give us a break, would ya?

[Rookie_J]

Every so often i read negative things on here about PADI certified divers, experienced divers not wanting to dive with newbies because they either cut your dive short or newbies don't have a clue.

today at a dive shop the salesperson and i were having a great conversation about area dives. we talked about where and when and that i was more than welcome to join them. when i told him i was a newly certified diver he sort of shrugged and asked "well where have you dove", when i stated that i had only done 2 dives after my certification, his tone changed, he stated "oh you're brand new, well you and your buddy will have to visit our dive sights", he walked away and disappeared into the office..

I have my Padi open water card, it means that i have "basic" knowledge of how things work. like most other things in life, i will get better with time, experience and helpful input from those with more experience..

so for those of you who have forgotten, you were once a rookie.



rant over.

 

[dlndavid]

Next time just show him all the great deals you got from another LDS or Scubatoys.

 

[OE2X]

Good point. Some of us even have a few PADI certs kicking around. From the sounds of it though this person wasn't judging you by your agency - you have to come here for that.

Yes we were all nOObs at one time or another and become nOObs again whenever we go on to higher learning. That said many of us do enjoy going out with new divers and helping them out. My criteria though is based on personality and attitude.

A member on this board, in my area, that is a new diver embodies the sort of attitude that myself and several other very experienced members of this board look for. We have enjoyed his company on our dives and have encouraged him to join us whenever it's possible.

I wouldn't take the shop monkey seriously, but then I also wouldn't take PADI seriously when they say that you are an expert diver after completing your OW class.

 

[Firebrand]

I have to agree. If anyone who operates a dive shop isn't willing to help a new diver gain experience, then they have no business being in the industry. Another thing to remember is the number of logged dives a person may have is not an indicator of how well that person can dive. I grew up on the water, and my mother taught me how to swim when I was just 18 months old! By the time I was three, I could hold my breath and go to the bottom of anyone's pool. I am very comfortable in the water, but only have a few dives in the logbook. I simply made the transition from skin diving to scuba diving. SCUBA - Some Come Up Bubbling Alot!

 

[JimC]

Suggest you preform one of the following tricks to find a buddy and get diving.
- Join a (many) dive club(s), find a newer diver, get there phone number and schedual some dives. Preferably do this with more than many people. DON'T wait for the club to arrange a dive, be proactive.
- Help out at a schools next checkout dives, get phone numbers. Repeat the above.
- Advertise in the appropriate scuba board section. You will probably find some experienced divers looking to get wet in your area that are willing to dive with newbies.

Make sure to pick appropriate dive sights for your experience level - suggest starting with an unguided dive at the sight of your OW checkouts. Your familiar with the sight already and its a good way to cut your teeth being without experienced help.

 

[MikeFerrara]

Don't judge all divers, especially those on this site, by the behavior of some gamoke in a dive shop.

Don't let being a new diver make a snob out of you. Just jump right in and invite a more experienced diver to go diving. If they won't dive with you up there you could come here and we'll dive with you. I don't even mind short dives as long as there's food waiting for when I get out.

 

[RICHinNC]

Ive experienced the same thing when I was new. I pulled out my wallet and my Amex card....VISA card...and a few others. Then I asked him ...Know what these cards will never do....Be used here. Buh bye....Buh bye.

I have had dives cut short by newbies and thats ok ....as long as they arent arrogant and just plain stupid I will dive with them. I wont put myself in danger and have no problem telling a new diver they need an attitude adjustment. But for the most part, I have found new divers eager to learn.

Hang in there.....
rich

 

[ShakaZulu]

I have no problem diving with newly certified divers, just as long as the conditions permit. As a rule I won't do night dives or anything extreme with newly certified diver. Well, that depends on hot she is???

 

[Walter]

Listen carefully - I love diving with new divers. I don't care what agency issued your card. I do have more respect for some agencies than others, but that does not reflect on the individual divers. If you are a brand new diver, there are a number of things I know. You have a lot to learn, but then so do I. If I dive with you, I'll likely be giving you tips and helping you hone your skills. That's a benefit to you. I also know you are more likely to be excited about things that have become ho hum for me. See that 6 ft long Green Moray? It doesn't excite me. It does excite you and I love to see your excitement. I get excited all over again about things that lost their thrill for me long ago just by buddying with a new diver. That's a benefit to me. I get to show you things you've never seen before. That's fun for us both - a double benefit!

Can you make all the dives I'm planning? No. You're not ready, but if you apply yourself you will be someday, maybe sooner than you think.

Come to Florida, let's plan some dives we'll both enjoy!

 

[Sideband]

For me, it depends on the dive (and bear in mind I'm fairly new myself). If I am paying for a boat dive or am on vacation then I'm sorry but I don't want my dives shortened and/or have to hand hold a brand new diver. They may be great but in that situation I don't want to risk it as I'm really on MY time and am there for me. On the other hand, if I'm at the quarry and someone that just got their card yesterday comes up and wants a buddy then I'm there. When I help my LDS with classes I tell every class to feel free to call me if they need a buddy and I've told the shop that if one of the students calls they can pass along my number or Email. I remember the guys I first dove with and still appreciate it.

Joe