About to be fitted for tank/ow dives

[MattAO]

Hey all we did our second tank dive today. So I have to say thank you to everyone for all the advice. I poked around on the site and gathered more tips.

I think the single biggest thing that helped was to take it in steps. Fill the mask / remove the mask and breathe a bit then replace then clear. I think I was rushing it all together and adding to my anxiety. Also was to not tilt my head up until the mask was mostly empty.

Thanks again all. Can't wait until my OW dives in 2 weeks.

 

[Neilwood]

Hey all we did our second tank dive today. So I have to say thank you to everyone for all the advice. I poked around on the site and gathered more tips.

I think the single biggest thing that helped was to take it in steps. Fill the mask / remove the mask and breathe a bit then replace then clear. I think I was rushing it all together and adding to my anxiety. Also was to not tilt my head up until the mask was mostly empty.

Thanks again all. Can't wait until my OW dives in 2 weeks.

Congrats on getting halfway there (actually probably more than that skills wise).

I have highlighted your comment because I think that is one of the most important lessons to pick up in SCUBA - you have time so don't rush things. Apart from running out of gas, there is very little else that can be helped by rushing. Stop-Breath-Think-Act.

People often make the same quote here about rushing - slow is smooth and smooth is fast. If you rush a drill, you can easily fumble it but by slowing down a bit you can make sure it is right (more speed comes with more practise).

 

[PBcatfish]

I would buy a cheap dive skin (like $25). When you go to dive in different climates, you are likely going to be renting different types of wet suits... that others have used & you don't have any good way of knowing how well they have been cleaned. I like to have a skin to go under them. The skin can go in the washing machine at the end of the day. They also pack pretty well in a suitcase.

 

[Vitesse2l]

Yep for slow careful drills.

My mask got dislodged at 80' because I was too close to my buddy's fin. No drama, just clear and go. I was wearing a bcd at the time, but that's irrelevant.

Enjoy your training and good luck with whatever diving you decide to do.

 

[MattAO]

Well over last weekend we did the boat dives. So it is official i'm PADI certified.

I would buy a cheap dive skin (like $25). When you go to dive in different climates, you are likely going to be renting different types of wet suits... that others have used & you don't have any good way of knowing how well they have been cleaned. I like to have a skin to go under them. The skin can go in the washing machine at the end of the day. They also pack pretty well in a suitcase.

I like that idea. I will absolutely get one.

 

[rhwestfall]

 

[Neilwood]

Well done.

Only one thing to say now - keep diving!

 

[MattAO]

Well done.

Only one thing to say now - keep diving!

No worries there. Just did 2 dives in Pelham and looking for the next place.

Keep dialing in my rig and hiring the water.

 

[RayfromTX]

Did you buy gear?

 

[MattAO]

Did you buy gear?

Some yes. I got some used gear and diy'ed some. I picked up some older Sherwood, Apeks, and Aqualung/Us Divers regs. Used James79 design and built a bp/w based on his, works awesome. He also dove with me at the Quarry and shared some regs so I could dive as I get those sorted out. Still looking for a steel tank at a reasonable price.