Two small questions.

[Jeffykins]

Hi everyone! I searched for my first question, and couldn't find anything so I figured I'd ask here, and my second question, I decided I might as well ask even though I'm sure it's been covered before.

First: I have my lip pierced. I have never been diving before, but I have snorkeled. My lip ring didn't effect how the snorkel mouth piece fit in my mouth at all. I'm wondering if it will effect the mouthpiece diving? Like letting water slip by. And if dive shops will make me take the ring out to dive?

Second: I'm a fairly decent swimmer, but I have trouble treading water. I never learned how to properly and I've heard that part of testing is having to tread water for an extended period of time. Should I look into taking some swimming lessons before signing up for classes? What degree of swimming skill is required for OW and AOW?:doh:

 

[neonistic]

#1: I don't see it as a problem. Lots of students have facial piercings.

#2: Swimming lessons will never hurt. Treading/floating is part of PADI Open water. As long as you are in water too deep to stand in and don't hold onto anything, you should be able to swim around for that part.

 

[SDAnderson]

First: I have my lip pierced. I have never been diving before, but I have snorkeled. My lip ring didn't effect how the snorkel mouth piece fit in my mouth at all. I'm wondering if it will effect the mouthpiece diving? Like letting water slip by. And if dive shops will make me take the ring out to dive?

It might give you a problem but it probably won't and if it does you can take it out, right?

Second: I'm a fairly decent swimmer, but I have trouble treading water. I never learned how to properly and I've heard that part of testing is having to tread water for an extended period of time. Should I look into taking some swimming lessons before signing up for classes? What degree of swimming skill is required for OW and AOW?:doh:

If it's a PADI course, you will need to swim on the surface for 200 yards and float/tread/swim for 10 minutes. No stopping or hanging on the side of the pool is allowed. If you're concerned that you might not be able to do this, give your instructor a heads up now and ask for some help.

 

[kadleck]

If it's a PADI course, you will need to swim on the surface for 200 yards and float/tread/swim for 10 minutes. No stopping or hanging on the side of the pool is allowed. If you're concerned that you might not be able to do this, give your instructor a heads up now and ask for some help.

I have emphasised a key word here - bear in mind that you will be in a pool (no waves to worry about). Most (probably all) people can float. Just lay on your back and stay very still with your head way back and you'll be able to float for a lot longer than the 10 minute requirement. So treading water will not be necessary. As has been stated, you can swim a bit too - but there is really no need to move at all (except to breathe!).

Also, the swim test is not timed (unless/until you get to the DiveMaster course), and you can elect to do the much easier 300yd swim with mask, snorkel and fins. So this part of the PADI requirements is extremely easy to achieve, even for a poor swimmer.

Sorry - no idea whether the lip self-mutilation will affect using a regulator (I doubt whether it will make a significant difference). But I find myself compelled to ask - WHY?

 

[NudeDiver]

I agree with everyone else. Also, you may try doing the swim test in a wetsuit. It will help keep you on the surface

I would recommend taking the ring out of your face when diving, even if the reg works fine, and even if no one makes you. Why? For the simple reason that it may get caught on something. While the probability may be low, I'd hate to see your face ripped off just because you wanted to keep your ring in. Fishing line is hard to see. It would suck if you got hooked by the ring in your face.

Recommend removal of all jewlery, including ear, lip, and "other" rings that may be located on your body....

 

[Walter]

My lip ring didn't effect how the snorkel mouth piece fit in my mouth at all. I'm wondering if it will effect the mouthpiece diving? Like letting water slip by.

If it doesn't effect you when snorkeling, it shouldn't effect you while diving.

if dive shops will make me take the ring out to dive?

There's no reason to suspect anyone would have such a requirement. If they do, take your business across the street.

I'm a fairly decent swimmer, but I have trouble treading water. I never learned how to properly and I've heard that part of testing is having to tread water for an extended period of time. Should I look into taking some swimming lessons before signing up for classes?

Take the lessons. If you're not confident in your abilities, you'll be more prone to getting scared if something goes wrong. Fear can lead to panic. Panic can lead to injury or death. The better swimmer you are, the more comfortable, confident diver you are. You'll have more fun and be much safer as a diver.

What degree of swimming skill is required for OW

Depends on the agency. Everyone has different standards/equirements. They range from none (at least two agencies have a 200 yd swim listed, but allow students to substitute a 300 yd snorkel) to 300 yds.

and AOW?

None.

Treading/floating is part of PADI Open water.

There's no need to get agency specific, it's part of every entry level class.

Also, you may try doing the swim test in a wetsuit. It will help keep you on the surface

With most (all?) agencies, if you wear a wet suit, you are required to be weighted so that you are neutrally buoyant.

 

[sibermike7]

Take the lessons. If you're not confident in your abilities, you'll be more prone to getting scared if something goes wrong. Fear can lead to panic. Panic can lead to injury or death. The better swimmer you are, the more comfortable, confident diver you are. You'll have more fun and be much safer as a diver.

Totally agree!

 

[hawkenph]

Also, the swim test is not timed (unless/until you get to the DiveMaster course), and you can elect to do the much easier 300yd swim with mask, snorkel and fins. So this part of the PADI requirements is extremely easy to achieve, even for a poor swimmer.

Is this alternative 300 yd with mask,snorkel and fins just for the OW and/ or Divemaster?
Sorry, just got confused.
Kurt

 

[kadleck]

Is this alternative 300 yd with mask,snorkel and fins just for the OW and/ or Divemaster?
Sorry, just got confused.
Kurt

I am referring to PADI requirements (other agencies may differ):

For OW, the requirement is to swim 200yds without, or 300yds with mask, snorkel and fins (neither option is timed - this was the point of my mention of DM!).

For Divemaster there are 4 tests, which are timed. 1 to 5 points are allocated for each according to the time. Pass mark is 12 points. So you need to do all of:
200yd swim
400yd swim with snorkel, mask and fins
100yd tired diver tow
15 minute float/tread water

 

[CamG]

Greetings Jeffykins! Welcome to SB and it is great to hear of your interest in diving. I think others have answered your questions very well, what I would add is that your instructor can make a huge difference. There have been many threads on this topic a little research will turn up a volume of information.
It is important for you to choose and then the hard part is over. Once you have an instructor follow his guidance and rules. Sometimes there could be differences in opinion but he is training you and therefore is responsible for your well being. It is always a good idea to get to know him or her before the final decision. Check out references and do not be afraid to ask questions.
Diving is really awesome the best advice I have is "GO FOR IT!". You are already on your way, researching and asking questions here on SB!
PS. Welcome to the diving community at large I think you will find many friends in your diving future! Good luck and happy training!
CamG Keep diving....keep training....keep learning!