"Beginner" Dive trips?

[me_diver]

From the other thread about newbie mistakes something I heard most common was divers going beyond their abilities/training. This won't be a problem with me, I have no desire to do that! So, this may be a pathetically stupid question, but can I (my husband and I actually) as newly OW certified divers ask for a dive that is within our limits/capabilities? I.e. going to a resort/island/whatever, go to a dive company and ask for their "novice" boat/trip ? I.e. staying above 60feet, not rough current/hard entries, with a DM or instructor etc?

 

[Papa_Bear]

Get comfortable in the water! Dive a lot and try to dive with people who have a higher level of skills! Join a club or take a few live-A-board/resort trips and watch the DMs! Dive dive dive dive! There are no Novice trips, but telling the DM you are one will help! Communicate and people will have more patience!

 

[SkimFisher]

Most dive charters don't want to deal with dead or bent divers.

I can't speak about trips abroad. But I do know that when I was freshly certified and looking for charters I made it a point to tell them ahead of time that I was new and not looking to get in over my head. Call ahead and work out the details - you don't want to show up at the dock the morning of and lay that one on them. Most dive ops I talked to during that time all said the same thing "we deal with a lot of new divers, no problem."

 

[Brian Sharpe]

The dive op I was with in Jamaica segregated the certified divers into OW and AOW (& above). During the dive briefings it was made pretty clear that the OW buddy pairs were expected to stay closer to the DM and not go below 60fsw. From my very limited experience of diving in the Caribbean there's plenty to see between 30 & 60fsw.

 

[Diver0001]

From the other thread about newbie mistakes something I heard most common was divers going beyond their abilities/training. This won't be a problem with me, I have no desire to do that! So, this may be a pathetically stupid question, but can I (my husband and I actually) as newly OW certified divers ask for a dive that is within our limits/capabilities? I.e. going to a resort/island/whatever, go to a dive company and ask for their "novice" boat/trip ? I.e. staying above 60feet, not rough current/hard entries, with a DM or instructor etc?

On the whole, operators are more than willing to accomodate beginners. Just be clear about your wishes and be open, which it sounds like you are.

And it's not a stupid question.

R..

 

[jupitermermaid]

First of all, there are no pathetically stupid questions. It's those questions that aren't asked that end up getting people into trouble! Usually, there are people aboard the boats that you go on that the charters know who are willing to take newbies under their wing. If they don't, most have private DM's for hire that will dive with you, and you only (or your group) to represent your best interest, to keep you within your limits and point out interesting sea life. If you are not comfortable diving alone, a private DM can ease your fears. If you are confident but want someone to ease any fears, a good buddy who knows how to be just that will help you. Dive within your abilitites and limitations, hire those who can help you through the segments you are not quite able to handle alone. Stay close to the DM on you're trips, but you alone are responsible to follow your dive tables or computer. The boat DM will NOT babysit you, like a private DM will, but help you as much as (s)he can.

 

[pickens_46929]

Key Largo, FL

Great diving, nice shallow reefs with lots of fish life to look at. Great selection of operators too such as Silent World.

 

[robint]

From the other thread about newbie mistakes something I heard most common was divers going beyond their abilities/training. This won't be a problem with me, I have no desire to do that! So, this may be a pathetically stupid question, but can I (my husband and I actually) as newly OW certified divers ask for a dive that is within our limits/capabilities? I.e. going to a resort/island/whatever, go to a dive company and ask for their "novice" boat/trip ? I.e. staying above 60feet, not rough current/hard entries, with a DM or instructor etc?

first thing - make your FIRST dive trip a good one by going to the right place, a place that won't discourage you (too much current, to much pressure to go deep, rough seas, etc). Lots of great places are out there that you will love, all depends on your price range and when you want to go. Your LDS will probably have some good suggestions for you too.

Also, scroll down to the "Dive Travel" Forum. People are constantly asking where to go as a newbie. There you can read all the recommendations and comments. Lots and lots of good information for you there.

robin

 

[sydney-diver]

From the other thread about newbie mistakes something I heard most common was divers going beyond their abilities/training. This won't be a problem with me, I have no desire to do that! So, this may be a pathetically stupid question, but can I (my husband and I actually) as newly OW certified divers ask for a dive that is within our limits/capabilities? I.e. going to a resort/island/whatever, go to a dive company and ask for their "novice" boat/trip ? I.e. staying above 60feet, not rough current/hard entries, with a DM or instructor etc?

Absolutly. When I was a novice I dived at resorts in Fiji and Somoa and both were very accomodating. It's not a stupid question, you should defn discuss with the operator your experiance and what you expect out of the dive - what you're after is totally reasonable in my opinion.

 

[Thalassamania]

That is a really good, and thoughtful question. I don't know of anyone specializing in that area, but than might be an interesting niche. Is there a market for "novice" dives that feature spots selected for ease of entry and exit and that while not providing "instruction," do include a little extra hand holding?