It was time, not that I am ever lacking for a dive buddy to go diving with. I figured it would be good information and education to add to my skill set. A group of divers took the course in 2016 from Len our resident SDI/TDI instructor I had found out about it after they had finished their training.
I asked Len if he was going to hold a course this year, he said: " if you are asking, I am holding it." Later I was telling Lee that I was taking the Solo course and mention that he wanted to do it too. He too had missed the course last year.
We both signed up for the online course. SDI/TDI had a very good online educational system. Completed the coursework and met Len at the quarry to do our classroom and in water exercises. In short order the classroom work was done, we were in the water being put through our paces both on the surface and underwater. Once we were done Len waved bye-bye, Lee and I swam away on our own paths to explore the lake as solo divers.
I was diving with my 72 cu.ft. sling that I use for tech diving it was way too bulky. Lee had borrowed Tige's 40 cu.ft. pony bottle for his dives. We did two dives to complete the cert. Lee was heading out I asked to borrow Tige's pony bottle for my next dive.
What a difference. It tucked in on my left side and felt the way it should; like it belonged there. Add a 40 to my list of gear I have to purchase. I completed three dives for the day.
Solo Diving is fun to do but when you are used to having a dive buddy it is a little weird, there is nobody to talk to about your experience.
My goal as a Solo Diver is to complete a series of dives then get my Solo/Independent Diver Instructor Cert to add to my skill set and offerings.
Now, what color do I want that 40 cu. ft. pony bottle in...
Viewing entries tagged
Lake Phoenix
Well here it is the end of the month again, so it must be time for our month dive club outing at the lake. This month we had a good turn out. More divers is always more fun.
The last weekend of the month is Virginia Scuba's monthly dive club outing at the quarry. This month we had a nice turn out. Good people having fun. Finally Carl got his objective met, a sun rise dive. Brian and I join Carl on a in-the-water at 6 AM dive. The sun was just coming up as we started the dive. When we got back on shore the Thornberg's made mountain man breakfast, two dutch ovens worth. A good way to start the day.
Our goal when Ruben and I went to Deerfield Beach back in May was for him to complete both his Boat Diver and Waves, Tides and Currents Certs. Friday's boat ride was a bit bumpy, Ruben decided to sit the second dive out. Leaving him one dive short to complete his boat cert.
Since Lake Phoenix added a boat to there offering of services this year I figured that would be a great way to completed this course for him. We got on site, arranged to use the boat, they provided a divemaster for us, nice touch. We had a minor false start with an equipment issue which we quickly resolved, Did a quick adjustment and rest our plan and off we went.
As expected Ruben did great! Once he completed the first dive of the day he was certified as a Boat diver. Since we were there we did our next dive for fun.
Congratulations Ruben beside getting Boat Diver he now has enough certs and I think enough dives for the Master Diver Cert, need to check when I get back to the dive shop!
Ruben on our 2nd dive of the day.
Jerry just bought a new Waterproof D1 Dry suit and Lee has had a DUI for a while, both needed training. The shop is closed on Wednesday so what better way to spend hump day than diving.
We all got in the shop van early and headed to southern Virginia. Midweek we nearly had the lake to ourselves.
End of May the water is getting warmer 64 degrees 30 feet, not bad for this time of year.
My task was to assist with the class as I am interning to teach Dry Suit instructor with the shop. Tige gave me a few pointer and observations that will help with the next class I assist with.
A couple of dives working on their skills, a few tours around the lake so they could get used to the changes in buoyancy and the effect of pressure at depth. Yeah, they got this. Two more dry suit divers, done.
A good day of diving. A few minor trickles of water in the suits between the four of us. All and all a go way to spend a Wednesday.
Midweek Dry Suit Training.
Lee working his buoyancy
Photos courtesy of Virginia Scuba