Wow, thank you so much for taking the time out to reply. I feel very encouraged!
Some points:
1. Apparently I'm still doing my mask clear incorrectly, and the DI taught it that way yesterday. He had me pull the bottom part away about an inch (using both hands), look up and exhale through my nose, putting the mask back into place while still exhaling. However, a couple of you described just touching the top - looking up - and exhaling. NOW I REMEMBER! That is exactly how my OW instructor taught me. Wow, I totally forgot. I will work on that as soon as I get in the water.
2. I think I will take a course of some sort in Honduras, after the refresher. Maybe the Advanced Class so I can have even more time with the instructor (and the price is so reasonable), or maybe the Buoyancy Control class. I REALLY liked that suggestion from Lorien. I don't think having the title "Advanced" will mean anything to me other than I just think I am the kind of diving student that needs a little more time with the instructor.
Lorien - do you remember what dive shop offered that class? Was it on Utila or Roatan?
3. I also forgot a method for checking mask fit - holding it on your face with a finger and inhaling to see if the mask will stay on. I have my own mask back home in CA, but didn't think to bring it backpacking in Guatemala for 4 months. So, I'm using rentals. Thinking if over, I don't think that mask yesterday was a good fit.
4. I like the "purge mask" idea. I'll look into that, if only to learn about it.
5. Also, thanks for the advice to STOP moving when I'm trying to control my buoyancy. Yesterday I felt like I was flailing all around. What a ridiculous sight I must have been.
Its so hard to be so excited about diving, yet to be so mediocre at it.
I will give it the time and patience it deserves, so I can be safe (and finally, so I can be a good buddy to my husband. So far its really only been one way, which isn't safe for him at all).
Thanks so much!
Some points:
1. Apparently I'm still doing my mask clear incorrectly, and the DI taught it that way yesterday. He had me pull the bottom part away about an inch (using both hands), look up and exhale through my nose, putting the mask back into place while still exhaling. However, a couple of you described just touching the top - looking up - and exhaling. NOW I REMEMBER! That is exactly how my OW instructor taught me. Wow, I totally forgot. I will work on that as soon as I get in the water.
2. I think I will take a course of some sort in Honduras, after the refresher. Maybe the Advanced Class so I can have even more time with the instructor (and the price is so reasonable), or maybe the Buoyancy Control class. I REALLY liked that suggestion from Lorien. I don't think having the title "Advanced" will mean anything to me other than I just think I am the kind of diving student that needs a little more time with the instructor.
Lorien - do you remember what dive shop offered that class? Was it on Utila or Roatan?
3. I also forgot a method for checking mask fit - holding it on your face with a finger and inhaling to see if the mask will stay on. I have my own mask back home in CA, but didn't think to bring it backpacking in Guatemala for 4 months. So, I'm using rentals. Thinking if over, I don't think that mask yesterday was a good fit.
4. I like the "purge mask" idea. I'll look into that, if only to learn about it.
5. Also, thanks for the advice to STOP moving when I'm trying to control my buoyancy. Yesterday I felt like I was flailing all around. What a ridiculous sight I must have been.
Its so hard to be so excited about diving, yet to be so mediocre at it.
I will give it the time and patience it deserves, so I can be safe (and finally, so I can be a good buddy to my husband. So far its really only been one way, which isn't safe for him at all).
Thanks so much!