Returning to Diving

[sciguyman]

Hi Everyone.

I was certified and got really into diving 2 years ago, but due to distance issues I was unable to dive for over a year. I've moved much close to the water now ( Vancouver, BC Canada), and fully intend to get back into diving a lot. I'm taking the PADI refresher course this week, just to get back in the swing of things. Is there anything else I should be doing?

Cheers, Jesse

 

[catra8104]

Welcome back to the underwater world!!! The only thing I can think of is to get your gear checked out if you have your own.. Ofcourse I'm a newbie so others may have other recommendations...

 

[victor]

Start looking for a buddy, or even better a group of potential buddies. Diving is a social sport and I am sure there is an active dive community in Vancouver.
However the water will be cold so look to invest in a dry suit.
Check out the university, they may have an active dive club, or try the local dive shops, they might be interested in a part time employee.
There will be local scubaboard members you can meet up with.
Most important get wet soon.

 

[eponym]

What Victor said. There are tons of good shore dives in BC waters. Find a dive shop you like, hang out, ask about buddy boards (physical or online) and social opportunities. Or just ask if you can hire a divemaster to show you one of the local sites.

-Bryan

PS. Back in March I dived with a young man who runs the dive shop at the unversity. His name is Firat Ataman--if you run into him, please tell him Bryan says hello.

 

[sciguyman]

Thanks for the replies. I joined the university club last week, and hope to be diving mostly with them. They have a combo dive club/dive shop, which makes it really easy. If I run into Firat, I'll let him know Bryan says hello

 

[cooldives]

Welcome back - I hope you enjoy getting back into diving here. Check with your local dive shops as they always have dives happening (formal or informal) and groups going out. Also use this board - there are a lot of great divers always looking for an excuse to get wet.
Cheers!

 

[jbrians]

This post rings a bell for me too.
I got my ticket in 1969 and logged many dives over the next few years. Buddies move away, etc and next thing you know it's been a couple of years without diving so I start going solo once or twice.
After several years of doing this a new LDS opens up and when I enquire about getting out formally again, I'm being sold more than 3k worth of equipment so I don't kill myself.
My question is, how much bling and tech is really required to dive with an adequate safety margin?
I use either a double USD regulator or a Healthways Balanced single hose, a 72 steel with "J" valve and a flotation vest but not a BC. I was told my mask wasn't safe and the minimum requiement was going to be close to 120 !

I read that PADI means put another dollar in.

For things that are truly dinosaurs I see it's only smart to upgrade, but a mask???

 

[CoralSeaMan]

How old is your Mask

 

[diver 85]

Hi Everyone.

I was certified and got really into diving 2 years ago, but due to distance issues I was unable to dive for over a year. I've moved much close to the water now ( Vancouver, BC Canada), and fully intend to get back into diving a lot. I'm taking the PADI refresher course this week, just to get back in the swing of things. Is there anything else I should be doing?

Cheers, Jesse

not holding your breath------while diving that is......just get wet would be my advice...

 

[rdolmat]

Hi Everyone.

I was certified and got really into diving 2 years ago, but due to distance issues I was unable to dive for over a year. I've moved much close to the water now ( Vancouver, BC Canada), and fully intend to get back into diving a lot. I'm taking the PADI refresher course this week, just to get back in the swing of things. Is there anything else I should be doing?

Cheers, Jesse

Yeahoo!! Where are you taking your refresher course? I'm getting my OW this week at Dive & Sea...perhaps we can hook up some day?

cheers
rich