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Cuba Kit list The objective is to take the smallest amount of equipment needed to be comfortable and safe. You will need to carry your equipment and baggage on occasions and there are also maximum weight allowances which vary depending on the airline used (normally 20Kg in a single bag). Always aim to buy equipment that is compact, light weight, durable, quick drying, versatile and in good repair. You may find that you have suitable gear already, so don't feel you have to buy everything new. Shop around and price everything before purchasing anything. Some items you may be able to borrow from friends or relatives, pick up second hand, or get deals off the internet. We have done some research and certain outlets will give you some excellent deals if you mention our name. In the UK our main contacts are: Nomad Travel and Outdoor (0207 833 4114), for the terrestrial projects whilst Watersports Warehouse provide good deals on any marine equipment needed. Please mention that you are joining an Operation Wallacea expedition when you contact them and you should be able to get a further discount on the published prices. In Canada Mountain Equipment Co-operative has a range of relevant equipment whilst Scuba Store has a good range of marine equipment. Try out your kit in realistic circumstances if at all possible before your expedition, especially new boots which can often need time to fully mould to the shape of your feet, and even more specifically new Jungle boots which should be soaked and worn till they dry on your feet to prevent blisters whilst trekking. All baggage, clothes and kit should be clearly labelled to avoid confusion. There are many volunteers, and some may have the same or similar items to you. Valuables are very occasionally at risk. Please make sure you have insurance, record all serial numbers and keep all receipts. Remember to carry all personal documents and cash safely in a concealed money belt. Rucksack. A basic rucksack is needed to include all clothing and kit that you wish to bring on the expedition. It doesn't necessarily have to be an expensive rucksack unless you wish to invest in one for further travels in the future. You will not need to carry your rucksack for long periods of time, just between the airport, taxi and hotel and for a short distance from the boat to the expedition site on the beach. Suitcases and similar cases with wheels are not suitable as you will need to carry them for short periods of time and they are often too large for the limited space that you will have in the tents and on the boat. Day bag. Needed for your field work for carrying water, paper, pens, binoculars, cameras etc. Sleep sheet. A fleece bag or a silk liner will be sufficient for use at night - we recommend using a silk sleeping bag liner as it is harder for insect to bite through. Insect repellent It is essential to bring repellent that works for sandflies as well as mosquitoes as both are very common at the forest site and although much less so in the hotel or on the Felipe Poey there is still a need for repellent in the evenings or early morning. It is suggested that each person reads this link to insect repellents and then decides which of the various compounds they would prefer to utilise. In general though Cubans working in the area use a strong Deet based repellent (Cubans recommend the brand: Boots from 55 % up on Deet content) . Avon Skin so Soft Dry Oil Body Spray can sometimes help to prevent sandfly bites and brewer's yeast tablets taken regularly are also reputedly a good repellent. You will need to completely cover up when you are at the ranger station or working in the forest or on the beaches because of biting insects and it is advisable in the evenings and early mornings even in the hotel or on the boats. However, during the day at the hotel or on the boat you will be able to sunbathe. Water bottle Hydration is essential at all times when on expedition as you will be working in very warm temperatures and sometimes in exposed sites. A combination of leak-proof plastic bottles (total capacity 2 litres) is important. There are many styles to choose from, it is not necessary to get anything fancy,just make sure you have a large plastic bottle which you can carry in your day sack. Torch. Torches cannot be used when conducting the turtle survey work at night but can be used around the Ranger station camp and may be needed at the hotel or on the boat from time to time. Normal hand held torches are fine. Don't forget spare batteries! Teva type/reef sandals or flip-flops. These are a necessity when on the boats. The advantage of Tevas are that they stay on securely in water and have good grip for on the boat deck. Waterproofs. Rainfall is likely for short periods, so a plastic poncho or lightweight rainjacket is invaluable. Expensive heavyweight Gore-Tex raincoats are not recommended - they are hot and may get snagged and torn. Biodegradable soap/shampoo/washing liquid. To minimise impact on the environment we ask all volunteers to bring 'green' detergents. Please bring personal soap such as 'lifestyles' or 'mountain suds' - soap that can also be used as laundry detergent is recommended. Sunblock. An essential part of any tropical expedition kit. Factor 50, minimum, is recommended. Hat or bandana. Dehydration and heat exhaustion are two potential debilitators, especially in the first few days before you have fully acclimatised. The wearing of a hat or bandanna in conjunction with regular fluid intake can make all the difference Small towel/sarong. Don't bring a big thick towel as it is heavy and won't dry quickly enough . Excellent travelpac towels (eg Lifeventure) are available, but can be pricey-a tea towel will do the job. Sarongs can double up as sheets and skirts. Watch with alarm. It doesn't have to be anything technical but just enough to make sure you are up on time to join the various activities. A travel alarm clock will also do. Waterproof plastic bags A combination of sizes and styles are necessary to keep water out of your kit and clothes. A large gravel sack or heavy duty bin liner will act as a rucksack liner (bring spares), and Ziploc (freezer) bags are brilliant for keeping your camera, and other bits of kit dry (bring plenty). Talcum powder/Anti Fungal Powder Due to the humid nature of the tropics, it is imperative to take extra special care of feet and crotch areas. Regular application of talcum powder can aid drying, and anti fungal powder can help prevent and combat athletes foot/other fungal infections. Notebooks/pencils These are a necessity for all fieldwork. Latin American/Spanish phrase book or dictionary Tampons/Sanitary towels Binoculars Needed for manatee projects if you have them. Sun glasses: Needed for manatee work, improve chances of seeing a manatee, and protect the eyes from the sun. No need to be very expensive. Camera Clothing-essentials: Dark colours don't show the dirt, but they do retain more heat than light colours, so we recommend light colours, but not white. Also, a combination of natural and synthetic fibres are advisable - whereas nylon has the advantage of drying quickly it can also cause you to sweat more thus causing chaffing and heat rash. Cotton on the other hand is kind to your skin, but can take a while to dry. Both have their strengths and weaknesses - seek advice when purchasing. Dive Training Courses
All
those learning to dive will need to bring a PADI Open Water Crew
Pack and PIC card (registration) with them. For UK and European
volunteers the best deal is direct from us. You
can purchase this
here. Note this includes the PIC cards which you need
for certification and if you buy a PADI Open Water Crew Pack from
most dive shops or internet sites they do NOT contain PIC Cards.
For US based volunteers you need to email
diveUS@opwall.com
and the costs will be $77 delivered to you. For Canadian volunteers
you should e-mail
diveCanada@opwall.com. Remember if are dive
training and arrive without an Open Water Manual and PIC card then
you won't be able to complete the dive training course.
If you are already a qualified diver, we will require proof of your dive qualifications on site. You will also need to bring with you your completed log books, and PADI forms.
PADI Forms Please bring your completed, original PADI forms with you and send a copy to Alison Darlington in the UK Opwall office. Without these PADI forms you may not be permitted to dive.
Logbook You will also need a Log Book—a simple A5 sized hard-back notebook will suffice although you can also buy specially designed PADI logbooks on site.
Equipment for diving All the equipment listed below is essential for diving projects. Some is available to hire on site, except for wetsuits and dive watches. If you decide to hire, budget around $14 per day for a full set of equipment. If you plan to continue diving in the future, it might be well worth investing in your own kit.
Wetsuit. The purpose of a wetsuit is twofold, to keep you warm whilst underwater, and to protect you from marine life that may sting you. A full suit will keep you warmer at depth and give you more protection, but if you’ve already purchased a shorty they are acceptable. The most suitable thickness required for these waters is 3 mm (though 5mm gives added warmth). If you will be staying on the research vessel during June or July it is important that you bring a full length suit as there is usually a bloom of marine life at this time, including some that can sting. You may also want to consider a product such as 'Safe Sea Lotion', which helps prevent stings from jellyfish. Dive watch or computer. This is a requirement under PADI/BSAC regulations for qualified divers. However both, PADI and BSAC allow qualified divers to go off diving in buddy pairs on their own without a Divemaster/Dive Leader whereas Opwall regulations require that all divers are accompanied by a Divemaster who times their dives. Under these circumstances we don't consider it necessary but if you have a waterproof watch or dive computer please take it. Mask and Snorkel. Limited supply available for hire. Fins and Booties. Fins come in two varieties, full foot fins (booties not necessary), and fins with straps that require neoprene booties. We recommend that you bring fins with straps and booties, should you be wading in the water. There is a supply of fins available for hire on site. Medical Kit Although every expedition will have its own medical supplies, and medical teams on site, you MUST carry your own personal medical kit. This way you will be as self sufficient as possible, and able to treat minor scrapes and injuries yourself. The following are essential items:
You may also wish to consider taking the following:
Important If you need to take prescribed medicines whilst on expedition, please bring sufficient supplies to cover your stay. For example if you are asthmatic you MUST bring you own inhalers, or if you have a history or recognized risk of going into anaphylactic shock due to an allergy, you must supply your own Epipen. Always waterproof and clearly label drugs (with generic, rather than trade names). Occasionally there are restrictions on travelling with certain medicines. If you think this may be relevant to you, please contact your Home Office Drugs Branch (in the UK: 0207 273 3806). |
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