After what seemed like forever (actually 9 weeks), I am now certified. Did five dives this weekend, three in a lake on Saturday and two in the ocean on Sunday. Both were in 50-51*F water and I was pleasantly surprised to find out I was quite comfortable in a 7mm suit in both environments. Not being a fan of cold and wet, I was concerned about my concentration and disposition, but I felt great, and according to the instructors, did great as well. I was quite surprised how tired I was at the end of each day. I'm in pretty good shape, but when my head hit the pillow each night I was out. I even missed the second half of the Pats/Jets game Sunday night.
A couple things I learned that might help other noobs. I used a standard weight belt on Saturday and seemed to be both tipping a lot, and it would bang into the tank (long legs, short torso). Sunday, one of the instructors loaned me his soft belt, and with the weight all the way forward, it was 100% better. That will be a definite purchase. Secondly, nerves. Take your time, think, take a breath, then do. I know for me the unfamiliar environment (breathing underwater) was as new as the skills and activities, and the combination of the two fed on each other. When I had the weight issue, it stole my concentration from the job at hand. Once I put that thought aside, everything went smoothly.
I have to say, the dive shop and instructors (Central MA Scuba - Worcester, MA) were superb. The classroom portion was very in-depth, we had some classroom every night before the pool sessions. I think I learned more science than I did in physics class! The pool sessions were rigorous and repetitive, but well taught and made the open water portion much smoother. At the ocean we had three instructors in the water with each group of four students, plus a shore team, which included the shop owner and his wife!
I'm hoping to get at least some diving in over the winter so my skills don't atrophy before the spring. I'm even contemplating the New years Day dive the shop does.
Looks like I have a lot of suggestions for Christmas this year.
A couple things I learned that might help other noobs. I used a standard weight belt on Saturday and seemed to be both tipping a lot, and it would bang into the tank (long legs, short torso). Sunday, one of the instructors loaned me his soft belt, and with the weight all the way forward, it was 100% better. That will be a definite purchase. Secondly, nerves. Take your time, think, take a breath, then do. I know for me the unfamiliar environment (breathing underwater) was as new as the skills and activities, and the combination of the two fed on each other. When I had the weight issue, it stole my concentration from the job at hand. Once I put that thought aside, everything went smoothly.
I have to say, the dive shop and instructors (Central MA Scuba - Worcester, MA) were superb. The classroom portion was very in-depth, we had some classroom every night before the pool sessions. I think I learned more science than I did in physics class! The pool sessions were rigorous and repetitive, but well taught and made the open water portion much smoother. At the ocean we had three instructors in the water with each group of four students, plus a shore team, which included the shop owner and his wife!
I'm hoping to get at least some diving in over the winter so my skills don't atrophy before the spring. I'm even contemplating the New years Day dive the shop does.
Looks like I have a lot of suggestions for Christmas this year.
