How to best prepare for PADI AOW?

[BORG]

It's been a long time('82) since I got my PADI OW. I am wanting to get my PADI AOW in the next few months, at least by the end of 2007. I haven't been diving as much as I would like. But, since I've heard about WBP and the 'birds being at Lanier pretty much every weekend, I know that will change.
The deepest I've ever dove was at the Jetties at Panama City(50-55Ft.)
I'm thinking about going to Pelham. Alabama for my AOW checkout dives, but by November some place in Florida would probably be more inviting. I own a 7mm/5mm wetsuit, but I think that being in 45-50 degree water the first time I'm introduced to 70-100Ft. of depth might not be the best way to build my confidence.
This education level for me is long overdue and I would like some advice on to how to make the transition as smooth as possible.

jborg33661@aol.com

THANKS,

 

[BKP]

First, good luck on your re-introduction!

Another quarry you might want to try practicing your deeper dives (with a buddy), would be Loch Low-Minn, near Athens, Tenn. The deepest it goes, is a spot they call "the trench" at about 70-75' (and conspicuously marked with a porcelain 'throne' at the bottom). It also has a descent/ascent line, which may help you guage your descent, and mark your safety stop(s). It's in the 3rd thermocline, I believe, and you can expect about 60 degree water at the bottom.
We were there last weekend, and while the viz was a little more disappointing than usual (lots of classes finning around this weekend), we had a couple of great dives.

There is also a buoyancy course (suspended PVC squares/diamonds), as well as a great navigation course all set up to give you a leg up before you AOW class on the S-SW side of the quarry.

The icing on the cake are the paddlefish that have been recently stocked here. If you're lucky enough to see one (which we did, about 50 feet down, near the west wall) it's definitely a treat -- strangest looking little critters...
Anyway, good luck, and dive safe...