New Divers, looking for advice.

[ScubaRook]

Hello all,

My wife and I are new divers. We finished PADI cert last July and made four shallow dives in the Cedar Lake in Mason, Michigan. Then, we made four pretty deep 70 - 110 feet dives in the French Polynesia in September during our honeymoon. Now, we got the ich to dive more. We don't have the cash to be making trips to warmer waters so we are looking to dive in and around Michigan. But, as new divers we are not comfortable to dive alone.

Would it be best for us to take more classes first? Or, to take some of the weekly dives that a couple of the local shops go on, thus having instructors with us? I'd like to go on some of the group dives you all go on, but again that new diver thing.

We definately want to take more classes and look into someday working on the advanced open water with wreck diving, dry suit and better bouyancy control classes.

Thanks for the Help

 

[renaissancemanjoshua]

Hey I'm not form the area you are in, but I have a view on this one. Most dive shops have a club of some sort that runs "Club Dives" Usually there are several people and they dive various pre-scheduled dives. These clubs can be a great way to meat other divers, and provide a way to get wet with others with experience. Don't forget to tell your potential friend that you are new. Usually the club is more than willing to help out new joins, as long as they are not looking for a personal divemaster.

As far as classes go, it seems that one gets more out of successive classes if one has a few dives finished. It helps you figure out what you need to learn.

Remember: You don't know, what you don't know.

 

[diver_paula]

Hi SCUBARook,

Welcome to the world of diving! It's also good to see you have found the Great Lakes Wrecking Crew (GLWC).

I personally believe it's best to get some dives under your belt before taking additional classes. That by doing so you'll get more out of your advanced class.

Go on the dive shop sponsored dives. You won't necessarily be diving with instructors but they will be there to answer questions.

Also, don't hesitate to join in on the GLWC gatherings. Some of the charters may be more advanced than you are ready for but not all. & the gatherings at most of the inland lakes and quarries are just what you should be looking for. Most divers are very willing to dive with people that are just getting started in those settings. That's a major reason people dive the quarries - to practice and gain experince. While having fun of course! This weekend Ber Rabbit has a thread aobut diving at France Park, RAB has a thread about Portage Quarry this weekend, I'll be starting a thread about a weekend at Portage Quarry Aug 14/15, DMP is planning a quarry gathering late Aug to early Sept and there's also a thread about the GLWC Meet & Greet IV Sept 23-25. Check 'em out!

Looking forward to meeting and diving with you soon.
Paula

 

[ScubaRook]

I've seen those threads about upcomming dives. So, you think it is fine for us to dive alone (my wife and I) on these trips without a "guide" or instructor diving right with us? We actually do plan on a refresher dive at the dive shop, maybe the bouyancy control class to kill two birds with one stone.

 

[diver_paula]

A refresher course and the buoyancy course can never hurt. Especially if you haven't been in the water and feel they would help or are necessary. & as for your wife and you diving together, sure. If you want a more experienced diver with you the first few times, ask. I bet someone will be happy dive with you both from the local shops and from the GLWC. It's a great way to see what there is to be seen, to get aquainted with the area, and allow you to concentrate on your diving and not navigation.

I was in a similar spot to what you are describing when I first started. Most of us were! I got certified during a weekend in May and moved 10 hours away the next day for a Summer job. In the Fall it was back to school. Graduated and didn't have the time or money to dive much. Did a couple dives in a quarry the next year and then 4 or so at Bonne Terre mine and that was it. The 3rd year it was a warm water trip and then more local lake and quarry diving. Given the time between dives I was very cautious. Pulled out my certification materials, reviewed a few quizzes, read some of the book and worked the tables. Had to think about putting my gear together, especially when rental gear wasn't always the same, but over time everything became second nature.

We just need to remember we were all beginners sometime and to help others along, the same as we were helped. I'd rather work with newer divers that are concerned and want to learn than those that think they know it all immediately.

Get out there and dive! Experience and comfort will follow.

Paula

 

[ScubaRook]

Thanks. I think we would be comfortable if we could just get another pair to tag along with and follow. As you said, to allow us to concentrate on diving and not navigation. Now to pick which dates we want to dive Our local shop has a trip planned to the Bonne Terre mines that sounds pretty cool.

I'm sure we'll come dive with you all, if not this summer then next for sure. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Laser]

Thanks. I think we would be comfortable if we could just get another pair to tag along with and follow. As you said, to allow us to concentrate on diving and not navigation. Now to pick which dates we want to dive Our local shop has a trip planned to the Bonne Terre mines that sounds pretty cool.

I'm sure we'll come dive with you all, if not this summer then next for sure. Thanks for the advice.

Also, if there are relatively shallow charter trips available near you, they should have a DM on board and just explain to him or her that you are new and would he/she keep an eye on you. That's what they are there for.

 

[ScubaRook]

What do you mean by charter trips? Boat dives in the Great Lakes?


Paula, how did you like the Bonne Terre Mines? It looks like it stays in the mid 50's with no thermocline. Should we be good with 7 mill wetsuits and geer? We don't have dry suits or any gear for that matter (except fins/mask/snorkle) and will be renting.

 

[diver_paula]

Yes - in the Great Lakes region, a charter typically means a paid boat charter to dive one or more shipwrecks.

Bonne Terre? - There are lots of threads on what people think of Bonne Terre. They are most likely in the Mid-West Muck Divers forum. Lots of varying opinions. As for me, I truly enjoyed my trips to Bonne Terre. 7 mill should be good. I wore a 1/4 wetsuit / farmer john while there as well as for my first 8 years in the Great Lakes. I don't recall being cold at Bonne Terre but it was some time ago. It's definitely a 'trust me' dive in that each and every diver follows a guide through preset trails in the mine. Lots to see and very unique!

 

[spectrum]

Whatever it takes to get you back in the water.

It sounds like you're far enough done the road not to need actual instruction but taging along with another buddy pair may let you "concentrate on the diving" as you said as you get back into it. Check out local shop /club dives or if nothing strikes your fancy get a guided dive with a DM or instructor.

I'm looking forward to diving in the tropics but don't discount your home water where there's a world of adventure, beauty and fun near home and divable for little money. A frequent diver can't help but be a better and safer one.

Navigation need not be complicated, you can do a single heading to a turn pressure and just head back. That's what my wife and I did for some of out first post certification dives. It was a great confidence builder, especially when we came back to the right place!

I'd consider using one of the mentioned options before going for AOW or other specialties. When you go for those you'd like to be once again comfortable with the basics so you can wring the most out of the specalties.

Pete