Years ago when my son tested for his blackbelt I remember his instructor saying that getting to blackbelt only gave you the knowledge to begin the study of karate.
I look at OW & AOW cerification the same way.
There are two topics I've seen get lots of debate on this board. They are:
Personally, I didn't feel I was anything close to a capable diver after my OW even though I completed all the skills with no problem at all. Not enough confidence to dive by myself and yet didn't want to be a hinderence to a more experienced diver. So I took my AOW immediately following my OW and the 6 extra dives with an instructor, plus the reinforcement of good skills plus the new stuff I learned gave me considerably more confidence. (No I don't consider myself an "advanced" diver even though I have a card - but I don't believe that's what the card means either).
Also, I am a strong believer in continuing education. I signed up or plan to take additional courses because I believe I can learn more, faster, from a good instructor than on my own and want to become a better diver.
How confident were you immediately after your OW and what's your opinion on continuing your diving education?
I look at OW & AOW cerification the same way.
There are two topics I've seen get lots of debate on this board. They are:
- the value of AOW and "when" it should be taken
- the value of additional courses - "it's just the agencies making money."
Personally, I didn't feel I was anything close to a capable diver after my OW even though I completed all the skills with no problem at all. Not enough confidence to dive by myself and yet didn't want to be a hinderence to a more experienced diver. So I took my AOW immediately following my OW and the 6 extra dives with an instructor, plus the reinforcement of good skills plus the new stuff I learned gave me considerably more confidence. (No I don't consider myself an "advanced" diver even though I have a card - but I don't believe that's what the card means either).
Also, I am a strong believer in continuing education. I signed up or plan to take additional courses because I believe I can learn more, faster, from a good instructor than on my own and want to become a better diver.
How confident were you immediately after your OW and what's your opinion on continuing your diving education?