Starting Scuba classes today!

[James Bond]

I'm excited, I've always wanted to go diving! Unfortunately I live in the middle of nowhere and there aren't any real great places to go, but at least I'll be prepared for when I go on vacation to paradise!

 

[achris]

Re: Starting Scuba classes today!

You're welcome to come over (under) here and I'll take you to some truly wicked diving places!!!!!<br /><br />I did a course 22 years ago, logged over two thousand dives and haven't regretted a second.. Oh well, maybe the seconds that the shark grabbed me, but it was only a couple of seconds. Gees that hurt!!! <br /><br />Go for it Jimmy boy!<br /><br />Chris.............

 

[jtexas]

Re: Starting Scuba classes today!

That's something I hope to do eventually. Went on a fishing trip to Belize a few years ago. Everyone else was there for the diving; I decided that whenever I get ready to take it up, that's where I'm going for certification. The official language is English, the water is gin-clear, and they have the biggest barrier reef outside of Australia, featuring a blue hole.<br /><br />Stayed in San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye; no paved roads on the island, but they do have a casino, and the town motto: no shirt, no shoes, no problem. I highly recommend it.

 

[James Bond]

Re: Starting Scuba classes today!

This day is dragging soooooo slow! I got my training manuals two days ago, and already read them cover to cover and took all the little tests ant the end of the chapters. I hope the classroom sessions today and tomorrow aren't going to bore me to death. I cant wait for the pool work on Sunday, and ultimately the openwater a few weeks from now.

 

[gaugeguy]

Re: Starting Scuba classes today!

Do you already have all of your dive gear?

 

[James Bond]

Re: Starting Scuba classes today!

No, I actually don't have anything yet. I'm going to buy my fins, mask, and snorkel today when I go to class. For the rest of the stuff, I'm just going to use the shops loaner equipment. I'll start piecing together stuff here and there as I can afford it. I don't plan on getting brand new, shiney expensive stuff just starting out, I want to see if I'm able to go out a bunch.....looking for some decent beginner used equipment.

 

[gaugeguy]

Re: Starting Scuba classes today!

I guess you are diving in head first <br /><br />I spent a ton of money on dive gear when I was in Okinawa. Was going for my certification and got transferred, so I sold it all (big mistake)

 

[James Bond]

Re: Starting Scuba classes today!

Originally posted by gaugeguy:<br /> I guess you are diving in head first <br /><br />

What do you mean by that? I'd hate to hit my head on the bottom and break my neck....hahaha

 

[achris]

Re: Starting Scuba classes today!

Hey Jimmy,<br /><br />Just remember that it'll be the theory work that'll save you "donkey" down the track. Don't pay it off. <br /><br />As for gear, buy good quality, not the cheapest and not the most expensive either. Talk to a few experienced divers and find out what to look for and what to look out for. Most people who quit the sport put the reason down as being uncomfortable and not enjoying it. Most of the time it's because they bought really cheap, crappy gear. <br /><br />Good luck, and book a diving holiday in my part of the world. You won't regret it!<br /><br />Chris............

 

[ndemge]

Re: Starting Scuba classes today!

Have never gone diving, but the idea of it sounds like it would be fun. <br /><br />...But a question, If I swim down, when I get to about 7' my ears start to hurt BAD from the pressure, this normal?

 

[Hooty]

Re: Starting Scuba classes today!

Yes, it's normal. You'll learn the valsalva manuever. It equalizes the pressure on either side of the ear drum.<br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty

 

[James Bond]

Re: Starting Scuba classes today!

When you go swimming and hold your breath to go to the bottom of the pool, you are holding air in your lungs/ears/sinuses at regular atmosphere pressure, and when you go down the water pressure increases, and you don't have a way to equalize that pressure, that's why it hurts. When you are diving, you are breathing in compressed air that is plenty high pressure for you to "pop" your ears manually and equalize the pressure the deeper you go.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Starting Scuba classes today!

yes, great hobby i'm glad i got into some years back. some people do have problem with the pressure, but most can learn to overcome. james bond is correct in his explanation. also, once you break one atmosphere, you rarely have problems with the pressure and equalizing.<br /><br />enjoy your new hobby-

 

[achris]

Re: Starting Scuba classes today!

If you're interested in diving medicine, then get a hold of 'The Diver's Medical Companion' by Drs Robert Thomas and Bart McKenzie.<br /><br />Chris...........

 

[James Bond]

Re: Starting Scuba classes today!

Well, I did my pool work yesterday, it was pretty cool, something completely different that what I'm used to! I found out really quick when I went to the bottom that I need to make a nice trip to the dentist....I was getting a pretty bad tooth squeeze, so I need to have it refilled. I seem to always be having problems with that tooth, I may as well just get it pulled and not have to worry about it anymore.

 

[achris]

Re: Starting Scuba classes today!

How are you going with the theory?

 

[PW2]

Re: Starting Scuba classes today!

Diving is indeed fun. We used to dive in Puget Sound all the time. Really safe if you use common sense, and have decent equipment.