Just did my first freshwater dive...

[garyfotodiver]

In 34 years.

I enrolled in an SSI Stress/Rescue Diver course and the first training dive was today in the Racine, WI Park Disrict quarry. What a change from S. Florida!

The only equipment of mine I used were my mask, fins, and booties. I used the instructor's 7mm farmer john wetsuit complete with hood and gloves, a Seaquest back inflate weight-integrated BC, and I even used a strange regulator, not my Conshelf SE3. This was all designed to increase my stress level.

After discussing the first dive the instructor went and fixed a down line. He came back and told us the visibility was about 3 ft. We descended and I was very disoriented. I could not see my fingers if I extended my arm out. After I calmed down, we toured at 35ft. for about 10 minutes. This was to get me acclimated to the new conditions.

After we ascended, we worked on surface skills. The instructor got a guy easily my size (185cm, 110Kg) to be the "victim". Although it was tough work, I am very glad I did work as hard as I did.

The next dive, to work on underwater skills, isn't set yet. The instructor promised me we will go to a place with better visibility. I'll post when this next dive is done.

All in all, I am very satisfied with this course and this instructor.

 

[Gary D.]

Good job, keep us posted and have fun at it.

You will do just fine, your name says so

Gary D.

 

[garyfotodiver]

in one month. The saga of the fat, surly, old-fashioned diver and the SSI Stress & Rescue Diver course continues.

For the second dive to complete the requirements, we went last Sunday to Lannon Quarry outside of Milwaukee. The vis was better this time, perhaps 4 feet. It was a busy place, with a Fire Department and some others training. I had another big guy as victim and he was very good at rolling over from his back to his stomach as I towed him to shore.

My instructor wore an orange dry suit; he looked rather like a pumpkin floating on the water. However, he was great and I will use him again.

I did OK on the final written exam, and now there is a piece of cardboard in my wallet that states I completed all requirements for the rating of Stress & Rescue Diver.

Next month, as I am floating in the warm waters off Key Largo, I will reflect on this experience. If someone asks me whether it was worth it, the cold, bad-tasting water, wearing a terribly bouyant 7mm farmer john wetsuit instead of my usual 3mm jumpsuit, using unfamiliar gear, not being able to see my hand in front of my face; if soneone asks, I'll answer.

YES!

Would I do it again... No comment.

 

[Bluefish]

That quarry diving sure makes diving in the ocean seem easy. I dive at Pearl Lake (not too far from you Gary) all summer long, usually with classes. I'm heading to Islamorada next month (also not too far from you!). I'm sure I'll miss the 10 foot viz, quarter inch or more of neoprene, hood, gloves, and the ton of lead I use in the quarry! And I bet I won't see one single bluegill...

And congrats on your stress and rescue!