Where shall I take my Open Water dive

[hsouthwood]

My husband, son and I have just completed our theory and confine dive for the PADI Open Water certification. I am now trying to decide whether to do my 4 Open Water dives in a cold lake in PA or in the Carribeans where we are going for our vacation in July. My husband and son are definitely doing theirs here as they want to get it over and done with so that they can fully enjoy their dives on vacation.

I am more of a wimp and cannot stand the cold. I was shivering during the confine dives even with a wetsuit top on (without the leggings though). My feeling is that I will feel more comfortable and confident in the warm Carribean without the constrictions of wetsuit, gloves, hoods and extra weights. My intention right from the begiining was to complete my course in the Carribeans. However I understand my families view and they do want me to do the course here so that we can all dive together when we are away.
I need some pros and cons, and other peoples experiences to decide.
Please advise.

**Added after viewing all the advice**
Please read my final decision - about the 21st response.

 

[hsouthwood]

My husband, son and I have just completed our theory and confine dive for the PADI Open Water certification. I am now trying to decide whether to do my 4 Open Water dives in a cold lake in PA or in the Carribeans where we are going for our vacation in July. My husband and son are definitely doing theirs here as they want to get it over and done with so that they can fully enjoy their dives on vacation.

I am more of a wimp and cannot stand the cold. I was shivering during the confine dives even with a wetsuit top on (without the leggings though). My feeling is that I will feel more comfortable and confident in the warm Carribean without the constrictions of wetsuit, gloves, hoods and extra weights. My intention right from the begiining was to complete my course in the Carribeans. However I understand my families view and they do want me to do the course here so that we can all dive together when we are away.
I need some pros and cons, and other peoples experiences to decide.
Please advise.

 

[cougar]

Cold water is anotehr stresser. It makes everything more difficult. I think if you are at all anxious you ABSOLUTELY hold out for the Caribbean. I did my open water dives there and the first 12 dives. After the first time I dived in cold, murky water, I told my husband, "Damn good thing I did clear warm water first. If I though all dives woukd be like the cold murky ones...I'd take up another hobby.

 

[kelpmermaid]

Well, the good things about doing it at home are:

1) if you can do it there, you know you can do it anywhere;

2) if you are going to dive locally after your certification, you might as well get used to it.

3) you won't have to spend part of your vacation on these activities.

On the other hand, warm water is wonderful...

 

[chepar]

Well, my answer depends on your future diving plans.

If you are planning on being a vacation only warm water diver, then by all means wait until you're on vacation if you feel that diving in the lake will be a major stressor.

However, if you plan to do any regular diving in the area where you live, I would say to do your OW dives in the lake. You'll get the intro into your local conditions under the supervision of an instructor, which is probably better than doing your OW in the Caribbean and venturing into more difficult conditions (the cold lake) later on your own without supervision.

 

[budgy]

For reasons of safety I believe if you don't intend to dive regularly its better you don't dive at all. Learn to dive in the conditions you expect to dive in.

 

[Florida_boy]

budgy, I see that you're from Scotland. Curious, where do you dive there, in the ocean or the lochs? both? I checked the water temp between the isle of Skye and the mainland on a visit north of Iverness. Whhooooowee. You're brave man. Brave. Scotland is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen though. What's it like underneath? (underwater)

 

[budgy]

Cold water diving can be great, but you have to dress for it.
A hooded, gloved, dry suit diver with a good undersuit and thermals can enjoy dives for short periods all the year round in reasonable comfort.

 

[MikeS]

I completed the OW theory and confined water dives locally and did an OW referral in Aruba. If I had it to do over again I would complete the OW locally for the following reasons:

1. The quality of the instruction locally was hands down superior to that in Aruba. In Aruba there was one dive boat with disorganized groups taking resort courses, OW courses, and certified divers out for a rec dive. I got the impression that the dive operator in Aruba just wanted to collect our money and move us along.

2. The people taking courses on the boat were treated somewhat like second class citizens; last off the boat, first back on the boat, shorter dive time, etc., etc.

3. My first dives in the ocean were so cool I would rather not of had to spend time doing skills. Not that I mind doing the skills, but it was frustrating sitting next to a beautiful reef full of fish, waiting for someone else to try and clear their mask for the third time, when I could have been swimming around and checking out the scenery.

4. The pressure of wondering how you’ll do on the dives can create stress, which is exactly what you don’t want on vacation. It might be more fun going in with the confidence gained from completing the OW dives.

On the other hand, the 81 degree water in Aruba was much more comfortable than the 47 degree water in the quarry I experienced during AOW.

Mike

P.S. If you were cold in the pool you will likely want a wetsuit even it the Caribbean.

 

[MNScuba]

Didn't have time to read the replies so I hope this isn't redundant...

If you are planning on doing local diving, I would do your OW certifications locally if you can. You'll gain some experience this way and some knowledge of local waters as well. I did my OW cert in 42 degree water, I was so excited it didn't bother me at all.