Noobe DelMarVa - intro to the quarries here?

[maniago]

So the wiffy and I will complete our OW EOM. PADI drills us to get a local checkout where ever we go to dive. And since I don't know sh*t from shiloa, are there LDSs that do this? I strongly feel that we need a hand-holding while we get used to this new hobby. But I don't see any adverts at LDSs that cater to this and a nearby LDS told me they don't do this unless we're in a class. I know I could join any of the clubs, but I'd kinda rather get 20-30 dives (just the 1st time to new places as hand-holders) under our belt first, then get social, if that makes sense. Any help on how do I/we do this in this area? We want to haunt all the local quarries first to get our bubbles perfected before we spend on an OC boat (probably need a hand on that the first time too). Thanks for any help.

 

[ScubaSteve]

I am sure there is a shop somewhere that will take your money just to send a diver on a dive with you and your wife.

I would highly recommend however, that you rethink your stance on joining a dive club. Even here on ScubaBoard, there is Dive New York that has a bunch of very active members that dive the quarries all the time (Dutch Springs especially). They are always happy to dive with new divers. They really are a great group and I would bet that there would be people like that in your shop dive clubs. Being a new diver is nothing to be ashamed of as long as you are open about it. We were all there and getting in the water more is key to improving on your skills and comfort in the water.

Bottom line is, getting in the water more AND finding some good divers to mentor you will do wonders for your diving. If you still choose not to then that is fine but there is not better teacher (post dive class) than good experience.

So the wiffy and I will complete our OW EOM. PADI drills us to get a local checkout where ever we go to dive. And since I don't know sh*t from shiloa, are there LDSs that do this? I strongly feel that we need a hand-holding while we get used to this new hobby. But I don't see any adverts at LDSs that cater to this and a nearby LDS told me they don't do this unless we're in a class. I know I could join any of the clubs, but I'd kinda rather get 20-30 dives (just the 1st time to new places as hand-holders) under our belt first, then get social, if that makes sense. Any help on how do I/we do this in this area? We want to haunt all the local quarries first to get our bubbles perfected before we spend on an OC boat (probably need a hand on that the first time too). Thanks for any help.

 

[parzdiver]

Clubs are a great way to meet other divers and people willing to dive with new divers. I was a warm water vacation diver and had no real interest in diving locally. I went to a couple dive club meetings and met a few people, one of them introduced me to ScubaBoard and, in particular, the Dive New York group. I'm now an insane diver that has a dry suit and will hit 36 degree water just to get my fix. Clubs, both "live" and online can help you find the people (typically at no cost), that can hold your hand for those first few dives and build your confidence. Before you know it, you'll have a new diver asking YOU questions and wanting to have YOU hold their hand.

 

[maniago]

Ok points well taken on the clubs. That said, having been burned by other "fun" clubs who talk a good game, but really do nothing but take your dues, you can see my frame of reference. Maybe its different with scuba, IDK. But Ok, I'll bite - fanatically active quarry diving DelMarVa clubs who don't mind mentoring noobes, please chime in!

Thanks for any help!

 

[parzdiver]

I've been going to meeting for three different clubs and only joined one. I would definitely go to a few meetings and make sure you are going to continue before joining. Any that pressured me to hand over cash just to go to the meetings, I would avoid.

Since you mention Delmarva, you are probably a bit far, but the KDA - Keystone Divers Association - is a pretty good club. They have great speakers and lots of experienced divers.

DiveNY on ScubaBoard has plenty of local divers all over the world. Many of us dive regularly at Dutch Springs in PA and we have members from DE & MD as well. You might find someone if you post to the group over there (free to join).

 

[letterboy]

Where in md do you live? There are several shops scattered throughout the state. Frederick, westminster, towson, aberdeen...

The DNY folks are very active here on SB and despite their big teeth they are nice, mostly ;-)

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[letterboy]

I've been going to meeting for three different clubs and only joined one. I would definitely go to a few meetings and make sure you are going to continue before joining. Any that pressured me to hand over cash just to go to the meetings, I would avoid.

Since you mention Delmarva, you are probably a bit far, but the KDA - Keystone Divers Association - is a pretty good club. They have great speakers and lots of experienced divers.

DiveNY on ScubaBoard has plenty of local divers all over the world. Many of us dive regularly at Dutch Springs in PA and we have members from DE & MD as well. You might find someone if you post to the group over there (free to join).

Mike is a DNYer who is nice btw... and he makes awesome shrimps...

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[maniago]

Where in md do you live?

I updated my location, but basically halfway between the DC line and Nap-town...

 

[letterboy]

I updated my location, but basically halfway between the DC line and Nap-town...

Gotcha. Call undersea outfitters in finksburg, they had, not sure if they still have though, a quarry in carroll county that was open on weekends and always had a group of fun divers...

Hell if i still lived in the area i would take you out... platonically of course... ;-)

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[maniago]

Gotcha. Call undersea outfitters in finksburg, they had, not sure if they still have though, a quarry in carroll county that was open on weekends and always had a group of fun divers...

Hell if i still lived in the area i would take you out... platonically of course... ;-)

Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk 2

Ok cool - they've got Hyde and its on my list of places for us to check out. I've mentioned it to my OW instructor as a place for us to finish vice Millbrook since its viz is questionable (Ive read) and Hyde is wicked close.