fairybasslet
Contributor
I have to admit, I had a lot of trepidation about doing this. I had visions of me hanging upside down, not being able to right myself, and totally freaking out, not so much out of panic but out of humiliation.
I couldn't believe the long process!! Who knew there was so much involved. Measuring for wrist and neck seals, getting sized for the undergarments, the suit, the rock boots. I had to borrow some fins from them because mine wouldn't fit over the boots. I also borrowed 7mm gloves and a hood. Oh, and I forgot. Before all that, you have to get a dry hose put on your 1st stage and you can't lose your little nut that they take out. I made sure I put that in a safe place. ;-)
I have to admit that putting my face in the water at Dutch Springs so I could put my fins on was not pleasant. And really, I was cold during the dive but not unbearably so. I was a little light. I could have used about 2 more lbs. and the fins felt like they were slipping off my feet. I felt way off with my trim and was even using my arms like a noobie because I felt like my fins weren't doing anything. LOL. I found myself kind of negative at depth and tried to inflate my suit but had trouble finding the inflator button. The instructor helped me with that the first time but the second time I found it. The third time I tried, I couldn't find it again. Was I narc'd at 50 fsw? LOL
When we ascended to the platform I had a bit of trouble trying to get the air out of my suit. I thought I was lifting my arm up enough but the instructor said to keep doing it. Finally I guess I got it out because I sunk back down to the platform and could stand on it. He gave me a "Ya done good" sign. It was really hard to see the bubbles coming out of my shoulder though. It was hard to tell if I was getting it or not.
On the way back in, he told me for being underweighted and having fins that were too big, I did really well. He told me I was a good diver. I was so shocked because I felt like a moron most of the time.
Anyway, thanks DUI for the test dive and the hat, and to all the people from different shops who helped out. Everyone was really friendly, helpful and loved to impart their knowledge and wisdom. Thanks to my buddy Ray for lending me a tank and being my lunch date. ;-)
I couldn't believe the long process!! Who knew there was so much involved. Measuring for wrist and neck seals, getting sized for the undergarments, the suit, the rock boots. I had to borrow some fins from them because mine wouldn't fit over the boots. I also borrowed 7mm gloves and a hood. Oh, and I forgot. Before all that, you have to get a dry hose put on your 1st stage and you can't lose your little nut that they take out. I made sure I put that in a safe place. ;-)
I have to admit that putting my face in the water at Dutch Springs so I could put my fins on was not pleasant. And really, I was cold during the dive but not unbearably so. I was a little light. I could have used about 2 more lbs. and the fins felt like they were slipping off my feet. I felt way off with my trim and was even using my arms like a noobie because I felt like my fins weren't doing anything. LOL. I found myself kind of negative at depth and tried to inflate my suit but had trouble finding the inflator button. The instructor helped me with that the first time but the second time I found it. The third time I tried, I couldn't find it again. Was I narc'd at 50 fsw? LOL
When we ascended to the platform I had a bit of trouble trying to get the air out of my suit. I thought I was lifting my arm up enough but the instructor said to keep doing it. Finally I guess I got it out because I sunk back down to the platform and could stand on it. He gave me a "Ya done good" sign. It was really hard to see the bubbles coming out of my shoulder though. It was hard to tell if I was getting it or not.
On the way back in, he told me for being underweighted and having fins that were too big, I did really well. He told me I was a good diver. I was so shocked because I felt like a moron most of the time.
Anyway, thanks DUI for the test dive and the hat, and to all the people from different shops who helped out. Everyone was really friendly, helpful and loved to impart their knowledge and wisdom. Thanks to my buddy Ray for lending me a tank and being my lunch date. ;-)