waterdogs
Guest
Didn't know really how to title this one since there are so many aspects to this thread, don't even know if this is the best place to post this thread, but you guy's be the judge.
Most of you, well some, have followed the long lasting saga of me and "future waterdogs" journey into OWC, starting at christmas, well, he's how it worked out.
With all that has taken place I won't go back to far in the story and catch you up were we left off. FLORIDA.
Ok, we finished our class portion and were scheduled to complete our OWC in the springs last month, "Future Waterdogs" was unable to go, so we backed out forfeited our $500 for the trip and rescheduled for May 13-14 for the dreded "Quarry".
(Quarry) First day - water temp 58 viz 8 ft (if that) ( i do now admire the cold water divers, eventhough this is probably warm to most of them). we headed for the platform to begin Dive 1. I began first completing first set of skills, then "future WDs" began hers. First set done, headed out and returned for Dive 2. Dive two complete and looking forward to the next day.
Future waterdogs was extremely nervous that night due that we were going to do mask removal the next day, infact, she had siked herself out before we even got to the dive site the next morning.
Quarry Second Day - water temp 62, viz 12 ft (better), we began heading to the platform (navigation skill) and future waterdogs headed for the surface, she wanted to give up. She did NOT want to do MASK REMOVAL. I was disappointed, she was very disappointed and felt guilty (all the money we had spent). Funny thing, she has done mask removal numerous times in the pool with little to no problem, but I believe the 58 degree water was just too much plus she was very nervous. I didn't want to push her, the instructor talked with her for awhile, and we headed in, I said hey we just won't do it, no problem. Instructor wanted me to continue, so did FWD, so i did. Long story short, I have my "Temp Card".
TRIP REPORT
After receiving my OWC we headed to Miami to see my folks, 3 day's in the key's for some well needed R&R, and (1) dive.
Future Waterdogs and I went to Lady Cyana on Tuesday to check their schedule. Gloria was wonderful. I mentioned I had just received my card and I was a little nervous, she calmed me from the start. Dive set for Wednesday for which I asked Gloria for a guide for the dive (SUE).
Dive 1 - Crocker Reef. Water temp 81, viz 40-50ft, (better than the quarry). Lady Cyana was first class, Don (DM), Rick (captain) were very helpful and filled us in on the dive plan and site. 6 other people were on the dive. Crocker is a mid-level reef about 50-60 ft with a variety of marine life. I spotted green moray's, tangs, groupers, blennies and a few others (I really need a fish book). Current was strong so we began our dive in for an easy return. Being my first dive, nervous, I sucked through the 3000psi in 42 minutes at 52ft (500psi left upon exit) Plus I did my safety stop. Not great, but it was my first dive. I was surprised, dove with 3mm, 16lbs and had little trouble with bouyancy. I said little not none. I kept wanting to "dawg paddle" when I would get close to the reefs, I guess that will come with PRACTICE, right? Made it back to the boat and told "future Waterdog" (she went with me on the boat to be there for me) all about the dive. She was excited for me.
Dive 2 - Davis Reef. (Buddah statue) 25ft reef WITH TONS OF FISH. Spotted 2 southern ray's, green moray, nurse shark, groupers and millions of fish, ok maybe not millions but to a "newbie" they were MILLIONS. Better on air consumption, I know because of depth, 3000psi over 60mins with 500psi upon return. Great dive and really enjoyed it after being nervous about the first one. After exiting I sat down with "Future waterdog" and the log book and went over everything.
Summation: Great first dives, I thought, and not that I was proud of myself but glad to get through the first one if you know what i mean. Lady Cyana was TERRIFFIC.
Future Waterdogs, well we have 35 day's until our official name change (hers anyway) and we head for St.John. We've talked about trying to get her back in the water but it's something I will let her do now on her own, I will be there for her but will not bring it up until she does. I plan on completing a nitrox course before heading to the islands and diving atleast 4 times while we are there.
OWC COMPLETE.
Thanks for all your support board, it really helped, and i will keep you posted on "future waterdog's" progress, if she complete's GREAT, if not, well that's ok too.
Sorry for the long post, i will post a trip report for those who wish not to read a book on a newbies adventure.
Waterdogs - CERTIFIED
Most of you, well some, have followed the long lasting saga of me and "future waterdogs" journey into OWC, starting at christmas, well, he's how it worked out.
With all that has taken place I won't go back to far in the story and catch you up were we left off. FLORIDA.
Ok, we finished our class portion and were scheduled to complete our OWC in the springs last month, "Future Waterdogs" was unable to go, so we backed out forfeited our $500 for the trip and rescheduled for May 13-14 for the dreded "Quarry".
(Quarry) First day - water temp 58 viz 8 ft (if that) ( i do now admire the cold water divers, eventhough this is probably warm to most of them). we headed for the platform to begin Dive 1. I began first completing first set of skills, then "future WDs" began hers. First set done, headed out and returned for Dive 2. Dive two complete and looking forward to the next day.
Future waterdogs was extremely nervous that night due that we were going to do mask removal the next day, infact, she had siked herself out before we even got to the dive site the next morning.
Quarry Second Day - water temp 62, viz 12 ft (better), we began heading to the platform (navigation skill) and future waterdogs headed for the surface, she wanted to give up. She did NOT want to do MASK REMOVAL. I was disappointed, she was very disappointed and felt guilty (all the money we had spent). Funny thing, she has done mask removal numerous times in the pool with little to no problem, but I believe the 58 degree water was just too much plus she was very nervous. I didn't want to push her, the instructor talked with her for awhile, and we headed in, I said hey we just won't do it, no problem. Instructor wanted me to continue, so did FWD, so i did. Long story short, I have my "Temp Card".
TRIP REPORT
After receiving my OWC we headed to Miami to see my folks, 3 day's in the key's for some well needed R&R, and (1) dive.
Future Waterdogs and I went to Lady Cyana on Tuesday to check their schedule. Gloria was wonderful. I mentioned I had just received my card and I was a little nervous, she calmed me from the start. Dive set for Wednesday for which I asked Gloria for a guide for the dive (SUE).
Dive 1 - Crocker Reef. Water temp 81, viz 40-50ft, (better than the quarry). Lady Cyana was first class, Don (DM), Rick (captain) were very helpful and filled us in on the dive plan and site. 6 other people were on the dive. Crocker is a mid-level reef about 50-60 ft with a variety of marine life. I spotted green moray's, tangs, groupers, blennies and a few others (I really need a fish book). Current was strong so we began our dive in for an easy return. Being my first dive, nervous, I sucked through the 3000psi in 42 minutes at 52ft (500psi left upon exit) Plus I did my safety stop. Not great, but it was my first dive. I was surprised, dove with 3mm, 16lbs and had little trouble with bouyancy. I said little not none. I kept wanting to "dawg paddle" when I would get close to the reefs, I guess that will come with PRACTICE, right? Made it back to the boat and told "future Waterdog" (she went with me on the boat to be there for me) all about the dive. She was excited for me.
Dive 2 - Davis Reef. (Buddah statue) 25ft reef WITH TONS OF FISH. Spotted 2 southern ray's, green moray, nurse shark, groupers and millions of fish, ok maybe not millions but to a "newbie" they were MILLIONS. Better on air consumption, I know because of depth, 3000psi over 60mins with 500psi upon return. Great dive and really enjoyed it after being nervous about the first one. After exiting I sat down with "Future waterdog" and the log book and went over everything.
Summation: Great first dives, I thought, and not that I was proud of myself but glad to get through the first one if you know what i mean. Lady Cyana was TERRIFFIC.
Future Waterdogs, well we have 35 day's until our official name change (hers anyway) and we head for St.John. We've talked about trying to get her back in the water but it's something I will let her do now on her own, I will be there for her but will not bring it up until she does. I plan on completing a nitrox course before heading to the islands and diving atleast 4 times while we are there.
OWC COMPLETE.
Thanks for all your support board, it really helped, and i will keep you posted on "future waterdog's" progress, if she complete's GREAT, if not, well that's ok too.
Sorry for the long post, i will post a trip report for those who wish not to read a book on a newbies adventure.
Waterdogs - CERTIFIED
