My total beginner story

[Chris Fotache]

I got my certification last weekend... It was really hard for me, but ended up well, and now I only remember the good things and can't wait to go on a tropical vacation and dive.

I wrote this blog post about the whole experience... Getting everything done in New Jersey without diving in our murky dirty cold ocean. Dosil's deep pool and then Dutch Springs quarry lake.
So if you're a beginner wondering how it works, here it is.

Getting scuba diving certified at the Jersey Shore

 

[northernone]

Welcome to the forum and sharing your experience.

 

[gfaith]

@Chris Fotache nice write-up Chris. It does sound like you had excellent instructors. My only advice
is equalize early and often don't wait for a "Pop". You will get much better at it as you dive more.

 

[TMHeimer]

Thanks for the story. One of these years I may get over to Dutch Springs.

 

[Chris Fotache]

I made a YouTube video as well (hard since I strapped the GoPro on my left hand which I use all the time for adjustments).

 

[iamrushman]

howdy and welcome from south Florida ..your group photo is very cute.......thanks for sharing.

 

[Doby45]

I made a YouTube video as well (hard since I strapped the GoPro on my left hand which I use all the time for adjustments).

I am actually surprised you were able to use your Go-Pro during the course. I know PADI and SDI both frown upon a student having/using Go-pros during instruction.

 

[Chris Fotache]

I am actually surprised you were able to use your Go-Pro during the course. I know PADI and SDI both frown upon a student having/using Go-pros during instruction.

In the beginning the instructor said I might be allowed to do it on the 4th dive... Then before the dive he said he strongly advises against using it, but it's up to me.
I wanted to do it because... you know... if it's not on Facebook then it didn't happen.

 

[yle]

I am actually surprised you were able to use your Go-Pro during the course. I know PADI and SDI both frown upon a student having/using Go-pros during instruction.

PADI standards prohibit instructors from using cameras during instruction, but don't restrict students. This is a safety issue: instructors have to pay attention to their students; running a camera is an obvious distraction.

PADI leaves the "students using gopros" issue to the discretion of the instructor. Most instructors (myself included) don't let students bring them because they're a distraction and the students' attention should be on developing their basic skills.

 

[yle]

In the beginning the instructor said I might be allowed to do it on the 4th dive... Then before the dive he said he strongly advises against using it, but it's up to me.
I wanted to do it because... you know... if it's not on Facebook then it didn't happen.

Just a suggestion, for the sake of your dive planning: keep a record of your air consumption (i.e. starting tank pressure, ending tank pressure, dive time and average depth are the essential numbers) for dives on which you use the gopro and dives which you don't use it. If there is a difference, at least you'll know about it and can plan accordingly.