Advice prior to taking an OW Cert Class

[Rhino1272]

I am new to diving and am trying to learn as much about it prior to taking my OW training and certification so I can be as prepared as possible. There is so much information out there on topics ranging from clearing your nose to what kind of dive knife you should get.

Can someone please tell me the basics that I need to be looking at prior to the OW training?

I wish there was a road map stating:

First you do....

Then ....

Watch out for this...

Hmmm. Maybe a scuba diving for dummies book

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

Really, the only basics I'd worry about at this time is being comfortable in the water. If you can, go snorkle in the ocean, and swim laps in the local pool if you do not swim frequently. Being comfortable in the water is 90% of the battle, the rest will come. Relax and have fun!

Good luck!

 

[mkutyna]

What Lead said.

Unless you had a problem with basic physics in high school, the book work will be very easy.

 

[jenlaur]

As someone who was recently certified (this weekend I get my AOW certification) I can tell you:
First you....relax. And then read the book. Answer the knowledge reviews at the end of each chapter and you will be prepared. It's not hard stuff to learn.
Then....make sure you have adequate gear prior to your first pool session. Your instructor and dive shop will help you with this.
Watch out for....making the skills harder than they are. Relax. Take your time with the skills. Realize you CAN breathe through your regulator. Relax some more.
Then....HAVE FUN!

 

[DHMO Diver]

I think that it would be better to go into OW with a fairly clean slate and build on the basics later.

The OW course, regardless of agency, pretty much assumes that you know that water is the wet stuff and goes from there.

BTW...There is a Dummies book for snorkling and scuba. It is not bad, but don't overload before the class.

 

[Rhino1272]

Sounds like it will be no problem. Given that I grew up in Florida I am very comfortable around the water so no issues there. Thanks for the advice!

 

[ruready7]

I agree with jenlaur....read chapters and do the knowledge reviews and you should be well prepared for the class. Good luck and have fun!!

 

[BlueReef]

hiya, and congrats for taking the first step!

First thing is - don't worry! I know it seems daunting, but if you choose the right centre, and have a good instructor then they'll tell you everything you need to know to feel confident. You don't NEED to know everything about diving at first. The two most important things are knowing: how to dive; and how to do it safely! the rest comes with experience.

The best advice for your course to go smoothly, and for you to feel at ease with it, is to read the PADI Open Water Diver Manual (if you're going with PADI that is) BEFORE you start your course. Pick one up from your dive store/school. As you read it, do ALL the quizzes and tests, - you don't need to worry if you can't do them all as you can ask about them later in class. It's just good to familiarise yourself first.

Then when you come into the classroom, you'll have a good basic understanding and can follow what the instructor is saying and relate it immediatly to what you read in the book. Also anything that you get stuck on you can ask questions about and understand them better.

It's good to do this, because otherwise it's a fair bit to read over 3-4 days, and you have enough on your mind about the following day etc. it's nothing to worry about, but it'll be on your mind. It's especially a good idea to do this if you are doing the course on holiday, as otherwise your evenings will be spent in your room with your head in the book.

 

[DeNomad]

+1 to all the above.

If the shop wants you to buy gear only get fins, mask, snorkel to start.

Don't buy the expensive dive knife, safety shears are cheap and work great!

Relax, have fun, and go diving after!

 

[Blackwood]

What Lead said.

Unless you had a problem with basic physics in high school, the book work will be very easy.

Basic highschool physics is far more difficult than basic open water academics.