Getting started

[Scram Bulleggs]

Lets see if I can make sense.


I have completed my OW cert and have done 8 dives following that in coz. My OW portion of my cert was in coz also. (wondering where the heck my C-card is too)

I am very comfortable and confident in the water so far. That being said I am so green people have tried to water me. I only have the basic knowlege and very little down time. So now I am home in NY and been itching to dive again daily. I live in the sticks with no LDS near. My sister who lives a distance away is a bit more experienced then myself but still not an expert. We won't be able to do much untill it warms up.

I just found out that I will be in Florida for a few days early January. Ofcourse teh first thing that came to mind was hey! warm water maybe I can dive!

My dives so far have been with my instructor who then became the DM for the rest of my dives. I am wondering how a new diver starts to gain experience? Do dive shops take trips out that have a DM with you to help newer divers? Or do they just chuck you in teh water and tell you when to get back on the boat?

I guess what i am asking is without a LDS or a mentor where do I go from here? I do not think I would make a good dive buddy to someone not expecting it.

 

[TSandM]

I've never dived in Florida, but I did a bunch of dives in Hawaii when I was very new, and I would assume Florida, being another warm water destination, would be similar (you might post a question in the Florida forum to get specific local advice).

In Hawaii, the dive operators are quite accustomed to new divers. All you have to do is tell them honestly what your experience level is, and you get the help you need, whether that's getting properly weighted, or having a DM keep a close eye on you for the dive.

The one thing I haven't ever had to deal with is buddying up with somebody when I was new, because I travel with my husband, who is legally obligated to put up with me

 

[kidspot]

I dunno about Florida, some spots the DM's stay on the boats and others they guide the tour - but I'd suggest getting on the SB Florida area forum and posting there - good chance you can meet up with a local diver and some diving with a fellow board member.

You might also post in the NY area forum to see if there are some local divers in your area who might introduce you to some cold water diving so you don't have to wait so long to get back in the water - definitely something I'd do if I lived up there, as it is I have to put up with 79* water this time of year (I don't mind it too much though lol)

Have a great trip and if you make it out to the far west (Hawaii) let us know as there are lots of us over here who'd enjoy showing you around the local waters.

Aloha, Tim

 

[1_T_Submariner]

Congrats on getting certified. You didn't mention where in Fla you are going. I have been to Key Largo (2X) and they didn't have a DM in the water with us. I can't say that is how they all work though. As others have said you are going to want to visit the Fla. fourm.
Have a great time.

 

[1_T_Submariner]

The one thing I haven't ever had to deal with is buddying up with somebody when I was new, because I travel with my husband, who is legally obligated to put up with me

TSandM....This was too good

 

[spectrum]

I guess what I am asking is without a LDS or a mentor where do I go from here? I do not think I would make a good dive buddy to someone not expecting it.

Well if you were traveling with a peer diver I'd say just go find some easy sites and strat diving. You should be prepared for that by now. You should be a suitable buddy to a peer on a simple shore or reef dive.

Lacking a known buddy I can understand your aprehension about snagging an insta-buddy, it could be mutually frustrating.

The best bet is to contact diver operators at your destination and ask about options. The idea of making yourself known in the Florida forum is also splendid. I have gone out with a number of new divers who found me in just that way on the New England forum. Likewise when I was new experienced divers found time for me.

Pete

 

[Don Wray]

Contact a dive op where you're going, tell them your situation.....They will work it out.

 

[jpcpat]

I understand yor concerns. I had them, too. Florida Dive ops are very accustomed to newly certified divers and take good care of them. The reef dives are very cool and well within your experience level. Most ops do not put a DM in the water with you, nor do you really need one. If you prefer one, they can help...for a fee.

As for local diving: Dutch Springs opens in April and is great for practice. Boat dives of the local coast tend to be deep, cold and low vis. I'd get more experience before trying them.

 

[Scram Bulleggs]

Thanks for the ideas. The area I am headed is Daytona. Where I live is on the Delaware river so most of my diving will be in that. I do not yet own the apropreit gear for cold water stuff just yet.

 

[Flea Dog]

There are a fair number of dive shops in your area depending where you are in Sullivan County. Middletown has Middletown Scuba and Divers Direct in the Gander Mountain. (I have not been to either, but both have been helpful on the phone.) There are others a little further from you.

I often dive with newly certified from a local shop. PM me and I will take you. Remember diving season is never closed around here, just less comfortable!

Flea

PS. Really nice dog.