Any scuba divers out there?

My husband and I have decided to learn to scuba dive in the Spring. Are there any divers here? Does anyone have any advice about getting started, i.e. things to watch out for, things yoiu didn't realize... I'd love to hear about anyone's experiences.

Cheers, from
SwampWitch

Hello SwampWitch!

I used to do a lot of diving when I was younger. They may have changed the rules since I was certified back in 98. One thing I believe they still do is make you put on your scuba gear under water. I am not talking just about the tanks and flippers here; I am talking about the buoyancy vest and all of the other stuff. So be prepared for that. Have fun with it!!! I dove on shipwrecks in the Great Lakes; more so in Lake Huron around my cottage.

Wonder why they would make you do that? Maybe it's like when I was in high school and my father made me change all four tires on my car... so you can do it if you have to?

What was the water temperature? Cold, I'll bet, in the Great Lakes! The average water temperature at Odgen Point down the street is 50F/10C. (That's COLD, right?) Did you wear a wetsuit or a drysuit? Thanks for your input!

Cheers, from
SwampWitch

They do that to make sure you are fully aware of your gear, how it works, and to see if you know how to use it. It's part of the certification process.

Sorry for the confusion; the certification tests were done in a pool!!!

Yeah, the lake temps in Lake Huron can range from 50 to 60F. I have both a wet and dry suit. You may want a dry suit in your area. You need to keep the heat in. Wet suits are better for warmer water. Dry suits are much better for cold waters in the 30s and 40s F.