Going too fast too soon?

[EzeeDiver]

As others have said, congrats and welcome to the world of diving! I would also echo the comments regarding doing independent diving. The more diving you have outside of class, the more experience you take into your next class. I'd definitely get out there and do boat and shore diving (most important on vacation ). Then, as you take more instruction, you can more easily see the practical application. Just gives you a broader set of experience to pull from. Best of luck and happy diving!

 

[Purple Jos]

Thank you all for your input.

I guess the reason why I am asking is that I want to make sure we are not rushing into it. I know there is not a formal protocol for when you should take each class, and how long in between the classes. So I wanted to see what the general consensus was.

It’s hard to slow down; we love diving so much and have the free time on the weekends.

We have done about 20 dives non instructor lead, and in the next 2 months have about 12-16 more planned on our own. I know that is not a huge number, but I feel we have had some great quality dives.
We have taken all the classes so far with the same LDS, but different instructors. All have been PADI, but that is more because the dive shops in our area are mostly PADI.
But I think that taking classes from different agencies is a great idea.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Thank you all for your input.

I guess the reason why I am asking is that I want to make sure we are not rushing into it. I know there is not a formal protocol for when you should take each class, and how long in between the classes. So I wanted to see what the general consensus was.

It’s hard to slow down; we love diving so much and have the free time on the weekends.

We have done about 20 dives non instructor lead, and in the next 2 months have about 12-16 more planned on our own. I know that is not a huge number, but I feel we have had some great quality dives.
We have taken all the classes so far with the same LDS, but different instructors. All have been PADI, but that is more because the dive shops in our area are mostly PADI.
But I think that taking classes from different agencies is a great idea.

Just to feed your enthusiasm a bit ... I've written a few articles for folks like you. You can find them on my website. You may find them useful ... if for nothing else than just to prompt a few more questions.

Questions are always good ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Diver0001]

But I think that taking classes from different agencies is a great idea.

Oh geeeeezzz don't say that. Now you're going to get instructors from 10 different agencies doing embarrassing mating dances on your thread... eeeuuuwww~!



Just kidding. Actually taking courses from multiple agencies is a good idea, if nothing else to prove to yourself once and for all that it's the instructor that matters, not the agency.

R..

 

[Guba]

I once met a couple who did much the same thing...they took many classes back to back and were very enthusiastic. Therefore, my friend and I invited them to come to our group's next event, and they seemed very eager...until the lady in the couple asked a few questions. "Are there any instructors in your group?" I told there that there were, but none would be with us on the day of the mentioned event. "Any divemasters?" Again, they were with their shops teaching that day and couldn't join us. I did mention there would be quite a few divers with considerable experience there.

The couple didn't join us. Subsequent conversations revealed that neither of them were very comfortable with diving without "professionals". I am in no way implying that that is the case here. I'm just joining Bob and others in encouraging you to get out on your own and implement much of what you have learned in your formal classes and let experiences become your best teacher. Your instructors are no doubt doing a great job, but they can't hold a candle to the discoveries and satisfaction you will attain by getting "out there" and learning by doing. I heartily applaud you for seeking more instruction. Make the most of it through practical application.
Have fun!

 

[sabbath999]

I do think that the Rescue class is an important one for ALL divers to take, so I am glad to see you got that one in your schedule.

I myself am a "card collector" but I agree with the others, it is important to dive independently of classes and not just while under instruction.

 

[TSandM]

Sounds like you ARE getting out and doing some of your own dives -- that's great! Of course, the class dives are experience, too, particularly if, for some of the more advanced classes, the instructor doesn't necessarily LEAD the dive. I think it sounds like you guys are avid divers, and doing the right thing.

 

[victor]

My recomendation would be to take a dive holiday where you can do loads of shore diving unescorted. Bonaire, CoCo view, anywhere that you can dive on your own schedule without being led around by a divemaster. The experience will consolidate many of the lessons you are learning in all these classes.
Then when you come back you will be ready for rescue, etc.

 

[tomboyy]

I guess I am just looking for thoughts on this.

My husband and I did our OW class back in September 2009, then the AOW in October 2009.
We are now hopelessly addicted to diving.

This year we have taken the PADI Equipment class, Nitrox class, First Aid\CPR class, and next week the Rescue Diver class.
We also have PADI Wreck diving and an Altitude diving classes scheduled later this year.

I guess the question is… Are we going to fast? Are we taking on to much?

We work on our buoyancy each dive and get better every time.
We work on skills when we dive, like regulator recovery and mask recovery.
We try to practice 1 skill a dive – I want to get everything in to muscle memory.
Each time we learn something new, we incorporate it into what we are already doing, adding to our knowledgebase.

Sounds like somebodies addicted and had a built in partner in crime. Nothing wrong in learning, you will learn alot reading here on SB to. good luck and be safe .

 

[Laurie S.]

I don't think it's too fast. I've taken a similar path--got certified over Thanksgiving last year (SSI), then went on a Caribbean cruise in December. By the end of the cruise, I had 13 dives. In January, I began more classwork, taking underwater digital photography, night diving and limited visibility, and enriched air nitrox. In February, I took my First Aid/CPR class through Red Cross so that I could take stress and rescue. I went diving the last weekend in February and did the OW part of all the courses, except Nitrox (broken compressor), and passed them all. That gave me 18 dives.

This weekend, I'm going diving again and plan to work on my skills and just have fun. I will be doing more photography, also. I did take some additional classes in March and April, including wreck diving,but won't be doing anything for them this weekend.

So, based on my experience, I don't think you're going too fast. I was a little apprehensive about the OW portion of the stress and rescue, but I handled it fine. I had to take it in February or wait several months and didn't want to do that. If you're comfortable with what you're doing, then continue. If not, take a break and have fun.