is there anything i need to do prepair myself?

[TaMe]

Before i do my ow course i was just wondering if there was anything i could do to prepair my self for it? should i read books to learn exta info on scuba diving? should i study the equiptment just to know what the teacher is talking about or should i just wait untill i do the course?

 

[scubamickey]

Make sure you can pass the swim test.

 

[colsonn]

It never hurts to be prepared. Simply looking through the forums on here will give you enough information to understand what your instructor will be going over.

Make sure you understand the dive tables before your OW dives. Most students I come across have trouble with it. Practice using it with different dive situations. Have fun learning to dive!

 

[TaMe]

:huh: im sorry, but what are dive tables?:huh:

 

[Halthron]

Something you'll learn about in class, don't sweat it now.

 

[Fun Diver]

Just bring an open mind to the class, actually I wouldn't suggest reading too much before hand.. why confuse things! Before you finish the certification, try to find out as much as possible on your local diving opportunities, dive groups, etc.. just so you can develop a plan on how to get out there and gain experience once certified. Have fun!

 

[rjpv]

If you haven't been in the water in a while (for me it was... umm... years) swim a bit instead of going to the gym for a week or two before. 200 meters followed by a 10 minute tread took more out of me than I expected

 

[Walter]

Just bring an open mind to the class, actually I wouldn't suggest reading too much before hand.. why confuse things!

What a horrible attitude about education!

Read SCUBA Diving by Dennis Graver. It's the best text on diving currently available.

 

[spectrum]

Walter's book suggestion is a good one.
Stop by your dive shop and get the latest issue of Dive Training Magazine, it's free. Also ask if they have any back issues left around. Excellent long format articals about things you need to know.
If you have the gear then get out there and skino-dive. This will get your face accustomed to being in the water, train you for sustained oral breathing and tone your legs to avoid cramps. It will also further develop your comfort in the water.
Devour this forum, the Basic forum and the gear forums, read read read. Becoming gear savvy is a bigger challenge than the OW class IMO.

Have a great time!
Pete

 

[Sue Sue]

Prepare for your classes as you would any dive. Be well rested, no alcohol, hydrate. Also be aware that you need to understand that you are a student. You are learning something new. Be patient, take your time and ask questions. Also, you are not in a competition with your classmates. Just because someone else "get's it" and you don't does not matter. Some folks can just jump in and take off. Others, and I think many, need to take baby steps to get to the point of some comfort. One of my favorite Divemasters says it plain and simple. "Take if very very slow". Enjoy and Congratulations on your new adventure. Sue