So, I got OW certified almost 3 yrs ago here in wisconsin. I got OW certified in order to work a job at an aquarium, I did 50-100 dives there, but they were all off of a hookah system (see: not real diving). I got turned off of diving since the work there wasn't particularly fun and i was finishing my degree and working.
Anyways, I'm moving to seattle in september for grad school and after researching the diving scene there, I'd like to get back into it. I don't have any open water dives besides my OW checkout dives. So, I signed up for a refresher which i'll be taking soon. OK, so a few questions as far as moving forward- given that I dont have much in the way of OW dives besides my cert, should I sign up for some local charter dives, hopefully to be buddied with an experience diver? I'm a little hesitant, but everyone here seems to say to "just dive". I'd like to take AOW soon and a drysuit course for Seattle conditions within the year. Is taking AOW right now stupid? Should I just go along with some local dives before taking more classes anyways? I have a ton of free time this month (july - end of august), so I'd like to cram in as much diving as I can.
Anyways, I'm moving to seattle in september for grad school and after researching the diving scene there, I'd like to get back into it. I don't have any open water dives besides my OW checkout dives. So, I signed up for a refresher which i'll be taking soon. OK, so a few questions as far as moving forward- given that I dont have much in the way of OW dives besides my cert, should I sign up for some local charter dives, hopefully to be buddied with an experience diver? I'm a little hesitant, but everyone here seems to say to "just dive". I'd like to take AOW soon and a drysuit course for Seattle conditions within the year. Is taking AOW right now stupid? Should I just go along with some local dives before taking more classes anyways? I have a ton of free time this month (july - end of august), so I'd like to cram in as much diving as I can.
