My broke self

[Don'tforgetthecamera]

I have to complete my open water dives to be certified and my husband still has to start. Right when I started my diving we had a ridiculous amount of money stolen and he was laid off (what luck, right?). We are still feeling the hurt from those things. While we can hold off on hubby, I have my year to complete open water and I'm starting to worry. It's winter and I just can't afford to travel to warmer climates at this time. I have until November, but by the time the weather gets better for me to visit a Virginia quarry with my instructors I'm petrified I'll be rusty, ESPECIALLY since I'm just starting. Trying to get hubby into the class, which will give me another chance to get into the pool to refresh since I was told I could join him without charge, but that's slow going. I've been reading and studying everything I can, except that's not the same as actually doing it. I doubt there's much advice to be given, but if anyone has experienced this or has an idea I would love to hear it! I'm already counting on having to attend a refresher course.

[snowflake4727]

After a long break like you had, a good instructor would put you in the pool before going to open water.

[boulderjohn]

After a long break like you had, a good instructor would put you in the pool before going to open water.

Yes. In just such a situation, I strongly recommend a "Discover Scuba" class with an instructor to review all your skills. I have done a number of these classes.

[SubMariner]

I have to complete my open water dives to be certified and my husband still has to start. Right when I started my diving we had a ridiculous amount of money stolen and he was laid off (what luck, right?). We are still feeling the hurt from those things. While we can hold off on hubby, I have my year to complete open water and I'm starting to worry. It's winter and I just can't afford to travel to warmer climates at this time. I have until November, but by the time the weather gets better for me to visit a Virginia quarry with my instructors I'm petrified I'll be rusty, ESPECIALLY since I'm just starting. Trying to get hubby into the class, which will give me another chance to get into the pool to refresh since I was told I could join him without charge, but that's slow going. I've been reading and studying everything I can, except that's not the same as actually doing it. I doubt there's much advice to be given, but if anyone has experienced this or has an idea I would love to hear it! I'm already counting on having to attend a refresher course.

Does the dive shop have the option of students using the pool under Instructor supervision during the "off season"? You may want to inquire about this, since it'll be a while before you actually go to OW.

[irishsquid]

Does the dive shop have the option of students using the pool under Instructor supervision during the "off season"? You may want to inquire about this, since it'll be a while before you actually go to OW.
I second this, if available. My shop I certified through gave/gives unlimited pool time, prior class schedule permitting. I will be using it soon, since it is cold here and I want to try out my new Fusion drysuit before hitting the local waters. Pool time really helps until you can get the open water part done and will keep you from paying for a refresher.;)

[boulderjohn]

Yes. In just such a situation, I strongly recommend a "Discover Scuba" class with an instructor to review all your skills. I have done a number of these classes.

Technicality: I meant to say Scuba Review instead of Discover Scuba.

[Wlragan]

The LDS that I use here in central MO always allows students waiting to take their OW's and former students to use the pool when he is having a class. I have just been certified since Oct 2007 so still need practice. I go to the pool about once a month especially in the winter. I had a friend who didn't do her OW's right away after her class. She was able to go to any of the classes and pool sessions for no charge until she did her OW check out dives. For those of us with certs already we just pay for tank/weights. Well worth a couple of dollars to get in the water.

[OceanEd]

Sorry you aren't closer to me down here in Jupiter, Florida. I would recommend that you come back into the pool while your husband is taking his training for free because:
It would give you a chance to review and renew your skills.
You two will be diving together once your are certified and it does not hurt at all if you
train together as dive buddies while your are getting certified.

I think you will find that you will still be comfortable in the water if you were comfortable when you last were diving in the pool. It is usually not as if you forget what you learned.

You have received some great advice here. Hopefully there is an instructor up there who will let you come to his pool sessions so you can stay wet while you are waiting to complete your course.

Sorry I can't be of more help to the two of you since I am so far away.

[fnfalman]

It's probably a big no-no, but maybe the OP can go down to the regional subforum and see if any experienced divers who would be willing to mentor her in the pool with no charge.

[Steve50]

It's probably a big no-no, .


Well said..

[SubMariner]

It's probably a big no-no, but maybe the OP can go down to the regional subforum and see if any experienced divers who would be willing to mentor her in the pool with no charge.

Definitely a No-No unless the "experienced diver" also happens to be an Instructor. Remember: the OP is not yet OW certified.

[Don'tforgetthecamera]

Yes - they have refresher courses. I'll do that (maybe a couple of times) between now and September. If my husband does the class I can also get into the pool when he's there.

[Don'tforgetthecamera]

Thanks everyone. I emailed my instructor about coming back to refresh.

[Hotpuppy]

Thanks everyone. I emailed my instructor about coming back to refresh.

Good luck on your OW and hang in there.

The worst that could happen is it would cost you $30 or $40 to refresh with the class. Considering everything else that we have to buy, pay for, tip for, and insure against in this sport I think $40 to play SCUBA in the water is par for the course.

My experience so far is that every instructor and shop owner I have met or read a post by is concerned about safety. I'm sure there are some out there that aren't, but they are in the definate minority.

While I'm not an instructor and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night..... I think it's safe to say that a good instructor would want to make sure you remember your skills and are safe. The pool is a great and easy place to check that out and brush up. 30 feet underwater is not the place to discover that you forgot how to clear your mask and panic when you get a mouthful of water.

SCUBA is supposed to be fun and safe and a good instructor will work hard to make sure it stays that way.

[Don'tforgetthecamera]

Thanks everyone! My husband and I went to the pool so he could at least start the swim portion of his scuba. He'll be doing a lot of swimming at the YMCA and he'll be doing his scuba in bigger segments than I did, so I can go with him as he does all of this and it won't all be crammed together in a weekend. The instructor gave us a timeline and all that, so I feel much better about the whole thing.