Hello!
Just wanted to say how much I appreciate this wonderful resource and all who contribute. I am in the process of OW certification...checkout dives are this weekend...and I've come to this board many times for information, insight, and quite honestly, a lot of reassurance. I've always enjoyed the water, but at 43, had convinced myself that I was no longer a strong enough swimmer, that I was "afraid" of stepping into dark water that I couldn't see through, what if I couldn't master the neccessary skills, I'm too old for this, etc...things I'm sure you've all heard before. And the first night of OW class was no help...I was old enough to be "mom" to everyone in the class except the instructor! Yeow!!! Class turned out to be wonderful...a great instructor with a wealth of knowledge and a sense of humor. My first pool session was okay...but I had, as I perceived it, a difficult time with mask removal/clearing. I did it, and the instructor was content with my ability, but it left me feeling frazzled and un-nerved the rest of the night...and in a state of dread for the next 2 days until the second pool session, as I knew I would not only have to completely remove the mask, but swim without it for a distance before replacing it and clearing. Auuughhh!!! This is where ScubaBoard comes in, and I give much of the credit of my success in the second pool session to this board! I found so many posts that offered not only helpful information, but the much needed boost to my psyche that I was not alone with these circumstances and feelings. I still have a few butterflies (hmmmm...could be guppies, I suppose!) about my checkout dives this weekend, but I'm looking forward to the adventure. If you can stand a bit of advice from a newbie...directed at anyone new to the sport or even considering taking up SCUBA...Take the time to explore your local dive shop(s) and really get to know the folks working there. These places provide something far beyond the "dive gear" sitting on the shelves. On that note, my thanks to Kat, Tim, and everyone at Splash...you're wonderful, and I hope you how much I appreciate all of your help!
J~
Just wanted to say how much I appreciate this wonderful resource and all who contribute. I am in the process of OW certification...checkout dives are this weekend...and I've come to this board many times for information, insight, and quite honestly, a lot of reassurance. I've always enjoyed the water, but at 43, had convinced myself that I was no longer a strong enough swimmer, that I was "afraid" of stepping into dark water that I couldn't see through, what if I couldn't master the neccessary skills, I'm too old for this, etc...things I'm sure you've all heard before. And the first night of OW class was no help...I was old enough to be "mom" to everyone in the class except the instructor! Yeow!!! Class turned out to be wonderful...a great instructor with a wealth of knowledge and a sense of humor. My first pool session was okay...but I had, as I perceived it, a difficult time with mask removal/clearing. I did it, and the instructor was content with my ability, but it left me feeling frazzled and un-nerved the rest of the night...and in a state of dread for the next 2 days until the second pool session, as I knew I would not only have to completely remove the mask, but swim without it for a distance before replacing it and clearing. Auuughhh!!! This is where ScubaBoard comes in, and I give much of the credit of my success in the second pool session to this board! I found so many posts that offered not only helpful information, but the much needed boost to my psyche that I was not alone with these circumstances and feelings. I still have a few butterflies (hmmmm...could be guppies, I suppose!) about my checkout dives this weekend, but I'm looking forward to the adventure. If you can stand a bit of advice from a newbie...directed at anyone new to the sport or even considering taking up SCUBA...Take the time to explore your local dive shop(s) and really get to know the folks working there. These places provide something far beyond the "dive gear" sitting on the shelves. On that note, my thanks to Kat, Tim, and everyone at Splash...you're wonderful, and I hope you how much I appreciate all of your help!
J~
Hi there JaFord, Thanks for checking out scuba board, you will definitely like it here, I know I do! If you want someone to chat with feel free to pm me. Take care and dive safe. Matt :monkeydan
