After 37 years of diving, certain things still give me the heebie-jeebies, like diving in really poor visibility and descending feet first and my feet hit the bottom before I can see it...
After 37 years of diving, certain things still give me the heebie-jeebies, like diving in really poor visibility and descending feet first and my feet hit the bottom before I can see it...
SMN Publisher
Welcome to the Board! Aruba is a lot of wreck diving and the reefs are lacking compared C & B of he ABCs!
It is better when new to be 2lbs heavy than light! So add a couple extra lbs! Everything in the water should be slow motion!
Blood from the nose is very common and has very little do with ear clearing! Start on the surface and continue all the way gently blowing against your closed nose while moving your head from side to side stretching your neck as far as possible! It will become easier the more you do it!
Keep all things out of your ears and do not remove the natural wax with a q-tip! They cause micro abrasions and allow infections in! Use ear beer after each dive! 1/3 alcohol 1/3 white vinegar 1/3 water in a dropper bottle and you will not have a problem!
Barotrauma https://health.google.com/health/ref/Ear+barotrauma is from pushing through the pain instead of equalizing! So be sure to equalize as you go each dive and every time you go deeper!
Good luck and happy diving! Feel free to ask you will get a lot of opinions!
Don't waste your money on masks and ear plugs until you know there is a problem you can't cure any other way!
May all your dreams be wet ones!Visit us at Twotankedproductions.com
Reed's Rod dive Tool Please help save the worlds Coral reefs! http://safemooringfoundation.org/
Try being a PSD and doing 100ft in pitch black water! No problem! Been there done that!Originally Posted by The Publisher
May all your dreams be wet ones!
Reed's Rod dive Tool Please help save the worlds Coral reefs! http://safemooringfoundation.org/
Sounds like you both have accomplished a lot. The key is practice so he becomes comfortable under the water. Also as Papa said, take it slow. Tell your instructor that he needs to work on his buoyancy and practice together until he really has it down. It is probably the single most important diving skill and one that is difficult for a lot of divers to master. Changing equipment (rental gear) makes it harder to learn too. If he uses the same gear every time, it will make it easier for him to become accustomed to how it works and how it's bouyancy is affected by it.
It's interesting that you mentioned the extra weight. I was discussing with my husband all the things that everyone said, and before I read your response, he told me that he felt that he needed more weight. He feels that he can't control mostly when it's near the end of the dive and his tanks are emptier. He also told me that he felt that it was time to at least get our own BCD. The only equipment we own are our masks, snorkles, fins and boots. Since he had so many problems, we were not anxious to buy equipment that wouldn't be able to be used, if he couldn't get the ear problem cleared up.
Thanks for your help.
Rae
I'm sorry but I have to bring this up. I laughed so hard when I saw your spelling of "gently". At least I ***ume you meant gently and not blowing through the genitals.
Rae
Ok, one more question since you all have been so kind. Is it smart to buy a used BCD? I haven't looked for one yet, but it might be an option for us till we knowfor sure that we are going to be able to continue scuba diving.
It depends on how old the liner is, and whether the nylon outer shell is breaking down from sunlight exposure. The rubber hoses can always been changed.
Good quality BC's should last at least a decade, and good deals are to be had on E-bay. I would stick with name brand ones though. I have a Zeagle that is probably still good after 20 years.
Everyone struggles to some degree when starting out, it is just part of the process. Once you try different gear over time, you get a little bit more competent each time.
That struggle people have of flopping around underwater, or on the surface, of not being weighted right, with adjustments, tweaks, etc, over time, it all goes away.
Update edit: I am seeing AWESOME deals on used Zeagle Ranger BC's on Ebay for around $100-$200. They have integrated quick release weight pouches which is a feature I always found REALLY nice and increases comfort levels.
SMN Publisher
The majority of my equipment was purchased used. The biggest thing is to know what you are buying and the actual condition of the item. There are some amazing deals on new entry level equipment as well, so if you don't know what you are looking you may want to go that route as well. Even the most basic gear will get you in and out of the water safely as long as it is operating properly and you know how to use it.
Now BC's are an entire animal in themselves as there are so many different manufactures, styles and features. I personally like the wing style BC which puts the diver in a horizontal position while in the water. My wife on the other hand prefers the standard jacket style BC as it keeps her in a better position while on the surface. I have seen some XS scuba BC demos for sale for $125 each at Leisure Pro. You can also check out your local dive shop for used gear. Usually they can provide a warranty on the stuff you buy as they have serviced it, buy you NEED TO ASK.
Good luck, let us know if we can be for more help.
Ace
Not only does LP have demos and used equipment but we also have great specials on closeout items. You don't always have to pay full price for a new BC.
I highly encourage getting a little more dive time before purchasing gear on the flipside its a great investment but better to be sure that you into scuba for the long haul.
Safe diving!
Adam
Adam Waddell
Leisure Pro Customer Service Amb***ador
adamw@leisurepro.com
www.leisurepro.com
Last edited by adambayam; 01-29-2010 at 03:44 PM. Reason: Signature
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