Actual PADI open water skills

[JHammer]

First, I want to say I just found this board and it rocks. There is a lot of good info here and I've been lurking and reading a lot. I wish I would've seen this board sooner.

I'm just starting in diving and I have been trying to find a list of the actual skills needed to pass OW and AOW so I can start practicing on my own. I'm not a great swimmer and I want to go into class feeling as comfortable as I can. I've talked to some divers I know and they can't seem to remember whichs skills went with which class, they all cert'd too long ago. I tried searching the forums here but after 2 days on the same search I've about given up. There's a wealth of great information here, but maybe just a bit *too* much! I hate to ask such a basic question that has probably been answered numerous times, but I just can't seem to find it anywhere.

 

[Moodiejeff]

As far as swimming goes - I seem to remember treading water for 10 min. and doing a bunch of laps in the pool. The laps were kinda go at your own pace so that wasn't a problem. If I remember correctly that's all the "swimming" you need to do.

They'll teach you the correct way to "fin" along with all the other necessary skills in the pool work sessions. It's not hard in hindsight but can be intimidating when you're actually doing it. Don't stress over it too much.

An option would be to go to your local dive shop (LDS) and ask for a swimming refresher, I'm sure all of them will accomodate this request as you're not the only one who feels a little uncomfortable in the water. They'll definitely let you know what skills you will need.

Relax and have fun... it's not as hard as it seems.

 

[JHammer]

I'm not as concerned with the swimming aspect as the tasks that have to be done underwater. I heard there's a swim w/o air, a mask retrieval, etc. I'm just curious so I have an idea of what I'll need to do in the class, helps keep the butterflies under control

 

[pt40fathoms]

The swim you will need to do is not very hard, PADI does not expect you to enter into a marathon, or become a Navy Seal. the swim is 200 yards, no time limit, followed by a 10 minute drown proofing. The drown proofing can be treading water, or just floating on your back if you are able to. Style and form does not matter, but looking good will not hurt if their are women present.

As for the skill specific to SCUBA, they all require equipment that you will be using in diving, and the instructor will show you what you need to know at that time. It's also not very hard as far as physical exertion is concerned. However, some people have trouble with items like clearing water out of the mask, or breathing underwater without a mask on. Everyone is different, but don't sweat it if you have trouble with some aspect of a required skill. That is what the Instructor and the Assistant Instructor or Dive Master is there for, to help you learn what you need to know.

The one tip I will give you is this. When going under water, start equalizing your ears as soon as your head is submerged, and every foot down. Look UP a little when equalizing and DO NOT blow hard! This may damage your ears and delay your diving as your ears heal. If you have a cold, and can not equalize, don't push it and risk injury. You are not a whimp if your body will not cooperate and you listen to your body saying 'hey I can't equalize, I have a cold'.

 

[Moodiejeff]

I don't have a list of the skills in front of me unfortunately... have you tried PADI.com? Are you using PADI?

Swimming w/o air is a 30 ft. controlled ascent of you swimming to the surface while exhaling - nothing too hard. If you don't get it the 1st time they let you do it over. Since you're in a pool (for the pool work) you will swim the length of the pool.

You also have to flood your mask as well as take it off - then put it back on and clear it by breathing through your nose. It's easy to psych yourself out on these but they're really not that hard. Once again, your mind will tell you the skills are hard but in reality they aren't too bad. Unless you have a phobia about getting your face wet or water up the nose, it shouldn't be a problem. If you don't get it right away, you can do it over. The instructors are there to help, not scare you!

My girlfriend and I took private lessons, it was about $60 more than in a class but was sooo worth it! Private instruction on all the skills really helped make things go smoother (and quicker too!) since you don't have to wait for everybody to do their skills.

I do remember being completely exhausted when I got home though. That was a good night's sleep!

 

[Quarrior]

Hi,

Welcome to the board and the wonderful world of scuba, you'll love it, its really relaxing.

I recently finished my OW and AOW. I did the courses back to back because I felt the AOW would make me a more proficient and safer diver. Not because it would allow me to do more things. That will come with experience.

Don't sweat any of the "tasks". Your instructor will take you through everything step by step. In fact, if you try to "practice" the tasks without the proper training, you are more likely to hurt yourself or learn the wrong way to do it.

I would suggest just relaxing, read the books and definately select Peak Performance Buoyancy, Underwater Navigation, and Diver Propulsion Vehicles (giggle machines) as at least 3 of the 5 qualifications in your AOW.

Basically, don't sweat the small stuff. You'll do just fine.

Enjoy.

Brian

 

[Mako Mark]

JHammer.

Do not try to practice scuba skills without the in water supervision of a qualified instructor,

YOU COULD HURT OR KILL YOURSELF,

even in a pool. be patient, your enthuziasm is great, but you are not expected to know how to do this stuff before your class. That is why you take a class, and that is the job of your instructor to take the time necessary, and give you the support, guidance and practice time to be safe in the water. If your instructor does not do this, get another instructor.

print out this thread, take it to your instructor to show him/her your concerns, if they are not understanding, helpful and pleased that you are taking your class seriously, then tell them I will personally come up there and kick their ass.

As yo are taking the class, if you encounter any particular problems, then come back to the board, there are some real experts and very helpful people here. Or email me personally, what ever problem you could possibly have, I have probably seen it and solved it, email me if you would prefer.

 

[Michael Schlink]

As others have said DO NOT try to practice before taking your class. The skills you will be learning will be introduced in a specific order so that you "build up" to a level of profeciency. Learning to dive is fun and easy and your training should be left up to a professional instructor. There will be plenty of time in your class to practice. Sign up for a class, start reading the course materials and be well prepared for your first session. Have fun.