Soon to be certified diver

[clark6c1]

Hello everybody,

I have just discovered the joys of diving and I am currently in the process of being certified. I did my first two open water dives today and I have two more dives tomorrow before I am certified.

I have a few things I've learned so far:

*You can never practice the basic skills too much.

*After spending a lot of time in the pool, I now feel really bad for all the goldfish I've kept over the years.

*Being underwater is seriously disorientating.

*Fish are actually very curious, despite the fact that they never seem to bite when I go fishing.

*Playing catch with a bowling ball underwater is very fun.

*It is so easy to become flustered over small things...being cold, too tight of wetsuit, that little bit of water that gets in your nose despite clearing your mask, being in a new environment.

*Diving within your limits is soooo important.

That's what I've found out so far. I have a lifetime of learning to go. I'm glad to have found a site with so much experience to offer. I've learned a lot by simply reading.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Scubadaddy]

Welcome to SB. I'll be certified soon as well. I can't wait.

I feel your pain about the fishing. Maybe now I'll be able to do some recon before fishing

 

[Bob Vincent]

Welcome to ...

:sblogo::colouredsmilies::colouredsmilies:
Yes it's a learning curve for sure ... but a fun one. Things get easier the more you dive. I always tell newbie's an open water cert is not a end all ... it's a ticket to start the ride ... now you can learn how to dive and dive well. If you want to stay in this sport the numbers are alot better for beginers that jump into an advanced class after they finnish open water. They are under the eye of an instructor so they will feel safer and will be. They won't pick up bad habits ... with the extra dives under their belt they will be more at ease in the water. Plus they know about different aspects of diving. This along with a rescue class down the line and you'll be a diver ... by a "diver" I'm talking about someone that anyone would like to dive with!

A lot of people will tell you get in more diving on your own after your OW. I say, nope!

Good luck and congrats early on your cert.!

 

[Trixxie]

Good observations... esp diving within the limits of your training. Like Bob said, think of your OW as a learners permit.... building on what you have learned with continuing your diving education.

A few more important things to consider along with those you listed:

*never be afraid to call (thumb) a dive if you are not comfortable. You are your #1 priority. Don't let anyone talk you into something you don't feel you are not up to doing.

*Stay well hydrated and rested, esp during multiple days of diving

*Stay off the bottom, esp in muddy or silty areas. Being on the bottom will screw up the viz for you and everyone else - practice good buoyancy and trim on your dives.

*Log your dives. It's fun to look back and remember the first time I dove a certain place or the first time diving with a buddy.

*Even if you dive with a computer, stay fresh on how to use the tables.

Dive dive dive and ENJOY!!

Welcome to the board!
:admingreet: