I'm returning to diving after a long break

[jean bolin]

This is my first time on this board.:blinking:

I earned my Open Water certification back in 1999..but have not been able to dive since 2001 due to injuries from a car wreck.

I am finally able to dive again (I think)..... and I am looking forward to getting back in the water again.

Is anyone on here in the New England area?

 

[mudhole]

Welcome to ScubaBoard, and back to diving. . . This part of the Board is world wide, great for a general question about diving anywhere in the world. To narrow the questions to one locality, you should move the question to your region of the country. At the top of each page is a "button" called Forums. Click on this button and watch the download of options on this board. Scroll way down this moving list till your reach "Regional Travel. . ." Below this listing are areas around the world, click on "United States" then within that list pick out the area closest to your home.

Because of the long time since your certification, and your phsical condition is not the same as when you last dove, you would benefit from a new class. One benefit would be new experiences with some of the equipment that has improved since your last dive. Another benefit would be to meet new divers in your area, some of the potential diver partners from your class in '99 may have stopped diving, and meeting new divers in a pool and classroom setting will make new friends. You sound like you have some hesitation about whether your health is ready for diving. . . The best way to find out is one on one with a dive instructor. If you have a problem. . . have a solution close by on your dive. Welcome back.

 

[jean bolin]

Thanks for the hint on where to post region specific posts.

The only hesitation I have about my health is that I have muscle and nerve damage to my right leg...pulling on a tight wetsuit can be very painful, even something as simple as wearing jeans can hurt my leg.

Even with a dive skin underneath it... the pressure of the wetsuit is painful. I have been swimming in a pool as therapy and I can move around great in the water. It is just getting the wetsuit on that is going to be the challenge. And because of the problems with my leg I can't carry my dive gear ( tank, bc etc), I have to figure out a way to put it on in the water.

 

[Gombessa]

I don't think an absentee diver needs to take OW from scratch again. I'd say the first step, and perhaps the only step needed is to take a refresher with an instructor. Over the course of a day, they'll go over all the basics, from theory to gear, to skills in a confined water environment. Once you get through that, you'll have a much better idea of how much you've retained from your diving days and whether you need any additional preparation. Hopefully you'll find that you take your return to scuba like a fish to water!

 

[medical1]

Welcome back to diving I would also suggest a refresher. Tables have changed a little in 10 years & you can brush up on the skills you already know.

As far the wetsuit - you can get custom suits made with zippers up the legs or there is a host of other solutions. I deal with handicapped divers & know that small problem with your leg can be overcome

 

[floridanewbe]

welcome aboard