What to Consider as a New Student to Diving?

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As an Instructor, I've only had to deny certification to 2 students.

A criteria of mine, is to first make sure that the individual _Wants to dive. Having worked in a resort area, I have many students that have been pushed into diving by a loved one, wanting them to accompany them in their hobby. The pressure of this expectation, added onto learning a skill that has it's own pressures, can be difficult in the least.

So, before beginning to want to learn to dive, list the reasons for yourself. As you will be the one in the class, interacting with the new environment and your Instructor, make sure that you are ready. Make sure that this is something that you want to do. As we all know, when you want something, you will work hard to get it.

Now to find an Instructor that will let you fulfill your goal? That will be up to you.

I have had many people come to me for instruction. Many professionals have asked how can you have so much patience??....... Because I love the sport, I teach, remembering how I learned for the first time. Scared of the unknown, breathing underwater,,,,,,,

The best compliment that I received (from a Professional - A Course Director) was, "That was the best briefing I've ever heard". My briefing was one that answered all questions before they were asked. I've heard them (the questions) for 20 years. My job as an Instructor, ( I say job, it was my job for over 20 years, I chose and did it because I loved it!!!!) was to answer those questions, and explain things in such a manner that my students were relaxed before we entered the water, knowing as I do,that we were now entering an unknowing and unforgiving environment.

If I have a student that has difficulty mastering a skill, I look to myself first, and ask, is there some other way that I can explain this skill so that they might master, and more important, feel comfortable with this skill?

As an Instructor, knowing and loving diving as I do, it is an honor and a privilege, to teach others. And most important, as an Instructor, it is my job to make sure that my students learn, and respect the environment, one that is lovely and at the same time can be very unforgiving to the one that does not understand or respect it in kind.

So to get back to the original question, of to learn to dive or not ,and with whom.

Ask yourself first, pursue your goal, check it out (so easy now on the internet) ask, ask, ask and find the Instructor that answers YOUR questions. Ask for a private class, ask for whatever you need to meet your comfort level, once you are underwater. it will change, (that comfort level that felt so good on land ) but you are seeking to find that comfort level underwater too. aren't you?? The Instructor for you will be the one that will show you what you want to do, and will show you what you can be.....
 
Great post.

With my students, they think I'm nuts, because I tell them I am going to teach them to REALLY swim with the fishes, and it's the coolest thing in the world.

But I think the student has to have a good relationship to the instructor. The instructor has to relate to the students, not "teach the standards", only.

This is the way coolest sport, ever (sorry, Shaun White, but I'll take scuba over snowboarding, any day)!!!!!!
 
The only advice I can give to any new diver or someone taking the course is, relax, listen to the instuctors,and have fun. And remember once you get quailfied don't take shortcuts in your dive prep or buddy checks, I lost a friend this way, he did not hook up his BC whip when he went diving (it was leaking air apparently) and it cost him his life, and he was only in 10 ft of water. I know you may say "I would never do that" but it does happen. If you follow the rules of your training and dive safe and within your limits you will have fun and many stories to tell your friends in the future.....BONESNEWS
 
You first have to ask yourself why you want to learn. If you would prefer to send someone a check, get a c-card, so you can dive and not care how much you are going to learn, the course and instructor you choose doesn't really matter.

Some people's priority is on having fun, for others this is secondary to the learning process. If you are seriously interested in learning as much as possible, be careful in the course selection.

Not all courses are equal. The length of the course (read number of training hours) is a good indicator of what's involved. Obviously you want to select the best instructor you can, but in some areas there may not be a lot of choice. If there is a selection to choose from, speak to previous students that may share your desire to learn. Compare the courses from the various training agencies; there are differences, look for them.

I'd encourage any serious student to seek out a diving club. Many clubs offer cost competitive courses that are much more inclusive than those offered by a commercial business. I currently teach for free at a local club. This also provides you with a group of divers to dive with, as well as mentors who can assist you in the training process. Once certified, the best way to learn is by doing.

Good luck in your journey; it's sure to be an exciting one!
 
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As a brand new diver, I want to second the advice to slow down and ask questions. I had a rough first day in the pool because I was trying to keep up with the teeny-bopers that have no fear of drowning (which, I do). I must have looked worried because one of the instructors (GREAT guy) pulled me aside and walked me through some techniques for breathing (since I am a swimmer, and I struggle with mouth-breathing and not blowing out through my nose). He spent some extra time with me and it was invaluable! I just needed a few extra minutes and tips and then I was good to go! I saw don't be afraid to "look dumb" or feel slower than other people in the class because that is the only way you will get the tips that you really need!
 
Hi. My summer is getting more boring each day so I plan to go scuba diving. Thing is, I have asthma. Can I stand the water pressure of the ocean? Anyways, GDI's post have been very helpful. Can I go scuba diving without taking any lessons? Can I just ask help from a friend who's an experienced diver?

Have a great summer everyone!
 
Hi. My summer is getting more boring each day so I plan to go scuba diving. Thing is, I have asthma. Can I stand the water pressure of the ocean? Anyways, GDI's post have been very helpful. Can I go scuba diving without taking any lessons? Can I just ask help from a friend who's an experienced diver?

Have a great summer everyone!

I am pretty new myself (JUST got my Open Water Certification! Yay!) but I will jump in here and say that I don't suggest going without taking some classes. There is a lot to know about emergency situations, like being out of air, or emergency accents, that you can't really learn from a friend in a quick chat. Even if they do tell you all of the info, if you haven't practiced it in a controlled environment, you might not remember what to do when you are really in the situation.

As far as the asthma goes, please talk to your doctor! I don't know what to advise and I wouldn't advise online anyway. There are a lot of things to consider, like medication and aggravating factors, and your doctor can take all of that in to account.

Just my opinions. I am not a pro! :idk:
 
While I can't comment on how other instructors do their classes I thought it important to illustrate to a new student what they should expect to see from a instructor who is out for their well being as students and as a customer.

First the need to feel comfortable. It is important that a new student feel comfortable with whom they are ready to take scuba lessons from. The instructor is preparing you for a fun activity in a world that is for the most part forgein to us. If you have a instructor that concentrates solely on the fun side of the sport then I say start looking again. A good instructor will talk about the fun stuff and will also be able to explain the risks related to scuba diving. Not in a negative way but in a way that will be understood illustrating the importance of taking lessons. Scuba diving is a sport that truely the more you know the more fun it is.

Second telling it like it is; Right up front the instructor should show a willingness to listen to your expectations and explain how the class will be conducted with this in mind. A instructor or a LDS that appears to be wanting to rush you along may not be interested in any thing other than handing out c-cards. A good instructor and LDS will explain to you the need for additional classes if required and any additional costs thus related should you approach the preset maximum training time frames. Believe it or not that is good for you and yes good for their business. They will discuss any equipment requirements you'll be expected to have for taking the classes. All I can say here is diving is not a cheap sport but it is a sport that if you do not have the right equipment you will not enjoy it as much as you could. Shop wisely and be prepared to drop down some cash.

Third, The paperwork!; Ah yes how we all hate this part. As boring as it may be it is to your best interest to make certain your instructor covers all the meanings of what these forms are indicating. The forms protect you and the instructor should something go wrong. An instructor that ensures all the forms are completed and signed is showing their attention to detail. If you are required to get a medical opinion from a doctor as to your suitablity to learn to scuba dive then take the time to visit the doctor. Some instructors and LDS shops will know of doctors who are also divers ask if you have any doubts because not all doctors understand the risks associated with scuba diving. Don't be afraid to ask the instructor to see a copy of their c-cards and log book and their proof of liability coverage and teaching status

Fourth, The Knowledge and Skills Don't assume that your instructor is the know all and end all of diving knowledge. A good instructor will learn right along with you. They will seek out answeres to your questions or find out who knows. Make certain the instructor takes the time to answer your questions. I do need to point out that you may need to be patient to others in the class if they don't grasp the concepts as easily as you may, every student is different and a good instructor will keep you challenged and entertained even while dealing with those who need a little bit more attention.
Watch the instructor in the pool and at the dive sites as well as in the classroom. Does the instructor walk the talk, and setting good example. Do be afraid to assess the instructor. A good instructor will be open to constructive critque just as you are. They want to improve how they do their classes and it is your feed back that helps. Besides it is by way of mouth that a good instructor gets new students.

In teaching my classes I use a simple technique in that I see what the student is Interested in, I do my best to reach them based on their Comprehension level, I Emphasize key points and movements. I seek out the students active Participation all in aspects of the class and most importantly I Acknowledge each student as an individual and provide them Confirmation as to how they are doing. I call this technique ICEPAC

Fifth, The Freebe Goodies; These are the extras that you may expect from your instructors and/or LDS. They may include membership into a dive club, DAN student insurance, a limited Subscription to a dive magazine. The list goes on and on. Ask what goodies your instructor may inlcude.

In short select your instructor and LDS with care, interview them and make certain you're comfortable with them and understabnd fully what to expect from them and they from you. Have fun, good luck and safe diving

Thank you for very useful information. I started diving in the mid 1990's in South Africa - and could have used this so well. Did not realise how time-consuming this hobby is. Our water is cold (Cape Town) and it is basically half a day to drive to a dive site, kit up, dive, get back and cleanup gear. A great ritual - but unfortunately one that did not stand up to the time constraints I later experienced as a parent of two kids. 3dive
 
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