OW Cert 1/2 way done!

[verona]

Hey, Dave - WTG! Glad you are enjoying your scuba so much. One thing about the camera, though: I'd recommend you wait until you can dive without thinking about it because taking photos underwater involves a degree of taskloading. And you need really good buoyancy so you don't sink and bash into things while you're taking the pics. But you are right - underwater photography is great fun and fantastic to share your experiences with your friends and family. Let us know how it goes with your final OW dives!

 

[Dave in PA]

Flood, my class was small, just me, my buddy and the instructor. We got off the platform for all 4 dives, something my instructor said doesn't always happen. It depends on how all of the students master the basic tasks. All told we were in the water for an average of 30 minutes for each dive, the first one a little shorter, the last one a little longer. I would highly suggest you get used to wearing gloves before you go out, if you can. It makes things a little more difficult. It really is up to your instructor and the students. Between dives, we filled out our log books, changed tanks, and discussed what we had just done and what we were doing next.

As far as a camera goes, I'm looking for a simple, PHD camera to start out with so I can take snap shots. I am going back to Dutch this sunday morning, I want to work on bouyancy control and other stuff. I am meeting a couple of folks from the board there, check under the Wreck Valley forum. I was heading over today, but we just got nailed with some severe thunderstorms and I decided to save the vacation time until one day next week.

 

[widebody50]

Hi Dave...congratulations on your OW cert! My wife and I just recently certified too.

Check the Scubaboard Clubs forums to search for buddies in your area. They may also have some suggestions for other dive locations in your area.

KEEP WET!

 

[run262x10]

Hey Dave in PA. I'm Dave in PA 2. Anyway, I got certified last year and have the same problem you're talking about - no buddy to dive with when I can go - so, no diving. I need to sneak in a refresher, then I'm good to go. I can get there most weekends at some time or another. I've never been to Dutch Springs but I live in Harrisburg and it is not too far away. Let me know if you have any plans soon and if you need a buddy and I'll see what I can do.

 

[Dave in PA]

Hey Dave in PA. I'm Dave in PA 2. Anyway, I got certified last year and have the same problem you're talking about - no buddy to dive with when I can go - so, no diving. I need to sneak in a refresher, then I'm good to go. I can get there most weekends at some time or another. I've never been to Dutch Springs but I live in Harrisburg and it is not too far away. Let me know if you have any plans soon and if you need a buddy and I'll see what I can do.

I can get to Dutch pretty much any weekend and even on most afternoons to sneak in a dive, with a couple of days notice. I only live/work a few minutes away. Let me know when you want to go. My email is davejodi@epix.net

 

[DCROOK]

Is Dutch Springs a cold water dive spot?

 

[Dave in PA]

I guess for most people, yes, It's a cold water spot. The surface temps are at their peak right about now, around 75* F. The water temps are supposed to drop about 10*F every 30'. The bottom only goes to the mid 40s even in the winter. I have a 2 pc 7mm Henderson, with gloves, hood, and booties, and I was a little on the warm side on the surface Sunday. Lots of dry suits were there! I was told that people dive wet all year there, you just have to be careful at your surface interval.

 

[krick]

It seems like it's even colder when the sun isn't shining. When I made a dive down to the car at 90 ft, it was overcast all day. The water temp was in the 50s and my lips were FREEZING.