I think I can get over) is that some of the excursions they take you on to snorkel are to areas that have a current. I can swim, but not well, and it has happened before that when I think that I might touch coral and get scratched, I freak out a little. I'm concerned that this could happen if I go to Raimiti. I'd hate to go there and not be able to participate in the excursions.
Can anyone who has been there tell me if I have a reason to worry?
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#68387 - 11/27/07 12:31 PM
Re: Raimiti for weak swimmer
[Re: carrieg]
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DenverJoe
Expert Advisor
Registered: 09/10/02
Posts: 1878
Loc: Denver, Co.
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Don't worry about the 'cold' shower water. The only time it was cool, was first thing in the morning. After that, it felt really good. Plus, they have hot water in the communal bathroom/laundry room behind the eating fare if you really want a hot shower.
As far as the current, it was never a big deal. The one day the current was flowing out, we stayed close to the wall and you could hardly feel it. On the days it was coming in, it was like you were flying. The farther out into the pass and away from the wall you went, the stronger it got. If you stay close you'll have no problem.
_________________________
Nothing better than a Hinano in hand and toes in the sand.
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#68389 - 11/27/07 12:51 PM
Re: Raimiti for weak swimmer
[Re: DenverJoe]
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rodjune
Expert Advisor
Registered: 07/08/03
Posts: 1726
Loc: Kalama Valley, HI
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If the current is too strong, there's a little bay inlet where the water is like bath water with no current, and a few of the wrasse napoleons and other fish hang out. You can then venture as far out into the pass you want until you feel the current (if there is one at that time of the day) and just hang out where the water is a little still. I'm sure you will have no problems.
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#68394 - 11/27/07 02:01 PM
Re: Raimiti for weak swimmer
[Re: rodjune]
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Old Wife
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/21/03
Posts: 2369
Loc: Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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I have to tell you that my husband & I were a bit scared heading to the drift snorkel. We'd seen "The Coral Reef Adventure" DVD with the scuba drift through a pass and pictured a really strong current. We were thrilled to find there was nothing scary about this drift snorkel at all. In fact, I told Maluha that if they ever got guests that were a bit nervous about going, tell them a 50-year-old almost-beginner snorkeller & her beginner-snorkeller husband said it wasn't scary, just fun. Some of the other snorkelling they take you to offers you the chance to swim over coral and a couple of times I got a bit close and, like you, I get a bit frantic worrying about being washed up against it and scratched, but I just 'back-pedalled' and got away easily. Most of the coral we encountered wouldn't have been sharp anyway (like the smooth brain coral). If you're really concerned, take gloves with you that you can push off with (you shouldn't touch coral on purpose, obviously, but if it will keep you from brushing your whole body against it, I figure gloves are a much better option). Maluha wore them at least once when we snorkelled & I wished I'd had some.
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#68401 - 11/27/07 04:24 PM
Re: Raimiti for weak swimmer
[Re: Old Wife]
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Justine2
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/12/07
Posts: 1911
Loc: Minneapolis, MN
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You might bring a swim trainer kick board with you. You can put it under your chest while you snorkel and it doesn't disturb or get in your way. Worked nicely for my step-daughter.
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#68402 - 11/27/07 04:27 PM
Re: Raimiti for weak swimmer
[Re: Justine2]
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DenverJoe
Expert Advisor
Registered: 09/10/02
Posts: 1878
Loc: Denver, Co.
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They have a couple of kickboards at Raimiti. Maluha used one for a rest stop when we all snorkeled on the oceanside of Raimiti.
_________________________
Nothing better than a Hinano in hand and toes in the sand.
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#68412 - 11/28/07 08:27 AM
Re: Raimiti for weak swimmer
[Re: DenverJoe]
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Justine2
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/12/07
Posts: 1911
Loc: Minneapolis, MN
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Even better, then it won't take up space! They're great if you're being lazy or want extra support in rough water.
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#68414 - 11/28/07 10:17 AM
Re: Raimiti for weak swimmer
[Re: Justine2]
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Finnano
Member
Registered: 12/25/05
Posts: 188
Loc: Novato, CA
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carrieg, re. the hot shower... I love my hot shower after snorkeling, so we brought to Raimiti a solar-powered shower bag. It's made by Advanced Elements, and you fill it, put it out in the sun and voila, in a few hours you have HOT water. In fact it would get so hot that I started to fill it half way and then add some cold water to it. The bags come in 3 sizes, we had the biggest one and it was plenty for two people. We left it for the staff to use and Maluha said she might order some more!
Edited by Finnano (11/28/07 10:25 AM)
_________________________
* Life is a beach *
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#68432 - 11/29/07 02:05 AM
Re: Raimiti for weak swimmer
[Re: Finnano]
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auwe
Member
Registered: 07/18/07
Posts: 43
Loc: netherlands
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Finnano: what a great idea!! We have a solar shower bag but we only take it when we go camping in Holland or Belgium. Next trip I will also take it with me to warmer destinations because we always end up in bungalows without hot showers. Cold showers usely are no problem but after 2 or 3 dives a day and it is cloudy then a cold shower is very COLD! Also on our trip in FP we had some very COLD showers!!
Sharing ideas like this is why forums are so great!
Thanks
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#68626 - 12/10/07 03:41 PM
Re: Raimiti for weak swimmer
[Re: auwe]
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Gitbox_dan
Member
Registered: 03/09/04
Posts: 103
Loc: Sacramento, CA
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No worries about the current... Eric can tow you through the pass, so your ability will simply be that of hanging on. Also, snorkeling in the little inlet Rodjune mentions is terrific. You can then swim right up to the pass & see the various fishes & sharks (just reef ones - not dangerous) float right by you, w/o any current problems at all.
Snorkeling in the lagoon next to Riamiti is also quite pleasant, & no current to worry about.
The biggest thing is to make sure to tell them of your concern... they will work with you to ensure your enjoyment (tailoring your excursions according). There's plenty of gorgeous areas to explore or wade through w/o snorkeling entering into the equation). Even if you chose not to snorkel the pass, I'd still go to play in the inlet & see the surrounding area.
_________________________
Remember that happiness is a way of travel - not a destination (Roy Goodman)
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