Fast Certification

[rjchandler]

As far as regs and other equipment...unfortunately you just missed a sale on scuba equipment at Sport Chalet. They had some really good prices, like $250 for a Mares MR-22 Abyss reg which is what I ended up getting. They're having another sale this month, though I'm not sure if it's when you'll be in Hawaii.

Is that the one that is being discontinued?

 

[Xanthro]

I'm a little confused, is this PADI OW certification and if so this will be the first time I've heard of having to do 7 cert dives. I only had to do 4 dives my OW, and I only did 6 dives for my AOW and that was becuase there was an extra dive for the drysuit specialty.
Is this some sort of new special curriculum?
Just wondering...

BTW also heading to Maui and Kaiua in Dec. can't wait to dive there.. When you get back I'd love to have some details, OK...

Only four of the dives are needed for the OW course. The others are extra dives beyond what is needed. Luckily, they are simply included with the private course.

Both boats are 3 dive trips, and my instructor wants at least one beach dive, so he's taking me on that one on one.

Xanthro

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

Xanthro you'll probably do great and many courses offer less pool time than you're receiving. Just remember that you won't master anything coming out of open water. You'll have your learners permit. It takes a long time to be solid.

Since you'll be up by Black Rock a very easy to access shore dive is airport beach. You might also want to travel up north a little bit and dive honolua bay. It's a reserve and should be great right now.

If the swells are bad do some boat diving.

 

[justleesa]

IMO it all depends on you, your learning speed and your ability to remember it all. I did the three day thing in 1/2000 while on vacation in Egypt. I remembered enough of the basic skills to go diving there again the following summer. Now, after moving to Hawaii and watching my SO teach, I do see that there were some things that I either forgot or were not taught. But practice, practice, practice makes you better every day

 

[j_c_a]

I'm a relatively new diver and I did a short 3-day OW course. I think the old rule of getting out what you put in definatley applies. I do think that it would be possible to pass the course w/o really *learning* the material, but like cramming for a test, it's easily forgotten. If on the other hand, you really try to learn the material, you'll be just a prepared as someone taking a more extended class. Also, don't stop at just getting your certification. I still review the OW (and now AOW) book from time to time just to make sure I'm sharp, and I still practice mask removal, etc (luckily I have my own pool).

Regards,
jc

 

[DandyDon]

Only four of the dives are needed for the OW course. The others are extra dives beyond what is needed. Luckily, they are simply included with the private course.

Both boats are 3 dive trips, and my instructor wants at least one beach dive, so he's taking me on that one on one.

Xanthro

I just don't see a problem, and I do see many benefits. My class and pool time was so spread out that I started to forget some things. Your shcedule is too rushed for some, but as long as your comfortable - it looks good to me. I like the extra dives, boat dives, beach dives included.

And as said before, you may be a well trained newbie, and your first C-card will be a learning permit that authorizes you to dive without a DM, but it's safer to dive with more experienced divers, etc. I'm a 4-card Newbie with 205 dives in various conditions, but I still have much to learn about safe & efficent diving.

Oh yeah - newbies burn a lot of air. As your Hawaiian operator if he has any 100 c tanks for your first dives.

 

[RonDawg]

Is that the one that is being discontinued?

Supposedly, but some folks say that the Abyss is still easy to obtain and that it still appears in current Mares websites and sales info.

 

[sleepyhead]

Hi Xan,
Welcome to the board, it's great to do the fast OW course. It's fun and you should not a problem since you are doing a 1 on 1 thing. Just remember that the boat dives you are doing on 14,18, 21 would probably leave you a bit tired.

Boat dives are a bit different, lots of people, currents to worry about, doing a giant stride first time.. etc.. Just 1 advice.. remember to eat breakfast moderately full should keep you going. Plus get your DAN or padi insurance before leaving home.. It's very useful

 

[Xanthro]

Hi Xan,
Welcome to the board, it's great to do the fast OW course. It's fun and you should not a problem since you are doing a 1 on 1 thing. Just remember that the boat dives you are doing on 14,18, 21 would probably leave you a bit tired.

Boat dives are a bit different, lots of people, currents to worry about, doing a giant stride first time.. etc.. Just 1 advice.. remember to eat breakfast moderately full should keep you going. Plus get your DAN or padi insurance before leaving home.. It's very useful

Got my DAN memembership yesterday, but didn't get any additional insurance.

What purpose would the additional insurance provide?

My wife is an insurance agent, so I'm well covered with every type of life, disability, and long term care there is. I haven't allowed my wife to view the DAN, because once she sees how much money I've spent, she may kill me and collect. LOL.

The boat dives are what I'm most worried about.

I'd like to thank everyone for being so helpful, and providing such valueable advice. I intend to use it all.

Xanthro

 

[Xanthro]

Supposedly, but some folks say that the Abyss is still easy to obtain and that it still appears in current Mares websites and sales info.

I purchased one yesterday, and it was on a clearance sale. Sports Chalet said the Abyss is being discontinued. Whether true or not I can't say, but since I had narrowed my choices down to the Abyss, TX 50 (if I could find one), or Atomic M1, the $200 off the Abyss, closed the deal.

Xanthro