We just completed our OW now what?

[sactoscuba]

Me and my wife just completed our OW in a lake, after hearing all the stories and the big build up of ocean diving our first out of the pool dive and to get our certification card was in a lake, she was not happy with that. We went to the lake because for same reason there were no rooms in monterey that weekend. So we the "class" agreed to take our OW test at Folsom Lake, not wait for the next weekend so we could get in the ocean with the instructor, but like my wife says LET'S ALL GO TO THE LAKE! and may I add here (I DID NOT WANT TO GO TO THE LAKE HONEY WE'RE A TEAM I WITH YOU ON THIS ). Like I said she is not happy, I would like to get pass this I know she'll enjoy scuba diving but I think she's worried about diving in the ocean for the first time, we've talked about it and she almost said thats why she's upset is we have to do our first ocean dive without an instructor. My question is can you go from a lake to the ocean with anymore training or should we open our wallet and jump in the AOW class? Can someone help us I know she will "we" enjoy diving.

 

[Bill Schindler]

Me and my wife just completed our OW in a lake, after hearing all the stories and the big build up of ocean diving our first out of the pool dive and to get our certification card was in a lake, she was not happy with that. We went to the lake because for same reason there were no rooms in monterey that weekend. So we the "class" agreed to take our OW test at Folsom Lake, not wait for the next weekend so we could get in the ocean with the instructor, but like my wife says LET'S ALL GO TO THE LAKE! and may I add here (I DID NOT WANT TO GO TO THE LAKE HONEY WE'RE A TEAM I WITH YOU ON THIS ). Like I said she is not happy, I would like to get pass this I know she'll enjoy scuba diving but I think she's worried about diving in the ocean for the first time, we've talked about it and she almost said thats why she's upset is we have to do our first ocean dive without an instructor. My question is can you go from a lake to the ocean with anymore training or should we open our wallet and jump in the AOW class? Can someone help us I know she will "we" enjoy diving.

I'm not really sure what you're asking here. If you're concern is going from a lake to ocean and that you're uncomfortable with it. If that's the case, you can certainly pursue AOW or you can contact a LDS and ask to dive with a divemaster. In that way, you'll be diving with a professional in this new environment.

 

[M_Bipartitus]

You should talk with your LDS, they should be able to find a divemaster that could go with you for a first dive in a new area. My first ocean dive was in Monerey with a divemaster from Santa Clara. Not only was it a little more comfortable with a DM around, I also got to know more about the better places to visit and eat around town. My other suggestion is that if you plan on diving CA much, sign-up for a drysuit class. That could solve the problem of having a first ocean dive with an instructor as well.

 

[dlndavid]

Book a vacation to Cancun or Cozumel or any place warm like these. And do some ocean diving where the water is warm, the equipment is not so burdening and work on some basic diving skills. Once you get some warm water ocean dives under you belt go for diving Monterey. But if you can't do that, I think finding someone experienced with diving Monterey is the best way to go. I started diving warm and now I dive cold, it is a big difference, but still a blast.

 

[sactoscuba]

Thanks for the information, Yes we're concerned about going from lake diving to a ocean dive. What is LDS-local dive shops. We called sport chalet that where we took the class and talk to one of the instructor and he said we can go out with he's class that's going out. GREAT!! And just like that she's over it :11: I love her..

Thanks for all the help..

 

[Adobo]

There are two dive shops here in the peninsula that have dive clubs. Those dive clubs meet at least twice a month to dive in monterey. You should check to see if you could participate in those club activities and also find out if there is some type of supervision that is available given that you are newly certified.

I am going through my OW classes now and will be doing my cert dive in monterey. After that, like you, I will be hoping for a little bit of "help" as I get myself acquainted with scuba diving.

Oh yeah, the two shops that sponsor dive clubs are wallins.com and cadive.com.

 

[spectrum]

Our LDS will not do certification dives in fresh water. I think that says something. It's not so much the diving as it is the entries and exits. If you swim near rocky structure surge can be a issue and navigation is often more complicated by heavier currents.

Lots's of little twists, tides, slimy rocks, different weight requirements and more emphasis on gear cleaning to name a few. Much of this should have been covered in your classes but if you didn't grow up at the seaside it may not all be intuitive and may catch you by surprise.

I agree a good session with a dive master or even an ocean savy mentor should do the trick. Generally your easiest entries and exits are stradling high tide. Watch the marine forecast to get a sense of good vs worse conditions and take it easy for now.

Do NOT fear the ocean just respect it.

Pete

 

[craborn]

NO matter your experience level I would suggest that your first dive in the ocean be with a dive master even if you have to pay a little more for one on one DM it is well worth it.... the first time i did an ocean dive was in the phillipines and i hired a DM it was the greatest dive.... GOod luck and please do not forget about us lake rats... I LOVE LAKE DIVING !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jonix]

get a DM & remember to adjust your weights

 

[ScubaSarus]

Contact your LDS's and see if they have any fund dives escorted by a Dive Master. Thats the route I took.