I did it!! And it was Amazing!

[appleseed024]

Hey everyone!
I recently returned from Koh Chang where I completed my Open Water course over 3 days.
I had such an awesome time!
I went down there for the sole purpose of diving, so I could get a taste of the diving life and to see if it is something I could pursue as a career in the near future.
I had an amazing time, even though I was a bit nervous at first, once I was actually 12m deep on my first open water dive, I felt so comfortable!
Now I'd like to go on to AOW/EFR, and then on to divemaster, so I can get even more experience before maybe becoming an instructor in the future.
I've been bitten by the diving bug!
absolutely loved it
happy diving everyone!

 

[Tigerman]

Congratulations and welcome overboard..
Lets face it, nobody here wants to actualy stay ON board the boat

 

[Bowmouth]

I've been bitten by the diving bug!
absolutely loved it

Congratulations!!
Glad to hear you had a great time and hope you will soon be blowing bubbles again!

 

[Zippsy]

Congratulations to you.

 

[stiggy]

Well done welcome to the world of divers.......

Who did you do your course with? you are obviously happy and it would be good to know who put the grin on your face..

As for zippsy behave and improve.... spat my cofee on the keyboard laughing.

 

[DevonDiver]

Just ignore LK....most of us do. He contributes nothing positive to the forum.

This message is hidden because lord khram is on your ignore list.

ahhhh......BLISS

Congratulations on joining our underwater fraternity ;-)

Your newfound ambition to become a professional dive instructor is certainly an exciting and achieveable goal to have. There are many threads already on these forums containing advice and stories on that topic.

Just remember that because you can become an instructor swiftly, does not necessarily mean that you should. Let your ability dictate your pace of development and be truthful and honest with yourself. try not to rush from course-to-course in your progression - take the time to enjoy diving and gain experience.

I think (just my opinion) that you should have at least 10 fun dives for every course dive, as you progress to instructor.

Never forget, too much work makes Jack a dull boy. Fuel your love of diving...by diving....for you. Cement your addiction and it will last you a lifetime. Those that get caught up in the speedy rush towards professional status quite often forget that, burn out quickly and lose their dream.

 

[TheScubaBOB]

Congrats & welcome....

I too am a Newbie with ambitions of becoming an Instructor someday.

I first got wet October 4th of 2008, completed my OW Cert on October 12th of 2008.

In 10 months I've:

Logged 54 dives.
Have a 57 minute dive (that was heavenly).
Have been to 130ft (that was dark & cold).
Seen a 10ft Bull Shark at 85ft!
Went Wreck Diving in the Philippines (Subic Bay).
Purchased all of my gear (and outfitted my Wife & Daughter) including 4 tanks.
Completed AOW (Jan/09), Rescue (May/09) & 3 Specialties (Nitrox, Equipment & PPD).
Am half way through 2 more specialties (Deep & Wreck).
Overcome Claustrophobia.
Met many really cool people.
Met a few who shouldn't be diving.
Watched both my Wife & Daughter get certified.
Started thinking about the next step, DM!

I'm not rushing anything. As long as I end next season (Fall 2010) with the DM stuff submitted to PADI I'll be happy.

I'm hoping to do AI in 2011 & Instructor in 2012.

Some will say newbie to instructor in 3 years is quick but its the natural pace for me.

 

[Arizona]

Congrats! After AOW go for Rescue/EFR then DM. Keep that enthusiasm but get more dives in. Remember to log them as you need minimums to progress to different levels in the PADI system.

 

[lord khram]

Congrats & welcome....

I too am a Newbie with ambitions of becoming an Instructor someday.

I first got wet October 4th of 2008, completed my OW Cert on October 12th of 2008.

In 10 months I've:

Logged 54 dives.
Have a 57 minute dive (that was heavenly).
Have been to 130ft (that was dark & cold).
Seen a 10ft Bull Shark at 85ft!
Went Wreck Diving in the Philippines (Subic Bay).
Purchased all of my gear (and outfitted my Wife & Daughter) including 4 tanks.
Completed AOW (Jan/09), Rescue (May/09) & 3 Specialties (Nitrox, Equipment & PPD).
Am half way through 2 more specialties (Deep & Wreck).
Overcome Claustrophobia.
Met many really cool people.
Met a few who shouldn't be diving.
Watched both my Wife & Daughter get certified.
Started thinking about the next step, DM!

I'm not rushing anything. As long as I end next season (Fall 2010) with the DM stuff submitted to PADI I'll be happy.

I'm hoping to do AI in 2011 & Instructor in 2012.

Some will say newbie to instructor in 3 years is quick but its the natural pace for me.

Sounds to me you have a good sensible aproach to your diving and are enjoying every step of the way.
3 years is not quick at all to become an instructor, many nowadays do internships and become instructors within a few months, diving with only one shop and at one location / resort.
I am sure you can see the benefits to taking a little longer, and with all your varied experiences and enthusiasm, this should make you a much better instructor.
long may you continue to enjoy your diving and all the best with the future courses.

 

[appleseed024]

thanks so much everybody! this is certainly exciting for me.
thanks for the great advice devondiver, I am right on par with the idea of fueling the dream

and to kyphur, your words are super inspiring! i just can't wait to get back in the water and experience, experience, experience!