It doesn't seem a year ago to the very day...

[RJP]

That I wandered into a local scuba shop and walked out with mask, fins, snorkle and a PADI OW book and video.

Twelve months later and I have...

- a wetsuit and a drysuit (my second) plus various hoods, gloves, boots
- primary and alternate regs (after ditching my original Air2)
- backplate and wing (after ditching my original BCD)
- a wrist mount AI computer (after ditching my original console)
- can lights and backup lights
- an Ikelite housing for my digicam
- pole spears and a goodie bag
- wreck reels and lift bags
- various and sundry snap bolts, straps, buckles and other accessories


Beyond the mere material gain, I've also amassed...

- 60 logged dives, the majority on cold, deep, dark NJ wrecks
- OW, AOW, Rescue and several specialty certs
- completed all the coursework, skills, and stamina requirements for DM

Funny thing is after only one year of diving at the age of 40 I can't remember when I wasn't "a diver".

Thanks to Scuba Board for all the advice, help, and encouragement I've received here!

I look forward to another great year of being "a diver" in 2007.

 

[Cheekymonkey]

Awesome dude, keep it up, it does go by way to fast.

 

[mikerault]

I started at 48...2 years ago...of course now I have 2 wetsuits for me, a dry suit, 2 BCDs, 2 BP/W (one for doubles the other for singles) no wreck diving stuff...yet!

Congrats...a scuba hobby is a hole in the water into which you pour money...

Mike

 

[fairybasslet]

Those are quite some accomplishments for one year. You must have a lot of time and money. You must be single? No kids?

 

[RJP]

You must be single?

I'm told by Mrs. RJP that I'm GONNA be single if I keep this pace up!

Of course I can't risk that, I mean how can I afford to keep diving on just one income?

 

[rawls]

Of course I can't risk that, I mean how can I afford to keep diving on just one income?

 

[wreckchick]

Just don't let Mrs. RJP start diving too otherwise you'll have to put the kids to work in the fields to support the dual-hobby.

Sounds like a good first year!

Rachel

 

[boulderjohn]

That's an impressive first year, but I disagree with some of your advice (which I know was given in jest). My wife is a non-diver for medical reasons. I really wish she were able to dive. It would be a great way for the two of us to spend recreational time together, and it would free me from the nearly constant need for an insta-buddy.

 

[wedivebc]

I mean how can I afford to keep diving on just one income?

She will just have to get a second job then won't she?

 

[Ice9]

Wow. I feel like I've been slacking all year! Congrats!!!