First open water dive today!

[PerfectD3]

Woohoo it was a blast. We did three open water dives today, did all the skill testing on the first dive. The other two were bouyancy control and increasing depth. Stayed at 9m the first, 11m second, and I wussed out at 15.5m on the third (the dive plan was to the 23m platform). The thermacline killed me on the third dive, it was near 10m or so at 16C. My 5/3 fullsuit and 5mm boots were not up to the fight. Made it to 15.5 going down the bouy line before my head and hands were hurting too bad from the cold and I cancelled the descent. As much as I wanted to haul butt to the thermacline I slowly ascended and did a 4.5 minute safety stop at 5m. First thing monday Im going to pick up a shorty with hood and some gloves! Saw two small lobster, two jellyfish looking things (this was a freshwater lake so didn't know what it was, they were about the size of a half dollar), too many brim, and a dozen 7-10 lb Pike just chilling on a ridgeline. The Pike followed us for a few minutes swimming just out of arms reach at my hip and the other students. Had a great time and cant wait till next Saturday to finish up and be certified!!!

 

[shakeybrainsurgeon]

Good luck. That's pretty cold for a wet suit...and there are fresh water jellyfish, they just don't sting

 

[wallacm]

Congrats man!! Have fun on your next dives.

 

[plot]

The fish swimming next to me on my OW dives are definatly what got me hooked.

 

[akscuba]

Congrats! But, if you think it's cold enough that you need a hood, I'm not sure a shorty will be enough protection. I'd tend to say that you should get a full length suit (if for no other reason than because of the jellies) and a hooded vest. You'll be amazed at the difference.

 

[plot]

Congrats! But, if you think it's cold enough that you need a hood, I'm not sure a shorty will be enough protection. I'd tend to say that you should get a full length suit (if for no other reason than because of the jellies) and a hooded vest. You'll be amazed at the difference.

I'm guessing his intent is to put the shorty on OVER his 5/3 full, but I could be wrong.

 

[PerfectD3]

Plot is correct, my intention is to put the shorty w/ hood of my current fullsuit. Several of the guys had suits intended for this purpose so I figure it should work with one that isn't. Thanks for the info on the jellyfish, because our instructor thought we were narcing at 10m. I wasn't sure if he was joking or not, it's hard to read him.

 

[spectrum]

Congratulation on your dive and on knowing your linits, there's nothing wussy about it. Obviously you were eager to get down there.

Regarding the suit. be careful about adding to a 5/3 suit. A better plan may be to build up a full 7mm set with 2X on the core. What are experienced divers wearing in your region. Ask what they will wear in the coming months too.

Pete