Refresher advice?

[latemp]

i learned to dive back in high school, and just recently picked it back up. the last time i went, since it had been so long i took a refresher course to be safe. i want to continue diving, but i know i will probably have a lot of gaps between dives. do yall have any advice for something i could do besides take a refresher course, like a dvd, computer program or something to keep sharp?

 

[rstofer]

All the DVDs and books in the world won't keep you sharp. You need to dive.

Many LDSs have pool refresher sessions. They are helpful but, after all, it's just a pool.

Maybe you can arrange to take more advanced classes. Take some specialty courses. Anything that will get you in the ocean.

Richard

 

[latemp]

...i did do a couple dives after the refresher...i'm just saying...should i do a refresher b4 i dive everytime?

 

[texdiveguy]

...i did do a couple dives after the refresher...i'm just saying...should i do a refresher b4 i dive everytime?

That depends on how often you dive when your active and how long between dry spells....everyone is different. The dive industry recommends if you have not dove in a year then a refresher course may be a good idea......that said if a year has passed since your last dive but the prior year you did 'say' 100 dives and you have inspected your gear this go around,,then possibly a few shallow short wet-runs may fill the bill. Use common sense....lean toward the safety side! PS--nothing wrong and recommended to re-read your dive materials and go over your dive charts--never hurts.

 

[Garrobo]

Go to your local YMCA and get permission to dive in their pool during the time of day when there are only a few people swimming. I've done this on a regular basis to test out new or recently serviced equipment. Being a yearly member would help your cause. At least this would keep you wet and your legs and lungs toned.

 

[rstofer]

...i did do a couple dives after the refresher...i'm just saying...should i do a refresher b4 i dive everytime?

Why not? If it is possible to get some time in the water, even if it is in a pool, it's a good thing.

Around here, a refresher class in the pool costs about $50 and lasts about 3 hours. According to the course description, there is also some classroom time.

We have a small pool so I spend some time working on buoyancy from time to time. In fact, the last time I has in the pool, the water temp had dropped to 55 deg F - not unlike Monterey. I hate to think what it is now that we've had some overnight freezing. Maybe somewhere in the 40's?

Perhaps your LDS has a pool you can use?

Richard

 

[ScubaSteve]

During my very long surface interval called winter, I will often try to get into a pool a couple of times just to keep from drying out and to keep everything somewhat practiced and fresh. I dive plenty every summer so that helps my cause but my best advice for you is this:

If there is anything in your brain or being that questions your recollection of skills or your ability to effectively save yourself or your buddy during the first dives, then make sure you do a refresher. You need to be a safe diver and be able to prevent or at the very least get out of any dangerous situation. If you cannot do this, take a refresher. There are no scuba police to tell you you must take a refresher (in all circumstances I mean) so you need to do what is safest for eveybody.

 

[Damselfish]

i want to continue diving, but i know i will probably have a lot of gaps between dives.

define gap - how long are we talking about here?

 

[Aquabear]

You can also get dives in lakes and rivers, now rock quarries too. Its not all about boats and deep ocean dives.
I dive from shore and boats in NY but do lots of dives in Dutch Springs quarry in Pa, for cert dives and practice.

Below link is to a quarry in VA. Hope it helps.
Splash Dive Center, Inc. — Pools, Dive Sites, Maps — Millbrook Quarry

I was out of the water a few years too. Did a refresher, dived in puerto rico fell in love all over again. Now have AOW, Rescue.

I do agree with the earlier posts, SB usually gives real world advice- even though it may not be what you want to hear- a pool is a pool but at least ur gettn wet. I aint got no pool!

Good luck. If it makes you happy, dont miss it again. I won't.

 

[latemp]

define gap - how long are we talking about here?

well the last time i dove was febuary (in hawaii, it was great:cool2, but i plan on getting recertified anyway. my old cert was ssi and i want to get a padi, plus jus take the class again. but this year i'm thinking (money wise atleast) during the peak season which is about april to october here i'll probably get to go about once a month. so those gaps, and the gap between october and april