Begin SCUBA class this week!

[LGardner]

Hi. My long time desire of SCUBA diving is finally beginning. I'm so anxious and excited. PADI class starts next week and I've already read the entire book. I live in Florida. Any suggestions on course expectations? And good sites (web and water?)

[JCAT]

Welcome, tell us about yourself and if your looking for information, you've come to a great place. Many will share their knowledge with you. This forum is a wealth of info.

cheers

[LGardner]

First, I am treading water even figuring out how to use a "Forum"!!!
I'm taking a PADI course in Open Water. Will further advance all I can. Always lived by the ocean. Live in Central Florida by Kennedy Space Center. Am an Aquarius so I guess that's why my natural element is to be in the water. It sooths my soul.

[JCAT]

You've made your first post, so your doing fine. Here, you'll encounter divers from all around the world. During any given day, you'll see many different conversations taking place, from travel to whats the best piece of equipment to get.

The diving community is a unique culture that has its own language and customs, which you will learn as you go. No need to worry about knowing everything right from the start and there are plenty of divers here to answer any questions you might have.

cheers

[DevilDiver]

Welcome to the forum!!
Congrats on signing up for you OW class. There are quite a few Florida divers here that can give you local info and as already posted people from all over the world with tons of information.

[LGardner]

Wow! I will be spending alot of time with this, I can tell. Don't tell my boss! Are you anywhere near Corpus Christi, TX? I'm in Central Florida by the Kennedy Space Center. My ocean dive will be in West Palm Beach in a few weeks. I don't know what to expect as far as knowledge and common sense. That's also what I am hoping to gain from a forum. My friends own the Orion Diving Boat in Corpus Christi. How do I change my location on this site to say my city?

[DevilDiver]

At the top of the page find and click the User CP button and go to edit profile, should be able to change from there.

I am out of the Dallas/Ft.Worth area bur if you have a hook up in Corpus post the info, always looking for options.........

[LGardner]

Had my first SCUBA class last night. The technical aspects weren't as daunting as all the gear you can get!!! I had read the book already and did understand him and the test. All's well there. I have good breathing control since I do yoga. I just am a bit nervous that I when I'm down I won't do something really stupid!!! The instructor pretty much said all that you've all said! We'll do our ocean dive this Sunday in West Palm Beach, Florida. And again the next weekend. Pool dive this Sat. I could barely pick up an empty tank. How am I to put on a full one?????

[John Yaskowich]

Originally Posted by LGardner

I could barely pick up an empty tank. How am I to put on a full one?????

A full tank is only about 5-6 pounds heavier than an empty one. Wait until you get to sling around all your soaking wet gear!

A few hints:
1. Lift with your knees, not your back (in other words do NOT bend over at the waist with straight legs to pick up your gear. Bend your knees to get close to it and use the strength in your legs)
2. Take your time and ensure your balance is good before letting go of a handhold or taking a step.
3. Share the load with your buddy whenever possible. But remember that the help flows both ways.
4. Using a tool to help is NOT cheating. A hand cart to trundle the tanks and gear around can be a God-send.

[Okc_diver]

Originally Posted by John Yaskowich

A full tank is only about 5-6 pounds heavier than an empty one. Wait until you get to sling around all your soaking wet gear!

A few hints:
1. Lift with your knees, not your back (in other words do NOT bend over at the waist with straight legs to pick up your gear. Bend your knees to get close to it and use the strength in your legs)
2. Take your time and ensure your balance is good before letting go of a handhold or taking a step.
3. Share the load with your buddy whenever possible. But remember that the help flows both ways.
4. Using a tool to help is NOT cheating. A hand cart to trundle the tanks and gear around can be a God-send.

1. You can also ask your buddy to help you put your bcd on and you can help your buddy put theirs on.
2. if you are diving from a boat you would put your bcd on while sitting down the tank is secured to the boat untill you get up to go into the water. When diving from a boat there will be someone on the boat to help the divers getting into the water holding on to you for balance and coming out to help you when you remove the gear so you can get out safely.
3. you can put air into the bcd so it floats, place it in the water walk it waist deep then sit down and get into it that way (be sure to keep a hold on it so it does not drift away) I did this 2 weeks ago in Cozumel when I did a beach dive.

don't be afraid to ask for help. it gets better the more you dive and when you dive HAVE FUN!!! welcome to the world of diving. It's a divers world out there: 70% water 30% land.