Excellent! Yes, get the diveskin.

So glad to hear-- sounds like you are over the hurdle! Once you are comfortable with the equipment, I imagine you are ready to face the beautiful underwater world (says one who has never done it!) Congratulations!!

Great job!! I hope your vacation dives go well and are fun. I find it most comfortable to wear at least a rash guard or sun shirt when I dive, though I'm usually just a bikini person for all other swimming. Having a little bit of protection on shoulders and waist really helps when you have that gear on, especially carrying it to and from the water. It's surprisingly heavy on land.

Awww, so happy for you!! 🙌 You will have an amazing vacation!

congratulations.

Well done!

i was thinking of you, Ida. Because if your story I was bracing myself to give him "what for" but thankfully he was very patient and accommodating. For me, an instructor could have been make or break.

I own a Diveskin. It's the brand "Diveskin". Yes....it is a head to toe rash guard....and @ 60' down...it's just a little chilly. Mine is "not" neoprene, it's stretchy and fleece lined.

So....it's not buoyant...you don't have to add extra weight to compensate for it. I'm sure you already own yoga tights....those will work too. I also wear lycra socks, so the booties don't rub and a ScubaDoRag...to keep my hair out of my face and not stuck in the mask strap. I also carry a knife...in case I need to cut fishing line(a small one or you can't get it thru the airport). A plastic whistle, a loud one, for blowing on the surface so a boat will come pick you up. A bright orange plastic sausage(rolled up plastic) you keep on your person....it rolls out 15' in case an air rescue is looking for you. (I've been swept out to sea before).

Good for you, Mtn!

Great report!

I'm looking at ones by Waterlust, Coolibar and Slipins. They are not neoprene, they are essentially a quick drying fabric like a swimsuit. My fins are the adjustable kind and they don't bother me. I might bring water shoes anyway. Thanks for the hair tip --- that was an issue! I may get a headband.

I doubt we'd dive 60 feet down, since we are not into wrecks and the fish colors disappear. Honestly the deterioration of color is one reason I always thought snorkelling was sufficient if you are just a fish lover,

At What Depth Underwater Does Color Disappear?

• Red - 15ft
• orange - 25ft
• Yellow - 35-45ft
• Green - 70-75ft

In re the knife and signals, the latter are part of the rental. I did ask the instructor about knives, which were mentioned in training, and he said they usually are not in rentals. So why teach us to take off our BCD? Reality is we will stay shallow and be babysat. I actually asked our instructor if we can hire professional "buddies" since all of us just wanted *Dad*. LOL

This is so great to hear! DH and tried it on a trip recently, and it went terribly. The instruction was way too fast. I was overwhelmed. After we took the shortest group multiple choice test that meant nothing, we geared up and walked in from the beach to go under water for the first time. I got out there, panicked and just said - nope, nopey nope nope and he had to walk me back to the shore. DH made it underwater, but had ear issues when he went too deep.

This gives me hope though if it comes up again that maybe with the proper instruction, I can make it work.

Legomom, Your story alone makes me anxious! I think what you had is what they call "resort dive" training, aka almost none. I did do a resort dive years and years ago with my brother/instructor and just didn't feel comfortable or feel it was worthwhile (wreck dive in Bermuda). My DH did a resort dive with my SS in Australia there while I was in meetings. DH had ear trouble (he had ear surgery as a child which complicates things). This time he spoke to the instructor beforehand and got some additional tips, and he was able to do it without an issue. In retrospect he says he did not equalize often enough.

So fun to learn something new as a family!

We knew you could do it!

What fun! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. If my family and I were to try it together we'd be laughing the whole time and probably drown as a result.

Good for you - not sure I could have done it. I am definitely a confirmed fraidy cat.

BLFenton, We were spoken to more than once about that.

I must add, you guys were all very helpful. You didn't make me feel bad or silly for being afraid. You gave me examples that taught me to be on my guard and not put up with anything that made my anxsy (sp?). And by mentioning shore dives and wetsuit alternatives, you helped me see that there are easier less intimidating approaches. Lastly, I kept hearing several of you say "what better time to try?"

Thanks!

“I am woman, hear me roar!”

I had no doubts that you would do it.

You rock great job overcoming your fear!

Congratulations! you could not have had a better venue for your class or better teacher/student ratio. I strongly urge you to wear a lightweight wetsuit top. they make some that zip up. or that pull over easily. it doesnt need to be super tight or super thick. DH and I snorkel all year long in Hawaii and I wear the same top winter through summer. It just keeps me warmer so I can stay in the water longer. Nothing worse than ending a dive or snorkel because you're cold. although you did mention 86 degree water - is that on the surface or at depth? anyway, your trip sounds like it will be awesome!

And for anyone considering it, Just. Say. No. to one day resort dive class. You would be shocked at the number and type of heartbreaking accidents.

Congrats to all the Mtnrdreduxers!

That’s the way to do it! I knew you could. Congratulations Congratulations!

I wear the same top winter through summer.

Thanks, Honu, what kind is it?

I am not sure but i'd imagine 86F at surface. We are pretty sure, given what i posted about colors, and decompression stats, that we will choose to keep to 30feet depths or less. Even so we may want something for a little warmth...

I think resort classes are probably fine for young kids who have confidence, are athletic and have really good reflex/es coordination and are not panic-y. Especially if you have guides keeping a close watch and you don't go down far or in currents etc.

ON top of my own fears and poor skills, I just liked the idea of the kids learning (you do learn a lot!) and getting certified. Good conversation starter to add to the resume!

Wonderful! Yes, you can hire dive buddies at good dive places. It is very reassuring to have a pro next to you at first. It is mandatory for your first certification dives. I hope you enjoy the experience.

I did not know it was possible to have an instructor come to your home. I will look for an instructor as a gift for a shy teen whose family is certified. She is a fish in the water but is embarrassed to take the group class. Her family is going to Australia soon. It would be nice if she could join her grandfather and mom on a dive.

HCBM, My local SCUBA place offered group lesson and private lessons. When I inquired about the latter, he asked if we had a pool. Then he offered to do it in our pool ... and it actually cost *less* because he did not have to pay for pool use. I think it should have been more! (concierge service). I'd call a few places and see. I'm so glad to hear this can help someone else who is intimidated by the process!

Mtnrdedux, I will call a few places tomorrow and see what is possible. Then I have to clear it with the family. They have a lovely pool and I think it would be a wonderful experience for this young lady. Early teens can be so fraught with emotional drama.

I understand. The other thing I said to my DH is, for young people, the more things they know how to do, the more self-esteem and confidence they have in life generally.

Aaahhh....honu means turtle! Hawaii was really cold water. I wore a quarter inch wet suit diving there. But,,,,,the diving was fantastic! I've never been that cold diving anywhere else.

@mtnrdredux_gw...Didn't you say you were going to Grand Caymen? Or ....maybe in the future....

Nicole, yes. We did a stingray experience on the big island in HI. Love those guys!

I think turtles are my fave though.... been lucky to see them in several places but never tire of them

Yay, you! No matter what, I’m glad you did this step and you will have a great vacation knowing the option is there for you.

My wetsuit top is an Xcel. Their main store is in Haleiwa but they have an online presence xcelwetsuits dot com. I am a size 6 but always get a size 8. When DD is home she borrows my top and it’s fine even though she’s probably a size 4. Not sure if that’s helpful info. My DH orders his suits custom made so there’s that option as well. They don’t list a phone number on their website but if you google the Haleiwa store, you will get a phone number and can talk to someone about sizing etc.

This is the type of top I wear although mine is a pullover and difficult to remove. Long sleeves and just comes to my hips . My next top will have a zipper!

Great' there is a retailer 2 miles from me here! Thanks

That’s amazing They started out with one tiny store. I hope it works out foryou for you.

Wow! That’s great! Congratulations! Have you decided where you are going yet?

Yes, we have a long-planned trip to the Maldives over the holidays which drove our interest in getting certified.

Congratulations! You are in inspiration to me!

Wonderful! Congrats!!

That's awesome!! I'm like you in that I would do much better with a private class. Hmmm....food for thought.

Will be very interested in your impression of the Maldives. Have a great trip!!

Congratulations! You are a great inspiration for moving past fears that hold us back!

Congratulations! You persevered, and it’s going to pay off big-time!

Way to go, Mtn!