Hello Divers! I have been out of the diving 20 years, and would like to get back into it. My first step is looking at taking a refresher course. So now I want to get back in the water as safe and comfortable as possible. I used to dive with my brother, but we moved and we both stopped diving. I kept hoping to get back to diving but times passed. I will probably try a very easy local dive at first to see how the dive goes. I have only done lake diving in the MI area. Now that I live close to FL, I hope to get into some salt water dives.
Coming back to diving
- Thread starter mbird2
- Start date
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Marek K
Contributor
Welcome, and welcome back!
My wife and I took a 13-year break from diving after about 50 dives while our kids were growing up, until they reached JOWD age in 2004-2005.
I was able to sit through our son's JOWD course (in Poland!), and my wife did the same with our daughter (also in Poland). It seemed to truly be like riding a bicycle for both of us -- the skills came right back. But what was most useful was the systematic refresher regarding theory and current practices (like buddy-breathing is not commonly taught, now that alternate air sources are universal). I do recommend a refresher course.
What was tougher and more expensive was catching up with equipment -- deciding which of our old pieces of equipment we could find and keep for now (regulators; my wife's mask and fins); and which we really needed to update right away (BCs; um, exposure suits
).
All in all, it was falling in love with the sport all over again -- but this time sharing it with the kids. Please let us know your impressions as you get back into it!
My wife and I took a 13-year break from diving after about 50 dives while our kids were growing up, until they reached JOWD age in 2004-2005.
I was able to sit through our son's JOWD course (in Poland!), and my wife did the same with our daughter (also in Poland). It seemed to truly be like riding a bicycle for both of us -- the skills came right back. But what was most useful was the systematic refresher regarding theory and current practices (like buddy-breathing is not commonly taught, now that alternate air sources are universal). I do recommend a refresher course.
What was tougher and more expensive was catching up with equipment -- deciding which of our old pieces of equipment we could find and keep for now (regulators; my wife's mask and fins); and which we really needed to update right away (BCs; um, exposure suits
).All in all, it was falling in love with the sport all over again -- but this time sharing it with the kids. Please let us know your impressions as you get back into it!
The equipment has changed alot and not sure about what I need to change. I still have some equipment, but not sure if I should have them checked out or just get new, like my steel tank, US Diver Conshelf regulator. Thanks
Marek K
Contributor
Can't help you regarding the tank; we don't own any. But lots of folks here will be able to. If in good shape rust-wise, the word "hydro" will come into play.
I'm pretty positive your old reg will be more than just fine -- we're still diving our circa-1985 Sherwoods, and a lot of people feel the older the reg, the better. In fact, you're liable to get some jealous looks. You'll just have to get it "annual" serviced, of course, to put in new o-rings, filter, HP seat, etc.; and make sure it's tested.
And your hoses will have to be looked at, to make sure they're still OK.
SPG ought to be fine, but at some point soon you're going to probably want to invest in a *gulp* computer.
Waht kind of BC do/did you have? Ours were still holding air after 20 years, but they were way out of date... my US Divers stab-jacket BC still had the CO2 cartridge attached. :shocked2:
I'm pretty positive your old reg will be more than just fine -- we're still diving our circa-1985 Sherwoods, and a lot of people feel the older the reg, the better. In fact, you're liable to get some jealous looks. You'll just have to get it "annual" serviced, of course, to put in new o-rings, filter, HP seat, etc.; and make sure it's tested.
And your hoses will have to be looked at, to make sure they're still OK.
SPG ought to be fine, but at some point soon you're going to probably want to invest in a *gulp* computer.
Waht kind of BC do/did you have? Ours were still holding air after 20 years, but they were way out of date... my US Divers stab-jacket BC still had the CO2 cartridge attached. :shocked2:
NC Wreck Diver
Contributor
Welcome back mbird2, and welcome to SB. I was certified in '85. I wish they had this type of information back then. Good idea with your refresher course. Enjoy the salt water! It's quite a difference than Michigan.
Safe diving to you.
Safe diving to you.
dormantdiversue
Guest
Florida DOES have some awesome diving and it is not all salt water. There are many fresh water lakes and springs in the northern part of Florida that are great diving as well as the blue green water of the Altlantic ocean as well as the Gulf. If you can make your way to the Keys, even better! A Carribean vacation right on US shores with some of the greatest diving sites in the world! I have been away for a while myself and am getting excited to get back into it. Good luck, have fun and, as always, dive safe.
Paladin
Contributor
I dive a 1976 Conshelf XII and it's still an excellent regulator. Inside, the Conshelf is identical to the Aqua Lung Titan and uses the same parts, so service is readily available.
Your steel tank is still good and some here, like myself, actually prefer the steel 72 to many newer tanks. We have 9 steel tanks made between 1965 and 1976 and all are great tanks.
This information has been very helpful and you guys are so great to help out! I plan to get the regulator serviced and get the tank tested. It’s is so nice to be able to ask divers questions and get such good advice without getting a sales pitch.
Thanks again for the help!
Thanks again for the help!
