Getting started again after open water

[GoneNative]

Hi all -

I completed my open water cert last summer (2013) in Puget Sound but since then have only gone out once with a random buddy which didn't work out that well. Since then I've bought my own gear but I'm stuck at how to get back in the water with it.

Wondering what other new or returning divers have done to get gear sorted (weighting correct) and refresh on basics. I don't want to take another class until I've got some dives under my belt. There are a couple of local clubs full of really nice folks who take newbies out but I'd rather start with someone I know I can trust. Do I hire a DM for a 1:1? Is that something you just ask for at a dive shop?

Thanks!

 

[fjpatrum]

I'd just go with the group, especially if you know they're amenable to newbies. Maybe meet up with them prior to a dive or post dive and chit chat with a few to develop a rapport before actually diving with them.

As for getting weighting down and such, I used a pool and did it by myself. I don't necessarily recommend it if you're not already comfortable with everything though.

EDIT: I forgot I also asked my LDS to give my name to other newbs who expressed interest in meeting dive partners. My only "regular" dive partner came from such an exchange.

 

[LowDrag]

Up in your area you have a couple of options. Option 1) Join up with one of the local clubs and do as fjpatrum suggested. I have heard good things about the clubs up in your neck of the woods. Option 2) Get in touch with NWGratefuldiver, he is a local NAUI instructor up there that runs a refresher course that I hear good things about. When I got my first BP&W he helped me get it straightened out. He's a great guy that likes to help new divers with their diving. Also, the Dive & Travel Expo is coming up in Tacoma in April, you might want to check that out too. My wife and I went last year and are planning to go again this year. We had a really good time and met some cool folks.

 

[RVBldr]

You might be able to contact the shop (assuming you like the shop) where you got certified, explain just what you did here, and go out with a shop dive with one of their DMs/ Instructors. If you're aware of Northwest Dive Club ? Index page, check out the weekly dive section; there's some really great folks on the forums that could potentially help you out.

 

[TSandM]

If you have only done one dive since your open water class, and that was more than six months ago, I'd highly recommend doing a pool session before hitting open water again. The shop where you got certified should be able to arrange that at a nominal cost.

As far as finding good dive buddies for beginning divers, I second the recommendation for the nwdiveclub.com site. It's very active, and there are quite a few people there who are happy to dive with new folks. I know, because I'm one of them

 

[nolatom]

What I did was ask my dive shop (with whom I did OW) if I could tag along on their next OW class ( off Destin, FL). There were some certified spouses/S.O.s doing the same thing. It was fine, and they were there for us to dive with as buddies nearby and get any advice needed. It was fun , and a confidence-builder with me trying out my new gear.

no harm asking if you're interested in such a possibility.

 

[GoneNative]

Thank all for your replies. I've hooked up with the dive shop I took OW from buoyancy training in the pool followed by a couple of dives. Figure that'll get me confident/comfortable enough to join some dives with Northwest Dive and Marker Buoy clubs. Plus, by all accounts, winter is the best time for diving in Puget Sound so visibility will be a new experience

 

[debohra]

It is always best to join a dive club, you meet great new friends and always have buddies to dive with. A refresher is really a good idea if you haven't dived for 6 months or more, it builds your self confidence and reminds you of everything you were taught. Our club organizes a trip every month so there is always something going on. We also have a social once a month so the newbies can get to know everyone and learn more about the different dive sites, when it is best to dive there etc


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