learn from tables or dive computer?

[SoonerBJJ]

I'm going to be taking my open water cert class in the next month and am still deciding on a dive shop. There are some that advertise that they don't utilize dive tables and work exclusively from dive computers and I'm not necessarily sure this is a good thing. Any opinions?

I'm sure I'll be using a computer but it seems as if one would benefit greatly from at least learning to use the tables first, in order to understand what the dive computer is doing for you and in case you lose your computer, it's malfunctioning, in an emergency, etc.

Any thoughts appreciated.

[sasscuba]

Love my computer but learned on the tables. I think everyone should know the tables first before getting a computer.

[Gary D.]

Learn with tables.

Gary D.

[joe rock]

I'm going to be taking my open water cert class in the next month and am still deciding on a dive shop. There are some that advertise that they don't utilize dive tables and work exclusively from dive computers and I'm not necessarily sure this is a good thing. Any opinions?

I'm sure I'll be using a computer but it seems as if one would benefit greatly from at least learning to use the tables first, in order to understand what the dive computer is doing for you and in case you lose your computer, it's malfunctioning, in an emergency, etc.

Any thoughts appreciated.

I agree with the other posts - learn the tables. Even though I dive with a computer, I still plan using tables just to keep in practice.

[RiverRat]

Tables. We asked some students after OW if they thought they learned more about Nitrogen loading etc. using the tables or the new eRDP calculator. They said the tables definately got the point across. Learn your computer after the tables so you know what it's actually doing, basically writing a custom table in real time as you dive.

[SterlingDiver]

I'm going to be taking my open water cert class in the next month and am still deciding on a dive shop. There are some that advertise that they don't utilize dive tables and work exclusively from dive computers and I'm not necessarily sure this is a good thing. Any opinions?

I'm sure I'll be using a computer but it seems as if one would benefit greatly from at least learning to use the tables first, in order to understand what the dive computer is doing for you and in case you lose your computer, it's malfunctioning, in an emergency, etc.

Any thoughts appreciated.

.......then enjoy your computer. I have been in small third world country and on the 2nd day of a 8 day trip had my computer fail. It was great to know I could use the tables, which I did, for the remainder of the trip. Without the tables my repetetive diving would all of been over.

I would be very suspect of a shop that doesn't teach the tables. To be a safe diver everyone needs to understand the tables. Computers are great, but the are a luxury item.

Be smart, be safe, learn the tables, and eventually get yourself a good computer.

Good Diving,

Dave

To be a safe diver

[dmmike]

I have to agree, learn the tables, and learn them well. I also believe you should have a feel for how the "Wheel' works (PADI). This seems like a natural lead up to the computer. Flat tables introduces loading and square profile diving, the "Wheel" introduces multi-level diving and different loading, finally the computer is an ever changing mutli-level dive.

Enjoy

[Cacia]

tables, and learn the concepts mathematically...like what a square profile looks like graphed, and what the cumputer curve looks like graphed. This helps to conceptualize what you are doing more clearly with offloading Nitrogen. (for me anyway)

[Stormbringer]

I suggest using dive tables and carefully/conservatively plan one's dive. Computers are a great aid in diving but not as a substitute for good conservative dive planing.

[havnmonkey]

Are you able to get certified w/out using tables and doing the calcs. manually? That seems like an accident waiting to happen...