BearguyVA
Registered
Hi all
I was originally certified almost 30 years ago... basic Open Water through NASDS (now part of SSI.) As much fun as it was, I never had the money to follow it up any. Let's face it... the Chicago area isn't exactly a hotbed of diving activity, LOL! Since becoming disabled in 2016 (back and leg issues) I thought that was it... never again.
These days I'm in northern Virginia, not too far from DC. I found a group near me called Patriots for Disabled Divers and they've been great. I'm currently working on my PADI ReActivate program and I'm remembering how much fun it was all those years ago. Actually had an emotional moment at the end of the first pool session... all those years of "never again" and I frickin' DID IT!!!
Question is... after that, then what? Seems to me like Florida would be nice and warm (maybe not this time of year) and hopefully I'd be able to do some dives in just trunks & t-shirt, not dealing with a wetsuit. The flip side of that is... how the heck does one get back on the boat? I know stairs are darn near impossible; not sure if I could manage trying to climb a ladder. My instructor suggested maybe Disney's DiveQuest program if they open it up again...
I'll be talking to my instructor / shop when I get closer to finishing, but thought maybe others would have some suggestions as well. Thanks!
I was originally certified almost 30 years ago... basic Open Water through NASDS (now part of SSI.) As much fun as it was, I never had the money to follow it up any. Let's face it... the Chicago area isn't exactly a hotbed of diving activity, LOL! Since becoming disabled in 2016 (back and leg issues) I thought that was it... never again.
These days I'm in northern Virginia, not too far from DC. I found a group near me called Patriots for Disabled Divers and they've been great. I'm currently working on my PADI ReActivate program and I'm remembering how much fun it was all those years ago. Actually had an emotional moment at the end of the first pool session... all those years of "never again" and I frickin' DID IT!!!
Question is... after that, then what? Seems to me like Florida would be nice and warm (maybe not this time of year) and hopefully I'd be able to do some dives in just trunks & t-shirt, not dealing with a wetsuit. The flip side of that is... how the heck does one get back on the boat? I know stairs are darn near impossible; not sure if I could manage trying to climb a ladder. My instructor suggested maybe Disney's DiveQuest program if they open it up again...
I'll be talking to my instructor / shop when I get closer to finishing, but thought maybe others would have some suggestions as well. Thanks!