Newbie looking to dive with experienced buddies

[vp4fun]

Just got my Open Water Cert and not sure what to do. I really want to just jump on a boat to Catalina but just a little nervous. so I signed up for my first of many Adventure Classes.

 

[fnfalman]

Post when you want to go and we'll see if any of us have matching schedule. Barring any complication, I plan on diving at Casino Point in Catalina this Sunday 9 AUG 09 with a beginner buddy. You're welcome to tag along.

As far as Adventures classes go, becareful of what classes you take so that you won't waste any money. You need Advanced OW because most charters won't let you go with them to some cool dive sites like Farnsworth, oil rigs, Ship Rock, etc., without AOW card. Nitrox comes in handy for quasi-deep dives. Rescue is a good class to take for self-rescue or rescuing others. But for the rest of the PADI "specialty" classes, spend the money on dive trips and learn from the dozens of experienced and eager-to-mentor divers. You'll learn a lot more about tricks and tips to good diving techniques not to mention you get to practice said skills, tricks and tips.

 

[FishNut]

Welcome, you come to the right place. Lots of friendly people on here. I think most of them do beach dives more then boat dives. But do, do boat dives every now and then. Im more of a beach diver, up in the malibu/Santa barbara area. Little far for you i think......most of the people on here usualy like diving the PV, Catalina, or Laguna area! See you in the H20 Soon

 

[Empty V]

Welcome VP! As Erika stated there are lots of friendly and experienced divers amongst the Beach Crabs. I wouldn't worry about taking any more classes for now, just get in the water! Post when you'd like to dive and chances are multiple Beach Crabs will be able to join you. IMO diving is all about finding buddies that you're compatible with above and below water and the only way to figure that out is by getting wet. Beach Diving is a great way to gain experience because it's challenging and for the most part shallow. Once you've got a few of those under your belt I'd head out on a boat. I think it's better to gain the knowledge you need to be a safe diver on the beach then wasting money learning how to dive on a boat.

Welcome to the Beach Crabs!

Billy

 

[FishNut]

Welcome VP! As Erika stated there are lots of friendly and experienced divers amongst the Beach Crabs. I wouldn't worry about taking any more classes for now, just get in the water! Post when you'd like to dive and chances are multiple Beach Crabs will be able to join you. IMO diving is all about finding buddies that you're compatible with above and below water and the only way to figure that out is by getting wet. Beach Diving is a great way to gain experience because it's challenging and for the most part shallow. Once you've got a few of those under your belt I'd head out on a boat. I think it's better to gain the knowledge you need to be a safe diver on the beach then wasting money learning how to dive on a boat.

Welcome to the Beach Crabs!

Billy

Can't Agree More!

 

[Empty V]

You need Advanced OW because most charters won't let you go with them to some cool dive sites like...

I have never been asked to show my "advanced" card. Having an "advanced" open water cert in no way indicates a diver's skills or abilities. I disagree with your advice. If want to take an advanced open water class because you want to be a better diver do it through LA County, they actually teach you skills beyond open water.

Billy

 

[ligersandtions]

Welcome, vp4fun! Socal is a fantastic place to be a diver....and you're just in time for the conditions to start improving. Fall and winter are about the best times to dive around here.

If you ever want to go out for a shore dive, let me know. I'm sure others would be interested in joining as well. August and the first half of September is absolutely crazy for me, so if you want to get together the second half of September or anytime afterwards, shoot me a PM and we'll set something up....or we could try to get a Beach Crabs dive together (haven't done a BC's shore dive in quite a while).

As for continuing your dive education, AOW can be useful, but you absolutely must find an instructor who will make it worth your time. If you go to an instructor who will pass anyone who dives at or above the bare minimums, you'll pay a couple hundred dollars for a plastic card that says you're "advanced". If you can find an instructor really teaches it (and teaches beyond the bare minimums), you will be much better off....otherwise, skip the whole AOW and Adventure dives and just find some experienced buddies to go out with. Experienced buddies or a mentor will go a lot further than most AOW classes could ever dream of.

 

[fnfalman]

I have never been asked to show my "advanced" card. Having an "advanced" open water cert in no way indicates a diver's skills or abilities. I disagree with your advice. If want to take an advanced open water class because you want to be a better diver do it through LA County, they actually teach you skills beyond open water.

Billy

I never said having an "advanced" card means that you're an "advanced" diver. I said that some charters won't let you go with them to certain sites unless you have an AOW cert. You may not have been asked to show your AOW cert but I have been asked multiple times, especially with Eco Dive Center and Hollywood Divers.

 

[Teamcasa]

Just got my Open Water Cert and not sure what to do. I really want to just jump on a boat to Catalina but just a little nervous. so I signed up for my first of many Adventure Classes.

Click the link in my signature line. Come join in the fun.

 

[JMdiver]

First off Erika said do do.
Like Billy said if you want to get good experience take the ADP from LA County.

John