Vegas

Hi all!
I will be finishing my confined dives tomorrow afternoon in the pool, then Saturday it will be out to Lake Mead for my first Open Water dive! (I am so excited I could pee in my wetsuit! -- Oops! did I type that out loud?)

I am just wondering if anyone has any suggestions for me?

...Anything you can think of that you wish someone had told you before your first dive?

...Any "if I knew then what I know now I would have......." sort of stuff?

...Any Tips, trick, pointers, "always remember" and "don't forget to..."'s?

It doesn't matter how big, how small, or how basic-common-sense, it may seem... I REALLY appreciate any input you all might have for me!

Thanks a Million!
~Vegas

__________________
-The power behind me is greater than the task before me.

MgicTwnger

Give your gear a once over the day before, and don't hesitate to ask your instructor to double-check it.
Pay attention to the pre-dive briefing.
Relax and enjoy it.

And peeing in your wetsuit is one of the most liberating experiences there is.

Good luck, you'll do fine.

__________________
I am not the one who needs mental help. I just need to vent.

Vegas

Thanks MgicTwnger!
I really appreciate your response!

What are your thoughts on taking along some of your "suit snot" you wrote about in the "tips & tricks" a while back, with hopes of cutting down the struggle in getting into my wetsuit?
(will be wearing a 7 mil ScubaPro, along with a hooded vest, cuz Lake Mead will be COLD)
I've only tried it on once before (have been wearing a shorty in the pool)
WOW , forget yoga, forget aerobics, - that's a work-out! lol!
Once I got it up my legs & over my rear end it was OK... and I am sure it will get easier with practice, of course....
but do you think it would be worth my while to take some "snot" along
just to help get it started?

__________________
-The power behind me is greater than the task before me.

MgicTwnger

Sure, can't hurt. Put some green food coloring in it, tell everyone what it's called, and you'll be sure to make a lasting impression.

__________________
I am not the one who needs mental help. I just need to vent.

glynneco

Don't forget to breathe. Really! Breathe in and out slowly, deeply, regurlarly. Oh and equalize frequently. It'll be easier then in the pool but don't forget to do it. Look around and enjoy. Welcome to a truly fine addiction!

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Is that the bottom of the quarry or is the vis just really bad today?

Scuba Mama

The guys gave good advise. I would like to add a little. Make sure to drink a lot of water. Bring extra with you. If you need you morning coffee, follow it with a morning water. Same goes for pop. Next find out if they have good places to change. If not I wear my suit to the dive site, put my wetsuit on and dive. After wards, I have a dry set of clothes in the car, and will do and under towel change. I now have a pop up changing tent to avoid this stunt. Bring two towels, use one during the day at some points you will be out of the water but you will not fully remove the wetsuit, use the first towel during this time. At the end of the day when you do the full change use the second towel. I carry three towels, yeah I'm a baby but I am clean dry and happy at the end of the day. Bring the normal stuff you would have for the out side, suntan lotion, bug stuff if needed, sunglasses and bring you dive gear, log book, money and Id's. If you want something to eat, eat light no heavy breads. I find it best ask questions on the surface, its easier to fix a problem above then below. Remember all your going to do is repeat what you learned in the pool. So, have fun, enjoy the fish, watch for your instructors signals and it will be a great experience.

MgicTwnger

Now she's SURE to pee in her wetsuit.

Seriously, peeing is better that dehydration. Especially if it's a rental suit.

__________________
I am not the one who needs mental help. I just need to vent.

Vegas

thank you guys so much for all the good suggestions! I will take them!
(well....I might not add the green food coloring...but then again, it WOULD leave a lasting impression, wouldn't it? - I'll have to think on that one! LOL)

__________________
-The power behind me is greater than the task before me.