dflybldr
Guest
Just wanted to take a moment to say thanks for the support and let you guys know there are two more "divers" in the water today. My 14yo son and I completed our training (yes, I know it's a life long training process) yesterday in San Carlos Mexico aboard the Ocean Spirit. The experience was second only to the day I was handed my private pilots certificate oh so many years ago. The experience was made much easier and fun in part by the feedback I and other newbies receive in these forums, keep it up, we are listing!
I also don't know if it is ok to name LDS's, (admin has my permission to edit) but Desert Divers here in Tucson run a 1st class operation. Both the equipment, instructors, crew and staff were right there through the whole process. (and some of the nicest folks Ive met in a long time) If anyone is looking to do referral OW dives in a great place on a great dive boat, I highly recommend these guys and the Ocean Spirit.
As for the gear, I did go ahead and purchase MK25/s600 knighthawk/Air2 Sunnto Cobra combo times two. (kinda removes the upgrade problem for awhile, I know) We also dove Nitrox on the last two dives to expedite the EAN specialty (after watching the video and reading the book of course).
We were the only two students to take advantage of free pool time just days before the open water dives. I highly recommend it even if to get familiar with the rental gear to be used on the 1st OW dive. I wanted to do everything I could to make the skills portion of the dives boring and the jellies and fish the exciting part. Sea Lions are totally cool to swim with BTW. I think I showed one how to roll over. (or maybe it was the other way around)
Anyway, thanks for the support, and if anyone is hesitating scheduling the ocean dives, JUST DO IT!!! (if they really didn't think you could make the surface during the EBA, I dont think the insurance agent would allow it.) I was also really happy to do them in calm seas where I could see things to keep me occupied in-between demonstrating skills. Also was worth the extra $$$ for the boat dive and crew to help.
Off to plan the next trip and figure out how to pay for it all
PS. I guess I can update my profile now!!!
I also don't know if it is ok to name LDS's, (admin has my permission to edit) but Desert Divers here in Tucson run a 1st class operation. Both the equipment, instructors, crew and staff were right there through the whole process. (and some of the nicest folks Ive met in a long time) If anyone is looking to do referral OW dives in a great place on a great dive boat, I highly recommend these guys and the Ocean Spirit.
As for the gear, I did go ahead and purchase MK25/s600 knighthawk/Air2 Sunnto Cobra combo times two. (kinda removes the upgrade problem for awhile, I know) We also dove Nitrox on the last two dives to expedite the EAN specialty (after watching the video and reading the book of course).
We were the only two students to take advantage of free pool time just days before the open water dives. I highly recommend it even if to get familiar with the rental gear to be used on the 1st OW dive. I wanted to do everything I could to make the skills portion of the dives boring and the jellies and fish the exciting part. Sea Lions are totally cool to swim with BTW. I think I showed one how to roll over. (or maybe it was the other way around)
Anyway, thanks for the support, and if anyone is hesitating scheduling the ocean dives, JUST DO IT!!! (if they really didn't think you could make the surface during the EBA, I dont think the insurance agent would allow it.) I was also really happy to do them in calm seas where I could see things to keep me occupied in-between demonstrating skills. Also was worth the extra $$$ for the boat dive and crew to help.
Off to plan the next trip and figure out how to pay for it all
PS. I guess I can update my profile now!!!
