Unexpected Challenges When Learning

[MISBHVN]

Hi
I have only just completed my Open Water, learnt a lot about diving (and know I have LOTS more to learn) and learnt a lot about myself in the process.

For me the unexpected challenge was mask retrieval in the pool, my instructor who was amazingly patient worked out that in the pool I became claustrophobic however I was more confident with skills requirement in the ocean.

Later when we were talking through the day I realised that the only negative experiences I had with water was in pools when I was a kid however I did not realise the impact until I was learning to dive.

Lesson learnt I can retrieve and clear my mask when I know I have to, just stay out of the pool :blinking: and enjoy the oceans.

 

[Stampsalot]

I am one of those guys who always wanted to dive so this year I finally did my open water in Thailand. The most unexpected challenge so far is figuring out how to dive back home and how much Melbourne dive shops want to charge for a dive and gear and why not one single shop will reply to my emails. I had a day off on Monday so I drove 3 hours to the Geelong to check out a dive shop. Only to be greeted by a sign on the door saying back at 4pm waited around a few more hours until then told the guy hey I'm new to diving how do I get wet? He was sooooooooo uninterested to the point of rude. Almost relegated diving to one of those once in a blue moon on holiday things then and there.

My path now is to buy a little gear then find a shop to do a local orientation dive, hopefully these places will be more interested in my plight if I spend money with them. I hope that this can lead to a few more dives until I train up my skills and do an AOW this summer.

I don't know what I was expecting, but at least it keeps it interesting and a challenge!

 

[FinnMom]

I am one of those guys who always wanted to dive so this year I finally did my open water in Thailand. The most unexpected challenge so far is figuring out how to dive back home and how much Melbourne dive shops want to charge for a dive and gear and why not one single shop will reply to my emails. I had a day off on Monday so I drove 3 hours to the Geelong to check out a dive shop. Only to be greeted by a sign on the door saying back at 4pm waited around a few more hours until then told the guy hey I'm new to diving how do I get wet? He was sooooooooo uninterested to the point of rude. Almost relegated diving to one of those once in a blue moon on holiday things then and there.

My path now is to buy a little gear then find a shop to do a local orientation dive, hopefully these places will be more interested in my plight if I spend money with them. I hope that this can lead to a few more dives until I train up my skills and do an AOW this summer.

I don't know what I was expecting, but at least it keeps it interesting and a challenge!

Look for magazines or message boards that may help you get in touch with local diving groups. Getting in with a group can be a huge help in finding a buddy, learning the local sites, gaining experience and enjoying your new sport.

 

[Stampsalot]

I've found the Victorian Sub Aqua Group a non-profit diving group which looks pretty cool. Not affiliated with a dive shop or anything else. Just run by people who love diving. Best part is they seem to warmly welcome people of all experience levels =)

hey mshbhvn how are you finding Darwin for diving? At least the waters warm!

 

[Searcaigh]

Sounds like a version of BSAC Stampsalot

Geelong???? I was there in 1984 and wondered why, had a g/f from Geelong back then, but spent most of my time in Richmond, Melbourne or riding my motorbike around Oz

 

[MISBHVN]

[QUOTE

hey mshbhvn how are you finding Darwin for diving? At least the waters warm![/QUOTE]

The water is warm .. No diving poor vis and local wildlife is a little toooo friendly, shame coz there are quite a few wrecks -plane and boats- around Darwin. Indonesia is only 2.5 hour flight, did my dive at Tulamben Bali.

 

[Stampsalot]

How was Bali? I'm definitely thinking about that one. Looks like good value compared to here.

 

[MISBHVN]

How was Bali? I'm definitely thinking about that one. Looks like good value compared to here.

Good value ! Dive Concepts arranged every thing for us at Tulamben- transfers, diving and amazing accommodation at MinaBali.

First dive at coral garden in the first few minutes we we're visited by shark and it only got better from there, drop off was stunning and Liberty wreck is beautiful.

you are spoilt for choice in Bali and the dive packages will cost less than your air fair.

 

[Stampsalot]

@searcaigh... Hoo-ray for being a colony! God save the queen and all that ;P

@misbhvn... I'm saving Bali for winter when it's too freezing to dive Melbourne. From what I read Tulamben sound like the place.

 

[diversnutrition]

@misbhvn... I'm saving Bali for winter when it's too freezing to dive Melbourne. From what I read Tulamben sound like the place.[/QUOTE]

Just returned from there recently. Check the whole east coast of Bali (Candidasa area), that's usually a good area to stay, and will enable you to dive at Tulambem, but also at other well known divespots and islands, even if you have only a OW. The dive centres are usually very good to arrange the dive trips according to your experience, so no need to stress.

Happy diving! And welcome to this great underwater world