Two questions from a newbie

[Terrific]

I have heard the stories and seen the photographs of many scuba fanatics but have never donned a dry suit and leapt off a boat. (not unless you count being hooked up to a lawn mower engine strapped to a 12 foot row boat and a harness that pumped ait through filters down to me so I could flounder around trying to suck air and get rid of the air in my suit that somehow travelled to my feet...you get the picture)

The decision has come to try the sport that all you guys love and enjoy, but putting aside my previous experience, I have two questions that I would very much appreciate some advice

Firstly, I am an ex smoker (20 years) although I run 5k twice a week, exercise in the gym maybe twice an week and probably walk 10k per week. Can anyone give me the restrictions that I can expect from depths, frequency and the affects that being an ex smoker will have on my body (nothing technical just end user info)

Secondly, is there anyway I can get as is it advice about which dive school I can put my safety in their hands. I am located in Spain, so its doubtful that many of you learned the craft in the region, but having scrolled through the forums, I see that there is an element of ´rougues´ in scuba as there is in any industry. Apparently being PADI registered doesnt necessarily count for much.

Apologies for the general nature of the questions, but I thought getting the above answered by those who know and have nothing to gain would be more appropriate.

Thanks

 

[knotical]

If you're otherwise healthy, being an ex-smoker is definitely not a problem with scuba diving. I'm one myself.
And, although not recommended, there are plenty of people who both scuba dive and smoke (but seldom at the same time).

As for choosing a dive school, local word of mouth should be helpful. Others might be able to chime in with more specific advice.

 

[Terrific]

Thanks Knotical,

Glad to know I am not the only ex smoker out there! I dont see much point in starting the sport if I am going to miss out on half the juice so to speak. The nearest dive school caters mainly for tourists so I am unsure of its rep in the market. I will keep asking around though and thanks for the advice

 

[Mike Boswell]

Hi Terrific,

Yes, I agree with Knotical re the smoking advice. I smoked for many years while I was diving, and it never bothered me. It sounds like you are in good shape and have good lung function.

I have known heavy smokers who were prone to fits of uncontrollable coughing and that could be a problem underwater.

Diving is a wonderful sport. I wish you good luck.

 

[Terrific]

Mike,

Thanks for the prod of confidence. I quit before I got the coughs (thank goodness). What the hell would happen if someone started coughing uncontrollably under the water, apart from scaring the heck out of them? I am sure even non smokers need to cough!

thanks

 

[BabyDuck]

you can cough, vomit, and cry uncontrollably through a regulator.

absolutely, ex-smokers and current smokers can dive. you're in luck there!

and while having a padi sticker in the door doesn't guarantee stellar instruction, a good padi instructor is a good instructor. go to some places locals dive & ask around. you'll likely get a few names over & over. then interview those folks to see if they teach the way you like to learn. enjoy!

 

[Terrific]

Really! You can vomit through a regulator? I am super glad I asked what I thought was a bit of a stupid question. On a lighter note, at least you get to feed the fish a bit!

Nice advice about the dive school, it seems the best way is word of mouth so appreciate the confirmation.

Thanks

 

[dburg30]

Yes, it does tend to attract the fish when it happens

I'm getting my cert hopefully soon, and quitting smoking was one of the things I told myself I was going to do before starting classes. I have done that, and have now started my classes. As others have said, the instructor is more important then the agency. Coughing, burping, laughing, singing (well ok, hard to understand the words) so maybe humming.. can all easily be done. As I have learned, just make sure you are comfortable in the water, that will be THE most important thing.

 

[Jax]

I have heard the stories and seen the photographs of many scuba fanatics but have never donned a dry suit and leapt off a boat. (not unless you count being hooked up to a lawn mower engine strapped to a 12 foot row boat and a harness that pumped ait through filters down to me so I could flounder around trying to suck air and get rid of the air in my suit that somehow travelled to my feet...you get the picture)

The decision has come to try the sport that all you guys love and enjoy, but putting aside my previous experience, I have two questions that I would very much appreciate some advice

Terrific, Terrific!!! (Sorry, I had to say it! )

Firstly, I am an ex smoker (20 years) although I run 5k twice a week, exercise in the gym maybe twice an week and probably walk 10k per week. Can anyone give me the restrictions that I can expect from depths, frequency and the affects that being an ex smoker will have on my body (nothing technical just end user info)

Ex-smoker 25 years . . . no problems.

Secondly, is there anyway I can get as is it advice about which dive school I can put my safety in their hands. I am located in Spain, so its doubtful that many of you learned the craft in the region, but having scrolled through the forums, I see that there is an element of ´rougues´ in scuba as there is in any industry. Apparently being PADI registered doesnt necessarily count for much.

Please check out this link for super information. Most important - be comfortable with and have confidence in the person that will train you.
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ne...ng/287780-how-find-excellent-scuba-class.html

Apologies for the general nature of the questions, but I thought getting the above answered by those who know and have nothing to gain would be more appropriate.

Thanks

No apologies! This board exists to provide a well of knowledge and information. Just remember that we all have opinions, just like bellly buttons!

 

[*dave*]

Firstly, I am an ex smoker (20 years) although I run 5k twice a week, exercise in the gym maybe twice an week and probably walk 10k per week. Can anyone give me the restrictions that I can expect from depths, frequency and the affects that being an ex smoker will have on my body (nothing technical just end user info)

I wouldn't expect any issues, but it doesn't hurt to get a physical and put the question to someone actually qualified to answer it.

Secondly, is there anyway I can get as is it advice about which dive school I can put my safety in their hands. I am located in Spain, so its doubtful that many of you learned the craft in the region, but having scrolled through the forums, I see that there is an element of ´rougues´ in scuba as there is in any industry. Apparently being PADI registered doesnt necessarily count for much.

You're already on the right track in being proactive, so don't stop. I think great instructors are everywhere and in every agency, but you need to determine what you want and be clear in communicating that. Some folks want a quick certification that doesn't take a lot of work and many instructors are focused on providing just that. Other instructors main priority is in putting out competent divers from the start.

Unfortunately, it's not always easy to tell the difference by looking at the advertisements and being informed is likely the best way to find the best class for you.

It would be great if you kept us updated on your search.

Really! You can vomit througha regulator?

As long as you chew your food well, yes. It's called chumming.