OliviaRose
Registered
Hello!
I am beginning my SSI Open Water Diver certification classes tomorrow. I am starting with the classroom, as I can't get an appointment for my physical until next week (after which I will be doing pool classes concurrently with the classroom). I guess I am just wondering what to expect from the course in general so any advice will be much appreciated.
A bit about myself - I have a BS in environmental science and biology, and am currently completing my MPH in global health and infectious disease. I have a deep love and respect for the ocean and all its life. I inherited my sense of adventure from my father and seek to explore as much of the world as I possibly can. I have always felt drawn to the ocean; I spend most of my free time swimming in the sea in the summer and travel to the Caribbean as much as possible.
I will be going to Hawaii this July, though I plan on diving in the Northeast when the seasons allow and will be completing my open water dives locally. I have been on a total of three dives, all off of Vieques, Puerto Rico. I consider myself a strong swimmer and am an experienced snorkeler, with moderate free diving experience.
It would be great to hear from anyone who is familiar with diving and ear problems. I haven't gone to my doctor's exam yet, though I've been cleared to dive by my ENT before. I am hoping she doesn't give me a hard time (or reject me!) because of my ears. I had tubes inserted when I was 8 (20 years ago) due to chronic childhood ear infections. I've ruptured my left eardrum three times over the years - twice while reef diving and once at 50ft depth diving. While unpleasant, I was able to make a calm and controlled ascent with no further issues. I had no problems during the first two dives at 30-35ft, other than more than average difficulty equalizing the left ear.
This was in 2010 and I have since practiced my free diving and equalization extensively, and while improved it's still difficult. I am confident that I can overcome the issue and have discussed it with my instructors. Has anyone else had similar experiences? I refuse to allow it to hold me back from diving - I just feel like it is a calling in some ways I suppose.
Thanks so much in advance for your advice!
Olivia
I am beginning my SSI Open Water Diver certification classes tomorrow. I am starting with the classroom, as I can't get an appointment for my physical until next week (after which I will be doing pool classes concurrently with the classroom). I guess I am just wondering what to expect from the course in general so any advice will be much appreciated.
A bit about myself - I have a BS in environmental science and biology, and am currently completing my MPH in global health and infectious disease. I have a deep love and respect for the ocean and all its life. I inherited my sense of adventure from my father and seek to explore as much of the world as I possibly can. I have always felt drawn to the ocean; I spend most of my free time swimming in the sea in the summer and travel to the Caribbean as much as possible.
I will be going to Hawaii this July, though I plan on diving in the Northeast when the seasons allow and will be completing my open water dives locally. I have been on a total of three dives, all off of Vieques, Puerto Rico. I consider myself a strong swimmer and am an experienced snorkeler, with moderate free diving experience.
It would be great to hear from anyone who is familiar with diving and ear problems. I haven't gone to my doctor's exam yet, though I've been cleared to dive by my ENT before. I am hoping she doesn't give me a hard time (or reject me!) because of my ears. I had tubes inserted when I was 8 (20 years ago) due to chronic childhood ear infections. I've ruptured my left eardrum three times over the years - twice while reef diving and once at 50ft depth diving. While unpleasant, I was able to make a calm and controlled ascent with no further issues. I had no problems during the first two dives at 30-35ft, other than more than average difficulty equalizing the left ear.
This was in 2010 and I have since practiced my free diving and equalization extensively, and while improved it's still difficult. I am confident that I can overcome the issue and have discussed it with my instructors. Has anyone else had similar experiences? I refuse to allow it to hold me back from diving - I just feel like it is a calling in some ways I suppose.
Thanks so much in advance for your advice!
Olivia
