Value of pool time

[MG11]

Certified on my 41st birthday, Nov. 20th last year, had not been underwater since.

Well yesterday went to my dive shop and spent an hour in the pool practicing bouyancy control and swimming along and removing my mask for the length of the pool, stopping, replacing and clearing.

Really boosted my confidence on both issues, had the pool to myself and wifey up top observing for safety.

Hope to get in a few more before summer dive season.

Mike

 

[DivemasterDennis]

My wife and I always mark pool time before a dive trip if it has been more than 90 days since our last dive. It's a good plan for remediating skills, checking equipment function, and getting psyched up for the real thing.
Even if you don't have a trip planned, pool time every few months is still a good idea.
DivemasterDennis

 

[Dr Dog]

Great Idea. I am recently certified also, and just got back from Cozumel.

Because I only get to get in fresh water around here, the first day in Cozumel I spent snorkeling and flooding my mask and clearing it to get used to the sting and taste of the salt

I wont get to dive now for 3 or 4 months, but I am going to get my son into the Discover program and join them in the pool just paying for the tank. So I will get a couple hours pool time practice before I get into lake Erie sometime in May

 

[MG11]

Dr Dog how much difference did you feel the saltwater made?

I hope to get in some in the Keys come June or July.

Mike

 

[MG11]

Should add that I got to use my own regulator setup for the 1st time too.

Mike

 

[Scuba_Noob]

Pool time is quite valuable in getting back into it, to regain your comfort and practice safety in a controlled environment. Much of the OW class and the Rescue class is in the pool.

I don't know how cold the water is in your area, but think about getting a drysuit if you're not diving because it's cold. Then dive season is all year and you can practice your skills in the ocean.

 

[Dr Dog]

The difference is crazy. I have only been in freshwater for the last 20 odd years, that includes everything, diving, swimming, washing. So I knew it would be a shock. it burns your eyes like a very over treated pool, that does not get better. But you get used to the salt taste pretty quickly. A little sea water in your mouth will cure that gas dry mouth too

Your buoyancy is alot higher also. You will float on the surface with just trunks on.

 

[MG11]

Dr. Dog
Will factor that in when I get to go, thanks.

Scuba noob
I'm an hour West of Atlanta so it's 6 hrs to Springs in Florida, there are a few quarrys within a couple of hours but haven't been to them yet, waiting until May or so when things warm up. May eventually get into drysuit, but waiting on my experience level to increase.

Mike

 

[Saxatilis]

I believe the math says you should add about 10 percent more weight when going from salt to fresh. Buoyancy check before diving is definitely a smart idea. Have fun in the keys!

 

[k ellis]

Become a divemaster and you can have all kinds of time in the pool!