New to Scuba

[ascully88]

Hi all -
I'm Alyssa from Illinois and am trying to learn to dive. I want to work in the marine mammal training field and need open water certification. I'm really nervous about the whole process for numerous reasons but I hope to get some good advice here.

 

[Wolfie]

Welcome to the board. It's a great sport.

 

[tstormdiver]

Hi all -
I'm Alyssa from Illinois and am trying to learn to dive. I want to work in the marine mammal training field and need open water certification. I'm really nervous about the whole process for numerous reasons but I hope to get some good advice here.

Try to find a great instructor. Interview anyone you are considering training with. Don't necessarily go with the cheapest or the one with the shortest program. The more time you spend in the the pool & later in Open Water, the better diver you will be. Divers are created in the pool/ confined water. Look for the instructor who gives you the most detailed information of their program. Ask questions- Time in pool, what happens if you have problems with certain skills, what the instructor expects from you, as a student & what they expect from themselves, as your instructor, what are their class sizes (the smaller, the better, but may cost more). A good instructor has many tools in their tool box to help you deal with any issues you may have. Make sure the instructor's style of teaching matches your style of learning. I would also suggest that you are comfortable in, around & under the water. Be aware, that things are quickly cooling down here in the mid west. If you plan to finish your Open Water evaluations this year, it could be in cold water (more difficult, but not impossible), or it could be done in warmer climes. Just a few things to consider.