Just got certified

[Aimee1433]

Hi, my name is Aimee. I just got certified this past saturday. My boyfriend and I are looking to find some places that we can access from the shore for the first few times. Would like to go on a boat, but gotta save up for that after all that spending on gear and stuff. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it!!

[Sasha_K]

Assuming that both you and your boyfriend got certified I'm not sure you should be going diving on your own right away. I'd recommend you go out with a club or with an instructor for some time befor e you do any solo dives.

[Aimee1433]

Oh sorry, guess I should have put that info in there. My boyfriend has been certified for a long time, like I think since 2000 or so. So he's got my back, thank god, otherwise I would not be going like that. =)

[Truered1]

Aimee if you are ever in the West Palm Beach to Ft. Lauderdale area and looking for a partner, just let me know. I personally an not a fan of the shore dives but there is a lot to see on the 30 - 45 ft. reefs down this way. Don't know much about your area. If you get down this way there are many wrecks and reefs available off the local dive boats for about $55 each per trip. I like the South Florida Diving Headquarters, Divercity and Dixie Dive boats. Always a great dive, sea life and staff.

[MSilvia]

Originally Posted by Sasha_K

I'd recommend you go out with a club or with an instructor for some time befor e you do any solo dives.

It's good your boyfriend is experienced, but if your training was good, it shouldn't be a problem. I think I had almost 100 dives before I ever had professional supervision outside of a class.

Frankly, I didn't care for it when I had it.

[digitalman]

Originally Posted by Aimee1433

Oh sorry, guess I should have put that info in there. My boyfriend has been certified for a long time, like I think since 2000 or so. So he's got my back, thank god, otherwise I would not be going like that. =)

That being said, still be careful. You're still a very new diver and he may not have the skills required in the event of an emergency. What if something happens to him, are you capable of helping him out? How often does he dive in these conditions and were you trained in similar conditions? If not, I'd probably get more experience under my belt with a divemaster or similar before heading to the beach.

[Aimee1433]

Originally Posted by Truered1

Aimee if you are ever in the West Palm Beach to Ft. Lauderdale area and looking for a partner, just let me know. I personally an not a fan of the shore dives but there is a lot to see on the 30 - 45 ft. reefs down this way. Don't know much about your area. If you get down this way there are many wrecks and reefs available off the local dive boats for about $55 each per trip. I like the South Florida Diving Headquarters, Divercity and Dixie Dive boats. Always a great dive, sea life and staff.

Thanks for the recommendations. We actually live in Palm Bay. I was already planning to drive down that way when we go diving, so this helps alot. Thanks

[Aimee1433]

Originally Posted by MSilvia

It's good your boyfriend is experienced, but if your training was good, it shouldn't be a problem. I think I had almost 100 dives before I ever had professional supervision outside of a class.

Frankly, I didn't care for it when I had it.

I agree with you there. Wont go into it much, but I know how it was, and I am glad I am on my own now.

[mm2002]

The wife and I started diving by ourselves immediately after OW certs, and it was real nice to just dive for fun without any instructors. Like Matt said, if your training was sufficient, just go dive as much as you can. Start out shallow, and work on your skills. You'll be fine!