Local OC'er

[Divmstr223]

No worries, just want to make sure you know we are all here to answer any question and help in any way we can.

Robert is right about the spring straps, they will be invaluable for beach diving.

I was looking at your equipment setup, my only concern is a 5mm wetsuit may not be sufficient right now if you tend to get cold easily. You might want to get a hooded vest to go with it to keep your core warm. 2.5mm gloves may end up being a little chilly on the hands as well right now, though they certainly will be easier to get certified in as they are more pliable. If you find your hands do get cold you may want to buy some 5mil gloves after you get certified. There is nothing worse than feeling cold and miserable while diving, takes all the fun out of it.

Of course, if you don't tend to get cold easily you may be fine, there are divers here in So Cal that do 5mil all year round, though I think they just won't admit to being cold.

Let us know what we can do to help or what we can answer for ya'.

Kim

Hey, I resemble that remark!!..

 

[divekim]

Hey, I resemble that remark!!..

I was actually thinking of you specifically when I made it...

Kim

 

[So Cal Shaggy]

Erika, do not worry your pretty head, I am already working on getting you set up with equipment we will be going up to Dive and Surf next week to talk with them regarding a wetsuit for you. Everyone, my name is Jeff and I am Erika's boyfriend thank you for all your input regarding what she should expect when going through her cert dives it has been many years since I had my cert cives and cannot give her any details on what she can expect other than what skills she will need to prepare for. She is very nervous about being the only girl in the class and is looking for some female reasurance as to what she can expect I have explained to her in detail from my experience what to expect but I think she is looking for a female perspective.

 

[orangelion03]

Oh well...:shakehead

Seriously though, Erika, dont worry if you are the only woman in the class. The water dont care what sex you are! My OW class consisted of two women in their 40s, a "man" in his 30s and myself. The "man" put on a real macho attitude and ended up being a total dork (we laughed loudly), failed the class and never dove again. The ladies proved to be outstanding students and divers. I had a point there someplace...
Anyway, pay attention, keep your head and you will be fine.

 

[divekim]

Exactly, you know what, most instructors treat every student the same regardless of sex. He might just be a little more politically correct as far as if he needs to assist you with something, you know the whole avoiding a sexual harrassment thing. He might get flushed in the face if he needs to put an arm around you or something, of course this is a perfect opportunity to flirt, but you have a boyfriend.

The instructor will expect the same from you as from any other students in the class, at least he better. You need to be able to don and carry your own gear. Be able to kick out past the surf on your dives, put your own fins on in the surf if needed. In order to be a truly capable and self sufficient diver, not saying a solo diver, you need to be able to accomplish these things yourself.

Now, Jeff will really come in handy after you get certified as being your boyfriend you have the power to make him carry your gear if you really want him to. That's what good boyfriends are for

Kim

 

[Teamcasa]

Erika and Shaggy,
New Wave WetSuit is in Orange. http://www.southcoastdivers.com/newwave/

I've had two suits made by Theresa and she modified my hoods to fit perfect.
She is great and very reasonably priced. You will not be disappointed.

Kim has given you good advice. Have your boyfriend carry everything! At least my lovely bride makes/lets me do it for her!

Welcome to the wonderful world of undersea beauty and wonderment.

Dave

 

[headhunter]

I just wanted to welcome both So Cal Guppy and So Cal Shaggy to our SoCal dive community.

Hopefully, you will both have an opportunity to meet us at one of our Wrinkles events. Wrinkles might even be there! You can find out more about the next one which will be at Leo Carrillo on Saturday, April 14th here:

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=169092

It's going to shape up to be a fun weekend of camping, BBQing and diving with lots of friendly people who help new divers whenever they can. You can come for the weekend or just one day. Leo Carrillo is generally an easy shallow place to dive.

LOL, I didn't mean for this to come out quite like a commercial, but now that I'm re-reading it....

Dive safe!

Christian

 

[divekim]

I've never considered before that diving is the one thing in life where you are grateful for finding easy and shallow.

Kim

 

[CompuDude]

I've never considered before that diving is the one thing in life where you are grateful for finding easy and shallow.

Kim

I dunno, Kim, there were some nights in college when I was pretty happy to have found a little something "easy and shallow"... LOL

 

[So Cal Guppy]

I'm starting my class at Beach Cities Scuba (Huntington Beach-classroom), then at Scuba Toys (also Beach Cities Scuba) for pool, and then OW.

First day of class is Wednesday April 11 at 7:30pm.
Saturday April 14 & Sunday April 15 is pool/pool- all day.
Saturday April 21 & Sunday April 22 is OW/OW- all day.

I have been with Jeff long enough to know that...
"If you bring it, you carry it!"
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