Lulunew2scub
Registered
I am in the middle of my OW class and was just wondering if it is a good idea to go right into the AOW class right after this or should I wait? Anyone have any advice???
Should I go into AOW right after completing OW???
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Sideband
Guest
I'd wait. Get about 20 or 25 dives under your belt to get comfortable. Practice the basic skills on those dives and work on stuff like buoyancy and not using your hands to swim. Practice your nav. skills.Lulunew2scub:
This is the route I'm taking except I'm going to end up with a lot more dives than that because I've been out every weekend. I'll probably be closer to 75 dives. I'm going to start next year with the AOW class. I figure that getting into the pool a couple of times after the winter break will be a good way to refresh the skills that got stale from not diving for 5 or 6 months. Amonth or so after that comes Rescue classes.
Joe
Fitzy
Contributor
Ive just done my AOW. I waited till i had apx 30 dives of experience. Comort and confidence in the water is paramount to saftey. Some folks do go straight into the AOW after the OW but it didnt seem to make a whole lot of sense to me. AQW was pretty good and allows deeper dives, however if you run into a problem, better to learn how to deal with it whilst buddying with experienced divers and not being too deep. I did my AOW so i could move onto rescue in another 20 or so dives. Either way, good luck, have fun, safe diving.
OP
Lulunew2scub
Registered
Thanks for the advice!! I hope I can find some dive buddy's in my area to get a few dives in, to get the experience! Do experienced divers mind going out with the Newbies??
rescuediver036
Guest
I'd also advise getting some (20-30 dives) experience before doing AOW. Just don't do hundreds because then you'll just resent having to pay hundreds of dollars for some piece of plastic that doens't mean anything.
H2Andy
Contributor
what these guys said
and then, really consider doing the Rescue class
and then, really consider doing the Rescue class
Far_X
Contributor
I would not discourage you from doing the AOW. I got my OW in November down in LA (actual dives in FL). But I moved to NY in March and thought it was a good idea to get to know the divers up here and to widen my experience. I have learnt a lot in my AOW as I have a very good instructor and it has also given me the opportunity to practice the skills I learnt in OW in different environments. I joined a dive club and I am diving with people in there so I am doing both and the skills I learn in AOW are also being put into practice. My confidence has certainly increased because of my AOW class.
SharkBaite
Contributor
I completed my OW not long ago, and I asked the same question to a buddy of mine and he is basacly saying the same as these guys best to wait and get some time, now I will be hopefully getting my AOW within the next month and as of now I have logged about 12 dives since cert. but I have been in the water along time and other than boyancy I was ready for AOW but wanted to get use to diving and being with other divers and learning from them first.
well I can tell you that if you stay with the guys from this board you will never go without finding a buddy, I have enjoyed my trips so far with the ones I have met and I am sure you will find someone there if not if you ever come down to S. Fla your more than welcome to join us....
Good luck in your adventure and welcome aboard
well I can tell you that if you stay with the guys from this board you will never go without finding a buddy, I have enjoyed my trips so far with the ones I have met and I am sure you will find someone there if not if you ever come down to S. Fla your more than welcome to join us....
Good luck in your adventure and welcome aboard
I took my AOW right after I finished my OW, well, now 40+ dives later, I'm finally starting to actually be able to use the skills I learned in AOW. So, I would agree with the other posters, wait a while. Go diving and have some fun. Other certs can wait. Actually, if you can do them during the winter, that would be best. That way you don't waste your summer fun time on classes.
murphdivers286
Guest
You have asked a loaded question. I have read many of posts were other divers complain that new divers don't wait until they have 50+ dive before taking their AOW.
I agree with the above listed. You should have enough logged dives that you feel comfortable in the water. This doesn't mean you shouldn't get the books and read ahead so you know what to expect out of the AOW class.
Good Luck!! If you are ever in the Pt St. Lucie or West Palm Beach area of Florida, let me know. My wife and I would be happy to dive with you.
I agree with the above listed. You should have enough logged dives that you feel comfortable in the water. This doesn't mean you shouldn't get the books and read ahead so you know what to expect out of the AOW class.
Good Luck!! If you are ever in the Pt St. Lucie or West Palm Beach area of Florida, let me know. My wife and I would be happy to dive with you.
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