Going from OW ocean dive to quarry dive

[sberanek]

I got lucky and had a lot of rental gear that was good and comfy and, unfortunately, some that I wanted to run away from. This all later helped me buy gear that I knew I liked.

I did have my LDS try to claim I was the reason their wetsuit I rented was stinky (I mean STINKY! So stinky one of the DM's during AOW could smell me. yuck.). I knew it wasn't me since the ones I got at the quarry were never stinky and, now, the ones I own, are not stinky. The LDS's is just really freakin' old, and probablly doesn't get washed by its renters like I wash mine.

--Shannon

 

[Soundtracklover]

Wow! Thank you to everyone for all the wonderful posts. I'll definitely be returning to this thread once it's time to buy the suit in Spring since so many brands were named for bustier women. Sadly I did try the 7MM on in the shop. It was the only that would fit - so it was either that or don't dive. I really wanted to try it, so I wore the ill fitting suit, my to my dismay.

Some ladies will understand this one - I discovered last week that, unfortunately, I think I was dealing with my PMS hormonal day the day I dived at Dutch Springs. That explained the extra whininess and *****iness (at least I can admit it unlike some women). Also explains why I was more reasonable the next day about diving in a quarry again with gear of my own. DaytonaDave is a saint for putting up with me on those days.

I'm not ready for AOW - not even close - but I'm thinking of at least reading sections of my hubbies book. And until the spring I'll re-read my OW book to keep things in my mind fresh.

Thanks to all. I'll keep checking back for more useful information from you guys.

 

[spectrum]

You have a good handle on it Soundtracklover. Stay the course and you will be wet again before you know it. Meanwhile there's plenty to read.

If you go custom for your suit get an early start. If it needs to go back for a tweak you can easily loose a month with shipping and so forth so get that ball rolling ASAP.

Pete

 

[rawls]

I'm glad you came out ok...Can't say that I didn't have some concern for your safety concerning what you were using when you went on your dive and the frustration you had...Clarity of thought is a good safety tool. Frustration is not...Hope your next experience is a better one...dive safe...

 

[gmhicks5867]

I think you should rethink your statement about not being ready for AOW. The great thing about a beginner diver working towards their AOW is it gives more time with an instructor early on.

This allows the diver to improve their skills under guidance and leadership they trust all the while helping them to enjoy diving that much more.

Gary

 

[paddler3d]

I'm not ready for AOW - not even close - but I'm thinking of at least reading sections of my hubbies book. And until the spring I'll re-read my OW book to keep things in my mind fresh.

Thanks to all. I'll keep checking back for more useful information from you guys.

The good news about most of your quarries is up there, the bottom temp really doesn't fluctuate throughout the year, but I wouldn't recommend diving yet in the winter...

I would recommend contacting your local dive shops and seeing if any of them offer 'play time' in local pools. I'd really recommend taking a trip to someplace warm and doing some diving in warm water. The nice thing about the pools is you get to practice your bouancy in shallow water which is challenging. Use their gear though...chlorine isn't the best for SCUBA gear, let alone anything.

I would recommend getting on your AOW as soon as you can. Right now I'm stuck in this rut where I'm waiting for my better half to catch up and we do AOW together, however I have over 70 dives, half of them are below 100', 40 off of boats, 5 night dives, 4 drift dives, 6 planned decompression dives. Dive operators ask to see my log book because I only have an OW cert. If I had the AOW cert, I wouldn't have to do this song and dance.

Good luck!

 

[Buoyant1]

Wow! Thank you to everyone for all the wonderful posts. I'll definitely be returning to this thread once it's time to buy the suit in Spring since so many brands were named for bustier women. Sadly I did try the 7MM on in the shop. It was the only that would fit - so it was either that or don't dive. I really wanted to try it, so I wore the ill fitting suit, my to my dismay.

Some ladies will understand this one - I discovered last week that, unfortunately, I think I was dealing with my PMS hormonal day the day I dived at Dutch Springs. That explained the extra whininess and *****iness (at least I can admit it unlike some women). Also explains why I was more reasonable the next day about diving in a quarry again with gear of my own. DaytonaDave is a saint for putting up with me on those days.

I'm not ready for AOW - not even close - but I'm thinking of at least reading sections of my hubbies book. And until the spring I'll re-read my OW book to keep things in my mind fresh.

Thanks to all. I'll keep checking back for more useful information from you guys.

Definately go with AOW sooner than later! I'm sorry I waited (although some of it was beyond my control time wise) The guys at the shop do a nice job and maybe you'll get paired with the same DM candidate that I did! (hahaha!) Although by that time he SHOULD have his DM done! But trust me...my first dives AFTER AOW gave me a new outlook on my buoyancy and trim, and the dives I did the week after (Dutch Springs at the picnic) as well as the next week when we went up on Columbus day, it made a world of difference! IF you get your new comfy gear that's a BIG plus also!

Keep it up, I'm sure we'll see you around!

 

[Soundtracklover]

I guess I'll reconsider taking the AOW class. Thought you needed to have more dives under your belt for AOW to be worthwhile. It won't be until I get my own gear though and that all depends on fundage in the spring. I'll be nervous enough about taking the class, so I'd rather not have to also worry about my gear.

I would love to be paired with your dive buddy Buoyant1. He's a good one to have around.

 

[scubaccrn]

I purchased my own gear the second time I was in the pool water. Made all the difference in the world for my level of comfort and building confidence that I could do this. My first open water dive was at a quarry in Indiana last weekend--water temp was 49 to 51 degrees. It was also my first time to wear a 7 ml suit and hood. I don't care for cold water so much, but living where I do--I had better get used to it if I want to do much diving. At first I felt like I would choke to death (don't like anything constricting on my neck), but once I started seeing the big bass and paddlefish.....I forgot about the suit and the cold. I had such a great time; so I guess my next purchase will be a 7ml suit that fits.

 

[jeepguy]

I guess I'll reconsider taking the AOW class.

We also dive Dutch Springs often living in New Jersey. My wife had similar problems with rental wetsuits and lead. She bought a 7mm Henderson hyperstrech and 5/3 hooded vest. She was very comfortable (temperature wise and fit) there late May to our last dive end of October. Between Bonaire, Curacao and Dutch we made 70+ dives this year (her 1st year). She did AOW at around dive 28 and was happy that she did because she was able to start dropping lead due to the peak bouyancy training (AOW) and just added expierience becoming more comfortable underwater. June in Dutch she went from 32# lead to 24# in October. Experience and more training (AOW) is the key.
Good luck, maybe we'll see you @ Dutch next year. Tom & Isabelle:14: