OW dives

[Free_Flow]

I'm going to take my open water dives soon and am a little nervous about the prospect of making my first dives. What should I bring? Is there any preporations I should make?
Thanks,
Russ

 

[DandyDon]

I'm going to take my open water dives soon and am a little nervous about the prospect of making my first dives. What should I bring? Is there any preporations I should make?
Thanks,
Russ

Your Instructor will probably cover that for you pretty well, but we'll give you some pointers, depending on where you'll do the OW. You might add your state, province or country to your location; new one on this cowboy.

Generally, it's good to take cold and warm beverages both, sun-block for surface intervals - but don't put it on your face, dry towel, warm sweats, snacks, cap with bill - outdoors stuffs.

Have fun. Nothing to be nervous about. You'll love it!

BTW, you are welcome to Introduce yourself on Intros, if you'd like, where we can welcome you properly. Click the link below.

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[CathyS]

I'm going to take my open water dives soon and am a little nervous about the prospect of making my first dives. What should I bring? Is there any preporations I should make?

Bring your scuba gear.

As far as preparations, as long as you've been successful in the confined water dives, then there's nothing to fear with the open water dives. You already have the skills you need. How far from your open water dive site do you live? I went to the site where I had my checkout dives the weekend before, just to snorkel around and kind of check things out. That helped my personal comfort level; not sure if that applies to your situation.

 

[Kriterian]

You might add your state, province or country to your location; new one on this cowboy.

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His location is an easy one! It's just slang for "mud on your bag-pipes".

 

[scuba_frog]

#1 - don't forget your gear. #2 - logbook. #3 - water...drink plenty before and after your dive. This will help with the dry mouth you are going to get and it will help eliminate cramping from dehydration. #4 - case of beer to share with your new dive buddies after you all pass...ok maybe this should be #1. Have fun and good luck.

BTW - welcome to the board. Hopefully the water will be warm where you are at.

 

[mweitz]

Don,

I always put sunblock on my face, and get burnt even then. What is the issue?

Thanks,

Mark

Your Instructor will probably cover that for you pretty well, but we'll give you some pointers, depending on where you'll do the OW. You might add your state, province or country to your location; new one on this cowboy.

Generally, it's good to take cold and warm beverages both, sun-block for surface intervals - but don't put it on your face, dry towel, warm sweats, snacks, cap with bill - outdoors stuffs.

Have fun. Nothing to be nervous about. You'll love it!

BTW, you are welcome to Introduce yourself on Intros, if you'd like, where we can welcome you properly. Click the link below.

​

Oh, bring a cheapie outdoor folding chair and a small dropcloth for your gear if the instructor isn't going to provide one.

 

[DandyDon]

Don,

I always put sunblock on my face, and get burnt even then. What is the issue

Many will get the sunblock around their eyes, then in their eyes when they get wet. Just better to avoid that until you comfortable in the water. You probably are careful with the sunblock and comfy in water, but for a nervous newbie, I suggest not

Oh, bring a cheapie outdoor folding chair and a small dropcloth for your gear if the instructor isn't going to provide one.

Great. Didn't think of that. It's been a while since I went to the practice pit, but I always take those, too. If the water's cold, I'll take a 5 gallon insulted jug of warm water and a plastic quart jug, and some down my back, inside the wetsuit, before going in.

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[Boat]

If you're carrying gear in a vehicle...get one of those large plastic bin/tubs to stow it in. Otherwise, your car may smell like a rotten, wet sock the next day. I speak with experience on this matter.....good luck! Boat

 

[Xanthro]

I'm going to take my open water dives soon and am a little nervous about the prospect of making my first dives. What should I bring? Is there any preporations I should make?
Thanks,
Russ

If it is a boat dive, you may experience sea sickness, if so, it's best to prepare before hand.

If it's a shore dive, it is very likely you will have to walk a much greater distance with your gear than you are used to. Don't allow yourself to get out of breath.

Because it's your first OW dive, you'll likely be breathing hard on the surface before you descend. Try to get your breathing under control before you start your descent. Take some deep breathes and try to relax.

If you are relaxed, you'll have a much better time. An ability to relax increases as you get in more dives.

Xanthro

 

[Buoyant1]

All great advice! I'm taking my OW dives this Saturday in Bainbridge, PA.. Slightly nervous, but totally lookign forward to it.

What do you suggest would sit well in the stomach before diving? That's a question no one has answered!