Bouyancy class

[MikeFerrara]

I agree with this 100% but feel it should have been taught during the OW class. Its the basis or foundation of good diving and shouldn't require an extra class.

I agree. After all that's what diving is. Isn't it?

 

[Buoyant1]

That's about the only complaint I've had about my classes, they don't really dwell on weights and buoyancy (hence my screen name)

I'm fairly confident that I'll do fine on my cert dives, but I would be MORE confident if I had my weights and bouyancy under control!

(well, ok, and stressing over my cramp problems!)

 

[eponym]

The ability to be aware of your position in the water column and to control your buoyancy under ALL circumstances is very important and can make your diving safer and far more enjoyable.

True. And while that concept is taught in OW class, it remains to the new diver to practice and develop the skill. No class of any reasonable length would be able to coach all its students into proficiency. As the nightclub owner in Desperately Seeking Susan said, "Practice, Susan. And Susan? Practice a lot."

When I've taken on a new challenge, like chaperoning teens on river dives, or introducing someone to cold-water diving, or navigating for my buddy and myself in low-viz ocean current and surge, I often find myself putting bouyancy skills practice back at the top of my slate. I want it to be second-nature, automatic, even in shallow water.

 

[jbd]

That's about the only complaint I've had about my classes, they don't really dwell on weights and buoyancy (hence my screen name)

I'm fairly confident that I'll do fine on my cert dives, but I would be MORE confident if I had my weights and bouyancy under control!

(well, ok, and stressing over my cramp problems!)

You would indeed feel more confident if you were properly weighted and had established a sense of good control. The ability to hover motionless might well put an end to your problem with mucsle cramps also.

 

[jbd]

True. And while that concept is taught in OW class, it remains to the new diver to practice and develop the skill. No class of any reasonable length would be able to coach all its students into proficiency. As the nightclub owner in Desperately Seeking Susan said, "Practice, Susan. And Susan? Practice a lot."

When I've taken on a new challenge, like chaperoning teens on river dives, or introducing someone to cold-water diving, or navigating for my buddy and myself in low-viz ocean current and surge, I often find myself putting bouyancy skills practice back at the top of my slate. I want it to be second-nature, automatic, even in shallow water.

What is a class of reasonable length? What size class are you talking about?

I agree that new divers need to practice and develope the skills learned, but they need to be presented with more than what is being presented in most OW classes in regards to bouyancy control.

 

[MikeFerrara]

No class of any reasonable length would be able to coach all its students into proficiency.

Students shouldn't even go to OW until they are proficient.

A longer class isn't what's required so much as a different class.