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Plan9 · 07-27-2009, 05:20 AM

Conclusion'd!

Okay, so basically... I'm a PADI Open Water SCUBA Diver now. Yay. I feel like I should take a tougher diver course now, though. Something like the NAUI "basic training" mentioned above. I didn't feel nearly abused enough after my dives Sat/Sun. I got a tan, but no flutterkicks on the "beach," etc.

I had less issues in 30 feet of ~55 degree quarry water with 5 foot vis (rainstorms like crazy last few day, stirred up the sediment) than I did in a bathwater-warm hotel pool. Go figure. Mask removal, replacement and clearing at depth? It's like a joke now that I've practiced it a bunch of times.

I stayed on site after the class and did an additional dive with one of the instructors to work on my buoyancy control. He was almost impressed; I managed to glide over top of the 30 foot platform, exhale, sink below the platform, glide under it, repeat a few times. Only banged my noggin on the underside once. I'm pretty good at keeping myself level, but I'm probably relying too much on the low pressure inflator to save me. I expect instantaneous results at depth and I know that isn't the case. I shall learn patience, I'd imagine. It's really an amazing feeling to hover and move just by breathing in or out.

Water was way cold below 30 feet, definitely in the 40s. I was close to shivering in a 7 mil. I don't know if it's because I'm a scrawny wanker or because I'm not comfortable with the skill set yet. The hood and gloves kept me relatively comfy, but my face and down the front of my torso was getting a little chilly by the end. Maybe get one of those thin torso covers some of the instructors were wearing. That and not being nervous as hell at first would have probably helped. Three of the instructors had dry suits and those look like the way to go for quarry diving adventures. When they don't leak at the neck.

If nothing else, I need to get a fancy dive-tracking computer now so that I can record my dives. I think I want a wrist-mounted model, although the all-in-one SPG is pretty dang handy as well. I've determined that I like regulators with longer hoses, too. I used a Sherwood (?) and a Tusa (?) and the Tusa made it kinda hard to look around, whereas the Sherwood is long enough to string under your armpit with the octo. That makes me feel a lot more comfortable... I feel more streamlined that way. Jacket BCD versus back BCD is another pros 'n cons debate.

Either way, SCUBA totally kicks ass and I shall be doing it in the future. I think I'm going to Mexico for spring break next year.

Thank you all for the tips and support. Not only did I learn how to dive in this class, I also got over my water-related anxieties. Instruction and experience create confidence. I have that now.

Blunt force trauma wins again!

07-27-2009, 05:20 AM	#55 (permalink)
Plan9 I Confess a Shiver	Conclusion'd! Okay, so basically... I'm a PADI Open Water SCUBA Diver now. Yay. I feel like I should take a tougher diver course now, though. Something like the NAUI "basic training" mentioned above. I didn't feel nearly abused enough after my dives Sat/Sun. I got a tan, but no flutterkicks on the "beach," etc. I had less issues in 30 feet of ~55 degree quarry water with 5 foot vis (rainstorms like crazy last few day, stirred up the sediment) than I did in a bathwater-warm hotel pool. Go figure. Mask removal, replacement and clearing at depth? It's like a joke now that I've practiced it a bunch of times. I stayed on site after the class and did an additional dive with one of the instructors to work on my buoyancy control. He was almost impressed; I managed to glide over top of the 30 foot platform, exhale, sink below the platform, glide under it, repeat a few times. Only banged my noggin on the underside once. I'm pretty good at keeping myself level, but I'm probably relying too much on the low pressure inflator to save me. I expect instantaneous results at depth and I know that isn't the case. I shall learn patience, I'd imagine. It's really an amazing feeling to hover and move just by breathing in or out. Water was way cold below 30 feet, definitely in the 40s. I was close to shivering in a 7 mil. I don't know if it's because I'm a scrawny wanker or because I'm not comfortable with the skill set yet. The hood and gloves kept me relatively comfy, but my face and down the front of my torso was getting a little chilly by the end. Maybe get one of those thin torso covers some of the instructors were wearing. That and not being nervous as hell at first would have probably helped. Three of the instructors had dry suits and those look like the way to go for quarry diving adventures. When they don't leak at the neck. If nothing else, I need to get a fancy dive-tracking computer now so that I can record my dives. I think I want a wrist-mounted model, although the all-in-one SPG is pretty dang handy as well. I've determined that I like regulators with longer hoses, too. I used a Sherwood (?) and a Tusa (?) and the Tusa made it kinda hard to look around, whereas the Sherwood is long enough to string under your armpit with the octo. That makes me feel a lot more comfortable... I feel more streamlined that way. Jacket BCD versus back BCD is another pros 'n cons debate. Either way, SCUBA totally kicks ass and I shall be doing it in the future. I think I'm going to Mexico for spring break next year. Thank you all for the tips and support. Not only did I learn how to dive in this class, I also got over my water-related anxieties. Instruction and experience create confidence. I have that now. Blunt force trauma wins again! __________________ *Whatever you can carry.* "You should not drink... and bake." Last edited by Plan9; 07-27-2009 at 05:38 AM..