JamesK
Contributor
Well, it is done! Or should I say, it is just beginning! I finished my OW this weekend. I got both PADI and NAUI OW certified. We went down to Devils Den in Florida for the first day of diving, and Blue Grotto for the second day. My instructor, and his four assistants (one my g/f's father), all told me they were very impressed with how easily I figured everything out, and how well I responded to every situation they put me in. On my sixth dive, my instructor even took me on a 90 foot dive to the bottom of Blue Grotto and had me do my skills, and problem solving down there. He said that I was the first diver he has ever had that he felt comfortable enough with to do that so early in my training. Unfortunately, the girl that was taking the class with me, did not get certified. He did not feel that she could do her skills well enough, so he is going to continue to work with her as long as she needs.
I can't even begin to explain how much fun I had. I am sure you all know the feeling though, otherwise you would not be in this sport. I can't wait for Ginnie Springs and Vortex next month!
I would also like to acknowledge the fact that an instructor can make all of the difference in the world. My instructor is great. He is an ex Navy Seal, and an experienced cave diver. He has more patience than anyone I have ever seen. He will work with you as long as you need, and never do anything that you are not comfortable with. On the other hand, there was a lady who was also doing an OW class next to us. Talk about a mean B****! She cussed at her students, scolded them, and yelled constantly. Even on surface intervals she would scold them for doing things she did not deem acceptable, such as listening to headphones. I can say that if she had been my instructor, I would not be certified because I would have walked out. She had six students, and no DM's or assistants with her. On the other hand, my instructor had 4 students, 2 doing OW and 2 doing AOW, and had four assitants. I feel sorry for her students.
Anyway, enough rambling.
I can't even begin to explain how much fun I had. I am sure you all know the feeling though, otherwise you would not be in this sport. I can't wait for Ginnie Springs and Vortex next month!
I would also like to acknowledge the fact that an instructor can make all of the difference in the world. My instructor is great. He is an ex Navy Seal, and an experienced cave diver. He has more patience than anyone I have ever seen. He will work with you as long as you need, and never do anything that you are not comfortable with. On the other hand, there was a lady who was also doing an OW class next to us. Talk about a mean B****! She cussed at her students, scolded them, and yelled constantly. Even on surface intervals she would scold them for doing things she did not deem acceptable, such as listening to headphones. I can say that if she had been my instructor, I would not be certified because I would have walked out. She had six students, and no DM's or assistants with her. On the other hand, my instructor had 4 students, 2 doing OW and 2 doing AOW, and had four assitants. I feel sorry for her students.
Anyway, enough rambling.
there still are good instructors. I think for a number of instructors the principle certify-and-cash is attractive, especially in tropical resorts.
