Local lake hazards...

[bogrady]

We have a logo?!!!?
Bogrady - is it available as a sticker or patch?

.....

I'm assuming your not looking for the DiveNY or the Long Island Divers Assoc.

The TSD graphic in my signature was lifted (with apologies to the great creators of the TSD cult) from a shirt that the original Swampers did years and years ago. Its still available at Cafe Press:

Texas Swamp Diving Team Online Store

Some history at :

Texas Swamp Divers | Plano Tx | Dive Club | DiveBuddy.com

 

[C-Weed]

I doubt very seriously a new diver is focused on looking down on their first few descents, if a student lands on me I just move, its not that hard, its not like they dive bomb you on purpose.

Most of the time I hear them coming anyway and get out of the way

true.

I always looked but I like knowing where I am going... Instead of just landing somewhere

 

[ZzzKing]

The most dangerous hazard, in my opinion, is not just boats but all of the miscellaneous jet skis. They are piloted by drunken idiots that think your dive flag is part of their slalom course. No, really.

 

[Foo]

Speaking of CSSP... What's appropriate to wear when diving there this time of year? I actually have a shorty wetsuit that I think is still in good condition. I really can't imagine that I would need more than this, but what do you guys think?

Hijack continued... in the summer I wear a 2mm shortie at CSSP and it's perfect for me. I don't go into the cold blackness anyway, in general. I usually hang around the thermocline area, as it is mid-depth for most of the lake, such as the walls, and fish beds, plane, platforms, boats, etc, where there is anything to see. Early fall, late spring, a 3mm full suit is my choice, and in early spring, late fall I wear 7mm full suit. Have fun!

 

[Foo]

I was wondering about what you guys run into most often as hazards in diving the lakes here in TX? I'll admit that I'm a wuss when it comes to snakes. I don't like 'em, no how, no way. You guys run into many diving?

Thanks in advance. I'm just a bit nervous about not being able to see what I'm doing and getting myself into. Have any of you had the same trepidations and overcome them?

I totally understand your trepidations here, as I was also worried about snakes. In almost 200 dives in Texas lakes & the ocean, tho, I have only seen one snake. He was swimming away from us, on the surface, as we were entering the water for a shore dive at Tyler State Park. Someone said that he is usually there, hanging around, but politely leaves when divers enter the water. I've dived there several times, but only have seen him once. Don't worry- if there were divers getting snakebit in our lakes, it would be part of your training, and I don't think any agencies are including that in the skills. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong. Really, when you get underwater, you are going to be so fascinated by what you DO see, that you will not have time to worry about what you DON'T see.

Because you live in FW, I predict that most of your local diving will take place at CSSP in Terrell. It's a great place for you to dive, especially as a beginner. There are no boats, no fishing line or hooks, and a very supportive environment, as their whole business is SCUBA. I feel very safe there, and I was not comfortable with diving until I took TWO courses.

As to the aggressive fish- some of the posts make it sound like you will be attacked constantly like a group of piranha. It's nothing like that, although we do joke that the fish are "perchana." Wear one of these beanies on every summer dive,
Scuba Gear and Dive Equipment with reviews on sale (If the link doesn't work go to Scubatoys and search for beanie) and a hood in cool weather, and you will never have your ears bitten: You will see more of the ear bites on the platforms while divers are being still, waiting for others to complete skills. I had one fish stalk me from behind the ONE time I didn't wear my beanie- kept my hands over my ears the whole time, lol. I did hear of a diver who was bitten on the lip out there, but you never know- some folks like to do real smart things like feed a fish vienna sausage from their mouth... I also like to wear gloves on dives- thin ones in summer, thicker ones in cool weather.

You are going to do great, especially since you are an info-freak (me too) and will feel comfortable with the knowledge that you gather. It will make you a better and more confident diver.