I passed my OW!

[mayur]

Some of you may have seen my post about having asthma, diving, and anxiety.

However, I did my OWD in Monterey this past weekend and passed! I did have a few issues though:

1. Since the water was cold (50*), we had 2 suits on. One farmer Johns, and one a shortie. We also had to have a hood and gloves. This made things a bit uncomfortable for me.
2. Visibility was low, 5-10 feet at most (I felt!)
3. During the skills test, it took me a minute or so to relax before I could do the water in the mask. That went well.
4. During the out of air exersize, everything went well except sharing air with the instructor . The instructor took his reg out and I handed him mine. But I could not find my secondary (was on the bungee on the BC, yet could not find it). I had to do an emergency surface due to that. However, the instructor spoke to me for a minute and said to do it again, this time to find my secondary before I hand off my primary, and also the PADI method (giving secondary, not primary). This worked out well.
5. I'm not sure, but I may need another mask. The mask did get some water and was a bit uncomfortable. Maybe it was the mask?


We then went for 3 fun dives!
Day 1 - We went down to about 38ft, for 25 minutes. This was fun. Water was a little more clear. I had no issues swimming around, out of breath, or moving. Bouyancy took a bit to get used to. I was constantly clearing my mask and equalizing.

Day 2 - Dive 1 - Visibility was much lower than day 1. It was earlier in the day too. We got in the water by 7.30am I think. Having much lower visibility, I was not comfortable and was very nervous. Didn't know when I would hit a wall or rocks. Was a 30' dive.
Dive 2 - Same visibility. But we went out more towards the reef. Got to see an octopus, lots of starfish and other fish. We also had a harper seal play with us for a good 10 minutes. However, this time there was a lot more kelp. Swimming thru the kelp was not fun for me.

I have a trip planned to Kauai next month. I'm hoping to get some diving done then. Looking at going up until 45-60 feet for the first day to get comfortable and then go deeper if needed.

 

[Skittl1321]

Congratulations!

 

[DiveMedMD]

Congrats on finishing the course. Re: point #4 I see many new divers struggle with "what goes where, and where is it" when they first get started. They can be staring right at the piece of equipment they are looking for (i.e. SPG or octo) underwater and not see it. As you are likely aware now, the most important thing is to remain calm and solve your problems where you are (when possible and practical). This can be very difficult for a new diver because your flight response dictates you head straight for the surface. With patience, practice, and time it will all come together. Know your gear before you step into the water. Best of luck mate, you have chosen a very rewarding sport.

Edit - about the mask, have a dive professional work with you to fit a mask properly. Don't forget to equalize your mask on descent and adjust it properly as well - a good seal doesn't require a necessarily tight or uncomfortable fit.

 

[TSandM]

Did you readjust the mask strap when you went from the pool to the thick hood? I see a lot of students who don't, and a mask strap that tight can make the mask leak. In addition, with the hood, you have to be sure all the neoprene is clear of the mask skirt, and also all your hair is tucked up under the hood.

I assume you were diving the Breakwater? There is much better diving in the Monterey area, with better viz.

 

[mayur]

Did you readjust the mask strap when you went from the pool to the thick hood? I see a lot of students who don't, and a mask strap that tight can make the mask leak. In addition, with the hood, you have to be sure all the neoprene is clear of the mask skirt, and also all your hair is tucked up under the hood.

I assume you were diving the Breakwater? There is much better diving in the Monterey area, with better viz.

You are right. I did not adjust the mask from pool to hood. It could possibly just be needed to make it a little loose. Yes, the neoprene was clear of the mask skirt. I had an excellent dive buddy and DM who took good care in making sure its always clear.

Yes, we dove breakwater. Where all the newbies go I might do Monterey again with my instructor after a few dives in clear water.

 

[TSandM]

When you get back, see if you can get somebody to go with you to Pt. Lobos. The diving there is spectacular!

 

[lindenbruce]

Congratulations!!!! Now do your impersonation of a WWII submarine flick and "DIVE DIVE DIVE!!"

Okay, the Jetty can be a lousy place to dive because everyone it seems takes their students there and viz gets messed up fast. Try Lover's Cove it's a little more isolated from wave action. I sometimes find myself chewing on my mouth piece and as such I have noticed my mask will leak more when I catch myself doing that. A mask WILL fit a little different with a regulator in your mouth and if you have some jaw action going on it will leak even more.

The one thing to remember in kelp is don't move backwards. Also, while swimming use your hands/arms to "part" the kelp like a window curtain as you fin through it. Give it a good shove to the side and give a few good kicks with your fins. There is a lot of macro sea life inside of the kelp beds.

If you run into a wall of rocks don't sweat it. You aren't going fast enough to crash into them. Besides, once again lots of macro life hangs out on rocks and walls. If it is surggy then back away or go deeper to get away from the surface chop. Maybe talk to your instructor about doing a few dives from one the dive boats. As long as it's a calm day climbing the ladder will be easy enough. Good luck and most of all have fun!!! If it doesn't look fun just don't do it.

Don't be in a hurry to go deep to soon. Depth adds complexity to dives if you are not ready for it. That 40-60 foot range for new divers is usually a good calm dive depth so work on your confidence without going much deeper just yet. B.

 

[corvettejoe]

Congrats!!