Fun Dives

[Mndiv]

Hello,

I am getting certified in about 3 weeks, together with my dad and we are both a little hesitant as 'extreme' newbies to go out and dive together (just the two of us) since we both would have practically no experience. I live in in Minnesota and I saw that many of the local dive schools offered 'Fun Dives' which would be an amazing way to get around and learn from much more experienced divers to build your own experience. Basically my question is: Can you take fun dives with a dive school that is not the one at which you got certified? Or can you just go on the fun dives with the dive school you got your open water/classroom training?

Thanks!

 

[knotical]

Every shop with which I am familiar welcomes new divers from anywhere on their fun dives.
But just to be certain, you might want to call them and ask.

 

[currier]

Can you take fun dives with a dive school that is not the one at which you got certified? Or can you just go on the fun dives with the dive school you got your open water/classroom training?

You can complete fun dives anywhere you would like (just so long as your c-card is from a reputable training agency, which SURELY it is). Literally anywhere - any shop in any town anywhere in the world.

You're absolutely right about diving with more experienced individuals when getting started! It's the best way to become introduced to a new site as well ...

I've been certified for about 18 months, and have completed well over a hundred dives during this time. Outside of training / certification dives, I'VE NEVER DONE 'MY OWN' - each and every one has been a fun dive led by a DM or OW instructor!

So many newly certified divers want to put on their newly purchased gear and jump right into the first body of water they can find ... OK, great! You've been properly trained, and are fully capable of doing this - enjoy yourself!

But you're going to learn a great deal by participating in fun dives, in and out of the water. A working DM is the perfect person to present with all of your wonderful and wacky newbie diver questions!

 

[TMHeimer]

Agree with both posts. Check out my thread in Basic Forum "Two Newbies".

 

[knowone]

And then you get off the breast and move out.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

I am sure that any dive shop/club in your area will welcome you to join them, whether its your certfying shop or not. I encourage you to get in all the diving you can. Be an active diver, and you will be a safe diver. Talk to other divers, practice your skills and safe diving habits. Learn from every dive. Welcome to the world's coolest recreational sport!

 

[CamG]

Greetings Mndiv and welcome to SB, you are usually welcome to dive on fun dives with other shops / clubs as well.
But remember to no rule out others, I personally enjoy diving with new divers and there are many out there who do as well.
I welcome most the only requirement I have is that we have fun and dive safe!
I appreciate participants in the dive to involved in dive planning and are free to outline their comfort levels and limits.
We can tailor a dive that will fit your training and that you can enjoy.

As others have mentioned diving with DM's or Instructors can teach you many things but I challenge you to learn from every dive even the tough ones!
As I look back and ahead the most successful dives have been some utter failures in terms of my perceived goals for the dive.
These have taught me to be a better planner as well as more prepared for the occasional appearance of our friend Murphy!
You gain this experience by being in the water! Divers learn in the WATER! DIVE OFTEN AND EVERY CHANCE YOU GET!

Have fun and when you wish to visit Gilboa Quarry in OH please contact me and I will meet you for a day of diving!
There are many dives available for every skill level no worries.

CamG Keep Diving....Keep Training....Keep Learning!