Getting back into it after a long layoff

[Andy Ralph]

Thanks all. I definitely want to get my AOW cert (with my son). Initially I thought I didn't need a refresher as the shop told me it was just pool work, i.e. buddy breathing, buoyancy, etc. and that all seems like old hat. But I did recently pick up two computers that I have no idea how to use, so perhaps a quick pool refresher and getting them to show me how to use my computers is in short order.

 

[Andy Ralph]

Kind of surprised they didn't offer you a refresher while your son was going through his course.
Pay a little extra and do all the pool and checkout dives as his buddy.

I think they did. But he did his pool work and check-out dives in 4 days while we were vacationing in Destin, and I was busy attending to the rest of the fam. He's 12 going on 20, and is on the swim team so I wasn't too concerned about him doing it without me (plus the dive shop is great, high teacher to student ratio).

 

[tkaelin]

Learning the computer should be pretty straight forward. Read the manual and run through the settings and modes and any training associated with it. When I bought my first, a Suunto Gekko, it came with online training/video demonstration on all the functions. Same with the second bought a few years later, the Zoop.

 

[Neilwood]

Thanks all. I definitely want to get my AOW cert (with my son). Initially I thought I didn't need a refresher as the shop told me it was just pool work, i.e. buddy breathing, buoyancy, etc. and that all seems like old hat. But I did recently pick up two computers that I have no idea how to use, so perhaps a quick pool refresher and getting them to show me how to use my computers is in short order.

I would say that it would be safer to make sure your skills are 100% up to date than hope you remember it.

You want to be setting the example for your son about how important the skills/checks are so you want to make sure you are as near to 100% on them as possible.

Worst case scenario (for doing the refresher) is that you finish it and go "well that was a waste of time" however on the other hand if your knowledge or skills need tweaking or updating you might end up thinking the opposite. Scuba is very much a skills based activity and skills have a tendency to fade with time if not used or thoroughly ingrained.

 

[Nasser]

Do the refresher, get a few more dives in. Then go for the AOW.

 

[LariatAdvance]

Same happened to me. I was certified in 2002 and have been on a hiatus.
Nice thing about Discovery Diving (Beaufort) is they offer a free "refresher" if you were certified there. If you weren't certified there I think it's $130 bucks.

 

[Spearsley]

Just got my 12 yo son certified so we can dive together in Grand Cayman in Dec. Now he knows more than I do. I haven't logged a dive in over 5 yrs and wondering what's the best way to re-acclimate myself. Should I just read the PADI course material I bought him? Could I jump into an advanced OW cert course or should I just look at taking a refresher OW course at my local shop?

I think reading the PADI should be enough if you have experience.

 

[James R]

Agree with the refresher suggestions, no matter what agency or name it goes by. You can do a refresher in pool or in open water.

Doing AOW after the refresher wouldn't be bad. It's really open water part 2, IMO. Bring your kid along for that one to get him some more experience with, hopefully, a solid instructor.

 

[sheeper]

i took a 10+ year hiatus. I did a quick recreational refresher with a local shop and it was the smartest thing i ever did.
even though i'm an instructor, DM, tec diver the refresh updated my basic dive skills. now 1200 dives laters....i'm a happy little dive nerd.

 

[cmrangel]

Jumping into AOW after a refresher is OK but it really depends on your comfort level. If you find you are comfortable and not very anxious diving again then taking AOW is find. If not, maybe a few dives to get your comfort level back before the AOW so you can focus on the AOW training.