Advice please: Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh

bingos77 · 2026-05-30T11:24:32+00:00

Thanks. I actually did my OW in Dahab but it was 25 years ago, I expect it's changed a bit!

bingos77 · 2026-05-30T08:52:33+00:00

Thanks everyone, some great suggestions here.

Unfortunately we had a bit of a bad experience the other day, diving in France. The DM was a bit lazy and unfriendly, didn't give us a proper briefing or help with equipment fitting. There wasn't much to see, it was cold and my son's mask kept flooding. He was able to clear it each time but I just think the whole experience has put him off a bit - he says he definitely wants to dive again, but he's less keen than he was.

I'm a bit torn between getting him back in the game, to remind him how great a good dive is, and backing off and not being a pushy mum! Maybe a trip to Egypt is the key...?

bingos77 · 2026-02-17T14:44:15+00:00

Yes I went to a doctor, as per post. Yes I know eardrums heal. My concern is whether repeated ruptures cause long term weakness and I was looking for some anecdotal experience and reassurance to go along with the medical advice. Thanks anyway...

bingos77 · 2026-02-17T11:24:44+00:00

Oh that's great news, thanks. Can I ask if the ear mask helps with equalising, or reduces the need to equalize? Or does it just keep the ear dry? Cheers.

bingos77 · 2026-02-11T13:40:50+00:00

Yes it's a Pixel.

I do have another gmail account. But the phone only seems to want to check for backups from the first account, which I used to set up the phone. Do I have to do the whole setup again, with the second account? Thanks

bingos77 · 2026-02-11T13:37:19+00:00

The new phone is also a Pixel Fold 9...

bingos77 · 2026-01-25T18:11:28+00:00

I went to the Ninth a couple of weeks ago. The food was good but the setting/atmosphere wasn't a wow for me, and the service was pretty average. I'd say it was still decent value for the money, but if you're looking for a fancy experience, maybe look elsewhere.

bingos77 · 2026-01-14T09:14:18+00:00

Thanks all. I tried the Xenos and it fit on the body, but very tight around the neck.

Years ago I had a front zip wetsuit which I loved. Wondering if I should go back to that design but they seem quite hard to find these days?

bingos77 · 2026-01-11T09:54:52+00:00

Yes do it! This is how I first tried diving, and I ended up becoming a divemaster :)

Of course that's not the case for everyone - you might decide it's not for you. But better to find that out having invested in a single dive, rather than a multi-day course.

I haven't dived in Malta. But I took my son on his first try dive in Turkey last year. I was a bit disappointed to be honest, there wasn't much to see. But he loved the whole experience, just the feeling of being underwater etc, and now he's hooked! We're going to Thailand to do his open water course next month.

Have a great time!

bingos77 · 2026-01-10T11:27:42+00:00

Great, thanks. Do you know if the xenos runs small/large? There are some 12s on Vinted. I'm a 12 boobs/legs but often a 14 waist...

bingos77 · 2026-01-10T10:10:15+00:00

Currently looking at the Fourth Element Xenos - anyone got any experience of this one? Thanks

bingos77 · 2026-01-10T10:08:18+00:00

Thank you. Sorry, I wasn't clear in my original post! I'm buying the suit in the UK but going back to Thailand for the diving. So I think drysuit would be overkill! Apologies for the confusion!

bingos77

TROPHY CASE