Thanks for the welcome everyone. I'm still trying to figure out some of this stuff (icons). Yeah I love this stuff! So far I'm over the $7K mark as far as gear and courses go. My local shop is very happy! as far as the DM course goes mine is going to take some time also due to my work schedule. It's one course that I'm not rushing through. My instructor wouldn't let me anyway. I do want to have my DM by the end of may though. My son is going to the air force and graduates from high school in may. His open water and personal gear are going to be part of his graduation present. I want to help with his cert in an official capacity. Especially in that after basic he's going to the Presidio for two years to linguist school. So I can go see him in Monterrey, California and we'll just have to dive the area around there! My first "trip" though will be down to the Florida springs and Crystal river in march. My instructor goes down 2-3 times a year and I'm not going to miss it. I've already been helping out with OW and AOW classes. Pool work and open water. It's so rewarding to see someone look at you in the pool or especially in open water and see them relax just because you are there. I've only to this point assisted in showing the basics but each time I do my own skill and confidence level goes up. As well as my respect for my instructor and for the sport. When I realize just what recovering my regulator correctly, quickly, and efficiently might mean to some one watching in their first class I'm humbled. They expect the instructor to do it right. But I've been told that watching someone who is also relatively new do it correctly gives them a little more confidence and security. Might not sound like much but if on one's first experience you can't find it, it presents a possible panic situation that could have negative consequences. My instructor always demonstrates first and then has another experienced diver do it also before a new student does it. It reassures them and I've seen people relax when they realize that they are not on the spot alone and when they relax it comes easier. Sorry for being so long winded but this is my passion. Dive safe, you don't know who is watching. You may be teaching, reassuring, and calming someone without knowing it. Jim
almtree: :sunny
