Thats right, this past Thursday (11/30/2006) GDI (Rick) became a US Citizen at a ceremony in Tampa, Florida. Today GDI made his first dive as a US Citizen and I finished my Cavern Class!!!!
First I want to congratulate Rick on becoming a Yank!
Now about that Cavern Class
...(and Rick has trained and certified hundreds of divers - I just happen to be the first student he had after last Thursday).
Rick has to be the most patient instructor out there. My diving skills overall are vastly improved from where they were just 2 months ago. It is amazing how far one can go in a dozen dives or so with the proper instruction and guidance.
The class was tough - I never thought my fingers could bleed underwater. The pull & glide - the best method of loosing ones finger prints I now know of. OOA drills, failed lights, lost buddies, lost lines, silt outs, broken lines, running lines, entanglements - and my all time favorite - the infamous blackout (really a white-out mask) painted from the inside complete with a set of blood shot eyes.
We also learned how NOT to run lines to close to those of others. One weekend there were 3 of us at Ginnie Springs. We all three ran lines too close to one another as part of the exercise, then instant silt out and reel 'em up (eyes closed to simulate the silt out) I think we came close to resembling a routine the 3 stooges would have been proud of had they ever been in a cavern class. We did get the lines reeled in, but what a challenge.
Then during an OOA drill Rick makes the Evelyn Wood speed break for the cavern exit - I think that 7 foot hose is closer to 7.5 feet today.
During the course we dove at Ginnie Springs, Devils Ear, Devils Eye, Peacock 1, Paradise Springs, and Manatee Springs.
It's been said already by many other divers, I have to say it again! Rick sets the dive training bar very high. He is dedicated to his students and to the safest diving possible. As long as you are willing to try, Rick will be there working with you making, you a better diver every day.
If there was an accredidation for the Elite Corps of Dive Instructors, Rick would be at the top.
Oh yea, and I CAN reach my valves:14:
hey Jean, I have my license to practice now - if you don't mind caverns only AND if you are in need of a dive buddy - shoot me a pm.
Cheers and a round of applause for Rick
Steve
First I want to congratulate Rick on becoming a Yank!
Now about that Cavern Class
...(and Rick has trained and certified hundreds of divers - I just happen to be the first student he had after last Thursday).Rick has to be the most patient instructor out there. My diving skills overall are vastly improved from where they were just 2 months ago. It is amazing how far one can go in a dozen dives or so with the proper instruction and guidance.
The class was tough - I never thought my fingers could bleed underwater. The pull & glide - the best method of loosing ones finger prints I now know of. OOA drills, failed lights, lost buddies, lost lines, silt outs, broken lines, running lines, entanglements - and my all time favorite - the infamous blackout (really a white-out mask) painted from the inside complete with a set of blood shot eyes.
We also learned how NOT to run lines to close to those of others. One weekend there were 3 of us at Ginnie Springs. We all three ran lines too close to one another as part of the exercise, then instant silt out and reel 'em up (eyes closed to simulate the silt out) I think we came close to resembling a routine the 3 stooges would have been proud of had they ever been in a cavern class. We did get the lines reeled in, but what a challenge.
Then during an OOA drill Rick makes the Evelyn Wood speed break for the cavern exit - I think that 7 foot hose is closer to 7.5 feet today.
During the course we dove at Ginnie Springs, Devils Ear, Devils Eye, Peacock 1, Paradise Springs, and Manatee Springs.
It's been said already by many other divers, I have to say it again! Rick sets the dive training bar very high. He is dedicated to his students and to the safest diving possible. As long as you are willing to try, Rick will be there working with you making, you a better diver every day.
If there was an accredidation for the Elite Corps of Dive Instructors, Rick would be at the top.
Oh yea, and I CAN reach my valves:14:
hey Jean, I have my license to practice now - if you don't mind caverns only AND if you are in need of a dive buddy - shoot me a pm.
Cheers and a round of applause for Rick
Steve
accent will most likely stay with us for the rest of our lives. But What I will lose most likely is the knowledge of American History and Government. AHHH TO FIT IN and BE AMERICAN :us:
