Finally going to take the plunge!

[Tuss]

I've been talking about it for awhile, but I think i've finally got the courage, and the opportunity to get my SCUBA certification.  I'm leaving on friday for Nicaragua and we plan to do the open water course while on Big Corn Island! 

I've got my own mask and snorkel that i'm taking with me, but i guess we'll rent the rest of the stuff we need.  We're backpacking so i can't bring too much with us.  Is there anything else essential that i should bring or will we be okay with rented gear?   

Anyone ever do any diving on the corn islands and know what it's like?

[Gambitt]

See my post, in your other thread...

But Good for You!  Scuba is a new world, just waiting for you.

 Only thing I would suggest, is having your own fins, if you have room.

A good scuba shop can outfit you with fins that are properly sized, for both your body size, and swimming style.  I fought for years, with a solid fin, til someone told me that I really needed a split fin due to my fast short kicks. 

Now, I can chase sharks, and nobody can keep up with me.  Right John? 

[flopnfly]

When I started I had my own mask, snorkel, fins and boots.

It's important that they fit comfortably because you'll be spending a lot of time with this equipment over the 4 days.

The most important part is your mask, it needs to be a good fit so that it doesn't leak.  Nothing worse than having to constantly clear your mask.

Here's a tip to stop your mask from fogging up while you're diving.  Rub the lens with Johnson's baby shampoo and let it sit for a couple of minutes until it's dry.  Rinse it off, and you'll be good to go with no fog. 

Most importantly take your sense of fun and adventure with you.

[JohnnyCastaway]

mask fins and snorkle are a good way to start, then you can get a feel for what type of gear you'll need for the rest, and if you want to lug it around with you.  If you don't get any other gear afterwards, i would opt for your regulators, as sometimes the rentals ones are just simply over used, and may leak a bit, or even free flow too easily.  Having your own gives you the security of knowing that they are well maintained, and "how they breath". 

another tip for you, if you you find your hair getting caught up in your mask strap bring along a bandanna or two to wear while diving.  It will keep it from tangling in the back, and it will keep any hair from getting caught between your mask and your face, so that there will be no leaks. 

Have fun, and enjoy exploring the new world that you're about to discover.  After 100+ dives for me, it's still a new adventure everytime I go down, and always will be. 

 

[Tuss]

Thanks for the tips. 

When i was in Belize last year and snorkling almost every day i just about ripped out all my hair.  I bought a neoprene cover for my mask so hopefully that will be less of an issue this year.  I hadn't thought of a bandana but maybe i'll try that as well.  I have a very narrow face so it was a challenge to find a mask that fits, so i will protect it with my life!!

I'm goign to hold off on the fins (take up too much room in my pack and i'm not sure what kind to get).   

I'll be sure to post a full report when i get back.

[Tuss]

I"m now a certified open water diver!  In fact i did a total of 12 dives in a week in Nicaragua.  The diving was fantastic and most of the time it was just my friend and I with the 2 divemasters (our instructor and the other guy).  Amazing corals, a couple nurse sharks, lots of sting rays, a moray eel and loads of cool fishes.   Did a number of multilevel and deep dives.  Only thing i didn't get to do was a night dive (didn't have the time).  Can't wait for my next diving trip.

[JohnnyCastaway]

Excellent! Congratulations and Welcome to the Dive club.  

so where's the next trip to?  http://www.scubadiving.com has some great suggestions and ideas.

[Gambitt]

Congratulations!!!! Welcome to the Club!

[flopnfly]

Congrats Tuss!!!!

Welcome to the world of diving and to the wonders of the deep.  Nothing can beat it.