Finally getting my scuba certification

[danpass]

I had done a resort course many sun cycles ago, went out for the afternoon trip with everyone else and then decided to get my ceritification but .......... I've been putting it off for too long, decades basically lol.

"When I have the disposable income" ......... nope forget that. Money can always be made back, time cannot.

I've just about settled on the John Pennekamp OW certification. Any against?

It's 485+tax and they say it includes absolutely everything (except lunches), BC, weights, etc. Over a 4 day period, basically two weekends (for me).

Any tips? I actually have the PADI video and book and took all the chapter tests lol.

 

[Scuba_Noob]

I can't really make a judgment about the John Pennekamp OW certification, as I don't know it well, but reviews of the park on TripAdvisor seem to be excellent.

I can say that my PADI OW cert was about the same cost, one day longer, and the same inclusions (everything but lunches). It's great that you're so enthusiastic already that you've read the book, taken the tests, and own the video (which is the same as the book but more boring). And you live in a prime location for diving, Florida! Good luck!

 

[DivemasterDennis]

Pennecamp present an excellent location for your open water dives. Absent the weather screwing with you, the visibility will be good, water temperature close to 80, sandy bottom for skills, and stuff to see when "touring" during the training dives. Read the manual and do the reviews. The more you have accomplished before the course starts, the less time for "dry" instruction. Since you are working ahead, make a list of question for the instructor if you have any. Next tip. Try on all rental gear for proper fit. That includes regulator mouth piece. Also, have a good time. Listen carefully, follow instructions, dive safe, but remember to HAVE FUN!
DivemasterDennis

 

[canadianmikey]

I had done a resort course many sun cycles ago, went out for the afternoon trip with everyone else and then decided to get my ceritification but .......... I've been putting it off for too long, decades basically lol.

"When I have the disposable income" ......... nope forget that. Money can always be made back, time cannot.

I've been in the same boat. Never did a resort course (have to go to a resort to do that

), but I got hooked from a discover scuba when I was younger.
I totally agree that time can't be made back, but I did have to be in a finincal position to be able to get it done. Good luck to you on your diving adventures!

 

[danpass]

So the first weekend is done. 47/50 on the written yesterday and we finished Dive 1-4 plus the surface work today by 1pm in the pool.

I'm the only student.

 

[tyesai]

Take advantage of being solo, ask a lot of questions, and make sure you are 100% on the skills. I'd most certainly make sure you get a good work out on buoyancy and trim....

 

[danpass]

Once I dropped some weights hovering was simple. He had overweighted me on purpose in the beginning in order to work on those earlier skills more directly.

I was wondering what the heck was wrong, having to dial in molecule sized bursts of BC air lol

 

[danpass]

OW 1 is done. First dive to 48 feet, Benwood wreck, just a sightseeing dive. Then dive 2 to 36 feet, French Reef, mostly sightseeing, with some skills work thrown in; flooding and clearing mask, replacing regulator, buddy breathing.

I got video for the first dive.

---------- Post Merged on July 1st, 2012 at 10:12 PM ---------- Previous Post was on June 30th, 2012 at 08:43 PM ----------

OW Certification is DONE!

Dives 3 and 4 went smoothly and I FINALLY saw something besides the typical fish ……… STINGRAY!

The first one was about the area size of a queen bed and we could not keep up, much less get close. But then a little one came swimming under us, about the area size of my chest. So I guess momma followed by baby

I of course had left my gopro on board the boat lol.

 

[danpass]

Woohoo!

I received my PADI card today

 

[fugly]

Awesome!!!!! Congrats !!!!