Newbie Here!

[blackshinydog]

Hi guys

I'm totally new to diving. Actually, I've never ever dived before but am extremley eager to learn. I'm off on a round the world trip next month and want to do a PADI course whilst away. Any recommendations or advice is extremley appreciated. I'm not a very confident or strong swimmer. Will this matter much or should my confidence grow as I learn to dive?

 

[scubajoe]

Welcome to the board!
Go for it!

Joe

 

[mixdiver]

Welcome to the board.

Don't worry to much about it just relaxe and enjoy the course. Check out your instructor before taking a course the instructor makes all the difference.

 

[CameronMartz]

Hi guys

I'm totally new to diving. Actually, I've never ever dived before but am extremley eager to learn. I'm off on a round the world trip next month and want to do a PADI course whilst away. Any recommendations or advice is extremley appreciated. I'm not a very confident or strong swimmer. Will this matter much or should my confidence grow as I learn to dive?

Welcome to the world of diving! There is a swim requirement with PADI OW certification, so you should at least be spending enough time in the pool to make sure you can complete that part.

Diving instruction will hopefully make you more comfortable in the water, but so will just spending some time in the pool before your class. I have an article, "Pool Exercises for Developing Water Comfort," at http://www.divefitness.com/html/articles.html that you might want to read. Some of the exercises might be more than what you want right now, but some of the basic explanation of mouth breathing, etc., might be helpful to you.

Long term, I hope that swimming competence is something you aim for as you progress as a diver. Diving is a fun, safe activity. It is also, of course, an activity in the water, and there are certainly times when swimming skills will be handy, if not life saving.

Cameron

 

[tx.lakerats]

Welcome to the boards!!

 

[DandyDon]

Welcome to the board!
Go for it!

Joe

What he said!! ^^^^^^^^

But Cameron is right, too. Need to be a competent swimmer before you get into the ocean. But I'd do the Open Water class immediately, then do the Advanced classes on my travels. Better preparation for a lifetime trip. Wow!

don

A few suggestions I do like to offer every new member. First, it's good to keep your Profile with location and Dive Info with number of dives up to date so other members can address any questions appropriately; edit these as possibly needed from your UserCP above or the Quick Links above.

And don't be shy about posting. Click Forums above, tour the long list of choices, and jump in anywhere you're qualified. PM me with any questions, and I'll try to find a pretty good answer.