17 replies to this topic

[raizyr]

Hello everyone,

I am, at the moment, a lowly bubble-watcher from Atlanta, Ga.

My current plans are to wait until my son is 10 so that we can certify together (Sept. 1st). But many times I wont have a dive buddy and so I started looking for others like me. Or like me in 5 months.... My search lead me initially to scubaboard.com and through one of the links in Wreck Wench's sig to here

Diving has been something that's been in the back of my mind since I was a teenager, only I couldnt afford it then. One of my co-workers got me interested again after talking about her vacation to Singapore/Malaysia (she's there now actually) and all the diving she was planning.

So anyway, that's what got me here....

anxiously counting the days till sept, and fighting the urge to go get certified before then and dive all summer

-Chris

[WisconsinGal]

Hi Chris,

to Singledivers.. Glad to have you aboard!



WG

[zendiver]

Chris...glad you stopped by and hope that you will call this home. There are a lot of knowledgeable people here that are ready and willing to help in anyway, all you have to is ask.

Don't forget to take a look at our website at SingleDivers.com. We are constantly upgrading and would love to see you on one of our upcoming trips.

Again, welcome to our little place on the net where having fun is what it is all about.

Hang in there buddy, September will be here before you know it.

-ZD

[Walter]

Welcome to our home. I hope to get to know you and perhaps share a dive after you're certified.

Before you sign your son up for classes, read this.

If you're interested, can put you in touch with one of the best instructors I've ever met. He lives and teaches in the Atlanta area.

Walter

[DandyDon]

Howdy Chris!

Welcome to the fun bunch...

don

[raizyr]

Before you sign your son up for classes, read this.

Thanks for that information. I am still doing more research, but I think one of the biggest impressions made by the info so far is from here. This part here is the largest advice against getting him certified, or at least as my plans were...

In addition, the child should be physically, mentally and emotionally mature enough to rescue a 'buddy' in distress.

I have no question that my son is mature enough to handle an emergency situation where I can guide him and tell him what to do, or when at home where he can dial 911. I am not so sure that he could handle an emergency underwater where everything would rely soley on him.

I'm still reading and havent completely decided yet, but you've given me something more to think about.

Thanks Walter. This place is already a huge benefit

[raizyr]

Oh and yes please, I'd love information about good instructors in the area. So far I've checked out the two closest LDS's. Sea Sports and Sea Ventures both are PADI or TDI/SDI based and both are very nice people, though I havent talked to anyone about the quality of thier instructors yet.


-Chris

[Marvel]

raizyr!

Welcome to the board! You'll have a lot of fun hear & really get a good head start on your diving knowledge- enjoy!!

[WreckWench]

Hello Bubble Watcher!!! You are certainly not lowly...we LOVE bubble watchers...we are were one not too long ago ourselves!!!

We are thrilled you found us and even more excited that you are ready to 'jump in' soon to a sport you will love!!

We have a special section in our site for new divers and bubble watchers...please use it to post questions along the way....YOUR questions just might help others too! I know they will help ALL of us reconnect with what it was like to be new diver again!

Please keep us posted on your progress and we will be honored when you come and dive with us!!

Let us know if we can make the site better for new divers and bubble watchers...we want to be the best place you can hang out on the web for single divers!!! -Wreck Wench

[Diverlady]

Hi there!

Welcome to SD!!

Diverlady

[Dejah]

raizyr to the funnest place on the net.. let us know of your training and hope to one day have the opporunity to dive with you.


Dejah

[bandit]

I certified my daughter at age 12 (16 now). She was very emotionally mature, but is small physically. She did very well, and I believe she was capable of sharing air, etc. I would never expect her to get me to shore or out of the water. Those skills are for rescue divers and above. I believe most 10 year olds are not quite ready to dive, even though my agency supports it. As an instructor, it's my call whether to teach anyone. That said, certifying my daughter was a great experience. Start with a snorkling trip. My daughter and I did the dolphins in Roatan when she was 9 and she had a great time. She also snorkled off the boat and followed my bubbles when I dove.

I'm in a little different situation as an instructor. I would never be depend on a student of any age to rescue me, and I do practice solo diving and personal responsibilty. As my old instructor said, would you want an instuctor that needed a buddy?

[coppermaus]

Hey Chris! Welcome aboard! Even if you decide against getting your son certified this year, you can get involved with diving and find lots of other buddyless divers right here. I look forward to hearing about your first diving experiences.

[mischievous]

hey chris! welcome to the board! i'm with everyone else, keep us posted on the status of you and your son.

[drbill]

Welcome Chris... wish my son could dive but he has asthma. At least he enjoys snorkeling. My nephew who lives in Atlanta is about to get certified himself- will do his referral dives in the Keys next month.

It is great that you will be able to share the experience with your son.

Dr. Bill