Returning after 10 years

[mthirsc]

Hi everyone. I am returning to SCUBA after diving only once in the last 10 years. From 89-93 I logged about 100 dives in Bonaire, Grand Cayman, and Florida. I did a couple of dives in 2002 and took a refresher course at the time. Now, I learned I am moving to Guam for 3 years! This area is SCUBA paradise, and I plan to take full advantage. I'm going to have my regulators and BC serviced when I get there, and I just purchased a Dacor Darwin wrist computer... when I was last diving, computers were almost unheard of, and nitrox was truly exotic. I can't believe you can get a decent dive computer for $200. I plan to take a Nitrox class there as well so I'm not left out if everyone is using it on my boat. I am really excited about good diving in my backyard, and hour flights to Palau, Yap, etc. Guess I'll invest in some tanks for beach diving.

Anyone have any other advice for someone getting back into diving after so long? I want to get my wife certified ASAP as well. She loves snorkeling, so I'm pretty sure she'll love SCUBA as well. If we can find someone to babysit for the afternoon. I've never been diving in the Pacific before. I can't wait to see some WWII wrecks, not to mention the incredible sea life.

Marcus

 

[Juls64]

I love your post. Your enthusiasm is enough to get anyone excited about diving (and a little jealous about the opportunities you are getting)!

My only advice would be to go slow and get your sea legs back. If your wife decides to get certified, that is a great opportunity for you to follow along and refresh all your skills.

Best of luck to you both!

Julie

 

[mthirsc]

Thanks Julie. I will definitely take it slow and study with my wife. From what I have read the dive operation in Guam is very responsible and I'm confident they can accomadate us while we practice before heading off to the other islands. I'm sure I'll be on this forum a lot, thank goodness there's cable internet there these days since it is a LONG way.

Marcus

 

[Matt the Aquaman]

I would like to Welcome you to Scuba Board –One of the most informative and dedicated boards on the net. You can meet a lot of helpful people here and it’s an awesome place to get answers to your questions regarding scuba diving. If you ever want to chat feel free to PM me.

Take care and Safe Diving.

almtree:
-Matt-
:sunny

Click here to greet a new member!
No experience needed and it feels great!​

 

[Lil' Irish Temper]

10 Years? That's too long to be away my friend. Welcome back, and welcome to ScubaBoard

 

[DandyDon]

Hi there, and welcome to SB.com

Wow - what a way to get back into it. I'm sure it will be great...!

In case you haven't, be sure to check out ScubaBoard.Com > Regional Travel & Dive Clubs> Australia & the Pacific Islands

And your wife is welcome to her own SB account, if she'd like that. She may find New Divers & Those Considering Diving helpful.

have fun! don

 

[Rooster]

Marcus,
Welcome to Guam, or as they say here, Hafa Adai. What brings you out to Guam? Just curious from another California transplant, (I grew up in Riverside). Even being in the Air Force for 21 years, I spent allot of time in CA. You’ll find the diving out here easy with good conditions most of the year. I would wait to get any training or gear for you or your wife until you get here. Dive instruction and dive gear are very reasonable here. Though I am an instructor I haven’t been actively teaching for two years. I still dive allot and can give info on diving, instruction, or anything about living here. Feel free to drop me a line. Enjoy your stay.
almtree:

 

[mthirsc]

Thanks Rooster and everyone. Hafa Adai. I'll be one of the small number of Coasties there. The USCG sector is on Big Navy but I'm sure you knew that. I will hold off on any other gear, I got the computer on impulse (after doing a lot of research) but just wanted to play with it and have it ready to go when I get there. I can't believe there's a dive shop in the Navy Exchange!

I'm not exacly a CA transplant, I'm originally from NYC. That's where my old dive gear is, but my family was kind enough to ship it so I should receive it before moving in July. I was advised to put in the express portion of my HHG shipment!

Glad to hear you enjoyed Guam enough to stay. I will drop you a line with some questions down the road if you don't mind.

Marcus

 

[dvrliz1]

Welcome! I HIGHLY suggest that you check out your local dive shop and see if they offer a refresher course that you can take, 10 years is a long time! Welcome Back!

Liz