OW, AOW... What next??

[BlueAlf]

Hi all

This may sound weird but I'm just wondering where to go from here. I've logged 25 dives and have completed the OW and AOW. The dives I've gone for are relatively 'easy' and in similar conditions as in the OW and AOW classes.

However, I still feel rather inadequate. Had some difficulty on one of the dives with currents... used up the air really quickly and felt really tired out when I finally surfaced. Am just wondering, wat's the best way to pick up more skills? Realise I don't even know how to use a sausage or how to do a drift dive. Did a module on underwater navigation in AOW but yet, really doubt my ability to really find my way around underwater with just my buddy and me using a compass!

Would it be easier to just dive and hope I'll pick up the skills along the way or do I get taken in with this 'specialist' dives and sign up for the drift dive course or something.

Or would doing the Master Scuba course be useful in picking up more skills?

Comments anyone?

Thanks!

 

[NauticalbutNice]

Specialities might help if there are areas that you feel uncertain about (if they are offered).

Otherwise I'd recommend just diving. Might even be useful to do some regular pool sessions and practice any skills that you might be lacking (if you are!).

Good luck and don't stress!

Nauticalbutnice :fruit:

 

[MSilvia]

Just dive, then dive some more, and then keep diving. If you know you need to learn or practice a skill, do so. If you get to a point where you need to learn something beyond the scope of what you can read, figure out, and practice, take a class. Having some more experienced divers as buddy/mentors can be very helpful too!

 

[menemsha43]

My advice would be just keep diving. Nothing better for skills than time in the water

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Rescue class ... then bottom time ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[mwpowell]

Find a good buddy and go diving someplace where you can safetly practice your OW skills. You will get more out of the specialty courses and Rescue diver once you've become more proficient in your OW skills. Most importantly, have fun.

Happy Diving,

Mike

 

[mwpowell]

Wow! Five replies in under 10 minutes. I guess I'm not the only one stuck at work, and thinking about diving.

 

[simbrooks]

Over 1/3 of your current diving has been in classes, things might only just start to be coming together a bit at 25 dives. The advice to get out and dive is sound, find buddies (particularly if they are more experienced and can mentor you) - hit up the Asia forum (i dont think you fall geographically into the Phillipines or Japan clubs) and see what you can find locally. It sounds like you need practice, opportunity to polish your skills a bit, get some confidence in what you have learnt - only time and particularly bottom time will accomplish this. Rescue is a good next step after AOW (i havent got around to it yet after 120 dives, one day i will), that should help you be a safer diver (or at least able to handle certain situations). Get out there, get wet, meet and dive with your buddies and things will come together, just takes time, practice and patience

 

[simbrooks]

Wow! Five replies in under 10 minutes. I guess I'm not the only one stuck at work, and thinking about diving.

Meet the other 400+ people who seem to be on here throughout their work day

 

[bubblelogist]

Hi Bluealf !
My buddy and I made a lot of dives just together after our OW certification which help us to get confidence. It's cool to dive with a DM or an instructor, you feel that if something goes wrong he will take care of it for you. If you don't feel comfortable in current for the moment, wait before doing it again and practice skills on other dives before and try to practice on skill every dive, that's what I'm doing. sometimes I'm doing mask clearing, sometimes air sharing, etc. the safety stop is a good moment to practice it, time goes faster.

Don's forget you get in the water to enjoy. Yes scuba diving is easyer for some people and harder for others and it's important to go to your own pace. When you will feel more comfortable with your skills and with yourself then it will be time for you to take your rescue diver. I have the impression that if you take it now you will not take all this course can learn you.