New guy in the UK

[hythlodaeus]

Hi there,

I was part way through my open water last year when I had to bug out due to not being able to equalise. I was able to do the theory and my pool dive in the first part of the course, but wasn't able to complete my first actual open water dive as the cold I picked up stopped my ability to equalise.

However, after snorkelling in the red sea last year and seeing all the beautiful marine life, I am determined to complete my course. Being quite short sighted I'm also thinking about getting perscription goggles, does anybody have any tips on whether perscription goggles are worth it? Or is it better just getting 'normal' ones and wearing contact lenses underneath? I really am quite short sighted.

 

[coxydive05]

I'd say if you are in diving for the long haul perscription goggles may be better for you. I can only comment on this to a certain extent as I only have a slight perscription and do not wear contacts/glasses on a full time basis. As an instructor I used to encounter many divers with both perscription goggles or just using contacts. The main problem was if salt water gets into your goggles. Any salt water in your eye is not pleasant, but if it interferes with your contacts too, it can be even worse. However, I met many divers with no problems with contacts. I'd try it with contacts first (for a little while) and if you find it a problem/hassle look into perscription goggles. I guess it also depends on how often this 'hobby' is going to take over your life. The more you dive the more it may be important. Hope that helps

 

[cooldives]

I wear contacts and have never had a problem. With really bad sight I'd hate to take off my prescription goggles/mask and not be able to see.

Good luck this time. One tip I learned in the past is to 'inhale' a little of the water you're diving in and wait about 5 minutes. It worked for me.

Good luck and enjoy.

 

[hythlodaeus]

I think I will try with contacts first - a lot more cost effective as I wear them anyway. I just remember having to remove my mask whilst doing my pool dive and having to swim across the pool blind, as I had to keep my eyes closed to keep my contacts from floating away!

Then again, given how many plasters seem to fester at the bottom of the pool, the more time spent with my eyes closed, the better...

Thanks for the tips guys. Quick question... has anyone dived the salsette wreck in the uk?