Advice prior to taking an OW Cert Class

[maged_mmh]

jump into water & follow your instructor to the letter -assuming you picked a professional one- book is way too easy & no need to worry about it nor the test (i can't recall hearing anyone failed OW - not the case with AOW & RD though, since in OW you r still eager to learn what is it all about).
are you still reading that?! GO GET WET.

 

[TSandM]

I can't believe I didn't put this in my first post, but I would highly recommend reading at least the first few pages of THIS thread. It has some very good information to make you a more proactive student in your OW class.

 

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

Get certified before you purchase your own gear.

Rent as many different kinds as you can.

Do some research here on the board and elsewhere before you buy.

Ask people what they like and dislike about what they purchased.

Read, http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/114279-what-did-you-buy-you-regret.html

Support your local shop as much as you can, but don't be a sucker and the let them rip you off. Check out sites like

www.scubatoys.com

www.leisurepro.com

www.golemgear.com

www.deepseasupply.com

www.divesports.com

Your local shop will be higher, but they should be willing to meet you at least part way.

And most of all enjoy the class. That first breath underwater is so cool!

 

[viceroy]

Don't stress.
If 10 yr old children can pass and have fun while doing the course then you'll do fine.
My fiance recently qualified and her biggest issue was having the mask off her face, but even though she didn't enjoy that part of the skills, she passed with flying colours because she just stayed calm and got on with it instead of letting the skill get the better of her

 

[Rhino1272]

Thank you very much for all of the wonderful advice. I really have no worries about the water, diving, or the tests. I have dived on three occasions in the past two years in about 15 feet of water so no issues with the breathing underwater.

Great advice on what not to buy and especially on what to expect. I enjoyed the post about finding the longest OW cert class I can find. I think I have a good one.

I signed up with Blue Water Sports (my LDS) in Tallahassee, FL. I brought my wife and seven year old son in to the shop with me. The owner was very friendly. He has either a Master's or Doctorate in dive sciences and is a member of mensa (not sure why that makes me feel good but it does).

He took much time to answer all of my questions and help me out. He even entertained my seven year old son! I will let you know how the class goes.

My classes are all day July 12th and 13th and July 19th and 20th. Additionally, I have decided to go with the following equipment all made by Aeris (They sell it at the shop):

MASK: Aeris Moray 2 (Blue)
DiveAeris.com - Scuba Diving Masks - Moray 2

The most important thing here was that if fit and felt great! I was able to hold it to my face without the strap, suck in and it stayed there with a great seal. Additionally this mask can come with optical lenses.

FINS: Aeris Mako (Blue)
DiveAeris.com - Scuba Diving Fins - Mako

I bought these also for the fit and because of the review that I found on them on scubadiving.com located at:

18 New Fins - Scuba Diving Magazine

SNORKEL: Aeris Filefish (Blue)
DiveAeris.com - Scuba Diving Snorkels - FileFish

I chose this because it was the cheapest and blue and made by the same company.

Thanks for all of your help!