Buoyancy Course- a good idea or BS?

[opalobsidian]

I've just gotten OW certified and guess what...my buoyancy skills are seriously lacking! My husband & I got certified in Cozumel drift diving, and no swimming pool could have readied us for the real thing. Of course practice makes perfect, but we live in Tucson AZ where oceans are not so easy to come by.

I did a tour of the local dive shops, and all (3) of them suggested the taking their buoyancy course, ranging in price from $30 to $100(!!!):06:

First of all, is Bouyancy Course a standardized course, or do you reckon each dive center kinda throws together their own curicculum?

Secondly, I read on one thread that buoyancy courses in general are a waste of $, is this the general consensis in the informed diving world, or is it just that this class runs a poor second to actually being in the ocean?

Thanks for your input!
Pamela

 

[daniel f aleman]

Well, Pam, a buoyancy course can not be over-valued - take one, you will dive better; and each agency has a standardized certification curriculum. The cost will depend on how far away your divesite is, for the most part. Boulder and Tucson are not exactly beachfront; but, you should be able to work a good deal with a Denver shop, pretty competitive there...

 

[Diver0001]

First of all, is Bouyancy Course a standardized course, or do you reckon each dive center kinda throws together their own curicculum?

There are standards for what you have to learn. The instructor can influence the approach to some extent.

Secondly, I read on one thread that buoyancy courses in general are a waste of $, is this the general consensis in the informed diving world, or is it just that this class runs a poor second to actually being in the ocean?

It doesn't matter how you do it, but you have to nail your buoyancy control. If you can get a kick-start in a course, why not? Once thing is clear, however, which is that becoming a proficient diver is done by diving. The buoyancy course can only give you a head-start.

R..

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

I'm certain a bouyancy course will assist you. Most divers don't get close until they've logged 20-25 dives. Some are quicker learners, some are slower but the more you dive the more you'll benefit.

 

[tjmills]

I agree. Buoyancy is one of the single most important things you need to master to protect yourself and the reef. It does take quite a few dives before you really get it down and realize that its all about your lungs and not about your BC. Most importantly, its about being completely relaxed. When you turn the corner and really start to "get it" life does become much easier underwater and make no mistake, you will know when that happens.

Anything you can do to improve your buoyancey control is worth it in my humble opinion and the personal reward of mastering it is worth it by itself.

 

[spectrum]

When you turn the corner and really start to "get it" life does become much easier underwater and make no mistake, you will know when that happens.

Man you are not kidding, it was like someone flicked a switch. I went from 30% of what I expected for control to 80%+ from 1 dive to the nect with a little configuration coaching from a mentor.

It sounds like every dive trip is a precious outing so if you see yourself short in buoyancy control then by all means bag a class. As for price, scope them out and do whatever seems best. $30 sounds too cheap to be good but you never know. $100 is not out of line for a thorough specialty.

As for getting certified drift diving that is just plain irresponsible IMO. I'm gald you came thought seeing it as a learning experience. Walk before you run. BTW my comment is aimed at the instructor, not you folks.

Pete
Pete

 

[nkw5]

I have found that the value of classes are highly dependent on the teacher. I didn't learn much in the Advanced Open Water class, but I learned a lot in the peak performance buoyancy class (and I took the latter way after 150 dives). I shifted my lead around and even lost 4 pounds (almost 25% of my lead). Buoyancy control is something you really need and just thinking more about it and having someone give you tips is invaluable, I think.

 

[MoonWrasse]

I've just gotten OW certified and guess what...my buoyancy skills are seriously lacking! My husband & I got certified in Cozumel drift diving, and no swimming pool could have readied us for the real thing. Of course practice makes perfect, but we live in Tucson AZ where oceans are not so easy to come by.

I did a tour of the local dive shops, and all (3) of them suggested the taking their buoyancy course, ranging in price from $30 to $100(!!!):06:

First of all, is Bouyancy Course a standardized course, or do you reckon each dive center kinda throws together their own curicculum?

Secondly, I read on one thread that buoyancy courses in general are a waste of $, is this the general consensis in the informed diving world, or is it just that this class runs a poor second to actually being in the ocean?

Thanks for your input!
Pamela

I'd suggest getting the AOW manual and reading the buoyancy section. Buoyancy skills are key to diving, and most newbies probably lack good skill.

Some have said this was the best dive of their 5 for a PADI AOW.

 

[TSandM]

I speak as shouldn't, but what I think I've learned is that buoyancy is a process which is forever being refined.

But basic buoyancy can be heavily influenced by incorrect weighting and incorrect distribution of weight. An instructor can help you a great deal with learning how to correct both of these things, if he is a good instructor.

My PPB class with my original instructors was not very helpful. I have since had some excellent coaching with NW Grateful Diver, and some additional instruction which has helped me optimize my weight and distribute it correctly, and allowed me to reach a point where, under good conditions, my buoyancy control is pretty adequate.

Talk to the instructor, and find out if you are going to do formal weight checks and adjust weight distribution to influence trim. Those are key ideas, for my money.

 

[countryboy]

I am taking a buoyancy class that is ~14 hrs class time, ~5 hrs pool time, and 2 open water dives.. This class cost more than those that you are quoting.. So far (10 Hrs class and one pool session have been done). This looks like it will be a challenging and rewarding class.

Like everything else. Interview the instructor to see what they have to offer. After I spoke with this instructor, all I needed was to verify the class dates were clear with my wife, and I signed us both up.

You should never stop learning.. Whether you choose formal training, or diving with mentors / more experienced buddies.

Good Luck.