Third Open Water Class

[Slym]

So last night was my third pool/class session for my open water course.

We covered quite a few things in the water. I noticed putting the gear together this week was super easy, blew through it. After that we took a step into the pool, which at first my body felt like it was against everything I knew (jumping into water so weighted) but when I got in the water it was great, I floated to the top and was breathing just fine. Some of the notable underwater stuff we did was turning off our air at the bottom and having it turned back on, that wasn't bad at all really, I found the next thing to be more uncomfortable than that, which was the mask removal. When we removed our masks it felt really weird having the water around my nose and still breathing. Clearing the mask afterwards wasn't any issue thankfully. During all of this if we were not working with the instructor, then we were working on fin pivots and buoyancy; at times I think I really got it down, but right after that I would be floating towards the top with the breath I took, so it will just take time to master.

Overall I am loving the course! super glad I took it, can't wait for next week.

 

[fjpatrum]

Mask drills take a while to get used to so you're not alone there. Sounds like you're making progress. You can try learning to be "neutral" during your practice time. That's what I did instead of fin pivots, which never made much sense to me. There is no time I've been diving after my OW course where fin pivots came into play, but if you can do the same thing while in your normal swim position, (I.E. control your depth with breathing, which is the only purpose I've come up with for fin-pivots) then you're ahead of the game coming out of your OW course.

 

[Colliam7]

Sounds like you are learning, progressing well, and and having a lot of fun - that's how it should be! And, thanks for sharing the experience. It is a bit more common to hear the dark side, and sensing your enthusiasm from your post is great.

After that we took a step into the pool, which at first my body felt like it was against everything I knew (jumping into water so weighted) but when I got in the water it was great, I floated to the top and was breathing just fine.

Deep water entry training can actually be a bit daunting at first. And, I have had one student decide not to complete Confined Water because she simply was unable to make herself do an entry - she could walk in, breath underwater without her mask, she could swim, share air, remove and replace, etc. But, for her, the deep water entry was simply too intimidating. You are right - it does seem to go against everything you know, to get in with so much weight.

I found the next thing to be more uncomfortable than that, which was the mask removal. When we removed our masks it felt really weird having the water around my nose and still breathing.

No mask breathing and swimming is, at least in my experience, one of those defining skills, in terms of future comfort in the water. If a student is clearly uncomfortable with the activity, even if they can perform the skill, chances are their future enthusiasm for diving may be compromised. I encourage you to practice 'no mask' breathing and swimming as often as possible, during and after certification. To this day, I regularly get in the pool in gear and swim around without my mask just to 'keep in shape'. I also like to do it prior to the start of class pool sessions, while the students are on the deck with a CA assembling their gear, so that they see me practicing, not just talking about practicing. Then we perform no mask swimming multiple times during CW, not just once. So, use every opportunity to work on becoming comfortable and fluid swimming without your mask underwater, while breathing from your reg. You won't regret the time spent.

 

[boulderjohn]

I found the next thing to be more uncomfortable than that, which was the mask removal. When we removed our masks it felt really weird having the water around my nose and still breathing.

No mask drills are usually only problems in classes in which the instructor still teaches skills to students while they are on their knees. With the upper body and head in a vertical position, the bubbles go up the nose, just as you describe, and students are often uncomfortable.

The more modern instructional trend is to have students learn skills in a horizontal posture, as they will be when diving. In that case, the bubbles rise past the cheeks, not the nose. That is how it will be if that happens when you are diving, too. It is only when you are being taught skills in a pool on your knees that you should have this problem.

 

[Colliam7]

No mask drills are usually only problems in classes in which the instructor still teaches skills to students while they are on their knees.

John, I will offer a slightly different view on this one. Yes, I agree that bubbles can be a particular issue for students who are in a vertical orientation when they try no mask breathing. And, having them learn the skill in the horizontal position heads off that problem for some / many. But, 'bubbles up the nose' can often be addressed simply by having the student turn their head to one side. I see the bigger issue as in part psychological - there is a real anxiety in some students associated with breathing underwater without a mask - and in part mechanical - breathing control is difficult for some, and is a learned skill that benefits from practice. Many of us are (appropriately) taught at an early age to breath through our nose. It is healthier - in terms of capture of particulate matter (e.g. dust). And, it is perhaps more visually acceptable. I still, to this day, remember my mother 'counseling' me, 'Breath through your nose! Don't walk around with your mouth hanging open, you look stupid.' Right or wrong (about whether THAT was what made me look stupid), she made me a nose breather. And, I see lots of them, and we/they have to relearn breathing control. So, I am right there with you - there is no reason to teach the no mask breathing skill in a vertical position. But, teaching it in a horizontal position still benefits from having the student practice, practice, practice.

 

[Slym]

Overall it is a great experience, I feel we are moving at a decent pace but not rushed. The instructor said we have covered quite a bit of the heavy content so the next 3 classes are going to be more focused on particular skills. It really helps there is 4 students and 1 instructor, feel we really get some closer attention.

I have gradually started to wonder about what equipment to get (I posted a thing about it in another thread) and when I ask questions about different equipment I really get the feeling that Halcyon is heavily pushed at my LDS, not that they would force it on me but when I do ask about other brands I get an answer that always relates back to Halcyon not being too bad of price in the long run and is better too. One of these weekends I plan on trying on some bcd's and regs maybe see if I can get a deal on something.

I have also leaned after testing it the last couple pool sessions without, that I will require thermal protection when I go down south as even though I move around a lot, I still get kinda cold after a while.

 

[Colliam7]

. . . I really get the feeling that Halcyon is heavily pushed at my LDS, not that they would force it on me but when I do ask about other brands I get an answer that always relates back to Halcyon not being too bad of price in the long run and is better too. . . . I have also leaned after testing it the last couple pool sessions without, that I will require thermal protection when I go down south as even though I move around a lot, I still get kinda cold after a while.

Halcyon offers some good gear. It is well made, durable, functional. There are a lot of other brands out there as well, that also offer well-made, durable and functional equipment. I used to teach through a shop where we carried Halcyon. The owner, a good friend and dive buddy, was a big Halcyon fan and I ended up with several wings, and other items simply because my staff discount made it more affordable. But, make no mistake - halcyon is really proud of their gear, when it comes to pricing.

I always wear (at least) a full 1mm wetsuit in the pool, and even then often feel chilled after a 3 hour session. Learning is made easier if you are not shivering.

You might want to edit your profile to add your location. Just a thought.

 

[Slym]

Yea I know they are super good from reputation, I just want to get a feel for other brands as well, such as hog, I hear they are good and their price point is something I could pick up regs and a bcd at the same time. But just as well I might like the diverite gear too.

 

[dbulmer]

Slym,
Halcyon wings are very nice - I have an Eclipse and I love it but given your location you do have alternatives - DSS for example have good kit if BP/W interests you. Perhaps a word with cool_hardware52 (Tobin) ?

I use Apeks for my single rig but again Hog make affordable robust regs and a word with
Jim Lapenta might be a wise thing to do in your situation.

In your other thread about what to get first I was one of the folks who suggested exposure equipment - let's be honest wetsuit/drysuits are not that sexy (by sexy I mean the wow factor) but getting the right exposure stuff is actually a lot harder than it seems. I went through about 6 pairs of gloves before I got the ones I was happy with. Hoods took me 3 attempts and the hood I ended up with was an extremely cheap brand but did the job perfectly.

Now with the bigger stuff BCs/Regs (the sexy bits see if you can try before you buy but above all ensure that what is offered is really what you need.

 

[elgoog]

@Slym - also look at used gear for gear where fit is not critical or easily adjustable (BCs, regs, dive computer). If you're patient, you can save a fair bit of money going this route which you can then use on getting a nicer suit or just on diving.