So now i'm certified...whats next for ME!

[moosicman]

ok, now i'm certified, and i have some up-coming dive opportunities in Cozumel. here is my delima. because i did my OW dive in a spring with very controlled circumstances, i feel like i need to ease in to my next territory. otherwise i would feel like a kid shooting and training with a BB gun and then someone came along and said, "ok, kid. you're certified. Here is your bazooka." know what i mean? so what i need to know is does anyone have any good suggestions on some "next step" novice dives in the florida pan-handle area OR is there someone around willing to take me out and help me stretch my wings.....there are a few of you who have contacted me before about this, so i will be in touch with you

i guess i want to play it safe and not do too much too soon. has anyone else felt this way? and am i crazy or is/was this a rational fear that you had with a nice, shiny, new C-card.

[rach]

i know exactly how you feel! i got certified in missouri but was so busy with school that i didn't get a chance to log any dives until my first ocean dives--in coz! it turned out just fine (even did punta sur as my 8th logged dive ever!), but if you get a chance to get in a few more times before your trip, it'll seem much less intimidating! hope you get a chance!!

[Soonerwink]

See if you can locate a local dive club. They will have some experienced divers that will be glad to dive with you and give you some pointers. This is also a very good way to make some new dive buddies.

[ChrisA]

Originally Posted by moosicman

ok, now i'm certified,....

The number one thing you need to do is dive. It does not matter to much where or what you do down there. Just dive frequently. "frequently" pretty much means "locally". What you need to do is join a local dive club and get to know a bunch of local divers and go diving with them.

If you were here in So. Calif. I'd say "Come on down to the beach tomorrow." If you get with a group of divers you will learn from the others.

The worst thing is to wait until you can take a trip some place to dive. Don't wait.

You be surprized how many new divers give up the sport soon after finishing the OW class. I'd say at least 80% quit. Why because they don't know any other divers and they don't or can't dive frequently enough to keep their skills up. The newer you are the more frequent you should dive. Don't let a month go by with out getting in the water.

[FishFood]

We dive the St Andrews jetties @ Panama City a couple times a month (and Morrison every so often). I believe thats what, two hours from you? It's a good place to start out. It's virtually free at $5 a car. If you're interested shoot me a PM.

Click the website in my sig to see what the Jetties are like.

[CaptainRon]

I agree. Just get in the water every chance you get and practice things like buoyancy and getting familiar with your gear. Then when you get to Cozumel, you will be ready.

[CaribbeanDiver]

that is a very wise idea, moosicman. if you are unable to get in any practice dives, I suggest buddying up with an experienced diver. I do not mean an insta-buddy, but someone you know and knows your skill level. you will find this experienced buddy will look out for you, give you advise and tips before and after dives and will greatly increase your learning curve.
good luck, enjoy your dives, be safe and CONGRATULATIONS.

[Dive-aholic]

It's already been said, but I'll say it again. Get out there and dive as much as you can. It doesn't really matter whether it's more time in the springs or some time at the jetties. Actually, the springs would be better because if you can get your buoyancy down in fresh water, then it's be easy in salt water. I'm already pretty solidly booked for the next couple of week, but we can try to get in the water sometime after that. Just let me know what you're schedule is like.

[moosicman]

i'll be in touch Dive-a-holic! and look forward to it!

[texdiveguy]

Some good advise from others above...also consider a Scuba Review class...I have conducted many of these 'few hour' programs to divers over the years in your same situation---does wonders!