New diver heading to florida

[trapper1981]

I have recently enrolled in SSI scuba classes(with nitrox cert) in Missouri I will be doing five open water dives at the Bonne Terre Mines(depth 50-60 ft) during Feb with the intention of diving Jupiter in march on my upcoming Spring Training vacation. I called Jupiter Dive Center and talked to a very heplful man and explained my newness and plans mostly worried about my inexperience ruining more experienced divers time he said i should be fine if I got my certification and felt comfortable. I have my hotel booked and was planning to dive on a tues only day i can but havent reserved a spot yet.Then I discovered this site and am learning about Drift dives the greater depths and Jupiter proabably not being for new divers. I have always wanted to dive a strong swimmer 31 yo male and in decent shape. knowing this now would I be better off driving down to West Palm Beach to dive at shallower depths this is something I will bring up with my dive instuctor but wanted some of your opinions on what i should do. Jupiter looks amazing but I can always come back in a few years after I get more experience but I have to get my first ocean dive on this trip.

 

[Dr Dog]

you will be fine

you gotta start somewhere with your first open water dive... If it is off a boat, then someone will say that is unsafe for a new diver, same thing with drift, low viz, etc etc.

Just remember what you have learnt, stay calm and enjoy the dive...you will do just fine..

 

[jar546]

PM me if you want and I will meet you and take you on a tour of the Blue Heron Bridge to get you started then we can go out of West Palm or Boynton (nicer reefs in my opinion) on drifts 45 to the top of the reef. I'll just be your dive buddy.

The "bridge" will ease you into ocean diving.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[ScubaSteve1962]

If you're not comfortable with with you saw on the site, you've answered your own question. Do the sites you feel you're comfortable with and within your ability to dive. Like you said you can always do the other dives later.

 

[trapper1981]

Well it was reading other threads that I saw multiple posts on experience needed for Jupiter I'm probably premature on planning anything as my open water classes aren't until next month I was thinking ahead for booking to make sure I had a seat on a charter if I went that route. I am really excited to dive and been looking and learning as much as I can online before going. But can't say as to my ability before diving.

 

[The Chairman]

Say hello to Doug, Bear, Steve and the gang there at Bonne Terre. They will take great care of you there and you'll be a better diver because of it.

 

[trapper1981]

I'll be sure to say hello can't wait to go dive I feel like a kid before Christmas

 

[uncfnp]

Don't rule out West Palm/Riviera Beach. There are some great dive sites there in the 50 to 60 range and some great dive operators.

 

[JamesK]

I can't help with the ocean diving in Florida as I rarely, as in twice, have dove there. All my dives are inland. I just wanted to say welcome to the sport and no matter what you do, always have fun.

 

[trapper1981]

Thanks everyone for the help I believe I'll be checking out the blue heron bridge area and I'm sure I'll have some more questions as I begin my new adventures