New diver from Texas

[Pottermom]

I decided to try diving strictly as a gift of love for my husband who really really really wanted to take up diving. For a surprise I signed up for the same class he did and we got certified together. A huge step for me as I grew up in mountains and with very little exposure to water so I am not the most confident around water. Ask me to about climbing and rappelling and I knew my stuff but swimming? Not so much. But after 34 years of marriage I figured he probably wouldn't let me drown so why not try. Lol What I didn't expect is that I would really like it! I think my husband is more surprised than I am! I'm not ready to take on an ocean dive any time soon and would prefer a bit more practice without currents to deal with but I am sure we will be heading to the Carribean next year whether I am ready or not. So far I've only done a couple of murky lakes here in TX and the Comal River at night, which turned out to be a huge challenge concerning buoyancy.

I am looking forward to more fun experiences.

As to personal stuff.... In my 50s, married, momto four married kids grandma to seven blessings. I enjoy gardening, sewing, reading and I throw pottery (not at anyone) and run half marathons. I took up running when I lost over 50 lbs. It's amazing what 50 pounds less weight allows you to do. Like diving!

 

[driftwood]

A good ocean dive is a lot easier than a murky lake dive. If you are not a big air hog, Cozumel is a good choice. Tom's Dive & Swim - Central Texas Source for Scuba Vacations, Gear and Lessons has a trip to Bonaire this November. They are staying at Buddy's and the house reef is very good.

 

[Pottermom]

Ah, that Bonaire trip looks lovely but unfortunately my husband's job makes vacation between Oct. 1 - Jan 1 almost impossible. I still need to get in some simple dives, ones where I just practice basic skills and get them to be habits. We had good instructors but honestly I wish we'd had more time in the water to practice. We had what we were supposed to have according to PADI but I realized the first time we went out on our own that there was SO much that I just didn't have down pat. Some things just need to be ingrained in me and that will come with time I think. Which means I have to make more dives and without vacation being an option I am stuck with those murky lakes on a weekend. It's okay, if there was a lot of cool stuff to look at I'd not take the time to practice hovering etc. I am really struggling with keeping buoyancy and staying trim, hopefully that will improve with practice too. I've learned a lot in just reading this board and hope to try out some tips that I've picked up.