How Long Before AOW

[justj]

just a quick question on how long do you all think someone should wait / how many dives before doing there AOW?


thanks for the input

 

[pdoege]

Depending on the agency you can get started right away.

SSI requires 4 of their "specialties", so I picked the 4 that I wanted and started doing those types of dives.

By the time I had the 25 (?) dive requirement, I already had the necessary dives do get the card.

Of course, living in FL makes it easy to get the dives in. YMMV.

Good luck and have fun!
Peter Doege

 

[jray]

I got my SSI OW then immediately got my PADI AOW

 

[The Chairman]

is tailored to new divers so they can gain some more experience with an instructor present.

 

[jbd]

and type in AOW in the search by author section type in saying. You should find several varying thoughts on the subject.

 

[norcaldiver]

I say right away. AOW should stand for Additional Open Water. I think it's a great way to do more diving as a noob with someone that has more experience. If you liked your OW instr take his AOW, you'll likely get great treatment since he'll remember you and will be happy you're advancing.

 

[jbd]

with Walter's point of view. Once your are a certified diver you should have enough training to go out and conduct your on OW dives. Granted it would be nice to go with a more experienced diver but you shouldn't need the services of an instructor. Also AOW should be for being introduced to new things after you have better command of basic diving skills.

 

[justj]

Well this was my thinking.

Just got certified, now Girlfriend and myself going to aruba. "only place we could both agree on, since she does not swim"

Since I am already paying for alot of dives will only be a little more to toss in some training and grab my AOW at same time.

was just trying to get everyones outlook on it.

thanks for all the input.

 

[navy85]

justj once bubbled...
Since I am already paying for alot of dives will only be a little more to toss in some training and grab my AOW at same time.

JMHO - make sure you get the training you want/need. I have come to realize while reading this board that AOW doesn't necessarily mean "Advanced" in terms of actual skill. Norcaldiver said it best - it should stand for "additional" training.

Like you, I have been diving in Aruba since getting my OW and thought about paying just a bit more to get the AOW card. I decided against it because I wanted to dive but not spend a lot of extra time studying (my wife doesn't dive) and I wanted to be able to ensure I learned the appropriate skills without being rushed in a week (plus I was not diving very often except during the annual trip to Aruba). It worked for my situation - you need to make your own assessment. Hope this helps.

 

[Stingray81888]

I got my OW certification a month ago and on memorial day i'm going for my AOW with PADI.