Refresher course?

[ontheheap]

It's been awhile since my last dive (2 years). I'm thinking about doing a skills refresher course- is it worth the money?

[below sea level]

Yes, you may be surprised at what you've forgotten. Plus, if you're planning to go on a charter somewhere, they're going to want you to do it anyway.

[snagel]

How much you paying?

I think it would be a good idea, but only you can answer that question. How confident are you? Prior to your last dive, how many dives did you have?

Personally, if you feel you have forgotten a lot or if you don't feel comfortable with the diving then a refresher course is certainly something to think about. I don't think there is a magic time limit, it is really what your gut is telling you.

If you know someone who is a seasoned diver, maybe they would go out with you just to be there.

Snagel

[scubajane]

hmmm..... 2 years no diving?????? you asked the question.."is it worth the money?"

I want to know .... what is your LIFE worth?????

do a refresher course..... and then DIVE DIVE DIVE!!!!!

[ontheheap]

hmmm..... 2 years no diving?????? you asked the question.."is it worth the money?"

I want to know .... what is your LIFE worth?????

do a refresher course..... and then DIVE DIVE DIVE!!!!!

Good point.

I'm not sure of the cost but we'll be finding one before our next dive.

[scubajane]

THANK YOU!!!! we don't need another diving statistic!!!! I want you to be safe!!! I want you to have MANY more dives!!!!!!

[PlatypusMan]

Is a refresher course worth it after being out of the water for a long period?

Yes.

Think of it this way--you are a tennis player, who played quite a bit before a long hiatus from the sport. Prior to your putting that racket down, you were one of the top players at your tennis club.

Two years later, you pick up the racket and start playing again. Are you as good NOW as you were THEN, or have your skills atrophied due to lack of regular honing and use? Would you seek out the services of the club professional trainer to help you re-attain your prior level of game?

Disclaimer: I teach quite a few refresher Scuba classes right now, so I have a vested interest in same. I do not believe that this invalidates the answer in any way.

[ertechsg]

Another option is hire a private DM/guide on your next trip once or twice til you are a little more comfortable in the water. They will help you on weak point and show you the critters that the rest of the group missed. Do what makes you feel safer.

[Zeagle Eagle]

Yep, it's worth it.

[snagel]

Just to spar a little discussion here. So, if everybody that posted here was to stop diving today and 2 years from today decided to start up again...you would take a refresher course? I know several of you have over a 1000 dives under your belt.

Snagel