The first breath underwater was memorable. I thought about quitting that first day. It felt weird.
Then I got dropped into the ocean and saw all those things I'd never seen before. It's 50 dives later now, in sunken ships, airplanes, and coral reefs, and there's so much more to see.
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Man what a decission! Good luck with your training, upload some photos qhe you can along with one of that nice texts you usually share ;D
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I hope that's NAUI certified. Wishing you success.
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I've gone through PADI and SSI for various certs (OW, AOW, Nitrox, Wreck, something I'm forgetting) and I've actually looked through the basic skills requirements for NAUI as well. To me, the agency vs. agency stuff is sort of frivolous, since it comes down to the instructor quality in my experience. Then again, I also took it all very seriously and did outside research to learn things not covered in books and videos.
NAUI had rescue skills in their basic level, right? That would be nice to know, but I also read they didn't have no-mask breathing (not sure) which seems more likely to occur and freak out beginners. "Put Another Dollar In" doesn't seem to do much good with their philosophy, but considering the broader reach of PADI, I'd have to stick with them at this point.
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NAUI covers no-mask breathing (or at least they did when I certified), among other things. It sounds like you are being pro-active in your training, however, so PADI's deficiencies will be covered by your additional effort. The important thing---as you've already stated---is to make sure you are prepared and knowledgeable. The rest is just practical experience. Reading books is good and all, but it won't mean much if you make a rookie mistake like entering an underwater cave. Just be careful and try to benefit from more experienced divers.
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Yeah, I only learned what equalizing my ears should "feel" like by searching forums. Wasn't sure if what I was doing was equalized enough, or just a little pop. I did not die that day.
Are you involved in instructor level?
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No, I had to give up diving while still at Open Water level. I could no longer afford diving and/or skiing.
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Yeah, it can be too expensive, but I wish it wasn't, so more people could try it out. I tried skiing once, and the only way that worked for me was to sit on both skis and ride down the hill on my butt so I wouldn't crash. Burned holes in my mittens trying to stop.
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I scuba dived in 6 feet of water once. It was fun.
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Was it Discover Scuba Diving? That's kind of the thing I'd most like to be able do handle, to introduce people to it.
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If it was something like learning how to blow the water out of your mask, take a breath underwater, get the air hose back if you drop it, maybe... but not sure. How did it feel to breathe underwater?
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No it was just a very basic thing. The three things I remember them teaching us were don't hold your breath, don't pee in the pool, and don't hold your breath. As for using the respirator it wasn't that weird. Like normal breathing with a little more resistance.
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[Insert awfully tasteless joke about diving too deep in thailand's girls.]
Sounds like a blast! Have fun and always be safe undewater! :)
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Most of the girls you'll have sex are actually guys, so just have sex with guys to be one step ahead. Hope this helps.
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I met and stayed with a Thai girl (verified...) in a hostel last time I was in Phuket, but yeah, the stereotype is always in the back of my mind. If you stay away from the shitty loud bar areas, it would seem to work out better.
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Wow...that might just be the most wise advice i ever heard. Even if it wasn't for me, i can't thank you enough for it xarabas. You changed my life.
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Good luck with your certification, hope you have a great time :)
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Hey good luck. I'm trying to get back to diving again. Maybe this fall.
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Good luck! Thanks for the GA. Please find a real place to live and not under a bridge :D
Does Couchsurfing operate there? That could help the first week or so or something...
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Yep. Used to go to a McDonald's to get free wi-fi. Also,
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Future near birthday ? If so, happy future birthday!
Enjoy Thailand, both water and ground!
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Happy futur birthday and good luck! I hope you'll have fun there, and maybe share some pictures :)
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Happy flying. you might get lucky on the plane, maybe they'll upgrade you or something
thought about posting inappropriate flight attendant, but most here are <18
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Be careful with the night life there. You don't want unexpected surprises! :D
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Are you going to change your gend *slapped
I mean good luck on the training and have fun? xD
Thank you for the giveaway too! :)
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It's really nice to see someone pursuing a dream. I'm genuinely happy for you! :)
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I have to say your life sounds awesome enough, and my admires for living it like that. :) I've always loved adventure, but I often find it hard to go out of my comfort zone... When I do, it is awesome though. Best of fun and luck for your diving masterclass!
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Friends, humans, journeymen, lend me your livers. After much indecision, I've decided to move to Thailand to complete scuba divemaster training for the next few months. I'm only certified to drown at depths up to 30 meters right now, but with perseverance, that will change.
Currently house/under-the-bridge hunting. It's just nice to be on the move again.
My own birthday present this year will be sleeping in an airport. This 1v1p7 may seem a better gift for some of you.
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