Recommendations for Monterey drysuit certification course, please

[neve]

I'd like to hear more about this experience, because I don't have anything in my records which indicates you have ever been in this shop.

Bruce

Hi Bruce,


I dived with Aquarius on Oct 10, 2010, Wesley Sawyer took my booking. I still have the email from Wesley dated 9/18/10 acknowledging my booking.

The DM I had was excellent. The only problem I had was with the amount of lead I was forced to carry, despite explaining to the shop staff that I wouldn't be comfortable with so much lead. I admit I'm not very experienced with cold water diving, but in retrospect I should not have let anyone second-guess my own judgment about weight configuration. I didn't want the shop to cancel my dive, so I went along with the excessive lead.

At the time of the dive, I've had over 400 dives, some in temperate waters (as low as 60F), so I was sure I didn't need 28lbs of lead AND a steel tank. I bargained it down to 24lbs and I still sank like an anchor during the dive. I was wearing a 10mm wetsuit with hood and gloves. I dived with my BCD half full at all times just so I don't walk on the seafloor. Although I was not very comfortable throughout the dive, it was still a good dive. When I exited, however, a huge wave knocked me down to the soft sinking sand. I literally flopped down, and had to ask the DM to help take the gear off me so I could stand.

So, in general, it was not a very pleasant experience for me. I'm sure it was partly my fault, but I don't think underestimating my experience and ignoring my discomfort were right either.

 

[SCU5]

I would also check in with Any Water Sports in San Jose. I know they do drysuit courses and have suits for rent as well. Great shop with great staff and service. The Bay Area's Premier Scuba and Swim Outfitter - Any Water Sports