Hello from Tallahassee, Florida

[Aucilla]

Hi! It is good to be here. I am a new comer to SCUBA diving and am so excited about it I can't hardly stand it! I grew up in Fort Lauderdale and was at the beach all the time and loved snokeling around the jetties. My older brother, later killed in a boating accident, was an avid diver and so as a little tyke I saw and was around a lot of equipment, gear, aquariums, and stories. In the last few years, I have been in a get-out-and-do-it mode and the dream I have had for ages, to SCUBA, is being fullfilled! I am in a class at Florida State, in its Academic Diving Program. http://www.adp.fsu.edu/

I am a little rough on my swimming, and had a hard time with the 200 yard swim, but I am learing a lot and we are going to Key Largo on Spring Break with FSU instructors and all. We will go on seven dives in three and a half days, including two wrecks [the USS Duane is one of them] and a night dive. This is quite a deal for an "old man" like me, but I am bursting at the seams!

I live in Tallahassee Florida and love the wonderful wilderness coast near here. I love saltwater fishing, both wading and by boat; and I look forward to doing spear fishing someday.

I have learned that forums are great. They are populated with kind people who love the topic and are willing to help. I have a little web site, related to fishing, that has links to some of the related forums I visit. Maybe in a little while, after I learn my way around here, I'll link this forum, too.

So, to y'all I say, in advance, "Thanks for Everything!" I hope to contribute some day.

 

[DepartureDiver]

welcome ... you're right, there are a lot of great folks here.

Brian

 

[DandyDon]

And welcome to SB. :wavey: Put us in your Favorites and check in often.

You know, you're almost as old as I was when I started; too bad we waited so long. I often notice the looks when I board a dive boat: "Look at the old far we'll have to take care of." But I don't mind when they come to me for help.

don
:chillin6:

 

[ReefGuy]

Welcome to the board! There are several here from Tallahassee.

I used to live there for 13 years, and moved 3 1/2 years ago back to my hometown, Punta Gorda. I love Tallahassee, though - nice place to live.

 

[Aucilla]

Maybe when I get fully cerified, which will be soon, I'll link up with some Tallahassee folks who'd like to go spear fishing for grouper and snapper and such. And thanks for the welcome! I'll probably be checking in often, and learning all the while!

 

[TCooperWFI]

Welcome Aucilla to SB!
Took my son getting interested to get me back into diving.
Hope your activity doesn't wane.

 

[H2Andy]

welcome aucilla... you'll have to come diving with us near Gainesville... it shouldn't
be too long a trip for you =P

 

[DandyDon]

Maybe when I get fully cerified, which will be soon, I'll link up with some Tallahassee folks who'd like to go spear fishing for grouper and snapper and such. And thanks for the welcome! I'll probably be checking in often, and learning all the while!

I've never done any spearfishing - so, you experienced divers correct me here if you'd like, but I think I'd suggest getting experienced at diving first....

Driving to the dive is usually the most dangerous part, so wear your seat belt, but diving can be safety challenged. Your instructor/LDS will likely offer you a good deal on gear, so get ready for that. They can't afford to teach without possible gear sales, and you should own your own BC, Octo-Reg, safety sausage and whistle - at least.

Then, enjoy getting experienced - maybe your AOW and Nitrox cards. Well, those are my feelings... :54:

don

 

[Aucilla]

I've never done any spearfishing - so, you experienced divers correct me here if you'd like, but I think I'd suggest getting experienced at diving first....

Good advice that I will take to heart, but it will be hard to go among fish and not go fishin'! Maybe after or before we dive, I will just wet a line!

But surely I better become proficient at diving and at the use of all the gear and all, before I start confusing myself with a speargun too!

It's just that I am so excited I can hardly wait.

 

[mobymark]

Welcome to the board from Gozo, Malta. Good luke on your diving!