Seabase Bahamas advice, please

[goodkidsmom]

Can anyone help with the following:

 

1) links to photos and journals from a troop's Bahamas Adventure

2) advice re clothes - would the lightweight "wicking" synthetic t-shirts and shorts be more comfortable than the usual cotton shorts and tees?

3) advice re sleeping bag, sheet, and/or fleece blanket during July - what's most appropriate? Is sleeping on the floor, or in some kind of bunk?

4) how much sunscreen is needed? Was there any kind that seemed to work well or not work?

5) type of hat - ballcap, bucket, aussie? Is it windy enough that one with a string is needed?

 

Leaving in a week - Any other advice?

 

Thanks,

GKM

 

[resqman]

Hopefully you have reviewed the Flordia Sea Base website? http://www.bsaseabase.org/

Many of your questions are answered there including pictures, a packing list, and suggestions.

 

2) advice re clothes - would the lightweight "wicking" synthetic t-shirts and shorts be more comfortable than the usual cotton shorts and tees?

 

Cotton stays wet. That can be nice when it is hot but it can be deadly if trying to keep warm in a rain storm. For a week at sea, cotton will be O.K. One of the higher priced wicking could make the trip more enjoyable.

 

3) advice re sleeping bag, sheet, and/or fleece blanket during July - what's most appropriate? Is sleeping on the floor, or in some kind of bunk?

 

Sleeping varies. One time we all slept on deck on top of sleeping bags because the weather was wonderful. It was also beastly hot below deck. Additionally we had more kids than than bunks. Some slept on the benches in the galley. Some slept on the floor. One time there had been some repairs made to the boat and the smell of the repair materials made us not want to be below decks. We all took sleeping bags just because that is what we were used to. Adults packed a sheet or two. They would use the sleeping bag as a mattress pad and cover themselves with a sheet.

 

4) how much sunscreen is needed? Was there any kind that seemed to work well or not work?

 

Lots! Reportedly 30 is complete block so anything higher is just marketing. One of the games played was to "draw" using sunblock and make shapes or words on other people. The sunblock left unburned areas to contrast with the burned areas. Get the kind that is "waterproof". While you do spend lots of time on the boat, much time is also spent in the water swimming, snorkeling, diving, splashing, etc.

 

Be sure and pack at least one long sleeved shirt that is lightweight but opaque. When you get burned early in the trip, you can wear a long sleeve shirt to cover from the sun but still allow a breeze in. One pair of lightweight pants, (maybe a pair of pajamas or similar style) would also be useful for the same reason.

 

There are clothing sold to be worn as sunblock protection and swim in. Reportedly cotton will create small pinholes between the threads when wet which allows the sun through. Standard cotton t-shirt is effective and cheap. Fancy high tech shirts do work but are not required.

 

Remind the boys to apply sunblock to the back of their legs, particulary the knees. The sun is all around and people are often not prepared to have the backs of the legs burned. Burned backs of knees hurt every time you walk or sit. When snorkling, many boys burned their backs and legs. Even those that wore shirts got burns on the small of their backs when their swim trunks slid down a tad and the shirt slid up a bit. The same is true for the tops of the feet. People were not prepared for the intense sun and reflection of the water.

 

5) type of hat - ballcap, bucket, aussie? Is it windy enough that one with a string is needed?

 

Yes, you need a hat. The best hat is one you will wear. While a brim in the front is useful for eye strain, the back of the neck and ears need protection. The hat should have a wide brin all the way around, a cord to keep it secure, and withstand repeatedly getting wet.

 

A ballcap is better than no cap but a bucket hat or Boonie hat are the best. A boonie hat is similar to a bucket hat but with a flater crown and wider brim.

http://www.bsaseabase.org/store/f/DX-09.jpg

 

You notice that they have a wide brim, vents in the crown to allow heat to escape or water drain, and a neck cord to keep on the head during winds or while moving under sail or motor.

 

Send sunglasses. See if you can find a neck cord that is made of foam or dive suit material (neoprene) that will cause the glasses to float. It is suprising how many things fall over the side. Once it hits the water, it is gone. Be prepared for everything to be lost over the side and not return.

 

While many of things I mentioned sound negative in review, it is a wonderful trip filled with fun and memories to last a life time. Suggest that your son and the others error on the side of safety and wear clothing and hats to protect from the sun. It is more difficult to crew a ship when you hurt. It is difficult to have fun if you are burned. Even so, it is a blast.

[goodkidsmom]

Thanks for all the great advice and information - much appreciated!

 

GKM

[DonM]

Great reply by resqman.

 

A couple of minor additions:

 

- Lots and lots of sunscreen. Plan on reapplying every 1.5 to 2 hours if you want full protection - even the waterproof brands. Tans look great, but burns ruin vacations and skin cancer is deadly. The sun in the tropics is brighter and reflects off the ocean doubling the effect.

 

- Consider a second pair of sunglasses and a second cap. If they fall off, you don't want to squint for the rest of the week.

 

- Consider sending bugspray if they'll be stopping at any islands.

 

This is a great trip. Hope everyone has fun.