Hello From Memphis!

[RDWardell]

My wife and I took our SSI Open Water Course here in Memphis and finished the academics and pool dives in late September of 2011. Unfortunately we were not able to make the last scheduled certification trip in our area and now are seeking some place fairly close where we can go for our certification dives. We have until late March 2012 but would like to get our check dives done ASAP so we can dive on an upcoming trip to Cozumel.

Would love to find some place fairly close along the coast, anywhere from New Orleans to Panama City where we can go. Our local dive shop is going to provide us a referral so we just need suggestions on who, when, and where we can get our check dives done. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Just a bit about us, I'm retired Navy who is living his 2nd or 3rd childhood and my wife was gone back to school after almost 20 years in the banking business. We've decided to have a "do-over" and diving was top of our list. We both love the water and have snorkeled along the gulf coast, Florida, Bahamas, Jamaica, and Cozumel and Cancun.

Again, thanks in advance for any help or information you might be able to offer.

Best wishes and Happy New Year!

Robert and Carol Wardell
rdwardell@xipline.com

 

[tstormdiver]

Hi Robert,
Welcome to the site! You might check into maybe finishing your dives in the FL springs. I'm sure you could maybe find an instructor that you can do a referral with. Vortex would only be a 7 hour- ish trip for you. Plane 1 day each for each way & 2 days for the dives. The water is always 68 degrees. Depending on your tolerance for cold, you could get by with a 5 mm or 7 mm suit. While the water is rather cold, it is still quite doable. Push come to shove, you can always do your check- out dives in Cozumel in warmer water. It would take 2 days out of your trip, but, hey,... you're still diving. Just a couple of ideas for you.

 

[ScubaBB]

Welcome aboard :cool2::cool2::cool2:

 

[Insta-Gator]

:admingreet:

 

[RDWardell]

Would love to do our check dives in Cozumel but unfortunately we will be there via cruise ship and the stay is only about 10 hours. We were hoping to do a 2 tank dive that is a shore excursion. I have checked a couple of sources that might be doing Vortex Springs in late January or first week of February so that is a good option. Cold but at least an option. Thanks for your reply.

 

[cardzard]

Welcome to :sblogo: the place for everything scuba. :admingreet:

 

[beaverdivers]

Welcome to SCUBAboard!

The Florida Keys might be an option for warmer water. Good shallow reefs.

Good Luck & Good Diving!

 

[shawrg]

Welcome to the board! Good decision to include scuba in your "do over". I did my pool & course work in Birmingham and traveled to one of the fresh water springs in Florida (Vortex?) for the open water check-out. It was in winter so the air temp was chilly but the water was warm. I did my C/O dive for AOW in Destin the following summer so it was very pleasant, I was fortunate that the instructor traveled to both locations with the class so I did not have to arrange a referral. Good luck with all of your do over activities!

 

[Oldbear]

Welcome to Scubaboard…look around for there is something for everyone. I don't have any suggestions on where to finish your training...but you are going to love Coz.

~Michael~

:banana::banana::banana: