Getting back to the sport after a 'small' break...

[jonbongraham]

I'm new to this forum, so first off a big hi to everyone!
I'm looking at getting back into the sport after a break of about 4 years or so. I made a few dives then, but unfortunately I've lost all my doc's that say I got to PADI advanced open water status! Obviously I'd pretty much want to do a whole course again anyway, but thought it would be easier with these. Anyway, has anyone else had this experience? Any advice you coluld give? I imagine most of it's like riding a bike, but the fine details will need re-learning!
Can't wait to start again!

 

[Xanthro]

You can get your card reissued from PADI. Plus, they have refresher courses in case you don't want to take the same classes over again.

Welcome back!!

Xanthro

 

[Marek K]

I'm new to this forum, so first off a big hi to everyone!
I'm looking at getting back into the sport after a break of about 4 years or so. I made a few dives then, but unfortunately I've lost all my doc's that say I got to PADI advanced open water status! Obviously I'd pretty much want to do a whole course again anyway, but thought it would be easier with these. Anyway, has anyone else had this experience? Any advice you coluld give? I imagine most of it's like riding a bike, but the fine details will need re-learning!
Can't wait to start again!

Hi, and welcome!

As I'm sure we're all racing to tell you, you can get a replacement C-Card from PADI for $30; you can even do it on-line, submitting a digital photo. You just have to enter your name and date of birth for them to find your record. Go to www.padi.com/english/common/courses/replace/.

Regarding your break, that's nothing. I just started diving again after 13 years! My 14-year-old son (hmmm... probably a correlation there) just did his OWD, and I sat through the whole course with him. The shop charged me for extra pool sessions, but it was worth it to go through everything again. Lots has changed, lots had been forgotten.

I think PADI may have a semi-standardized refresher course that's shorter, too. Or a good shop should be able to put together a custom refresher.

--Marek

 

[scuba_frog]

First, welcome to the board.

A buddy of mine lost his cards too. He contacted PADI, supplied new photos are got replacement cards. Took a month or so.

Personally, instead of taking the full course over again, but it's your decision, why not take a 1 or 2 day refresher course. He thought it was like riding a bike. He was ready to go in no time.

 

[Ishie]

Yeah, my dad managed to get his cards (I forget which organization he was in; not PADI) replaced and they were originally issued in the late 70s. I think it was 20 bucks.

 

[DandyDon]

Things change, and skills get rusty. I feel rusty if I don't dive for a few months.

I'd suggest that your first few dives need to be Instructor lead for safety, OW course, Refresher course, or AOW - which would come in handy anyway. Got DAN insurance?

Have fun!

Oh yeah, wander over to Introductions if you'd like to, so we can welcome you proprerly.

 

[DPJ]

As you can see getting a new card is very easy.

You need to think about how you want to do your refresher, taking into account the alternatives mentioned above. Also how much experience did you have before you stopped? Can you still pick up your tables and plan a dive? Do you know how to configure your equipment? How good were your in water skills.

In short go visit some local shops, they don't have to be PADI. They can help you decide what makes the most sense for you.

Good luck, and enjoy the adventure.

 

[alemaozinho]

i would (instead of a refresher course around 175.00$$$$)sign up for a different course of your interest i.e Specialty course or else,that will give you time to get back on track and 0 waste on $$.For example,if you,d take a search and recovery course,then you,ll do 4 dives minimum to get this specialty and you,ll start shallow (beach dive)to progress through gradually,which gives you enough time and exercises to adjust and get comfortable again ,just my opinion!!You,re your own boss.Peace

 

[Xanthro]

Here's the link to the replacement card.

http://www.padi.com/english/common/courses/replace/

Xanthro