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- Thread starter Christy29
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Relax and have fun. Put no pressure on yourself to do anything well, simply pay attention to the thrill of blowing bubbles and being weightless in the water. Focus on the experience.
The 2 things I hope you walk away with is a taste of why we find diving addictive and the knowledge that with training you can do it. Entering you OW class with this in your back pocket is a nice position to be in.
Have fun, we expect a full report
Pete
The 2 things I hope you walk away with is a taste of why we find diving addictive and the knowledge that with training you can do it. Entering you OW class with this in your back pocket is a nice position to be in.
Have fun, we expect a full report
Pete
I remember my Discovery Scuba class, it was at the national BSA Jamboree. At that time I decided that I wanted to get certified and want to go all the way to be an instructor.
At this time I am certified and only thing holding me back is time and money (training to be an INSTRUCTOR is expensive.) But don't worry about that now, just enjoy the experience and realize this may become a life long hobby for you. As for the expense, most places have the expensive stuff included in your open water cert class and you can rent the gear at most dive shops for a small fee.
Please let us know how it goes.
At this time I am certified and only thing holding me back is time and money (training to be an INSTRUCTOR is expensive.) But don't worry about that now, just enjoy the experience and realize this may become a life long hobby for you. As for the expense, most places have the expensive stuff included in your open water cert class and you can rent the gear at most dive shops for a small fee.
Please let us know how it goes.
Have a great time! I was a little nervous on my first discover scuba dive but just took it easy and soon was quite comfortable! Just relax and enjoy the beauty. Take it slow if you need to. If you keep at it, soon it will feel natural!
Well, I had my Discover Scuba class this evening & I guess all I can say is.........
I LOVED IT!!!!
I completed all of the exercises like clearing my reg. & clearing my mask after a partial flood & completly removing my mask under water & replacing & clearing it. I also completed the out of air share air exercise with no problem. I did have some difficulty clearing my mask in the beginning but I had a great instructor who had alot of patience & explained to me what I was doing wrong. I finally got it & realized I was making it harder on myself than it actually was.
I did have one problem that kept me from completing my class.....
Equalizing!
I tried several times & could not get my ears to equalize. Anybody else ever had that problem? My instructor told me to get my ears checked by a E.N.T because I may actaully have a problem with my sinuses & it may be impossible for me to equalize. That was very disappointing to me since I had already completed all of the other exercises that I thought were going to be too difficult. I will be even more upset if I can't continue to dive because I am so hooked.
I LOVED IT!!!!
I completed all of the exercises like clearing my reg. & clearing my mask after a partial flood & completly removing my mask under water & replacing & clearing it. I also completed the out of air share air exercise with no problem. I did have some difficulty clearing my mask in the beginning but I had a great instructor who had alot of patience & explained to me what I was doing wrong. I finally got it & realized I was making it harder on myself than it actually was.
I did have one problem that kept me from completing my class.....
Equalizing!
I tried several times & could not get my ears to equalize. Anybody else ever had that problem? My instructor told me to get my ears checked by a E.N.T because I may actaully have a problem with my sinuses & it may be impossible for me to equalize. That was very disappointing to me since I had already completed all of the other exercises that I thought were going to be too difficult. I will be even more upset if I can't continue to dive because I am so hooked.
Its not an uncommon problem to have equalization problems Christy, In fact alot of small factors can play in to it like sinuses and sometimes you may need to come up a few feet to let the pressure off your ears enough so you can equalize.
Would not hurt to get your ears checked just to be on the safe side too. Don't let it bring you down though you will get it.
Would not hurt to get your ears checked just to be on the safe side too. Don't let it bring you down though you will get it.
floridanewbe
Contributor
welcome aboard. My advice would be listen and breath
First time I had to equalize it was very painful. It takes me a long time before I can even get to 15 feet. Most of the people I dive with know that already so I typically starty my dive 3-5 mins before they do. I have sinus problems but I didn't let that stop from enjoying to dive. This problem typically happens to first few dives of the season. After that yorur sinus will clear up or you will get use to equalizing.
However I have a method now that might be useful to you.
1. The night before I dive I typically take a non congestant to clear up my sinuses before I dive
2. If you are still plugged up take one as soon as you wake up.
3. Start your descent a few minutes before everyone or your buddy at least to 15'-20' feet. And wait for your buddy there. The most painful part is between 10'-2-' feet. After that your pretty much equalized.
4. Start equalizing(blowing out of your nose) the moment you submerge your head. Do it continously but not forceful. You might rupture your ear drums if your forcefully equalize.
5. If you feel any pain with your ears or head ascend a few feet until you don't feel the pressure anymore.
6. Also swallow and move your lower jaw side to side to help equalize as well. I found if you move your neck side as well sometimes help.
7. Don't rush to dive. Even though everyone is waiting for you let them. This is your dive not thiers. Thats why start a few minutes and tell your dive master or dive coordinator about your condition and typically they will go with you.
I hope those are helpful tips that can help you in the world of diving.
However I have a method now that might be useful to you.
1. The night before I dive I typically take a non congestant to clear up my sinuses before I dive
2. If you are still plugged up take one as soon as you wake up.
3. Start your descent a few minutes before everyone or your buddy at least to 15'-20' feet. And wait for your buddy there. The most painful part is between 10'-2-' feet. After that your pretty much equalized.
4. Start equalizing(blowing out of your nose) the moment you submerge your head. Do it continously but not forceful. You might rupture your ear drums if your forcefully equalize.
5. If you feel any pain with your ears or head ascend a few feet until you don't feel the pressure anymore.
6. Also swallow and move your lower jaw side to side to help equalize as well. I found if you move your neck side as well sometimes help.
7. Don't rush to dive. Even though everyone is waiting for you let them. This is your dive not thiers. Thats why start a few minutes and tell your dive master or dive coordinator about your condition and typically they will go with you.
I hope those are helpful tips that can help you in the world of diving.
