I don't know if I'd ever get into diving but throught I might want to learn more about it in case I might want to try it some time. Like I might try snokeling and if I like it maybe, just maybe, take scuba lessons in a couple years.
learn2turn:
Can I ask some, simple questions?
Yes.
learn2turn:
Is there anything that will explains how the whole thing works, how all the equipment works and what diving precedures are like, without buying a course. Just want to learn more about the whole thing. Like maybe a good online overview? I'm an engineer by education and nature and a general sponge for information.
I bought the PADI manual before I took the class. In fact, I bought it before I even talked to the dive shop that did my training. I'm a book nerd. If I recall, the book was something like $50. Most dive shops include the cost of the manual in their OW rate- and won't give you a discount if you already have one. But I thought it was worth the extra money to be informed before I (brace yourself...) dove in! Ha!
learn2turn:
I suppose safety is a big issue. I've always tried to avoid activities where "if I screw up I die". But then again, I'm an advanced skier and an experienced ski instructor and know that the activity is inherently safe, unless you take stupid risks, but accidents do happen. Stuff I worry about...
As I always tell my mother-in-law, I'm more likely to die in a car accident on my way to the dive site than to die while diving. If you are safety-minded, if you have good instruction and if your buddies are the same, you should be alright.
learn2turn:
Suppose you cough or sneeze under water. What the heck do you do? if you reflex and suck, water gets in. What do you do if you start choking on water? Pass out and hope your buddy can save yer butt?
Coughing is no big deal. It may seem like it when you think about it, but I cough, laugh, whatever. I've even done that thing where you swallow spit and it goes down the wrong pipe... that was an experience. You keep your wits about you and don't panic. That's important- panic kills.
learn2turn:
I know you could just as easy drown in 6' of water or even 6" as 60' Is there some limit where you don't really have to worry about coming up if you have to. Like if you only go down x feet, if something goes wrong, you just head to the top exhaling all the way and relax on the surface?
Exactly why I suggest reading the manual. I'm sure the Diving for Dummies (or whatever it is) is also a good source of information, but I've not read it. I learned a lot about diving from reading the book for the class.
