my first PADI class

[livefish]

im so excited, my basic open water diving class is on saturday. Im reading everyones thread and am nervous because there are so many abreviations for things. i didnt even think of your gages and all of that. how hard is it to learn everything, because when i read peoples threads its like a whole nether language.

 

[String]

Learning to dive, especially at basic level is very easy. Not a lot of theory and a very basic skill set. It wont be a problem.

 

[Lisa0825]

I just took my class last month. I was nervous about "passing" too, but it was easy. Basically, you should be familiar with the important points in the reading material. If you have been able to pass the quizzes (knowledge reviews) you should have no problem withthe written test. As far as the checkout dives go, if you are having difficulty with anything, your dive instructor will be able to go over it with you until you get the hang of it. You don't need to be perfect at everything to pass. You DO need to show you can perform the basic skills and feel comfortable enough doing them. I kind of see the OW cert as similar to an auto learner's permit. I still have a hell of a lot of practice to get good atthis, but I proved I am capable of doing what i need to do to practice safely.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

You'll be surprised at how easy it is. I consider the skill most needed as an open water is the ability to control your own stress levels. If you can do that the rest is a snap. You'll love it.

 

[Ber Rabbit]

Most of the abbreviations will be covered in your text. Reading your text before class and answering any questions that are in there will help you gain a lot of confidence in your understanding of scuba. These texts are written so 10-year-olds taking the classes can understand them, you should have no problems. The class should be done step-by-step with each section building on the one before it, this stuff will make sense to you before you know it. There will be some abbreviations here on the board that aren't covered in your class, there used to be a list of abbreviations and their meanings somewhere on the site but I can't remember exactly where I saw that.

Good luck with your class and have fun! Pay attention, do your best, practice all your skills every chance you get and ask questions when something doesn't make sense.
Ber :lilbunny:

 

[*Floater*]

im so excited, my basic open water diving class is on saturday. Im reading everyones thread and am nervous because there are so many abreviations for things. i didnt even think of your gages and all of that. how hard is it to learn everything, because when i read peoples threads its like a whole nether language.

Here are some scuba acronyms to get you started. Just check the list when you see new expressions here, and if it's not there, then just ask.

 

[PerroneFord]

Once you start to use the gear, the abbreviations will come easy. You have no frame of reference for it yet. Once someone tells you to look at your SPG, or asks you what your RNT is and you have to look it up, you'll get it.. We all go through exactly the same thing when we start out.

 

[dlndavid]

Hey, great bunch of acronyms, even though I'm not a tech diver, let me give you a Techdiver Salute A raised fore-finger indicating all is well

 

[spectrum]

Yea just pay attention, be a good student and have fun. If there was nothing to learn the course would not be required. Many mortals before you have suceeded.

Pete

 

[ZenDiva]

Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!