What is on Your Mind?

Hey!

I used to dive a lot and got my PADI Open Water Diver certification many years ago. Now, I'm thinking about getting back into diving and taking a PADI Advanced Open Water diver course after a few fun refresher dives.

Any divers on the site?

I got a NAUI Openwater II cert in college. I really only needed one credit to graduate so I took a SCUBA class. My brother was a professional diver at the time so I got all the gear for the class for free. Anyways, I never thought I'd need the card again until I went to St.John USVI and went on several dives. Once I got into the water all the things I learned in class came back to me and I had a great time!

Me!

BSAC Trained & Also TDI Advanced Nitrox & Deco Procedures.
Been diving since 96.
Usually Off the west wales coast.

Check out http://www.yorkshire-divers.com one of the largest diving forums in the UK. Although UK based has a world wide membership with a few in your area no doubt.
pop in & say hi (you'll be buddied up and back in the water in no time)

:-)

Nick

Thanks for the replies.

I've been reviewing the PADI Open Water Diver DVD, thanks to a friendly Englishman who owns and dive shop and verified by (antique) PADI Open Water certification card. He was so helpful and spent a lot of time with me and recommended a fun dive before working on Advance Open Water certification. He said that since I was already certified as an Open Water diver, there was no need to take that course again.

However, since I've not really dived in nearly 10 years, I thought I would take the Open Water class again, just to be "super comfortable" with all the basics again; even though I don't have to take the test again since I hold a certification card.

I'm going to do this in Thailand, perhaps starting as early as next week after the crazy Thai new years holidays with water fights everywhere! Sometimes I think I should work toward an instructor certification, just for fun, not to really teach.

Glad to hear that your enthusiastic about getting back into the water.

Not sure i'd recommend doing the open water course again,particulary as you're already qualified, but i'd certainly recommend you find a friendly local instructor that's willing to accompany you on a few shallow dives.

take your time & You'll pick it back up quit easily. How many open water dives do you have?

as i said pay a visit to YD the membership is broad and worldwide, i'm sure there will be a few in your area.

I've done around 30 dives since 1982, but stopped around 10 years ago when I was busy working. Plus I used to have a bit of trouble clearing my left ear (sinus problems, allergies). Most of the 30 dives have been in shallow water, less than 30 meters, as I prefer the "colorful world" versus going deep where the colors are absorbed in the water.

You recommended the same thing as my English Divemaster friend, who said just do a few easy, shallow dives with his instructors and then go for the Advanced certification.

But... for some reason, I feel like going through the drills and skills in the pool again, LOL

Completed two boat dives yesterday. Starting PADI Advanced Open Water class soon.