Certified now what?

[SuperMiguel]

So i just went out and got my open water certification, i already purchased all my gear (listed bellow), so i did my training with all my gear.. The pool part of it was very easy for me, then for the 1/2 dive we went to a hole that was 120ft deep, and we went down about 30ft, visibility was like 6ft (it sucked) and i was really scared it went fine, had few issues with boyancy but nothing major.. Then i went to another spring water location that was about 28ft deep and it was cristal clear, 100+ ft, my 3rd drive was nice, again had boyancy issues but nothing major, my 4th was a pain, my fins stared hurting me alot on the top part of my foot (instep) and at that point i was diving agaisnt the current got real tired and pain increased alot, also i had issues with my regulator hitting the back of my neck when i looked up, im sure this can be fixed by just lowering my tank...


Besides the fins issues hurting my feet and the neck hitting my reg, i also had an issue with my BCD inflator hose, it is to short, and if i strap it with the velcro that comes for it, i cant lift it, to release air (i know i can pull it down, but not sure if that is as good) also i cant get it close to my mouth to do manual inflation, i keep my self having to remove it from that velcro piece and then i loose it constantly...




Now i had a bit of problems with boyancy (mostly related to respiration) and i dont feel confortable going with friends or some charter... What should i do? my instructor recommended going straight to the advance open water.. but not sure if im ready for it...




Gear:


BCD -> Dive Rite Transpac with Voyager EXP wing
Regulator -> Zeagle Flathead 7 LT
Fins -> Hollis F1 fins
Mask -> Hollis mask with snorkle
Wet suit -> Tilos 3/2mm Delphite SuperStretch Jumpsuit
Gloves -> Tilos 1.5mm Rhinoskin Velcro Gloves
Computer -> Hollis DG02 Computer (still dont know how to use it)
Compass -> Suunto SK7 wrist one

 

[tstormdiver]

As for the fins hurting your feet, realize that the Hollis F1 fin isn't really the best fins for flutter kicking because of its stiffness, unless you have Ironman athlete type legs & ankles. It shines when frog kicking. The inflator hose can be change out for a longer one. I changed out My Dive Rite Classic wing inflator with an Apeks inflator hose because the original hose was too short.

Go dive with your buddies in conditions what you are used to, as long as they keep the dives to your certification & comfort level. The only way you're going to get comfortable is to dive. Enjoy!

 

[SuperMiguel]

whats you guys opinion on the advance open water cert at my level?

So should i change my fins? i mean will i get better at it?

 

[tstormdiver]

It is certainly a possibility, if you are more comfortable diving with your instructor,... But if you feel that you are not ready, then just go out, dive with some trusted buddies & have some fun,... that's why we dive... for fun!


The only way to get better is to get out there, whether just diving with friends or taking classes.

 

[tracydr]

The Hollis F1 is a good fin. Take a look at some videos online for correct fin kicks. Look at modified frog,modified flutter. Try to kick like this. Than, try to learn a helicopter and back kick when you're really good! Make sure the fin isn't too small,though.
As for Advanced, consider advanced and peak performance bouyancy. Or,depending on where you live, even better, a GUE Primer might really be up your alley. Or, a UTD class. They have a lot of classes that you might enjoy.

 

[PeterNBiddle]

So i just went out and got my open water certification, i already purchased all my gear (listed bellow), so i did my training with all my gear.. The pool part of it was very easy for me, then for the 1/2 dive we went to a hole that was 120ft deep, and we went down about 30ft, visibility was like 6ft (it sucked) and i was really scared it went fine, had few issues with boyancy but nothing major.. Then i went to another spring water location that was about 28ft deep and it was cristal clear, 100+ ft, my 3rd drive was nice, again had boyancy issues but nothing major, my 4th was a pain, my fins stared hurting me alot on the top part of my foot (instep) and at that point i was diving agaisnt the current got real tired and pain increased alot, also i had issues with my regulator hitting the back of my neck when i looked up, im sure this can be fixed by just lowering my tank... Besides the fins issues hurting my feet and the neck hitting my reg, i also had an issue with my BCD inflator hose, it is to short, and if i strap it with the velcro that comes for it, i cant lift it, to release air (i know i can pull it down, but not sure if that is as good) also i cant get it close to my mouth to do manual inflation, i keep my self having to remove it from that velcro piece and then i loose it constantly... Now i had a bit of problems with boyancy (mostly related to respiration) and i dont feel confortable going with friends or some charter... What should i do? my instructor recommended going straight to the advance open water.. but not sure if im ready for it... Gear: BCD -> Dive Rite Transpac with Voyager EXP wing Regulator -> Zeagle Flathead 7 LT Fins -> Hollis F1 fins Mask -> Hollis mask with snorkle Wet suit -> Tilos 3/2mm Delphite SuperStretch Jumpsuit Gloves -> Tilos 1.5mm Rhinoskin Velcro Gloves Computer -> Hollis DG02 Computer (still dont know how to use it) Compass -> Suunto SK7 wrist one

Can you post some pics of you in the BCD so we can see the hose config? I pull on mine to bleed air via the dump pretty routinely. I prefer it to holding the thing over my head.

Practice finding all your stuff in any position with your eyes closed, soon you will be able to do it naturally. It's going to be there, chances are good it didn't just fall off. : )

Lower the tank, that should help.

Keep diving, keep breathing, relax.

 

[AfterDark]

What do you mean now what? Dive that’s what’s. Diving is like any other activity in that the more you do it the better you’ll be at it because the more you’ll learn, and the more comfortable you’ll become. Definitely a longer LP hose, you want to be able to oral inflate if you need too.
Also always try to dive with a diver(s) better at it than you. You’ll learn faster and more.
As far as AOW, IMO take it as soon as you feel comfortable. It isn’t really advanced and if you wait too long you’ll be bored to death until the actual diving part. Keep diving and try to find reading material about diving, SB is a good start but there is a lot of info out there. Stop by your LDS they usually sell books on diving.

 

[shortdivemedic]

Dive and then dive more and keep diving while you are tweaking your gear to fit you ,but most important is to have fun . Then after a resonable amount of dives maybe 30 or more then you can think about the Advanced class and maybe a change in some equipment .

Just my 02 cents

 

[digdug87]

Get out there and dive. Go dive with some trusted buddies, and remember to dive within your training. My $0.02 on the AOW would be to get a few more dives in you log, 20 to 30, and then go for it.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

whats you guys opinion on the advance open water cert at my level?

So should i change my fins? i mean will i get better at it?

No, you are not ready for a good AOW class. Get your basic skills and buoyancy down first. Then consider some type of advanced training. Before AOW if you were my student I'd recommend getting ten or fifteen dives in without an instructor or DM present. Dive with some people at or just above your level. Plan your own dives and follow the plan like you should have been shown how to do. Once you've done a few of those take a rescue class as soon as you can. Some agencies only require ten dives after OW for you to do so. I don' t like doing and in fact will not teach AOW to someone who does not have basic rescue skills training. I'll even do a free rescue skills one day workshop for those who need it. After rescue your buoyancy, buddy skills, and situational awareness should be good enough for my AOW class. If not then there are a couple.options that address those areas in the form of low cost workshops or an Underwater Navigation course. Meet my standards for passing those and I know you are ready for Advanced Level training.
If your instructor is using the AOW five more dives with him approach to get you to take it say no. Ask him if you can just tag along on dives that he is doing within your comfort zone. No need to take a class to do that. Or ask just to dive with his DM's. See if they'll just watch you and maybe give a tip or pointer now and then. And once you are comfortable ask for an AOW class (after Rescue) that will give you real new skills and knowledge and push you a little to improve.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2