OW Part of Scuba Classes

[Sham_ba_la]

I was wondering about something regarding the OW part of Scuba Classes. I recently signed up for my classes which are going to start on October 31st, however the OW part is going to be the following weekend in November. On this part of the class how deep do they generally have you dive and for how long?

I don't do well in colder temps,:frosty: I actually hate it and that too why I live in TX where it's nice and toasty in the summer months.
Either way I really had no choices on when I was able to take classes due to some family obligations and I didn't want to wait until Spring to do this, so can anyone help me here on a good way to keep warmer while completing this part of the class or am I just going to have to bring an electric blanket to wrap myself into afterwards... ha!

 

[Hallmac]

Sham_ba_la once bubbled...
On this part of the class how deep do they generally have you dive and for how long?

Between 20 and 40 Feet is typical with a possible exposer up to 60 feet. Generally the first few dives are shallow and depending on conditions and how well everyone is doing the 4th dive is a little deeper. No Worries!

Sham_ba_la once bubbled...
can anyone help me here on a good way to keep warmer while completing this part of the class or am I just going to have to bring an electric blanket to wrap myself into afterwards... ha!

eat well and drink plenty of water. Wear multiple layers. If you have the chance just before getting in the water run a little warm water into your suit. Don't just sit there keep moving but don't be over active.

The list will continue!
Hallmac

 

[Dee]

Do you know where you will be doing your OW dives? I'm not sure where Frisco is...north around Dallas? Down here around Houston, our local lakes are still in the low 70's to mid-60's. You'll be fine in a well fitting wetsuit. Most OW classes take place on an elevated platform at around 20ft deep. In some places the thermocline may have risen to that depth. According to my logbook, Twin Lakes thermocline had risen to 18ft on Oct 30 last year. Which means your feet would have gotten cold! As for time, it depends on the size of your class, the speed at which your instructor conducts the class,ie., if he has any help, which dive you are on, how much air each student uses, etc. But as a general rule, I'd say 20-30 minutes.

So first...find out where your check out dives will be held and someone in your area could probably give you more specific info.

 

[Sham_ba_la]

I've been told my OW are going to take place at Athens Scuba Park which I think is about a good 2 hour drive from where I live...never been there so I'm not real sure about anything concerning it.

Dee once bubbled...
Do you know where you will be doing your OW dives? I'm not sure where Frisco is...north around Dallas?

Frisco is actually North of Dallas, have you heard of the new ballpark that was built out there for the Roughriders? Real nice stadium...

 

[scubajoe]

Sham_ba_la,
Wear a hood and gloves. Try them in the pool before the OW sessions. Comfort is the key. You'll do just fine. No worries!

Joe

 

[Juls64]

you say you don't like cold, but let me offer a word of caution. I said those very words myself just a few months ago. Now here I am. I just returned from the LDS where I signed up for a drysuit class. I thought my dive season would be over by September, but you know what. I started diving locally, including Lake Michigan, and I am so hooked. I am looking into trips to Lake Superior, Puget Sound, and a few other places. My husband is constantly reminding me that I was the one saying I didn't like the cold.

Well, I guess I was wrong!

Just try to keep an open mind. Water in the 60's or 70's can be real comfortable if you wear the right protection. Relax and try to enjoy it. You may just surprise yourself.

Julie

 

[jbichsel]

is a good place for OW. Not deep, relatively warm. I understand they have made a number of changes since I dove there in 1989-1992.

We stopped using it as there were issues with water quality and too many people were getting ear infections. But again, a lot has changed. you should enjoy it.

Be sure to take some Swim-Ear and use it after each dive just to be sure.

I will be down in the DFW are next week. Coming down for my IDC. Will stay with family in Arlington this time.

Take care.

 

[nessum]

Hello!
You're doing your open water in November in Texas? i think you should be fine as long as you wear the proper exposure stuff.
I did my open water in June, but I live in BC, Canada & have dove with plenty of people that did theirs in March or January here. In wet suits *shiver*
You'll be fine. Have fun!

 

[Sham_ba_la]

Well generally Texas isn't that cold in the winter time except for once you get into January/Feb, however I've always been the type to walk up to the water stick my foot in and if it's too cold I usually take a long time getting in... ha!

I was actually thinking that since I'm like that by next year I'm going to possibly check into one of the 1 pc suits made by Excel.. I was told there different mm throughout the arms, legs and torso, but keep you much warmer due to that, only thing is their a bit pricey.

nessum once bubbled...
Hello!
You're doing your open water in November in Texas? i think you should be fine as long as you wear the proper exposure stuff.

 

[VaScubaGirl]

I can't bear to be cold either! They usually take you down to about 30 feet or so for OW, but if you are doing your checkouts in a quarry, be mindful of the thermocline, where it is, and how drastic the temperature drop is (check with the instructor or dive shop about this). Also, I reccommend wearing a hooded vest (best investment I ever made) and at least 3 mil gloves. The warm water down your wet suit is also great. Make sure you have a sweatshirt or something warm and dry to put on in between and after dives too. And thermos's full of hot soup, hot chocolate etc are also great. I did my check outs in October so I know how it is!