New Old Diver

[turtlegirl4]

I got certified through SDI 5 years ago and did my 4 checkout dives over 2 days. I have been had a dive since then for many reasons, none having to do with fear or being physically unable to dive.

My father is doing his checkout dives this weekend at the same place I did mine and when my mom decided not to get certified, he asked me to go. The dive shop we are going with knows how long it’s been since my last dive and said they would hook me up with another “fun diver” on the trip as my buddy.

I’m a little nervous to dive again and also that the buddy will not want to dive with me since it’s been 5 years. I don’t feel as if I have lost knowledge but do know I need to work on buoyancy. I want to be totally upfront with my dive buddy about it. Is going on a fun dive with the shop while they are taking a class to do checkout dives a good idea? I feel like it is a good way to get re-acclimated with diving but like I said, I’m nervous.

 

[Griffo]

Can you ask the shop if you can do a refresher? I personally would advise against jumping in with your dive history without an experienced diver focused on assisting you.

 

[jlcnuke]

Is the other "fun diver" at least qualified as a rescue diver (preferably a DM or instructor), aware of your lack of experience and dive history, and willing to dive with you knowing that? If not, I'd highly suggest taking Griffo's advice and do a refresher first. Having taken people out that did their certification dives within a year and no other dive experience since, I can say that it can often be much more dangerous than they think it will be with their unfamiliarity with the process of diving and lack of experience to draw upon.

 

[Barnaby'sDad]

Can you ask the shop if you can do a refresher? I personally would advise against jumping in with your dive history without an experienced diver focused on assisting you.

This. If you only had your OW cert dives and it’s been five years since your last dive...you need a refresher.

If you don’t want to wait to do that..call and ask if they have an extra DM that would be willing to buddy up with you. You’ve forgotten more than you think you have and you’ll be better off figuring that out while diving with an experienced diver.

 

[Neilwood]

I would agree with the posters above - it will do you good to get a refresher especially as you have not had a chance to ingrain the skills learned.

Even if I take a couple of months off, my first dives will be tame relatively shallow dives to allow me to re-hone my skills.

 

[snowdog61]

If nothing else, see if you can find a pool (the one the dive shop uses) and go get wet. I have Blue Heron Bridge a couple hours away and that is the first place I take a diver that hasn't been down in a while or I have suspicions about. Get acclimated and run through at least mask flood and reg recovery then work on buoyancy and trim (as you should every dive). Should be like riding a bike.... You can judge if you need a DM as a buddy or just hang with the guide when you go OW. You're at least asking but if you're having any doubts about your abilities then do get a DM buddy. Having two newbs as buddies and no supervision is pushing your and their luck. As stated above - easy dives until you are comfortable and get confident in your skills.

 

[turtlegirl4]

Thank you all. I have no time for a refresher course as we leave in the morning but I am heading in to the dive shop after work to discuss who I would be buddies with and my concerns.

 

[Jcp2]

Hire an instructor/DM for yourself, not for any specific certification, but to have somebody knowledgeable help you with what you want/need to work on, and have some fun at the same time. Your father can work on his stuff, and depending on how it goes, maybe you’ll all end up completing the dives together in the fun portion. Win/win/win, except for maybe your wallet.

 

[turtlegirl4]

Just a little update: There were four instructors on our trip. I did go after talking to the shop Friday evening and other than an issue with proper weight, things went really well! I had a great time, was able to relax and work on buoyancy. I need a bed mask but otherwise things were great. I’m already planning my next dive!

 

[Neilwood]

Welcome back to the sport.

Glad you enjoyed it.