Supervised Diving for Newly OWC

[Gac]

Greetings! I have recently earned my OWC and will be returning to my normal residence in Omaha, NE (big diving spot, I know). Since I still am green, I would like to dive a few of the lakes and quarries in my area under supervision, but I am unfamiliar with the diving community's protocol on the matter.

Should my LDS offer experienced dive buddies? Is this a paid service or a conviniece? If I ask to dive with a local divemaster or employee of a LDS, would they be expecting this to be a paid service, or do I just buy them a beer?

I guess this all boils down to me wanting to avoid offending anyone and being able to plan things accordingly before I get into too deep (pun witholding). I'm just still confused about the "second world" and looking for some seasoned vet's advice.

Thanks!

 

[StSomewhere]

An Open Water diver is qualified to dive on their own. If you aren't comfortable out of the gate there are options with dive operators like rent-a-buddys. Or do your advanced open water (AOW, which is really some experience dives with and instructor and isnt' advanced at all).

The Omaha LDS's have occasional road trips to the regional lakes, etc., one has access to a quarry within about an hours drive from West O. Maybe if my work would ever let me get away for a weekend day we could go out there when they do the OW checkout dives. PM me and I'll give you the skinny on dive options for those of us in and around the River City.

Oh, welcome to SB and welcome to being a fellow far-from-deep-water diver.

 

[dlndavid]

Gac, Welcome to ScubaBoard. Check out the Mid-West Muck Divers
You can find a dive buddy here on the board. But to start out as a newley certified, I would myself be diving with more experienced divers while a learned the ropes.
David

 

[jloving1]

I was kind of in the same spot after being certified. I just started hanging around my LDS, making friends and always went with them on the OW checkout dives just for fun!!

It was a great way to be supervised yet be on my own!!!

 

[DandyDon]

Should my LDS offer experienced dive buddies? Is this a paid service or a conviniece? If I ask to dive with a local divemaster or employee of a LDS, would they be expecting this to be a paid service, or do I just buy them a beer?

I guess this all boils down to me wanting to avoid offending anyone and being able to plan things accordingly before I get into too deep (pun witholding).

I think that it's great that you would ask about such. You are qualified to dive, but as a newbie - it would be very wise to dive with much more experienced buddies or DMs. Paying a DM to dive with you would be well worth the money at this stage.

On the other hand, while some experienced divers avoid buddying with newbies for various reasons, some enjoy helping and your enthusiasm. Don't be shy - ask around, who wants to dive with an eager :newbie: ...??

 

[TSandM]

I had the same concerns. Two things solved it. The LDS where I got certified has an e-group, and I went out on the e-group and posted a call for experienced divers who would be willing to dive with me. I got quite a few answers, and have done some diving with them. I also found out about a local dive club which seems to have fun dives at least once a week. I think you'll be amazed at the activity you will find if you explore these kinds of options.

 

[spectrum]

Lot's of good mentioned here so far. Just get involved with whatever activity there si and don't be affraid to ask if you can tag along when you her others making plans as long as the dive is going to be in your comfort zone. More are usually welcome, with sudden emergencies and all a big planned goroup can dwindle pretty quick so more are usually welcome. Before long you'll find peers and and if you're real lucky mentors and you'll begin to network. Have fun and be sure to take those first steps.

Pete

 

[Gac]

Wow, thanks for all the replies (and so quick!). I think I see the point: hang out around a LDS and wave my arms yelling "I just got my OWC! Please dive with me!!" It has a nice ring to it.

People in Omaha are generally pretty decent people, so I'm getting really excited to meet some other divers.

If you're in the Omaha area and want to look at some mud, PM me.

Thanks again!!

 

[DandyDon]

Wow, thanks for all the replies (and so quick!). I think I see the point: hang out around a LDS and wave my arms yelling "I just got my OWC! Please dive with me!!" It has a nice ring to it.

I think wearing a sign would be much easier.

 

[Wildcard]

If your going to pay someone to dive with ya, you might as well get some training out of the deal too. Even if it's just some PADI cert. DMs can teach peak preformance bouyancy which is a great spot to start. The dive club and hanging at teh dive shop are also great ways to meet dive buddies as is this fine board!