Got certified today! And froze.

[Chip Elliott]

Had my first two OW dives yesterday. Day was beautiful, bright blue fall skies, 61 degrees Fahrenheit. Nice walk to the site (Bigelow Hollow State Park, Connecticut). Water temp: 49!!! Did the first two dives and completed all skills without incident. FROZEN AT THE END.

Went back today for the last two dives: Cloudy, windy, overcast, raining, 48 degrees Fahrenheit. Nice COLD walk to the same site. Water temp: 46!!!! Did both dives without incident. REALLY, REALLY, REALLY FROZEN AT THE END.

BTW: Henderson 7mm Aqua Lock wetsuit with 7mm hood, boots and 5mm gloves. As I type this I think my fingers are starting to feel again.

But, I'M CERTIFIED!

 

[dumpsterDiver]

congratulations!

 

[Chip Elliott]

Thank you DD!!

 

[Marie13]

Congrats! One word: drysuit, as soon as your budget allows!

 

[Marie13]

How was the viz?

 

[Newdiv]

Congratulations!

 

[rongoodman]

It's crazy being in water that cold in a wet suit!

 

[Erich S]

Back when I got certified in Ice diving the first dive was in a wet suit and the second in a dry suit. That first dive was an eye opener!

 

[CuzzA]

Congrats Chip.

They say if you truly enjoy diving, it will become a lifestyle. So far this has been true for me. I dive every chance I get.

I'd get a dry suit and keep diving if you can up there. That or come down to Florida as much as possible. Had to break out my 3 mil wetsuit for the first time this year as it was 72 on the bottom last week here in Tampa Bay.

 

[Bratface]

Congratulations. I'm a cold water wimp so you deserve your c-card for doing skills in cold water...and with all of that neoprene. Go dry, stay warm.