New Diver – Slow Traveler Starting a Big Life Pivot 🌎🤿

[boulderjohn]

I’ll likely skip local training.

In Colorado, about 80% of all dives are done by completing the academic and pool positions of the course locally and then doing the open water dives somewhere else, either with the shop that did the initial training or via a referral to somewhere else. There is nothing wrong with that; in fact, there is a lot right with it. Courses done in resort areas often skimp on the pool training and focus on the open water. Local training in Colorado focuses heavily upon the pool training, but the open water training in the state is not really all that good--cold, murky water done on a platform.

I live very close to you. I am retired from instructing and have no connection to local shops, so I can offer unbiased advice. Just shoot me a DM if you have questions.

 

[Living4Experiences]

Hey everyone — I’m Chase, 34, currently based in Denver but preparing for a major lifestyle shift that’s been a long time coming.

I’m new to diving and just getting started on my certification path. I’ve been drawn to the ocean for years, but never made the leap until now. Starting this fall, I’m planning to slow-travel through places like Costa Rica, Bali, and Portugal to test out where I want to plant roots — and diving is a core part of that journey.

I’m especially interested in:

• Getting PADI certified from Open Water onward
• Possibly joining a Divemaster internship (Costa Rica or Bali — open to suggestions!)
• Integrating diving with my passions for health, flow, and nature-based living

I joined ScubaBoard to learn from experienced divers, connect with others on a similar path, and not make rookie mistakes by doing it all solo.

Appreciate any advice, stories, or just good dive energy. Hope to see some of you underwater soon!

— Chase

Just curious...have you even tried scuba diving yet? Tried a discover scuba to see if it's something you want to pursue? It's not the kind of hobby that taking courses to ram through certifications will make you a good diver. Besides being drawn to the ocean, do you know other divers that have inspired you to consider being a professional scuba diver?

 

[Blackcrusader]

Just curious...have you even tried scuba diving yet?

OP wrote in another thread he already did a wreck dive in Maldives. Did not say if it was a DSD

 

[NothingClever]

@ChasingAdventure

I think your plan is spectacular. Instead of Costa Rica or Bali, I really think you should try an internship in Pakistan. The diving is really awesome there.

When I dive with a full triple set of argon, I always take redundant buoyancy. Here's a picture of me practicing my relaxed breathing techniques. In advanced diving circles we call this "belly breathing". And with this type of redundant buoyancy, I don't need a crotch strap because I keep my wing in place with my stomach.

Let us know how your wreck dives down to 2m go.

 

[Blackcrusader]

@ChasingAdventure

I think your plan is spectacular. Instead of Costa Rica or Bali, I really think you should try an internship in Pakistan. The diving is really awesome there.

Let us know how your wreck dives down to 2m go.

It might be deeper than that as in other thread he said he was going to be a diver in Nasa's neutral buoyancy lab.

 

[Blackcrusader]

Generally Bali is considered on the lower end of diving in South East Asia. Truly world class diving in other parts of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

Really? Have you dived in Bali yourself as the trip reports from people such as @Luko @Dan would suggest otherwise. I dive in SEA and Bali has some excellent diving. Next to Bali Lembongan and Lombok both have great dive sites that I have been to.

 

[T.K.]

Really? Have you dived in Bali yourself as the trip reports from people such as @Luko @Dan would suggest otherwise. I dive in SEA and Bali has some excellent diving. Next to Bali Lembongan and Lombok both have great dive sites that I have been to.

Yes. I’m not saying Bali isn’t good, just that there are better options in SEA. Would you prefer to dive Bali rather than other parts of Indonesia or the Philippines?

 

[Blackcrusader]

Yes. I’m not saying Bali isn’t good, just that there are better options in SEA. Would you prefer to dive Bali rather than other parts of Indonesia or the Philippines?

I've been diving the SEA since 1986 on a regular basis since I have lived in SEA but still live close by.
Bali offers a good diving vacation. Then again I have direct flights to many SEA destinations that are only 2 - 5 hours away. Have done several dive trips this year and posted about them.

 

[grantctobin]

More garbage bot writing

 

[T.K.]

I've been diving the SEA since 1986 on a regular basis since I have lived in SEA but still live close by.
Bali offers a good diving vacation. Then again I have direct flights to many SEA destinations that are only 2 - 5 hours away. Have done several dive trips this year and posted about them.

Cool, you’ve established your credentials but I’m not sure the point you’re trying to make. I’m not saying Bali doesn’t offer “a good diving vacation.” I’m saying that better diving can be found in SEA. Do you disagree?