Fall diving is over for me now. So that means I will loose some of my stregnth to dive. In the spring,will have to start over.
Could you be more specific as to what you mean by strength to dive? Diving itself is in general a low physical exertion activity, unless you are going against wicked currents. The more physical parts are during the entry and exit, and that is very dependent on your equipment, surroundings (boat or shore), ambient temperature, etc. Even with those factors, the overall activity is very low. If this is what you are referring to, then any type of vigorous physical activity with a well designed program should be sufficient. Your body only declines if you don't challenge it.
Now if we are referring to the skills require in scuba diving, THAT is a different subject. That has to do a lot more with motor learning rather than kinesiology. Skills that are not practiced get rusty, however, if you had them in the first place, it does not take long to remember.
This winter I want to keep up some sort of exercise program to keep strong for diving in the spring. Would I do shoulder, thigh or what kind of exercise?
You'll be better off and avoid wasting a lot of time if you stop focusing on individual parts. Focus more on the basic aspects of fitness which are Balance, flexibility, strength, power and endurance. If you do not know how to put a proper program together, seek the guidance of a qualified fitness professional.
Also if I use my drysuit, I find with the tank and extra weights to get me down, I have trouble walking. What exercise would be good for that ?
Nobody can walk at leisure with all the gear needed for DS diving. The equipment is heavy and your body has to change posture to prevent you from falling. What exercise would be good for that? Well, all of them! The issue here is not what exercise, but rather, what component of fitness is lagging. Now keep in mind that those aforementioned components ARE NOT separate, but well connected with each other. For instance, addressing strength weaknesses has a positive effect on balance and stamina without the need to directly work those components, see the connection?
I have started swimning with my mask,snorkel and fins. That should help some.
tia gail
Let's think for a second here. Being that scuba gear is designed to be neutrally buoyant, it is not a problem while in the water. The problem is having the gear on while you are NOT in the water, so how does a water based endurance activity help you with your strength problem?
Wouldn't it make sense to build strength on ground-based activities since that's the medium where the issues appear? Now, this is not saying to stop your activities in the water, but rather, to engage in a more complete exercise program including things like resistance and endurance training, which seem to be the main problem here.
Again, If you are having difficulty putting it all together, please seek qualified help. It will be a good investment and help you stay in shape for your next diving season. Good luck!