8 replies to this topic

[scubaclint]

This weekend I was invited to tag along to my LDS' OW class pool session. Unfortunately, the class was cancelled. I was looking forward to just practicing the basics; mask clearing, reg recovery, etc. Basically just an excuse get some exercise and to get wet.

This got me thinking. Do others plan regular or semi-regular practice sessions to keep skills fresh?

Edited by scubaclint, 01 August 2010 - 07:45 PM.

[Parrotman]

when I first started diving I would go with my LDS to pool practice. At the time they were using the local YMCA pool so it was plenty big enough for them to have class and I could be off to myself. After that I would dive in the local river , very shallow but deeper than the pool. After a couple of hundred dives and when I got to the point where I could go on a dive trip and it felt more natural, the steps like mask clearing and taking my bc off underwater were not big deal I stopped doing the local practice dives. However, in my opinion, practice is always good. And if your having fun going to the pool or whatever, go for it.

Jim

[georoc01]

I always go to the pool prior to a dive trip. Not only to go over basic skills but to also do a check of all of my gear prior to traveling especially if I have had it serviced in between trips.

[drifter]

When I was living in a place where there was an LDS, I would tag along as often as I could. Just getting in the water every month or so was good practice. I feel like I got more comfortable in the water a lot quicker through repetition. I didn't do all of the skill checks every time, but I would go hang out in the deep end and practice buoyancy control, fin pivot, swim around upside down, etc.

[scubadiver888]

I go to the pool with my LDS whenever they are in the pool. They also have a place they do open water checkout dives. I'll tag along there as well. I go to practice my skills, learn about teaching scuba (I'm working towards OWSI), test out equipment after it has been serviced and try out new gear.

Darrell

[scubaclint]

Went the the pool session this Thursday. It was mostly a gear check and chance to practice skills. It was helpful watching the instructor with brand new students. Enjoyed it very much.

Clint

[Racer184]

If you would like some truly FREE practice, then volunteer to be a victim in the next rescue class. It is a very educational experience.

Another way to get free practice is to take a refresher course. (I just gave one today.) The shop I divemaster for prices its refresher classes to be only a few dollars more than the cost of the book + gear rental. And if you time it right with a two-tank boat dive you get the refresher course plus a personal guide on the second dive for nothing extra.

If you want to pay for practice time... take the divemaster course (practice + education + fun + certification + great experiences = )

[tstormwarning]

I get into the pool to practice every chance I get, during the wintertime. Besides regular recreational skills, I will also occasionally bring in my technical equipment & practice skills like valve shutdown drill whilst in neutral buoyancy in about 3- 4ft of water, hovering, ditching & dawning my gear, swimming laps sans my mask, back kicks & helicopter turns,... There's plenty to keep me busy.

[WreckWench]

Went the the pool session this Thursday. It was mostly a gear check and chance to practice skills. It was helpful watching the instructor with brand new students. Enjoyed it very much.

Clint

Knowing Clint...I see a future DiveMaster on the horizon!