That's good. I've been reading everything I can get my hands on, and been going nuts wanting to buy gear, but I've been behaiving. Well, sort of. I did buy an Aqualung Octopus alternate regulator. I did promise my instructor though that I wouldn't go off buying anymore gear until after we meet in my first pool session and decide what gear I'll really need.
I have an interesting problem but shouldn't keep me out of the water. I have a spinal muscular disorder and use a powerchair full time.
I am a decent swimmer though and "comfortable" in the water.
Before deciding to sign up for scuba classes, I did do a practice swim of 250 yards followed by treading water for 10 minutes in the pool at our apartment complex.
I had a hard time convincing my doctor to give his okay. He obviously was concerned about my learning curve and the heavy gear which he knows I can't carry. He didn't want me to end up in a classroom setting where I couldn't keep up physically with the challenge.
I told my doctor that I'd already talked to the instructor about my abilities and that he was certified in training people with disabilities. Also my sessions would all be one-on-one and that I would learn to don and doff (Is that right?) my gear in the water since I couldn't possibly lift it all.
I am capable of standing and walking on my knees. I can climb stairs on my knees and can easily climb in and out of a swimming pool with steps. I can also stand if I'm in water at least three feet deep.
Though I can use a manual wheelchair, I'm not very quick and don't have much power.
At this time, I feel I'll do well, and I'm looking forward to diving up at Hoods Canal and Octopus Hole.
danceswithoctopus once bubbled.
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dotyj,
You're not really that far away in Vancouver.
