Just got certified

[Suther2136]

Thanks all, now I'm starting to get psyched up to by equipment (BC, reg, comp) and look for a long dive weekend with my bud. So many choices options and $$ to spend.

 

[rainmaker]

Congrats on getting your cert!

I look back on getting certified the same way that I think of getting my 1st driver's license many years ago. I learned enough to get my license, but I didn't really learn how to drive until I got out on the road and put on a lot of miles.

Keep learning, and be safe.

 

[2905luvsbubbles]

I agree with rainmaker. You need to dive to be comfortable. Congrats

 

[chipwd]

Congratulations and welcome to the world of diving!

I will echo what some have already said; Dive as much as you can and get comfortable with diving and with your gear. Don't rush to do dives that push your envelope. Be safe and be conservatiive. The more challenging dives will still be there when you are more experienced and prepared.

I also would take my time before taking more advanced classes such as AOW. I firmly believe that divers need at least 20 dives under their belt before taking on new challenges. That will probably invite some differing opinions but I think you need a better familiarity with diving and your gear before taking AOW so you can get the most from it.

Just my two cents.

 

[scubagirl1024]

i am 12 and i just finished my open water dive over the weekend as well

 

[mudhole]

Thanks all, now I'm starting to get psyched up to by equipment (BC, reg, comp) and look for a long dive weekend with my bud. So many choices options and $$ to spend.

Welcome to the water! It's thrilling to us old divers to get a new diver started. The thrill in diving is the new world it opens. . . don't worry too much if it's fresh or salt water. If you can dive most weekends in fresh water or once a year in salt water $$$$. Take the practice time in fresh. Your early dives will thrill you the most and you'll learn the basics. Set up some easy dives, and don't make the goals any more complicated than watching your bubbles and becoming calm in this new environment.

As for all the gear, Rent the basic stuff till you find the most comfortable fit. There are thousands of divers on this board that will give you thousands of opinions, You are the only one that can find what's comfortable on you. You mention BC's. . . Can you today tell what is comfortable? Most of us learn what is comfortable, by experiencing gear that's uncomfortable. Rent as many brands as you can find and dive with them. Does your rental BC squeeze you tightly, it shouldn't. Does your rental BC let the tank "flop" around, it shouldn't. Is the BC easy to put on and take off on the shore, or boat? Do you feel the air in the BC "push" you in any direction but up, it shouldn't.

Keep blowing bubbles, and in 100 or 1,000 dives you'll feel the thrill of getting someone started in our world.

 

[Soundtracklover]

I just got certifed in Key West last week and it was great. I wasn't going to get certifed - I was just going to take the Discover Diving class. I changed my mind when I started reading the book and listening to my hubby (he's already certified and has his AOW). Figured it would be better to learn to dive in the nice warm water of the Keys instead of the cold-***** water of the Pennsylvania quarries. Good decision - I got to dive 2 wrecks - The Benwood and The City of Washington - and 2 reefs - Train Wheels and French Reef. Talk about amazing.

I don't regret spending the extra money to get certified. Now the hubby and I will just have to take tropical vacations more often so we can dive. I'll leave the quarry diving to him and his new dry suit.

Happy diving to all.