Dive the Keys...

[Larry Gude (Premo)]

Originally Posted by desertrat

This one was about half the distance as in this picture by the time I looked up from the camera. I think he was attracted by the flash. Kind of unsettling.

...is that?

[desertrat (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Larry Gude

...is that?

One of the reefs off of Key Largo. Molasses sounds familiar, but I'd have to look back in my log. We went to 8 different sites over 4 days. The very first one, also our maiden dive, a kid diving with his Dad lost his mouthpiece, panicked, came up too fast and got DCS. Kind of a sobering moment.

[Larry Gude (Premo)]

Originally Posted by desertrat

One of the reefs off of Key Largo. Molasses sounds familiar, but I'd have to look back in my log. We went to 6 different sites over 3 days. The very first one, also our maiden dive, a kid diving with his Dad lost his mouthpiece, panicked, came up too fast and got DCS. Kind of a sobering moment.

...that's scary. I think there should be some sort of stress training in the pool where the instructor sneaks up from behind and turns your air off or pulls your mouth piece out as people kneel in shallow water.

First dive in Jamaica a lady bolted for the surface and the assistant dive master was on her like a shot out of a cannon. Wrapped his legs around her and stopped her cold. Made her look in his eyes. He did a great job. Calmed her down and she finished just fine.

[Larry Gude (Premo)]

Originally Posted by desertrat

. Molasses sounds familiar

...of current there. I got a cramp in my calf on the ladder getting out.

[GWguy]

Originally Posted by Larry Gude

...that's scary. I think there should be some sort of stress training in the pool where the instructor sneaks up from behind and turns your air off or pulls your mouth piece out as people kneel in shallow water.

First dive in Jamaica a lady bolted for the surface and the assistant dive master was on her like a shot out of a cannon. Wrapped his legs around her and stopped her cold. Made her look in his eyes. He did a great job. Calmed her down and she finished just fine.

I used to love doing that to students. I was an instructor for many years, and you learn who you can safely to that to, and who will panic. Also not a good way to meet potential dates.... they did not like that....

[Larry Gude (Premo)]

Originally Posted by GWguy

I used to love doing that to students. I was an instructor for many years, and you learn who you can safely to that to, and who will panic. Also not a good way to meet potential dates.... they did not like that....

...on you! I mean, Jesus, where do you want to find out, in 5 feet or 35?

I'd think it would be a good way to meet the right kind of woman; one who cares that you truly care about the job you're doing!

[GWguy]

Originally Posted by Larry Gude

...on you! I mean, Jesus, where do you want to find out, in 5 feet or 35?

That's the difference between a full classroom session and open water dives leading to an "open water" certification, and a "resort" certification when you're taught just enough so you won't kill yourself... hopefully. By the time a student left our class, you felt confident they could do pretty much any dive type they wanted.

[clevalley (Premo)]

Wow - I would love to start diving again... I learned in Hawaii when I was out there TDY. Something I always wanted to do and got my PADI card!

I had a REALLY hard time clearing one of my ears (bad sinus problems plus I was smoking)... I always wondered if now that I don't smoke if it would be any different.

Does anyone dive around here??? Not that the scenery will be great...

[GWguy]

Originally Posted by clevalley

Wow - I would love to start diving again... I learned in Hawaii when I was out there TDY. Something I always wanted to do and got my PADI card!

I had a REALLY hard time clearing one of my ears (bad sinus problems plus I was smoking)... I always wondered if now that I don't smoke if it would be any different.

Does anyone dive around here??? Not that the scenery will be great...

I haven't strapped a tank on since moving to SoMD. If you're interested, there is a dive store in Solomon's right next to Jethros. They can probably give you an idea what would be a good dive.

[desertrat (Premo)]

Originally Posted by clevalley

Wow - I would love to start diving again... I learned in Hawaii when I was out there TDY. Something I always wanted to do and got my PADI card!

I had a REALLY hard time clearing one of my ears (bad sinus problems plus I was smoking)... I always wondered if now that I don't smoke if it would be any different.

Does anyone dive around here??? Not that the scenery will be great...

I know a couple guys who used to oyster dive and the owner of the dive shop does recovery work and stuff like that, but no one that I know does it for fun. I've thought about going to Assategue or Chincotegue and trying spearfishing for flounder off the beach. Ocean City is the closest place to dive. There is a WWll uboat sunk off of Piney point, but I doubt anyone has been able to reach it yet. Murky water, currents and 100' down.